This trip was handled by Julie, an agent we had used many times before (unfortunately, she is no longer in business…instead, part of her family’s winery in Napa). Julie then booked everything with Discovery Overland Holidays in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. Lots of e-mails until we came up with an itinerary. Our focus would be fouring Borneo’s National Parks with a little R&R at the end in Kota Kinabalu. The parks were:

- Bako;

- Batang Ai;

- Gunung Mulu;

- Selingan, Turtle Island; and

- Sepilok Orang Santuary

With the time needed for travel from the U.S. and between all these places, it worked out to a 17-day trip. Time to work on the rest of the trip…

Air? We flew United Airlines to Singapore via Tokyo and immediately connected on Malaysia Airlines to Kuching. The return back to the U.S. meant flying Malaysia Air from Kota Kinabalu, overnighting in Singapore and then flying home the next day. It’s really worth all the inconveniences and distance…once you are there.

Visa? U.S. citizens don’t need a visa.

Travel Insurance? Never travel without it. Other do…we don’t. We usually purchase Travel insurance through Travel Guard.

Health? Malaria pills again. Our drug of choice is Lariam, (Mefloquine is the generic). (We prefer the once-a-week Lariam to the once-a-day Malarone - but it’s your decision). I always check the Centers for Disease Ccontrol updates to see what they suggest.

Clothing?

It was going to be hot. Lightweight clothing, shorts, some longer pants, sun hat, etc. No fancy clothes required.

Included? All hotels; daily breakfast and most other meals; private air conditioned car with driver and guide; private naturalist services; mineral water and soft drinks during all sightseeing and long drives.

You can always find an ATM, and almost everything was included…we were ready…

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