What to Pack for Your Borneo Adventure

Adventure Guidelines

• Due to the extremely hot and humid conditions during the adventure, we highly recommend bringing clothes made of synthetic, quick drying material. If wet with rain or sweat, cotton items may not always dry completely.
• Include rain gear in your carry-on bag, as you do not want to be caught without it should your checked luggage be delayed for any reason.
  
  

Clothing

• Lightweight neck gaiter (included in your pre-departure package)
  —Provides sun, wind and/or dust protection.
• Additional cloth face coverings
  —We recommend bringing a few more face coverings of your own. Silk, wool or polypropylene long underwear for layering (tops & bottoms)
• Rain jacket or poncho 
  —Your rain jacket should be lightweight, breathable and completely waterproof. It should also have a hood.
  —If you are bringing a poncho, it should be long and big enough to cover your backpack. It should also be made of sturdy material. Thin, plastic ponchos that tear easily are not recommended.
• Rain pants
  —Rain pants can be useful, although travelers may find them to be too uncomfortable due to the heat and humidity.
• Sturdy hiking boots
  —For jungle walks, which can be quite muddy and slippery. These should have good tread and be broken in prior to departure to prevent blisters.
  
• 3–4 short-sleeved lightweight shirts 
  
• 2 long-sleeved lightweight shirts 
  —For protection from sun and insects during outings.
• 2 pairs of lightweight, tightly woven long pants
• 1–2 pairs of shorts or lightweight zip-off pants
  —You may not want to use these in Danum Valley, as leeches can enter through the zippers.
  
• Waterproof sport sandals 
  —We may experience some wet landings during activities, so sturdy sandals are highly suggested.
  —These can also be helpful to wear in the evenings after outdoor excursions.
• Extra shoes that you can easily remove
  —Some lodges require guests to remove their shoes to enter the restaurant.
  
• Socks
  —Bring socks made of wool or other moisture-wicking material; cotton socks are not recommended for walks.
  —Leech proof outer socks will be provided for use while at Borneo Rainforest Lodge.
• Underwear
• Lightweight sleepwear
• Swimsuit
  —Some of our accommodations have swimming pools.
  —There are opportunities for swimming in jungle rivers and snorkeling at Selingan Island.
  
  

Additional Items

• Cash
  —For discretionary gratuities (you may want to bring envelopes for discreet presentation).
  —For personal spending (souvenirs, Internet use, or food, alcoholic beverages and transfers not included in your trip fee).
  —Video camera and larger lens fees, if applicable.
• A compact umbrella
  —Can be a more comfortable option than rain gear in the heat.
  
• Binoculars
  —Binoculars are useful for wildlife viewing and are highly recommended. For optimal viewing, we suggest those with specs between 10 x 42 and 8 x 42. You may even try 8 x 35, but only if they contain high-quality glass. Practice using the binoculars before your adventure. Make sure they are not too powerful, and make sure they are easy to hold.
  
• Water-resistant daypack 
  —To carry camera equipment or other gear during outings.
  
• Waterproof cover for backpack
• Reusable water bottle (included in your pre-trip package)
  —In our continuing effort to operate our adventures with as little impact on the environment as possible, you will receive a reusable water bottle (unless you opted out on your Booking Form) to take with you on your adventure. We will provide drinking water throughout the adventure for you to refill your bottle. By doing this, you will avoid using multiple disposable plastic bottles.

• Extra bag
  —It is helpful to transfer items you will need into a smaller bag for our overnight stay at Selingan Turtle Island.
  —This can be the same bag as your daypack or backpack if it is large enough to hold any necessary items and a change of clothing.
  —Your main bag will be returned to you upon our transfer to Kinabatangan Wetlands Resort the following day.

• Headlamp or small flashlight (and spare batteries)
  —Essential to have during night walks/activities and for walking on dark boardwalks at our accommodations.
  
• Sun hat (with brim for protection) 
• Bandana
  —Can be useful to wipe perspiration from your face and neck.
• Quick-drying small hand towel
  —May come in handy on outings when it rains.
  
• Outlet adapter and/or power converter 
• Silica gel or other drying agent
  —To absorb moisture in bags containing camera equipment.
• Sunglasses (with UV protection)
• Prescription glasses/contact lenses
• Battery-operated alarm clock or wristwatch
• Earplugs
• Toiletries
  —Shampoo and soap are provided at all accommodations, with the exception of Selingan Turtle Island Chalets.
• Quick-drying washcloth (optional)
  —You may wish to bring a washcloth, as they may not be provided by all accommodations.
• Toilet paper
  —Because toilet paper is not always available in public restrooms, you may want to keep a roll in your daypack. Remove the center roll for easier packing.
• Insect repellent and anti-itch ointment
  —Repellents containing DEET are the most effective against mosquitoes, but please be aware that DEET is a very strong ingredient that can damage plastics, clothing and equipment.
  —Preferably one that is sweat- and water-resistant or waterproof.
• Sunscreen and lip balm (at least SPF15)
• Melatonin
  —To help ease effects of jet lag.
• Anti-bacterial gel or towelettes
  
• Dry bags or reusable waterproof bags 
  —Great for wet or dirty clothing and to protect camera equipment from the elements.
• Hiking poles (optional) 
  —If you are bringing poles, make sure they fit in your checked baggage, as you will not be allowed to carry them on the plane.
• Rented snorkeling gear will be provided for those guests who wish to snorkel while at Selingan Turtle Island. However, you may wish to bring your own equipment if you use a mask with prescription lenses.
• Hairdryer
  —You may wish to bring your own, as hairdryers are not available at Selingan Turtle Island Chalets.
  
  Header Credit: Gavin Lautenbach