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Kinabalu Challenge
20th - 27th November 2010
19th - 26th February 2011
The Challenge:
Helicopter into the jungle, build your own shelter, trek through rainforest, paddle down tropical rivers, ride the rapids on your team-built raft and climb 4,100 metres up Mount Kinabalu, the highest mountain in South East Asia in the ultimate team adventure race!
Set deep in the jungles of Maylaysan Borneo, the Kinabalu Challenge is a five-day adventure race bringing together up to 15 teams from all over the world. Teams complete in a series of daily physical and mental challenges including abseiling, trekking, kayaking, white-water rafting and a tough mountain ascent.
Although it might not sound like it, we are not looking for super humans! The event is designed so that anyone with a decent level of fitness can take part. There will be teams wanting to win but also teams who feel that just completing the challenge is enough. We have previously had a 17 year old and a 54 year old both on the same Challenge so it is definitely achievable for everyone.
BMF's event management have successfully managed 10 Kinabalu Challenges over the past 7 years. As with all BMF Challenge events, it has proven a very exciting and challenging experience, most definitely life changing for most and something to be extremely proud of.
From the time you arrive in Malaysian Borneo, the Kinabalu Challenge is an all-inclusive package. Everything needed to safely complete the Challenge, from staffing and transport, to food and supplies, to accommodation needs and equipment, to transfers and medics, is all supplied for your convenience.
All those taking part in our Kinabalu Challenge are also offered BMF corporate membership (to those who are not already registered as a BMF corporate member) to give you discounted rate and encourage you to get in to the park more often in the lead up to the Challenge. Your corporate membership is indefinite, so you can enjoy this discounted rate when you return from the Challenge too.
Prior to signing up for the Challenge:
If you are interested in taking part in our Kinabalu Challenge, please click here to email Crispin to be put on our mailing list and to receive further information.
Prior to signing up, we recommend you have thoroughly read through all the information within this page as it is important you know what you are taking on. This Challenge is tough, but at the same time extremely rewarding and enjoyable.
There is some specific kit that you will require to take part on the Challenge. Prior to the Challenge you will receive a very detailed list of kit and descriptions of what is needed, but in the meantime, a brief list is shown below:
- Rucksac - your main item of luggage
- Daypack - approximately 45 litre capacity
- Mosquito Net
- Sleeping Bag and Mat
- Walking Boots/ walking shoes (No trainers)
- Sandals for rafting
- Fleece or other warm top
- Waterproofs (top & trousers)
- Hat and gloves
- Whistle
- Head torch
- Swimming gear
- Sense of humour!
- Water drinking system (camelback/platypus), min 1.5 liters
There are also a number of vaccinations / jabs that you must have prior to arrival on the Challenge. Some of these are required some time prior to the Challenge to be effective in time too, so please ensure you read through your paperwork correctly once you have signed up. The jabs required include:
- Polio
- Tetanus
- Hep A
- Typhoid
- Diptheria
Once signed up for the Challenge
Approximately 4 months prior to the Challenge you will receive all the paperwork via email that you must complete and return to us in the office. This paperwork includes a health and fitness questionnaire, next of kin details, allergies and dietary requirements, medical forms, vaccination forms, insurance forms etc. All these forms must be completed and returned by the date displayed on the form.
You will also be required to take a medical test and have your doctor complete a form that must be returned to us. Again, nothing to worry about, it's all just standard to ensure your safety, and the safety of all those taking part on the Challenge.
You will receive payment reminders 2 weeks prior to your payments being due. Please adhere to payment deadlines to ensure your place in the Challenge.
You will also need to organise your own travel arrangements to and from Kota Kinabalu, and further information on this can be found below.
Getting to Kota Kinabalu
We recommend contacting Emerald Travel for all your flight bookings. We have worked with them for years now and they are familiar with our requirements. Our contact there is Lee, and you can reach her on 020 7312 1700 (ext. 207).
You must arrive at Kota Kinabalu (KK) by no later then midday on Saturday 23 January. There are three flights options:
Option 1 and 2: Both Singapore Airlines and Malaysian Airlines will have you arriving at KK prior to midday on the morning of the Challenge which is perfect.
Option 3: Royal Brunei is a more budget option, and cheaper then Option 1 and 2. However flying with Royal Brunei has you landing at KK the day prior to the Challenge and you will need to pay for a night's accommodation in the local area. This can be organised for you, and if you take this option, let us know and we can pass on details for booking this accommodation.
Return Leg from Kota Kinabalu
The Challenge finishes with a farewell party on Friday 29 January, and flights can be booked from Saturday 30 January. After the Challenge a lot of people tend to stay on for a few days and do 'tourist' things like diving, visiting the zoo. There is quite a lot to do and see. Crispin can give you more information on this.
Teams
Everyone will complete the Challenge in a group of 4 participants. You do not need to sign up as a group, in fact on past events, approximately 80% of entries have signed up as individuals and we have placed them in a group.
We will match you to a group based on the information you have provided us (to the best of our ability) with others of a similar fitness level and strength to yourself. However, as you can imagine, this is a very difficult task and when completing your forms in relation to your fitness, they must be answered accurately and honestly to ensure you are placed in the correct group.
Information Night / Briefings
To help you prepare for the Challenge, we offer a series of information nights and event briefings. You will be emailed this information closer to the event date.
For those signing up as individuals, don't worry about not knowing anyone! We organise a few nights out prior to the Challenge so everyone will be a familiar face by the time you arrive at KK.
Fitness Assessment
Prior to the Challenge, ALL competitors must attend a compulsory fitness assessment. Further detail on this will be emailed closer to the time.
You do not need to be marathon fit to take part in the Challenge, and we promise that the Fitness Assessment is nothing to be worried about. It's sole purpose is so we have an accurate judgment of your fitness ability prior to getting in to the jungle and to ensure your safety on all activities at all times.
Cost
There are two payment options for the Challenge.
Option 1: Pay £1399 (including a non-refundable deposit)
Option 2: Fundraise £2950 with the excess going to a charity of your choice.
Please be reminded that your flight is NOT included in the above cost. Your flight is at your own expense and are generally around £550 to £650 return. Included in your payment above is a £250 non-refundable deposit.
Terms and conditions of payment are available on request
Payment
To reserve a place on our Kinabalu Challenge, please click here to visit our online shop and pay your £250.00 deposit. Please note that you deposit is non-refundable.
Further Information:
Please see further information on the Kinabalu Challenge within the below links. Read the diary of a previous competitor on the Challenge, see the itinerary and get an idea of how the event fits together...
If you require any additional information, please email Crispin or call on 0207 751 9742.
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