Boots in Borneo

In commemoration of all who died in the Infamous Sandakan Death Marches in World War 2…

Our first Boots in Borneo in 2006 was a great success. We said then that we would do this itinerary every few years. We have made some exciting changes to the itinerary and we are ready to go again in 2009.

August 15 has been designated by the Malaysian Government as Sandakan Memorial Day. A time to remember the Australian and British soldiers who died as prisoners of war in Borneo and in particular at Sandakan and during the infamous Death Marches of 1945. It also commemorates the local people of Sabah who suffered and died during this period. Today a deep bond still exists between the people of Sabah and Australia. In 2009 our team have been invited to attend a special High Tea at the residence of the President (Mayor) of Sandakan. This will be held on the eve of the official Dawn Service on the 15th. We will also attend the Dawn Service, being held at the Memorial in the grounds of the Sandakan POW Camp. The dawn service has been described by the Australian Ambassador as, “a very moving and emotional experience.”

As part of our commemoration activities, we will be walking selected short sections of the infamous Death March Route as well as visiting the Ranau POW Camp, Kundasang Memorial Gardens and the war cemetery on Labuan Island.

While in Sabah we plan to visit the Orangutan Rehabilitation programme at Sepilok, learn jungle survival techniques with local guides, trek to the summit of Mt Kinabalu, enjoy a day of white water rafting and more.

Below are dates, costs, itinerary overview and the holiday map.

Costs + Dates for 2011


Dates	Sunday 13 August – Sunday 27 August 2011

Duration	13 days from Sandakan \| 15 days from Australia

Leader	Garry Thompson

Costs	$3,930 from Sandakan (starting day 2 Sandakan, ending day 14 Labuan island)
	$5,170 from Brisbane (includes Kuala Lumpur accommodation and all flights)

Highlights	Sandakan Memorial Park; Sandakan Day Remembrance Ceremony, walk selected sections of the infamous Death March; visit Ranau POW Camp; Orangutan Rehabilitation programme, Sepilok; trek Mt Kinabalu, Padas river rafting, Miki’s Survival camp. Labuan island battlefield tour.

Grading	Challenging

Group Size	minimum 9, maximum 15 plus Tour Leader

From Brisbane cost includes:

Australian Tour Leader – Garry Thompson
local tour guide and support trekking crew
twin share very comfortable accommodation throughout tour including Kula Lumpur
most meals as indicated in the itinerary
all land transport including ferry
Sepilok Orangutan Sanctuary
specially selected sections of the Sandakan Death March
Mt Kinabalu ascent
Pandas river rafting
Miki’survival camp
Labuan island battlefield tour

From Brisbane cost does not include:

any meals not indicated on the itinerary
personal travel insurance
medical costs including vaccinations.

Single Supplement:

All prices include twin share accommodation.
Every effort will be made to share single bookings however, if we are unable to do so, single bookings will be required to pay for single accommodation htroughout the itinerary when ever necessary.
from Brisbane $600
from Sandakan $500

Itinerary Overview

Meal inclusions on this holiday – B = Breakfast, L – Lunch, D = Dinner.


Day 1	Fly Brisbane to Kuala Lumpur

Day 2	Fly Kuala Lumpur to Sandakan. Met on arrival & transfer to Hotel. Afternoon transfer to President’s (Mayor) Residence for High Tea. We are hosted by Sabah Tourism Board to this Invitation Only event. (Dress smart casual)

Day 3	Sandakan Memorial Park to attend Memorial Day Ceremony from 7-8am. Attend Official Morning Tea immediately after the ceremony. Explore Memorial Park and visit Orangutan Sanctuary at Sepilok.

Day 4	Death March Day 1 (3-4 hours walking) (BLD)

Day 5	Death March Day 2 (3-4 hours walking) (BLD)

Day 6	Death March Day 3 (2-3 hours walking). Visit Ranau POW Camp & Kundasang Memorial. (BLD)

Day 7	Miki’s Survival camp. (BLD)

Day 8	Miki’s Survival camp. (BLD)

Day 9	Finish at Miki’s and transfer to Rose Garden Resort. (BLD)

Day 10	Trek on Mt Kinabalu Day 1 – Commence ascend to Laban Rata Hut. (BLD)

Day 11	Reach summit on Mt Kinabalu Day 2 – Finish ascent, descend to National Park HQ and drive to Kota Kinabalu (Sabah’s capital). Overnight at luxurious Magellan Sutera Resort. (BL)

Day 12	Free day in Kota Kinabalu. (B)

Day 13	Train to commence half day Padas River Rafting – Drive to Klias Wetlands. Night time Firefly cruise from Lodge. (BLD)

Day 14	Ferry to Labuan Island for battlefield tour. Fly to Kuala Lumpur. (B)

Day 15	Transfer to airport and fly home. (B)