First stop on our Asian adventures was the Malaysian state of Sabah. Located in the north-east of the island of Borneo, Sabah is known for its dense jungle, home to many rare species and its mountain - Mount Kinabalu, the highest peak in South-East Asia at 4095m above sea level.

Flying into Kota Kinabalu we headed directly for the mountain. Following our climb we headed across the island to the town of Sandakan which gave us access to the Kinabatangan River along with the Sepilok Orangutan and Sun Bear sanctuary. The people in Sabah were great, very friendly and helpful and found us most amusing.

Sepilok Orangutan Sactuary

Mount Kinabalu

Borneo Flavour

Kota Kinabalu Markets

MOUNT KINABALU

Our trek up Mount Kinabalu began in dense rainforest that gradually thinned out as our altitude increased. After six hours on the first day we were happy to see Laban Rata – the guesthouse located up the mountain (at 3272m!). We were blown away with the amazing views, great food and the awesome hospitality that greeted us.

A 2 a.m. alarm woke us early on our second day, a quick cup of coffee and some fried noodles were all there was time for before we set out for the summit. Arriving just before dawn at Low’s peak (4095m) we quickly put on every layer of clothing we had with us as we waited for the sun to greet us. With mist and clouds blowing beneath us the morning cleared and we were glad to see the sun and have the temperature rise. In between cloud breaks we were able to catch glimpses of the sunrise over North Borneo.

From here we commenced our 6 hour descent (harder than the climb!), and a drive back to Kota Kinabalu for a much needed shower and beer.

On the trail

Hiking time

Medivac

Mountain Porter

Break Time

Laban Rata Resthouse - 3272m

Kinabalu Sunset

Cuppa at Laban Rata

Summit at Dawn

Summit - 4095m

In the clouds

Feeling the cold

Angel our guide

Made it!

Mt Kinabalu - South Peak

Mt Kinabalu - Low's Peak (Summit)

Mt Kinabalu - St Johns Peak

Sunrise in the Mountains

Conquered the Mountain!

KINABATANGAN

A quick flight form Kota Kinabalu brought us to the town of Sandakan. From here we were able to visit the Sepilok Orangutan and Sun Bear sanctuaries where we got up close to these amazing animals.

Heading on a trek up the Kinabatangan River gave us a chance to view these creatures in the wild. Over the three days spent in the jungle we were lucky enough to see wild Orangutans, Gibbons, Proboscis Monkeys, Slow Loris, Crocodiles, and way too many creepy-crawlies!