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THIS IS A REAL ADVENTURE

Kamis, 27 Maret 2008

Borneo Jungle Adventure

14 days/13 nights - Gateway: Miri
Standard Tour from: £1065pp
Prices valid to 31 Dec 08


If you are after a challenge and a real adventure then this tour is for you. In Mulu National Park we not only visit the stunning limestone caves but aim to explore one of the extensive underground systems linking two of the best known ones – adventure caving at its best! We then trek through the jungle; stay in jungle
shelters for the night and raft down rapids on bamboo rafts, as well as staying as guests in a traditional Iban Longhouse. Please note: as we travel by river boat on several occasions, an ability to swim is essential. From time to time heavy rainfall can affect the exact caving and trekking itinerary. The tour leaders decision regarding the safety of any activity is final.

Day 1: Join tour Miri
Arrive Miri and check into our hotel.
Overnight hotel H+
Day 2: Fly to Mulu National Park
We spend the morning in Miri, a relatively prosperous town which relies very much on the offshore oil fields. It also attracts many expat oil workers from nearby Bandar Seri Begawan in Brunei who travel across the border for the nightlife! As it continues to develop, the town is aiming to be designated as a ‘Resort City’ by the year 2005. After lunch we catch our flight across the jungle to Mulu, famous for its wealth of botanical interest, having both hill and swamp forest. There are many species of wildlife here, including over 200 species of birds and glorious butterflies. Arriving early afternoon, we have time to take an introductory plank walk through the rainforest to explore a couple of the limestone caves of Mulu such as Deer cave, (one of the biggest in southern Asia) and Lang cave. There is a good chance of seeing thousands of bats flying out of Deer cave as the sun starts to set in the late afternoon.
3 nights chalet H

Day 3-4: In Mulu National Park
The national park contains some of the most extensive underground cave systems in the world. We aim not only to visit some of the better known caves with their stunning stalagmites, stalactites and underground rivers, but to explore some of the more inaccessible corridors and underground caverns. Qualified guides will train us on the fundamentals of adventure caving and our first day will involve a short foray into the ‘Racer Caves’. For those that are ready for the challenge, there will be the opportunity on the second day to do a full day of caving through the system that links the beautiful Wind and Clearwater Caves, (optional). Although mostly non-technical, there are sections which involve the use of ropes. This is closely supervised by our guides and should not present a problem for anyone of reasonable fitness with a sense of adventure. You will be provided with helmets, headlamps and overalls. For those that do not wish to take part in the adventure caving there are plenty of other excursions that can be taken in the national park, which are easy to organise through the tour leader on arrival.

Day 5: Trek to Mount Api Base Camp

We travel by longboat this morning to Long Lutut. Depending on the river level this may require pushing the boat several times. From here we trek into the jungle, carrying all our personal belongings we need for the next 7 days (our main luggage is transferred to Limbang and we next have access to it on day 11). The trek today is relatively easy through lowland jungle and our destination is the base camp (known as Camp 5) at the bottom of Mount Api. On one of our evenings during the trek we aim to make a guided night trek into the jungle. Total 2-3 hrs walking.
3 nights mountain hut L

Day 6-7: Trek to the Pinnacles; in Mt. Api
After breakfast we start the climb through dense vegetation towards the Pinnacles. Needle-like outcrops of limestone rock forge vertically through the jungle, sometimes 40 to 50 metres high, towering above the canopy of the jungle. We offer a challenging hike to a view point on the flanks of Mount Api, involving steep climbs and negotiating ladders built into the rocks. We are rewarded witth amazing views over this geological phenomena, sculptured over millions of years. After a well earned rest we descend back into the dense jungle. Mountain squirrels are commonly seen as are a variety of tropical birds, including hornbills. Total 7- 8hr walking. On day 7 there will be plenty of nature walks available or you may choose to relax around the camp to recover from the arduos trek to the pinnacles.
Day 8: Trek and boat to Mentawai
We wake to the sound of the jungle dawn chorus and we trek the ancient Headhunters Trail to Luburg Cina where we board our long tail boats to Mentawi. This afternoon you can swim in the river and relax in the tranquil surroundings.
2 nights hostel L+


Day 9: In Mentawai
The adventure continues today as we take bamboo rafts for the journey through the rapids of the Terikan River to Mentawai. We punt and raft back down to Mentawai camp. In the afternoon we’ll do some ‘tubing’ (floating downstream on rubber inner tubes!). This is very gentle paced and gives an excellent and very different view if the stunning natural surroundings (life jackets provided).

Day 10: Longboat to Medalam
We take to the river again this morning and head north by longboat to the Iban village of Medalam, where we will be guests of the headman and stay overnight in a traditional Iban longhouse. A longhouse is literally a village under one roof. Built on stilts, with a long verandah and equally long communal area, each family has it’s own rooms. We leave the afternoon free to explore the village and to relax in this facsinating environment.
Overnight longhouse L
Day 11: Boat and drive to Limbang
Leaving the longhouse, we continue by boat to Medamit, then drive to the small, prosperous town of Limbang, our first taste of civilisation for 10 days. Having checked into our hotel and met up with our main baggage, we have the afternoon free to explore the town and reflect on our experiences in the jungle.
Overnight hotel H+
Day 12: Ferry to Kota Kinabalu; boat to
Manukan Island

We catch a ferry from the wharf in Limbang to the wealthy offshore island of Labuan. Here we change boats and travel east along the coast to Kota Kinabalu in Sabah. We then take another smaller boat to lovely Manukan Island, the second largest of the beautiful islands making up the Tunku Abdul Rahman National Park. On arrival we walk across the sandy beach to our hotel.
Overnight hotel H+

Day 13: On Manukan Island; return
Kota Kinabalu

Today is free to relax on the beach, or perhaps take a boat excursion to some of the other islands making up the national park, such as Gaya or Sapi. We take a boat back to Kota Kinabalu in the late afternoon.
Overnight hotel H+

Day 14: Tour ends Kota Kinabalu
after breakfast

Sumber : www.dialaflight.com





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Alpine Ascents: 2007-2008 Mount Vinson Expedition Updates

December 31, 2007 : Hi this is Winslow calling in for the Trunk Monkey, everyone flew out safely yesterday, we were able to fly out from base camp and a few hours later catch the Ilyushin back to Punta Arenas. I am staying down here for another trip. We felt very fortunate to have such a great group of guys, they really did awesome, they are very hard workers and very helpful and we had a really good time on the mountain. Some folks took down the time to write down some things that they wanted to say about the trip.

This is from Michael: Things that I will always remember, hiking in the Torres del Paine Park, seeing the beauty of Antarctica for the first time, sharing an incredible Christmas Dinner

on the Mountain with new friends, talking with family via SAT phone during a rest day at high camp and standing on the summit of Mt. Vinson on a wondrous day, seeing all the mountains and ice stretched all the way to the horizon.

This is from Simon: Dear friends and family, we had a wonderful time although on reflection it was an easier climb than many had imagined, we were lucky and happy to take our luck. We were glad to avoid high winds and super low temperatures on summit day. But as it was, the climb was a great challenge, Vinson possibly known as 16,064 feet offered an easy ascent for the weekend climber and a distinct atmosphere of the poles. Looking forward to seeing you all and I am sure that before long you will all be bored of this talk but the pictures and scenery here are out of this world.

This is from Martin: We had a tremendous trip up Vinson; the weather was spectacular on summit day with no wind and only minus 20 degrees celsius, which was unheard of. Our guide Winslow was bliss, very knowledgeable about the mountain and climbing in general and the best cook that I have ever had on the mountain (thanks Marin- Winslow).

I think that Serge’s write up is either MIA or maybe he was out socializing in camp and didn’t get in on that one, he had a great time as well. Todd’s group also summitted and everything went really well, Carole also made it to the summit and did a great job, had a good time and is safe and everyone is back in Punta and on there way home. We appreciate everyone tuning in, hope you have a great New Years Eve, ciao.

December 29, 2007 Hi this is Winslow with the Trunk Monkeys on Mt. Vinson. We had another great day today, we woke up to beautiful calm sunny day and descended all the way down to basecamp, as we descended we entered into some clouds so there was no flying going on today. It is actually really pretty out now and we had great views from basecamp. We had a large meal of hamburgers, salmon, fish, french fries and stir fry veggies, now everyone is in their tents going to sleep and hoping that the plans can fly tomorrow. We will keep you informed on how things are going, as long as the weather is good everyone should be able to fly back to Patriot Hills and hop a ride on the Ilyushin if it makes its way in. It is on standby, waiting for a weather window as well. Everyone is in high spirits and doing great so you we will keep you informed.

December 28, 2007 : Hi this is Winslow with Trunk Monkeys and we are at High Camp here on Mt. Vinson. We had a real amazing summit day today. The best Todd and Vern have ever seen in almost thirty times of summiting Vinson. Everyone did great. We made it up and down safely. We had great views and a very enjoyable day. Everyone is pretty tired now. We are going to rest tonight, get up early and head down to the runway and hopefully be able to fly back to Patriot Hills. We may even all the way back to Punta Arenas if the weather is nice. People should be flying back if everything works out perfectly, that’s what would happen. But we will see what the weather does. Everyone is looking forward to seeing friends and family. Thanks for tuning in! Ciao.

December 27, 2007 : Dec 27 Hello this is Michael calling from the Alpine Ascents International Vinson climb. Our team is named the Trunk Monkeys, yesterday we had a great day coming up the fixed ropes. We had about 1000 meters and moved up from our Camp I to Camp II. Camp II is our high camp and today is our rest day. We just finished building snow walls to fortify our tents – in case the winds pick up later on – it was also a good little work out for us. We are going to have a great dinner here in a couple of hours and prepare fro our summit attempt – hopefully tomorrow morning. So wish us good luck and of course you have all of our best wishes and love to our families and friends and look forward to calling back with news of success. This is Michael from Alpine Ascents Trunk Monkeys out.

December 26, 2007 : Dec 26 Hello this is Michael calling in for the Alpine Ascents Mt. Vinson team – checking in and letting you know we made it to camp I – pulling some sleds up behind us – we had a wonderful x-mas eve mail with Hamburgers, fries, wine and ice cream – we moved x-mas day . and carried to camp II ( about 1000 meters) – returned to one and had steaks, vegetables risotto and the rest of the ice cream – better eating than expecting on a climbing trip – today we will move to high camp – then a rest day and summit bid. We hope to cal in just before the summit bid. This is Michael for Alpine Ascents Vinson – out

December 22-26, 2007 : Dec 21 This is cybercast from Vinson, Serge calling in for Winslow. We had a very relaxed day at Patriot – no flights today – we were kiting and Winslow and Simon had a hike around the hill. We had a lot of chess games . I want to say Happy Birthday to my girlfriend Aneete, and say hello to whole friends and family from Antarctica – hope to talk to you soon. Dec 22 – Hi this is Winslow calling in for the Trunk Monkeys. It is a beautiful day in Patriot. Though we are not flying yet, as the plane is going to the South Pole and we have a 80% chance of flying – we did have the chance to hike around to the op of Patriot Hills. It’s about 4500 feet up there with a 2000 foot elevation gain. And a few kilometers to get to the base of the hill. A beautiful view from the top – absolutely windless and 360 degree views from the top – we can see ice fields, snowy peaks, rocky peaks we got to walk on the rock and touch the continent – that was an exciting hike – having lunch and resting -= taking in the view and now I presume the chess matches will start back up – that’s been popular along with reading and we hope to fly to Vinson base camp tomorrow – wish us luck Dec 23 – Hi this is Winslow calling for the Trunk Monkeys – I’m watching the Otter take Todd and all the climbers to Vinson Base Camp – I’ll be an hour behind the group but the weather is perfect – I can see peaks in 3 different directions from here and cirrus clouds in the distance – but I hope to get to BC soon and move to ½ camp about 4 hours climb – set up camp – it will be late night – we’re excited and check in soon. Dec 25 – This is the Trunk Monkeys calling in for the Mt. Vinson team. Everything is good at Vinson base camp – we had a great hike up to ½ camp – all feeling well and Merry x-mas to all – hopefully we will move slowly up to the next camp. Dec 26 We are at Camp I – doing great and looking to move to next camp.

Hi this is Winslow for the Trunk Monkeys – we are stuck here at Patriot Hills, Antarctica. It’s been snowing most of the day, pretty warm at minus 5 degrees Celsius, it’s usually minus 12 degrees at this time of the year. Quite a bit warmer then normal with much more snow then usual. It hasn’t been too boring as we got out and practiced fixed line ascending and descending – we watched the volleyball game and there was also a marathon – trudging through deep snow – we’re reading, kiting , eating good food and hanging out – we’ll keep our fingers crossed for tomorrow and send love to friends and family – ciao

December 19, 2007 : Hi this is Winslow calling in. I have some good news and some more good news. We have a team name. We are the Trunk Monkeys. We also flew into Patriot hills today. We have just arrived and had dinner and received our briefing. Now we are about to set up tents as we cannot fly this evening because it’s cloudy at Vinson base camp. We’ll be staying here at Patriot Hills this evening, hoping to fly into Vinson base camp tomorrow morning. We didn’t get to fly in earlier this morning, but we did leave around 2 o’clock so we actually got to sleep in. We didn’t have to do the early wake up. Every body’s doing great. It’s actually pretty warm here. It’s only -5 degrees Celsius. We had to lay her down hiking over here from the airplane over here to Patriot Hills, which is about a 15 minute walk. We’re doing great, excited to be down here on the continent of Antarctica. We’ll give you a call tomorrow and let you know if we make it into base camp. Ciao.

December 18, 2007 : Hi this is Winslow calling in the Vinson climbing team. Today is Tuesday and we are heading back to Punta Arenas. The other team that was ahead of us flew out today so we are hoping that the weather will hold and we will be able to fly out tomorrow morning. We had a beautiful foray up to the Torres del Paine National Park, we really lucked out with the weather and had a beautiful hiking day yesterday. We hiked five miles or so up to this beautiful glacial lake just below the Torres Mountains and had great weather and great views all day. A lot of the hike was along side a river, with lots of ups and downs, we also had to hike up a steep bolder field to get up to the lake and some people took a swim when we got up there. We had a nice lunch then we came back down to our little recurso that we are staying in. This morning we visited two different water falls and we also saw a family of fox with three babies and we were able to watch them play for a little while. It has been a great visit up here to the park and we are keeping our fingers crossed that we are going to be able to fly out tomorrow. Thanks for tuning in and we will keep you posted. Ciao.

December 17, 2007 : Hola, this is Winslow calling in for the Mount Vinson crew. We are in the Torres Paine National Park. We’re enjoying taking a few days off from being able to leave with our weather forecast as it is. They gave us a three day leave so we’re here in the park enjoying that. Yesterday we drove up and saw many of the park’s wildlife. We saw condors, guanacos, flamingos, and various other birds along the way. We stopped and had lunch in a town called Puerto Natales, which is on a large very beautiful lake. We had some great seafood there and just enjoyed the trip up. We’re staying in Refugio, which is also very nice. We’re taking a four hour hike today to a lake at the base of the Torres Paine Mountain. Everyone is doing great. We’re still working on a team name. We’ll get back to you with that. Thanks for tuning in. We’ll let you know how our arctic experience is going.

December 15, 2007 : Hello from Punta Arenas from the first Alpine Ascents crew attempting to reach the ice. Everyone made it here safely and with all baggage on board. We have a great group of climbers including; Martin Grieder (Switzerland), SimonIrish (New York), Michael Hsu (California), and Serge Massad (Ontario). The guides are Todd and Winslow Passey (Utah).

We had our logistical meeting this morning with ALE (Antarctica Logistics Expiditions), the company that carries us all down to this mystical continent. It included a very interesting slide show, instructions of do´s and don´ts (such as lying on the runway to take a photo as a plane fly´s in), and tea and biscuits to wash it down.

Unfortunately, the weather is not cooperating, and we have flight delays. There is a group ahead of us waiting to fly in as well. It has been snowing in Patriot Hills, dumping 20-30cm of fresh snow on the runway, that must be cleared before landing. This process takes 36hr. after the wind stops to remove the snow. Most groups have retreated from high camp, and are hunkering down at base camp.

With a forecaster predicting the weather for ALE this season, they have given us a 72hr. release of check in responsibilities. This means we do not have to stay in Punta Arenas, so we are arranging a trip out to Torres Del Paine National Park. We hope to get in a hike and a few good views of the towering granite peaks and the picturesque glacial lakes.



Sumber : www.everestnews.com

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Rabu, 26 Maret 2008

9 Tahun Ekspedisi Bukii Galang



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Menelusuri Hutan Perawan...
Tim Ekspedisi Wahana Pecinta Alam ( WANAPALA) SIAMASEI tanggal 6-9 Maret 1999.

Menelusuri Puncak Istana Lumut, Menyibak Kabut di tengah hutan belantara, .......................
Nantikan Catatan Perjalanan dari Eksepedisi ini.........

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