Maverick x TENZING Trails Camp Borneo 2025

Our adventure begins at sea level on Sabah’s west coast in the small city of Kota Kinabalu where we head out to the tropical islands of the Tunku Abdul Rahman State Marine Park. We will be taking a look at what’s below the surface with the opportunity to snorkel and scuba dive to help acclimatize after a long flight. A 10km trail run to Gaya Island's highest point at 300m will help prepare you for the humidity & jungle terrain to follow. We then exchange the ocean for rivers & waterfalls at the foothills of Mt Kinabalu.

We have added an Epic point-point. Trailblazing 32 -34km with a 2.4km vertical ascent we will be the only group to run this route passing through remote villages, paddy fields and pineapple plantations. Criss-crossing iconic routes that form parts of the Borneo Ultra Trail Marathon (BUTM) and The Most Beautiful Trail (TMBT) this experience is something not to be missed. 

Our final destination takes us to the Tip Of Borneo where the South China Sea meets the Celebes Sea, we’ll be staying in private Ocean Villas where time stands still and expansive night skies reveal star-carpeted skies. 

Leading our trail runs are strong local mountain runners. Themselves winners of the famously brutal 50K & 100K Borneo Ultra Trail Marathons BUTM & TMBT. Enjoy chatting with them, learning about their culture and the rich traditional tapestry of the communities we run through, steeped in mystery & belief. 

Our Yogi is a traditional practitioner of Hatha, Vinyasa & Yin Yoga and her classes will focus on flexibility, strength, breathing, aromatherapy & wellbeing. 

Putting this trip together for us is Joanne & Richard from Adventures In Borneo, an award-winning adventure travel company and provider of Adventurous Training for the British Ministry of Defence. 

This trip is designed to be fully inclusive so you only need to add on the cost of flights, a couple of evening meals and alcohol. 

WHAT IS INCLUDED:

• All Sabah land/boat transfers & logistics
• Full board meals as mentioned (10 breakfast, 9 lunch, 8 dinner)
• All entrance, permit & entry fees 
• Accommodation as described 
• Activities (snorkelling, scuba diving, yoga sessions and, of course, trail running)
• Visit to Sepilok Orang-utan & Sun Bear Rehabilitation Centres
• Downbelow Expedition Leader & Running Guides
• Specialised guides as required
• Fully Risk Assessed (documents provided)
• Hydration and nutrition package
• World-class coaches and International mountain leaders
• TENZING goodie pack
• Professional sports photography
• Full kit list requirements and advice
• 3 x FREE Maverick Race entries for the 2025 season

EXCLUDES:

• International/domestic flights 
• Carbonated & Alcoholic Beverages
• Personal travel insurance

OPTIONAL EXTRAS

Our tour partners will be in touch with you regarding optional extras shortly after you've booked your entry. You can book your private room during entry but the rest can be booked post-entry. 

• Private Room (book early as limited availability): £805 per person
• 1 Night Kinabatangan River Safari, full board with transfers & guided river safari: please contact us for this to be added to your trip - adam@maverick-race.com
• If you will be joining BUTM you will need to pay your own race entry fees/transport and additional nights accommodation (can be arranged with us).

Please note the camp does not include flights or additional drinks.

DAY 1

Arrive at Kota Kinabalu International Airport and and transfer 25 minutes by coastal road to your hotel. Afternoon at leisure with an evening get-together and briefing over dinner. Overnight Hotel 17 or equivalent on Twin/ Double Share with private bathroom and air-conditioning. (D)

DAY 2

Short 15 minute walk or jog to the marina and transfer 10 minutes day starts with a 10KM run to the highest point of Gaya Island (300M) to stretch out those legs and help you acclimatise to the jungle trails. Non runners can enjoy a snorkel safari, go scuba diving or sea kayaking to secluded bays. After lunch we will take a 10 minute speedboat ride to Manukan Island Resort where you can relax for the afternoon & evening. Overnight Beach Suite Chalet (Twin/Double/Tripple) with en-suite bathroom. (B,L)

DAY 3

After breakfast, meet at 9am poolside for a morning of snorkelling safaris or scuba diving (anyone scuba diving can not run in the afternoon due to the increased risk of decompression sickness). After lunch, head back to the mainland and enjoy an afternoon run (1-2 hours) at the local beach / non-runners can relax or visit the local shops, bars & cafes. Overnight Hotel 17 or equivalent on Twin/ Double Share with private bathroom and air-conditioning. (B,L)

DAY 4

After breakfast embark on an adventurous journey to the Kiulu Valley for a trip back to nature. We’ll be taking on a 9KM trail run (2-3 hours) through jungle tracks, rivers & plantations.  Non-runners can stroll along the river & suspension bridges, learn about the traditional rice wine, blow pipes & headhunting tribal ancestry. Post run Yoga at 5-6pm. Tucked away in the countryside far from the bright city lights be enchanted by the wonder of the dark skies & bright stars. Overnight camping, equipment provided & good facilities on-site (B,L,D)

DAY 5

Today is our epic point-to-point. Trailblazing 32-34km with a 2.3km vertical ascent we will be the only group to run this route passing through remote villages, paddy fields and pineapple plantations. Local villages will play host to our rest stops. Criss-crossing iconic routes that form parts of the Borneo Ultra Trail Marathon (BUTM) and The Most Beautiful Trail (TMBT) this experience is something not to be missed. Non runners can enjoy a leisurely land transfer to meet the runners at the end-point stopping at local markets & villages en-route. Overnight with local families in mountain village homestay twin/ double rooms (B,L,D).

DAY 6

Wake up to amazing mountain views and let's stretch out those aching legs with yoga practice. Today we have a slow 14KM run/hike to help recover. Stopping for lunch at Kg. Kiau, home of the mountain guides. We return to our remote village homestay for dinner with only our own conversation & each other for entertainment. Non-runners can hike the same trail with our guides, we can reduce the hike to 6KM. Or stay in the village to learn local cooking skills and swim in the river. Overnight with local families in mountain village homestay twin/ double rooms (B,L,D).

DAY 7

We start the day with Yoga before bidding our new found village friends goodbye. Today we land transfer 5 hours to Sepilok with a lunch stop en-route. Spend the evening surrounded by the sounds of primates, cool off in the resorts swimming pool and enjoy some well earned fizz! Overnight Sepilok Jungle Resort, twin/double share room with en-suite bathroom. (B,L,D)

DAY 8

Wake up in natures paradise at Sepilok Jungle Resort. Take a 10-minute walk to the Sepilok Rehabilitation Centre and Sun Bear Conservation Centre. What you see there are the last stages of rehabilitation before the orang utans and sun bears get released to the wild. In the afternoon we’ll take you to see the city of  Sandakan where time has stood still. A tiny city of only 200K population and the previous administration centre for colonial North Borneo. We’ll visit the Sandakan Death March Memorial, temples and markets. Overnight Sepilok Jungle Resort, twin/double share room with en-suite bathroom. (B,L,D)

DAY 9

Early morning breakfast followed by an 8 hour overland transfer to the Tip Of Borneo in the Kudat district for your next adventure. Enjoy the scenic views as you pass through the rolling hills, lush green trees and small villages, lunch en-route before checking in at your next accommodation. Spend the evening at leisure, walking or running the beaches, taking in the sunset. Overnight Ocean Villa’s twin/tripple/ quad share large rooms with en-suite bathroom. (B,L,D)

DAY 10

After breakfast, enjoy a 14km run to the Tip Of Borneo where the South China Sea meets the Celebes Sea, a very special and energetic location. End the day with an evening yoga and meditation practice. Overnight Ocean Villa’s twin/tripple/ quad share large rooms with en-suite bathroom. (B,L,D)

DAY 11

On your last morning it’s time to share a delicious breakfast together before a three hour drive back to Kota Kinabalu. After which it is time to bid farewell to your new friends - until next time! (B). (ensure your flight is booked for the evening after 7pm) or continue your trip in Sabah!

BUTM

22nd & 23rd Fenruary 2025

We have chosen to run this trip right before the 2025 Borneo Ultra Trail Marathon (BUTM) so that anyone wanting to be fully acclimatised can stick around to join either the 9KM, 30KM, 50KM or 100KM mountain run, ITRA points are awarded. Borneo Ultra Race Director Claus Pedersen is working together with Adventures in Borneo to include some of the highlights of both the BUTM routes including Pineapple Ridge, Kiulu River & Bukit Dallas. 

You will need to sign up for the BUTM yourself.

Accommodation approximately per person per night £45

Transfers to Race approximately £40 per person

100km - £100
50km - £70
30km - £40
9km - £30

Prices are approximate and were correct at the time of publication. These may vary depending on the exchange rate between MYR to GBP.

Flights home will depend on if you are doing the BUTM and what distance. We will be more than happy to advise.