Trails Of Borneo

Our Clients’ Reviews

Here at Exodus we thrive on feedback from our customers. It's the only way we can ensure our trips continue to be the best they can be. So, for the real tales, twists and turns of the trip you're interested in, look no further than the reviews from our previous travellers. Any feedback collected (Good or bad) from Exodus clients is posted straight onto our website - totally unedited. Read more...

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  Anthony Colmer

  TRAILS OF BORNEO

  

  Written April 2009

  The group of which I was a part really made this holiday. There was a lot of travel, some pretty difficult conditions (hot, very humid, lots of heavy rain), and some extremely strenuous and demanding treks. There were also some amazing moments, sights, and experiences. The great atmosphere amongst the group and leader (Henry) got us through the difficult bits and made the most of the good bits 

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  What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?

  Walking down the summit of Mount Kinabalu just after sun up was amazing.

  Sea canoeing in the South China Sea was an experience I had dreamt about.

  Watching the Probiscus monkeys in the trees along the jungle river banks from a boat was superb.

  What did you think of your group leader?

  Henry is a lovely guy who always did his very best for us and enjoyed some fun along the way.

  Do you have any advice for potential travellers?

  It is very hot and humid (we clocked 28degrees and 94% humidity) and this means constant sweating and the need to drink lots. Also clothes don't dry very easily.

  The Pinnacles climb is only 2.4km distance but is a height gain of around 1100m over very steep and difficult ground. The last 200m climb is ladders and ropes. It took 4 hours and the group that made it were pretty fit. The return trip took me over 3 hours and some of the group took 4 hours longer and arrived back in the dark. This is an extremely tough day particularly in the conditions.

  Mount Kinabalu is also a tough 2 days and the journey to/from base camp was in torrential rain. Thankfully mornings are usually sunny and the summit climb was magnificent.

  Food is basic and pretty much the same every day so don't go fot the food.

  Pack light - everything gets carried a lot during transfers (airports, buses, boats)

  Is there anything else you would like to add?

  The 3 internal flights and attendant time spent in airports was tiresome. Personally I think that the Sarawak part of this trip should be dropped and replaced by more time in Sabah were there are also good caves and some offshore islands that looked very interesting for swimming and snorkelling.

   
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  Sarah Naish

  TRAILS OF BORNEO

  

  Written September 2008

  This is a fantastic trip with a good variety of accomodation and walks.  Climbing Mount Kinabalu was a great finish to the trip.  

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  What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?

  Getting to the top of the climb to see the Pinnacles - and managing to do the last 800 meters back to the camp!  Climbing Mount Kinabalu to see the sunrise and realising how easy it is to go back down the mountain.  The trips into the jungles, seeing urang-utans and proboscis monkeys in the wild, were fantastic, with good sleeping accomodation, and huge amounts of delicious food.

  What did you think of your group leader?

  Very good local leader.  He tried hard to get the best seats on the plane to see the mountain, and ensured the trip went smoothly.  The extra guides used for various aspects of the trip were generally good and tried hard, especially the two on the mountain climb.

  Do you have any advice for potential travellers?

  Take earplugs as the jungle is very noisy at night.  All the climbs are achievable if you have fairly good fitness, despite the horror stories in camp for the Pinnacles.  The trip notes sum the climbs up well. 

  Is there anything else you would like to add?

  Do this trip - it is expensive, but worth it.

   
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  Ian Mitchell

  TRAILS OF BORNEO

  

  Written April 2008

  A very busy trip but was brilliantly handled by our leader & worth every minute & penny! The walks were alot harder than I had imagined but again well worth trying and if completed they do have some amazing views. Amazing wildlife & the orang utans...wow!! 

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  What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?

  most inspirational things were our leader for keeping things running so smooth. the wildlife especially the orang utans & horn bills & the walks.

  What did you think of your group leader?

  The group leader was amazing, handled everything so well, felt safe, he had great knowledge & a real love of the country...not an easy trip to lead & we weren't the easiest group but he was faultless.

  Do you have any advice for potential travellers?

  Take at least a 35 litre bag, I would recommend taking waterproof inner bags too. There are lots plug sockets everywhere to charge batteries & things.

  Is there anything else you would like to add?

  An amazing trip honestly go for it!!

   
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  Jen Perkins

  TRAILS OF BORNEO

  

  Written April 2008

  It was a fab holiday, one that will stay with me for a very long time.  

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  What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?

  Inspirational moments would be better, but to choose one would have to be the sunrise at Mount Kinabalu. A breath taking few moments as you begin to realise just where you have climbed to. The ascent in darkness brings you to 4000m. Having left at 2 am and reached Low's Peak at around 6, you sit/stand and watch the vast surroundings take shape. If you are a photographer you'll love what you can take.

  What did you think of your group leader?

  (Lee) ABSOLUTELY FAB. A real genuine guy who would do anything for you. A superb sense of humour and attitude towards the whole thing. He had a caring but not patronising way about him, and was responsible for a group of us loving every minute of our descent after the pinnacles.

  All our other guides were fab too. Exodus really do know how to employ.

  Do you have any advice for potential travellers?

  YES- Believe them when they talk about how difficult the pinnacles walk is, but try not to lack in self belief. Don't give it a miss- unless you won't regret not trying it. You can always turn back if you can't make it(some people did) and I know they still had a sense of achievement with how far they got.

   GLOVES - necessary

  We survived the pinnacles on energy tablets and rehydration packets - they can make you feel so good!! Take plenty you cannot restock there!

  Is there anything else you would like to add?

  I'd definately recommend this.

  The sense of achievement is unbelievable. Work as a team to get to the top of both the pinnacles and mountain and you'll love it. Those of us who took our time, waited for each other and enjoyed what we were walking past, loved the whole thing. I made some fab new friends and shared some superb experiences.

   
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  Jonathan Dusheiko

  TRAILS OF BORNEO

  

  Written April 2008

  Although this trip is hard work at times, the places you see and the sense of achievement make it all worthwhile.  

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  What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?

  Above the clouds on the summit of Mount Kinabalu at dawn and seeing a wild Orang Utan on the Kinabatagan river.

  What did you think of your group leader?

  Very good.

  Do you have any advice for potential travellers?

  Don't wear waterproof boots or shoes in the rainforest or you will have hot feet. Also a travel umbrella keeps you dry without getting hot - the guides use them. Poncho is useful as well. Long trousers, long sleeved shirts and loads of natural insect repellent stopped me getting bitten by any leeches. The Indian restaurant Kohinoor on the waterfront in Kota Kinabalu is excellent. Walking poles make descending Mount Kinabalu much easier. Take a mosquito net, travel pillow and ear plugs so that you can get a good night's sleep at Camp 5 at Mulu NP. You'll need it for the pinnacles climb! Take some decent binoculars for Kinabatangan. Don't step out outside the door without insect repellent. Take some flip-flops, it is customary to remove your shoes when entering traditional buildings.

   
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  linda helmore

  TRAILS OF BORNEO

  

  Written April 2008

  Met all expectations - a true jungle experience!  

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  What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?

  Reaching the summit of Mount Kinabulu. The sunrise and views were truly amazing. The effort involved and the early rising were well worth it!

  Reaching the top of the pinnacles came a close second - a pretty tough climb with spectacular views at the top.

  What did you think of your group leader?

  Lee was brilliant always smiling and very patient with everyone. I always felt we were well looked after with our safety and enjoyment his priorities to maximise the potential of the trip.

  Do you have any advice for potential travellers?

  Take plenty of insect repellent and be prepared to spend 2 weeks in sauna like conditions!

  A good level of fitness is really important  and beneficial as pretty strenuous.

  Is there anything else you would like to add?

  A brillliant holiday once adjusted to the humidity. Very varied itinerary. A perfectly placed orangutan in a tree on an evening boat trip was fantastic.

  Planting a tree to help the reforestation project was great fun and made me feel much better in reducing my carbon footprint with the total of 9 flights we made during the trip!

  All mountain guides , porters and especially Lee made the trip very special.

  Thanks to everyone involved

   
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  Leah Fullwood

  TRAILS OF BORNEO

  

  Written April 2008

  A really enjoyable trip. Highly recommended!! 

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  What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?

  Too much to mention. Getting to the base camp on Mount Kinabula and seeing a wild orang.

  What did you think of your group leader?

  Lee was great. Really supportive and made sure he had time for all of the team.

  Do you have any advice for potential travellers?

  Travel light, you don't really need that much. A good insect repellent is the most essential, and you do need a mosquito net for camp 5 but you can hire these.

  Is there anything else you would like to add?

  I'd happily do this trip again as enjoyed it all. A good bunch of people and I would happily call them my friends.

   

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