Kota Kinabalu/Borneo last week of March, 2009

Hi,

My friend and I (2 girls) are tentatively planning a trip to KK, and I would love to get some advice on must-do%26#39;s in KK.

things we want/like to do are:

climb the mountain

see the monkeys/rainforest

the survivor island

the cultural village

trekking

can anybody suggest (value) tour companies for such events? Do you guys have any suggestions on other things to do or packages we can check out? we are students so we have a pretty tight budget.

I have been reading about the mountain climb and it seems pretty strenuous...we are in our mid-late 20s and I would think we are pretty fit/healthy. My concern is the equiptments/clothing we%26#39;d need especially for the climb to the summit...we don%26#39;t have any clothing for cold weather (except light jackets for air-conditioned indoors) and do not want to invest in any as we will not need them except for the climb. I read that there are jackets for rent but limited.

I%26#39;m also interested in diving, either scuba or snorkeling...how much do those usually cost?

any general advice or suggestions are welcome! Thank you!

Kota Kinabalu/Borneo last week of March, 2009

Hi xiach

If you DIY it, some of the thing will be a little cheaper, but obviously you have to put in a bit more effort.

For climbing Mt. K unfortunately spending some $$$ is required. Book your accommodation at Laban Rata first -you can either do it straight with Sutera Sanctuary Lodges (.com.my) or contact a local tour operator and see what the best deal is they can get you. The sooner the better - popular place.

Catch 22 is with SSL direct you pay more for the accommodation but can arrange your own (cheap) transport. With a tour company they will most likely include the (more expensive) transfer.

If you don%26#39;t have dedicated cold weather clothing, you can always layer it on thick and rent the jacket. You will need at least some long sleeves, because it can get very cold at the top (2 - 9 degrees is average for the the 2am summit climb). A cheapo plastic poncho will keep you relatively dry. You don%26#39;t need specialised climbing gear though, it%26#39;s all pretty much steps.

A Kiulu River cruise is nice and cheap and you%26#39;ll get to see proboscis and macaques. It%26#39;s not the best cruise in Sabah, but hey, you get what you pay for - and it will do.

Survivor Island is called Pulau Tiga - you can probably book with them directly for the cheapest options. Google and see what you can find.

The cultural village is good call.

If you don%26#39;t want to go to Danum Valley or one of the more expensive nature experiences, you can always do a jungle trek from Poring Hot springs near where the Mt. Kinabalu climb is. There%26#39;s a long 3 hour trek that will give you a slice of the Borneo jungle experience.

Scuba diving - depending on who you use (know) it%26#39;s about RM300 per person day, which usually includes 2 or 3 dives, lunch, boat transfers and equipment. There%26#39;s many operators to choose from - but be sure you know how to check your own equipment, especially for the cheepos.

Snorkeling you can do from Sapi, Manukan, Mamutik or Gaya - rent dive mask and fins for about RM30 for the day. Ferry transfers are about RM35 (from Jessleton Point), plus jetty fees, plus park entrance fees.