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Which airport do I need to fly into and out of (include airport code)?
Fly into Kuching International Airport (KCH) and fly out of Kota Kinabalu International Airport (BKI).
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What time do I need to arrive (in time for the welcome meeting)?
Please try to arrive by 12 pm on Day 1 as the welcome meeting starts at 3 pm in the lobby of your hotel, although we will arrange an airport transfer for you regardless of when you arrive.
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What time should my flight depart on the final day?
There are no planned activities on the final day, so depart at your own leisure. However, bear in mind that you will be travelling back from Gaya Island on this day, so allow extra time.
The first 15-minute boat from Gaya Island Resort to the jetty in Kota Kinabalu leaves at 7am, and there are boats every two hours after that. The journey from the jetty to Kota Kinabalu airport is around 30 minutes by taxi. You’ll need to be at the airport two hours before your international flight departure, so it’s best to book a flight that leaves no earlier than 10 or 11am.
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Are airport transfers included?
If you arrive on Day 1 of your adventure, or you book pre-tour accommodation with us, your airport arrival transfer will be included. If you book alternative pre-tour accommodation or are arriving by another mode of transport you must arrange your own arrival transfer.
Arrival transfers are private to Flash Pack and will be in groups depending on flight times. Sometimes this means waiting in the airport for a short while until other flights have arrived.
On Day 13, you’ll take a boat from Gaya Island back to the mainland (included in the cost of your adventure, even if you book an extra night). From the pier, you’ll need to take a local taxi to Kota Kinabalu Airport (not included). Your Pack Leader will be on hand to help you arrange this.
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If I book a post-trip night, where will this be?
Post-nights will be at the resort on Gaya island, which is a 15-minute boat ride away from Kota Kinabalu city.
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Do I need a visa?
Up-to-date visa and entry information can be found using our official partner, Sherpa, who can help you arrange a visa if needed.
You can also find essential travel advice – including security and local laws, as well as passport and visa information – on the government website of your home country:
Please be aware that passport and visa requirements can change before departure, so it’s important to stay updated with the latest information.
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What vaccinations and medication will I need?
While we are not medical professionals and cannot offer personalised medical advice, we want to ensure you have a safe and enjoyable adventure. Here are some tips to help you prepare.
1. Consult with a healthcare professional
We recommend scheduling an appointment with your travel nurse or doctor at least eight weeks before your adventure. This will give you ample time to receive any necessary vaccines or medications.
2. Up-to-date medical advice
3. Government travel advice
4. Medication tips
If you take prescription medication, ensure you bring enough to last the entire adventure, plus a few extra days in case of travel delays. Carry a copy of your prescription with you in case you need to visit a clinic while abroad.
We hope this information will help you prepare for a safe and healthy adventure.
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What level of fitness will I need?
Overall, this trip is fairly relaxed but the heat and humidity can be tiring. A moderate level of fitness is needed for the Gunung Mulu cave hikes.
We recommend having a read-through of the itinerary above, and getting in touch if you have specific questions on fitness.
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Do I need to be able to ride a bicycle?
On Day 7, there will be a gentle bike ride through the Kiulu Valley. You’ll be driven 75 minutes from the city into the unspoilt countryside , where your guide will adjust the bikes and provide a safety briefing about the morning’s tour.
The route will be along quiet roads with very little traffic. However, if you’re not confident riding a bike – or prefer not to join in this activity – you’ll be able to go straight to the village where you can relax, explore and help the local family prepare lunch.
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What will the longhouse be like?
Due to the remote jungle location, the longhouse accommodation is fairly basic. On the other hand, it offers a rare chance to experience a traditional way of life and get up close to the lush rainforest landscape. You’ll sleep in a communal open-air room with your group (no private rooms are available for this part of the trip), on a mattress with a mosquito net and take meals sitting on the floor like the locals do here. Electricity is provided by generator and there is running water (not for drinking) for showers and flush toilets. Prepare for heat, humidity and a fair amount of mosquitos (come armed with plenty of repellent).
To balance the books, we finish in comfort at the resort on Gaya Island.
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Will I have a private room when staying at the longhouse in the jungle?
Unfortunately, this is the only accommodation that cannot accommodate private rooms. As part of the experience you will be sharing rooms with other people from the group.
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What can I expect from the stay at Paganakan Dii Tropical Retreat?
Expect a rustic experience in Borneo’s rainforest, conveniently located near the Sepilok Orangutan Rehabilitation Centre and Bornean Sun Bear Conservation Centre. Accommodation is simple and comfortable, featuring open-air hot showers, air-con and mosquito nets, with a strong connection to the natural surroundings. Be prepared for limited connectivity, occasional insects in rooms and a hot, humid climate in an eco-friendly setting. The retreat offers friendly service and local cuisine, providing an opportunity to disconnect from the digital world and enjoy nature in a genuine and relaxed environment.
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Will this itinerary change?
Please be aware that the itinerary, activities and hotels are subject to change. These changes can happen with little notice due to availability, poor weather, seasonal changes, or other circumstances beyond our control – but we’ll always do our best to ensure it has little impact on your experience. From time to time, we may also make changes to your itinerary to try out new ideas and keep things fresh and exciting.
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Will we have the same Pack Leader for the whole trip?
During this adventure, you will have two dedicated Pack Leaders. The first will guide you in Sarawak (Days 1-6), and the second will join you in Sabah (Days 6-13). Your Sarawak Pack Leader will assist until you board your flight at Mulu Airport, and your Sabah Pack Leader will meet you upon arrival in Kota Kinabalu.
