From trekking through pristine rainforest and climbing Southeast Asia’s highest summit, to spotting orangutans in the wild and swimming alongside sea turtles, Sabah is a paradise for outdoor adventurers and nature lovers. However, preparing for a journey into the wilderness can be intimidating; you won’t want to find yourself covered with leeches or freezing cold on top of Mount Kinabalu, right? That’s why we’ve put together an easy-to-follow packing list, covering all the essentials of what to bring on your Borneo Sabah expedition.
Whilst the main list comprises general items for a trip to Sabah, the bottom addition includes gear necessary for conquering Mount Kinabalu (or any other mountain on the island).
- Closed shoes or trainers
- Pair of sandals
- Lots of socks
- Leech socks
- Lots of underwear (it’s hot & humid; you might be without laundry service for several days)
- Swimwear
- Quick-dry long-sleeve shirts
- Quick-dry trousers
- Quick-dry towels
- Breathable, cotton clothing
- Jumper (it can cool down at nights)
- Rain gear, such as disposable poncho or waterproof jacket
- Day backpack
- Dry bag
- Sunscreen
- Sun glasses
- Hat or any other head coverage
- Reusable water bottles
- Head-torch or flashlight
- Basic toiletries and sanitary products for women
- Basic first aid kit and medication
- Mosquito repellent (with minimum 25% DEET) and anti-itch cream
- Hand sanitiser
- Power Adapter (Malaysia uses the same plugs as the UK)
- Binoculars (optional)
- Camera (optional)
- Snorkel and mask (optional)
- Borneo bird or wildlife guide book (optional)
If you plan to climb a mountain, don’t forget the following:
- Several layers of warm clothing such as jumpers and long sleeve shirts
- Warm jacket suitable for temperatures below 10-degrees Celsius
- Waterproof hiking boots
- Warm hat or head band
- Gloves
- Trekking poles (optional)
- Sleeping bag liner (optional)
For some inspiration for your trip, be sure to check out our ultimate guide for a Sabah Borneo adventure, covering the best destinations and insider tips for active travel in the region. You can also get in touch with Buffalo Tours here to arrange a tailor-made trip to this wonderful state.
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