Borneo the Ultimate Challenge Supporting Barnardo's

Barnardo's Logo Borneo - The Ultimate Challenge Logo

Join Barnardo's on this tropical Challenge of a lifetime as a Team of supporters explore one of the most stunning islands on the Globe – Borneo.

Taking place in the Sabah region of Borneo within Malaysia, this multi-activity Challenge is an amazing adventure taking you through lush rainforests, high mountain summits, fast flowing rivers and tropical jungles – home of the Orang-utan.

The Barnardo's Borneo Challenge starts with a two day trek to summit Mt Kinabalu (4,095m) – the highest mountain in South East Asia. From tropical jungle to its granite summit, it is the focal point of the stunning Kinabalu National Park.

Following the success of our summit climb, we then proceed with a challenging 170km cycle ride, over 2 days, through the breathtaking Crocker Mountain Range, known as the ‘spine of Sabah’. This challenging scenic bike ride will take us through the undulating hills of the Crocker’s past many ethnic villages and paddy fields, famed for its orchids, Orang-utans and unusual plants.

We then finish this Ultimate Charity Challenge with a raft down the awesome Padas River- a white knuckle ride you’ll remember forever…………..read on as Borneo delivers a feast.

Downloadable Information

Borneo the Ultimate Charity Challenge route map Day 1

After being met at London Heathrow by our Global Representative, we catch our flight to Kota Kinabalu, via Kuala Lumpur, 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.

Day 3

After breakfast at our Hotel, we transfer to Kinabalu National Park by our private coach – the journey will take approx, 2 hours.

Upon arrival at the National Park, we will check in to our accommodation and the rest of the day is free at leisure in order for everyone to acclimatize to their new environment.

We will then 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. Participants may want to bring a sleeping bag liner for extra personal comfort.

After dinner at the 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 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 to the Power Station and Timpohon Gate 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 - we need to prepare for our second Challenge tomorrow – 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. Lunch and Dinner will be at Poring.

At about 3om, we will all meet in the Parking Lot to prepare our Mountain Bikes for tomorrows ride.

Overnight at Poring Hot Spring.

Day 7 – Cycling the Crocker Range

Following our breakfast, a short transfer takes us to Ranau Town, where we will custom 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 and 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.

Breakfast and Lunch are also included.

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 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 that whilst we make every effort to adhere to this schedule and the accommodation stated, this is subject to alteration.