2. Health & Travel Protection

Travel Insurance
We strongly recommend comprehensive travel insurance. At minimum, your policy should include medical expenses and emergency evacuation, trip cancellation or interruption, personal accident and liability, and lost luggage and personal belongings.

Immunisations & Vaccines
If you are flying directly from Europe or the US, no vaccines are required. Still, it is best to discuss your travel plans with a healthcare provider to ensure you are up to date with recommended vaccinations.

Malaria & Mosquitoes
The risk of malaria in Sabah and Sarawak is low to none. Some travellers take anti-malarial tablets as a precaution; others rely on insect repellent and protective clothing.

Personal First Aid Kit
Guides carry basic kits, but bring your own supplies such as prescriptions, allergy medication and a spare pair of glasses. Shops and pharmacies may not be available in remote areas.

Physical Preparation
Most walks are moderate, lasting two to three hours at a relaxed pace. For more active trips such as Mt Kinabalu, Maliau Basin or Trusmadi, a little fitness preparation helps. Light training such as hiking, cycling or jogging makes the journey more comfortable.

3. Trip Expectations

Accommodation
Tourism infrastructure in Borneo is still developing. Lodges are welcoming but simpler than elsewhere in Southeast Asia. 

Food
Meals are hearty and often served family-style, with rice, noodles, vegetables, meat, fish and plenty of tropical fruit.

Overland Travel
Most journeys are by van or 4WD. Roads are mostly paved, with some unsealed stretches leading into reserves such as Danum Valley. Drives can be bumpy, but they often bring surprise wildlife sightings.

Wildlife Sightings
Borneo’s biodiversity is remarkable, though sightings of orangutans, pygmy elephants or other rare animals cannot be guaranteed. Reserves like Danum Valley and the Kinabatangan River give the best chances. Expect to see birds, insects and plants too, each adding to the rainforest experience.

4. On Your Trip

Arrival in Kota Kinabalu
If airport pickup is included, your guide will meet you at arrivals with a sign. They will assist with luggage and any immediate needs.

Important Documents
Keep your passport with you for identification. Hotels often ask for it at check-in. During daily activities, it is best kept secure in your hotel safe.

Emergencies & Medical Assistance
All guides are trained in first aid and carry emergency kits. For remote expeditions, guides may also carry a satellite phone. In serious cases, medical evacuation is available via your insurance.

Staying in Touch
Phones work in most towns, with 4G widely available. In the jungle, signal may drop. SIM cards are inexpensive and can be purchased with your guide’s help. Wifi is available in many hotels and lodges.

Laundry
Fast and efficient in city hotels. Lodges may not offer laundry, or may have limited service.

Food & Special Diets
We do our best to accommodate dietary needs and allergies, but advance notice is essential. Facilities in remote areas can be limited, so bring specialty items if you rely on them.

Drinking Water & Reducing Plastic
Do not drink tap water. Lodges provide filtered water. Bring a refillable bottle to cut down on single-use plastics.

Environmental Responsibility
We ask guests to carry out what they carry in, especially non-biodegradable items like batteries. Please consider using rechargeables.

Smoking
Smoking is only allowed in designated areas, never in vehicles or during group meals.

Tipping & Gratuities
Tipping is not required, but if you wish to thank your guide, USD 5–10 per person per day is a kind gesture.

5. Culture & Etiquette

People & Language
Borneo is home to over 100 ethnic groups. Bahasa Malaysia is the official language, but English is widely spoken in tourist areas.

Respect & Customs
Courtesy and calmness are highly valued. Avoid public arguments or criticism, as this may cause embarrassment or ‘loss of face’.

Religion & Faith
Malaysia is a Muslim-majority country, but it is also home to Christians, Buddhists, Hindus and indigenous faiths. The diversity is part of daily life.

LGBTIQ Travel
Malaysia is conservative, and same-sex relations are not widely accepted. That said, Borneo is often more relaxed than Peninsular Malaysia. Public displays of affection, for anyone, are discouraged.

Cultural Behaviour
Things move at a slower pace, sometimes called ‘Sabah time’. Patience and flexibility will make your trip more enjoyable.

Gifts & Responsible Travel
We discourage indiscriminate gift-giving on our trips. A smile, curiosity and respect are the best gifts you can share. Please avoid handing out sweets, toys or pens to children, as this can encourage dependency. By travelling with SRT, you are already contributing to conservation and community projects, and many of our programs include direct support for grassroots initiatives and local communities.

History Note: Head Hunters
Head-hunting traditions ended long ago. Today, rural communities are warm and welcoming, often inviting visitors to share food, drink and conversation.