Know Before You Go

The following packing list contains general recommendations for a trip to Borneo. If you are currently booked on a Borneo tour with Nat Hab, please consult your pre-departure materials for the most up-to-date packing list specific to your trip. You will receive these pre-departure materials 60-90 days before your departure.

Items indicated in color below are typically available in the Nat Hab Gear Store. Please note that due to global supply chain issues beyond our control, we cannot guarantee that every item will always be in stock.

Adventure Guidelines

• Borneo has high humidity, hot temperatures and rainfall throughout the year. Due to the extremely hot and humid conditions, we recommend bringing clothes made of synthetic, quick-drying material. If wet with rain or sweat, cotton items may not always dry completely.

• Because of the high humidity, many guests prefer to have ample changes of clothing (especially shirts). Laundry service is available at many of our accommodations (see the “Laundry” section of this briefing).

• Include rain gear in your carry-on bag, as you do not want to be caught without it should your checked luggage be delayed for any reason.

• Nat Hab will provide each guest with an instant cooling scarf (EnduraCool). This can be soaked in water and used to stay cool on hot days.

• Leech-proof outer socks will be provided for use while at Borneo Rainforest Lodge.

Clothing

• Lightweight, waterproof, breathable rain jacket with hood and rain pants

  —A long, sturdy plastic poncho that also covers your backpack is another option (thin plastic ponchos that tear easily are not recommended).

  —Rain pants can be useful, although guests may find them to be too uncomfortable due to the high heat and humidity. For this reason, some guests prefer carrying an umbrella instead of wearing rain gear.

• 5–6 short-sleeved lightweight shirts

• 2 long-sleeved lightweight shirts

  —For protection from sun and insects during outings.

• 2 pairs of lightweight, tightly woven long pants

• 1-2 pairs of shorts or lightweight zip-off pants

  —You may not want to wear these in Danum Valley, as leeches can get in through the zippers.

• Sturdy hiking boots/hiking shoes with good tread

  —Rainforest walks can be quite muddy and slippery. Your boots should be fully waterproof and comfortable, with good ankle support and traction. Make sure that they have been broken in to prevent blisters. Some guests find that bulky hiking boots are impractical and thus prefer hiking shoes.

• Water-resistant sport sandals

  —We may experience some wet landings during activities, so sturdy sandals are recommended.

  —These can also be worn in the evenings after outdoor excursions.

• Extra shoes that you can easily remove

  —Some lodges require guests to remove their shoes to enter the restaurant.

• Socks

  —Moisture-wicking (wool/synthetic blend) for hiking.

• Lightweight neck gaiter (included in your pre-trip package)

  —Provides sun, wind and dust protection.

• Sun hat (with brim for protection) 

• Swimsuit

  —Some of our accommodations have swimming pools.

• Underwear

• Lightweight sleepwear

Additional Items

• Water-resistant daypack 
  —To carry camera equipment and other gear during outings.
  —A waterproof pack cover can help keep contents dry if it rains.

• Cash for gratuities and personal spending

• Outlet adapter and/or power converter

• Power strips with surge protector or extension cord
  —These can be very handy if you have multiple things to charge, especially in foreign countries where outlet converters may be limited. Keeping all of your charging materials in one place reduces the possibility of forgetting the battery charger that was plugged into an obscure corner of your hotel room.

• Binoculars

• Sunglasses with secure strap

• Bandana or sweatband
  —Can be useful to keep perspiration off your face and neck.

• Small, quick-drying hand towel
  —May come in handy on outings when it rains.

• Quick-drying washcloth
  —Washcloths may not be provided by all accommodations.

• Toilet paper
  —Toilet paper is not always available in public restrooms, so we recommend keeping a roll in your daypack.

• Toiletries in reusable containers to minimize waste
  —Shampoo and soap are provided at all accommodations

• Insect repellent and anti-itch ointment
  —Repellents containing DEET are the most effective against mosquitoes, but please be aware that DEET is a very strong ingredient which can damage plastics, clothing and equipment.
  —Repellent that is sweat and water-resistant/waterproof is best.

• Sunscreen and lip balm

• Prescription medications and favorite remedies
  —For headaches, colds, upset stomach, dry eyes, skin irritations, diarrhea, etc. Our Expedition Leaders are not allowed to distribute any over-the-counter medications.
  —If you are prone to motion sickness, you may want to bring your favorite remedy.

• Hand sanitizer

• Reusable water bottle (included in your pre-trip package)
  —In our continuing effort to operate our adventures with as little impact on the environment as possible, you will receive a reusable water bottle (unless you opted out on your Adventure Portal) to take with you on your adventure. We will provide drinking water throughout the adventure for you to refill your bottle. By doing this, you will avoid using multiple disposable plastic bottles.

• Electrolyte/flavor crystal packets
  —Can be added to water to encourage hydration.

• Headlamp or small flashlight with spare batteries
  —Essential to have during night walks/activities and for walking on dark boardwalks at our accommodations.

• Compact umbrella
  —Can be a more comfortable option than rain gear in the heat.

• Dry bags or reusable waterproof bags 
  —Useful for wet or dirty clothing and to protect camera equipment.

• Hiking poles
  —If you choose to bring hiking poles, they must fit in your checked luggage, as you generally will not be allowed to carry them on the plane.
  —Hiking poles are provided during our time in the Danum Valley.

• Hairdryer
  —Hairdryers are available in rooms or by request at all our accommodations.
  
  Header Credit: Gavin Lautenbach