Day 1

After being met at London Heathrow by our Global Challenge Leader, we catch our flight to Kota Kinabalu arriving the next day.

Day 2

We arrive at Kota Kinabalu International Airport and are met by our local guides. We then take the short transfer to the Beverley Hotel, where we can freshen up. The Hotel is perfectly situated in Kota Kinabalu with local amenities right on the door step. A full briefing and evening meal will be at the Beverley Hotel in preparation for our Challenge.

Day 3

Following our breakfast at the Hotel, we have some free time to get over some jet lag, and participants are free to explore Kota Kinabalu – lunchtime is your own for you to do as you wish.

In the afternoon, we’ll meet at the lobby and transfer to Kinabalu National Park by coach (2 hours) along the ridges of the Crocker Mountain Range with majestic views of Mt. Kinabalu in our sights. After checking into our accommodation, we meet as a group to enjoy an evening meal whilst we prepare for our first Challenge tomorrow – trekking to the summit of Mount Kinabalu (4,095m / 13,435ft).

Day 4 – Conquer Mount Kinabalu (4,095m / 13,435ft)

After our breakfast, we head for the Park Office for registration and then we continue our journey to the Power Station (approx. 15 mins by coach), where our trekking Challenge begins! We start trekking on the jungle trails and covering the many steps as we head closer to our destination – our accommodation on the mountain – Laban Rata – 3,200m.

We should reach our accommodation after approx. 4 hours of strenuous trekking. A packed lunch will be supplied for trekkers to eat en-route. The Laban Rata guesthouse is very basic and has dormitory style rooms. After dinner at our accommodation, we aim to get an early night as we are up at 2am for the climb to the summit!

Day 5 - Conquer Mount Kinabalu (4,095m / 13,435ft)

After a very light breakfast at approx 2am, we push on up this mountain using our head torches to help lead the way. Our trek to Lows Peak (summit) will take approx. 3 hours and we aim to summit this awesome mountain in time to see the sunrise over the whole of South East Asia – a sight definitely not to be missed!

Following our summit success, we then start our tough descent to Laban Rata Guesthouse, where we will eat some breakfast. After a quick bite to eat, we continue our descent and then transfer to the Park HQ.

Glowing from our success, we then transfer back to Rose Cabin where we can celebrate our achievement at an evening meal – but not too much – as we need to prepare for our second Challenge – cycling the awesome Crocker Range Mountains!

Day 6

After our breakfast, at approx. 9am, we will take a transfer to Poring Hot Spring. Today is a rest day for us to relax our legs after the strenuous mountain climb yesterday, and also, to prepare ourselves for the tough 2 days cycling coming. The rest of the day is free at leisure.

At about 3pm, we will all meet in the parking lot to prepare our bikes for tomorrows ride.

Day 7 – Cycling the Crocker Range

Following our breakfast, a short transfer takes us to Ranau Town, where we will peform one last custom to our bikes. We start our cycling Challenge from Ranau Town – destination is Tambunan - approx 80km.

This Challenging scenic journey will take us through the undulating hills of the Crocker Mountains past many villages and paddy fields. This region is famed for its orchids, Orang-utans and unusual plants. A full support vehicle will be following the group for safety and security and lunch will be en route.

Upon arrival in Tambunan, we head straight for our accommodation – the Tambunan Village Resort, where we will enjoy a BBQ dinner before settling down the night.

Day 8 - Cycling the Crocker Range

This will be another testing day – from Tambunan, we take a very short transfer to Kampong (meaning ‘village’ in Malay) Rompan, where we don our helmets again and take to the mountain road to cycle all the way to Tenom (approx. 90km on and off road). This route again has been chosen for its awesome views and panoramas of the surrounding area.

Upon arrival in Tenom, we head straight for our Hotel where we can celebrate our cycling achievements at an evening meal.

Day 9 – Rafting the Padas River

Today we embark on our third and final discipline to end this amazing adventure – to raft the rapids of the mighty Padas River.

After our breakfast, we transfer by bus to the railway station. At approx. 8am, we catch the train to Pangi, which lies right next to the Padas River. The Padas gushes through the spectacular Padas Gorge and offers rafters the ultimate white-water adventure in Borneo. Following our rafting trip we will enjoy a sumptuous BBQ lunch.

We then take the train back to Beaufort and upon arrival we will transfer to Kota Kinabalu – The Pacific Sutera Hotel - a lovely resort where we can relax and revive our aching limbs.

This evening we have a Presentation Dinner to celebrate our ultimate challenge achievements.

Day 10

The morning is free at leisure until we transfer to the Airport for flight home in the afternoon.

Day 11

Arrive UK.

(Please note this is a complex itinerary and subject to change)

Things you may want to know...

Is this trip for me?

ABSOLUTELY!! This challenge is suitable for people of all ages (minimum 17 years old). The one thing everyone will have in common is a great sense of adventure and the desire to help their favourite charity. Most people will sign up as individuals meaning you will all be in the same situation!

How fit do I need to be?

This trek has been designed to be challenging, but achievable by anyone as long as you fitness train before hand. Remember, you are trekking for 2 consecutive days, in high altitude and in varied temperatures – the fitter you are the more you will enjoy this Challenge. In addition, you are cycling for two long days in a mountain range – a good cardio-vascular fitness is essential. Trekking and cycling training tips will be sent to you when you sign up to put you in the right direction. Why not join one of our challenge training weekends – it’s a great opportunity for you to meet our Team and fellow participants!

Where will we stay?

Whilst in Kota Kinabalu, we will stay in a Hotel, twin rooms with en-suite washing facilities. Whilst we are on the mountain, we will stay in a lodge which is very basic – participants may want to bring their own sleeping bag liners for personal hygiene. All other accommodation will be in pleasant lodges/hotels with en-suite washing facilities available.

Do I need specialist Kit?

We will supply you with a kit list of what to take once you register to take part. Apart from some broken in trekking boots, cycling shorts, and maybe some trekking poles, you do not need any specialist kit. Cycling helmets and bicycles are provided, but you may wish to bring your own helmet.

Do I have to carry my own luggage?

No. All participants will only have to carry a day pack (for items such as sun-screen, water, sun hat, camera etc) and your kit bag will be transported from accommodation to accommodation by our vehicles. You will need to carry some overnight items for the trek up Mt Kinabalu.

Food matters

All meals will be provided. We cater for most dietary requirements so long as we know in advance – just fill in the appropriate section on your Registration Form enclosed. Malaysian food is very varied and nutritious with plenty of vegetables, noodles and rice. Please contact the office directly if you have a wheat allergy.

What’s included?

Return flights from London Airport to Kota Kinabalu, all transfers, all accommodation, all meals and Celebratory Dinner, professional English speaking local guides for trek, permits and National Park Fees, bicycle hire with helmet, one run on Padas River with river guide, Global Adventure Challenge Expedition Leader from the UK, Comprehensive Medical Kit.

What’s not included?

Personal Airport Taxes – these are approx. £150 and payable 6 weeks prior to departure, personal travel insurance – it is strongly advised to take this out through Global Adventure Challenges – further information will be sent after registration, Visa (if applicable), gratuities, lunch on Day 3, alcoholic drinks and your own kit (trekking boots, cycling shorts etc)

Can I stay in Malaysia after the Challenge?

All extensions are strictly limited, subject to availability and are given on a first come first served basis. Those wanting to request an extension should contact Global Adventure Challenges on 01244 676454 as soon as possible. There is a £60 + VAT charge for having your return airline ticket extended.

What sort of back-up is there?

There will be a strong support Team with professional Global Adventure Challenge Leaders from the UK, as well as local guides. Full, comprehensive medical kits will be taken and we are never too far away from hospitals if needed.

What happens if I get tired?

There will be regular rest stops where we can drink and eat some snacks – there is no problem if you need to take more rest stops. A guide will be bringing up the rear of the group on both the cycle ride and trek up Mt Kinabalu, ensuring no-one is left alone – remember though, this is not a race! The main physical problem you may encounter is altitude sickness, which can occur over 2,500m – Mt Kinabalu is 4,101m

Will the altitude affect me?

Your physical fitness will not affect your ability to cope with the altitude. However, the fitter you are the better you will cope whilst on the mountain. Altitude sickness is caused by decreased oxygen concentration in the blood due to the lower atmospheric pressure at altitude. All individuals are affected differently, but symptoms can include breathlessness, nausea and headaches. Please be assured that this trek has been designed to maximise your chances for sufficient acclimatisation i.e. the speed at which we trek and the number of highly trained experts in the support Team.

How do I go about raising the sponsorship?

Once you have signed up you will receive a fundraising pack from the charity in order to make your fundraising as easy as possible. You will also receive a few tips and ideas from Global Adventure Challenges to help you on your way.

I’m interested..…what do I do now?

Places are limited and go on a first served basis so try to register as soon as you can! You will need to fill in a Registration Form and Medical Questionnaire and post it back to Global Adventure Challenges along with the Registration Fee and Insurance payment – all payment options and costs are explained in the brochure we will send you. Once your Registration is received, Global Adventure Challenges will write to you sending you further information on what to expect from this awesome adventure! The charity will also be in contact with you to discuss your fundraising.