www.peregrineadventures.co.uk Peregrine Adventures still has space on its 10-day Sabah Adventure offering the opportunity to encounter Orang-utans and Proboscis Monkeys, stay in a traditional longhouse, tap for rubber in a plantation and ascend South East Asia's highest peak, Mount Kinabalu, departing Kota Kinabalu 14th September 2008.
After a pre-trip briefing, welcome dinner and overnight in Kota Kinabalu, a drive along the coast takes travellers to the area of Sabah where the last original longhouses remain.
It is in one of these longhouses, home to the Rungus people, that Peregrine's guests spend their first night on tour.
Next day's activities include a trek to a rubber plantation to test rubber tapping skills and a cycle ride to Mompilis Village Longhouse for a refreshing coconut milk drink plus a chance to mingle with the local people, before continuing by road to Kota Kinabalu National Park.
The overnight stay is in a lodge situated just outside the park, where final preparations are made for the following day of trekking.
The ascent of Mount Kinabalu commences from the main gate of the park and follows a well-defined trail with regular rest stops en route - the walking time is about five to six hours.
Views along the trail are spectacular and an amazing array of flora is encountered, including various species of insect-eating pitcher plants, superb orchids and perhaps even the world's largest flower, the Rafflesia.
Arrival at the guesthouse at Laban Rata (3,353 metres) is scheduled for around 2.00 pm allowing the rest of the day free to relax and prepare for the big climb the following morning.
The final ascent commences early; the aim is to be at the summit for sunrise. On a clear day, views from the summit at Low's Peak (4,095 metres) across Sabah and out over the South China Sea are breathtaking.
The final portion of the tour focuses on Sabah's extraordinary wildlife. First, an opportunity to meet the inhabitants of Sepilok's Orang-utan Rehabilitation Centre - watching these great apes being fed is an experience second to none.
Later, during a stay at Sukau Rainforest Lodge, more wildlife is spotted during boat explorations along Sabah's longest river, the Kinabatangan. The Proboscis Monkeys settle down for a snooze in the treetops along the river. It is also possible to see wild Orang-utans, Long-tailed and Pig-tailed Macaques, Monitor Lizards and various species of hornbills and kingfishers.
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