• Sep 8 KUL (Kuala Lumpar) to SDK (Sandakan)
• Sep 11 SDK to BKI
• Sep 14 BKI to KUL

 Doing Own Air–  We like research flights and book using Google Flights.  3rd-party booking engines like Expedia works well for research but unlike Google which you book directly with an airline, they make it nearly impossible to handle air problems should they arise.  Buy direct from airline or  should they arise pay a travel agent to ticket you.  If you need help air with the economy seat,  our guy Delhi can help; email [email protected] with your exact air dates, destination, passport name, and details with birthdate.  Amending tour pre-or post-trip: We honor your independent spirit, but encourage you to extend more days at the trip’s end when you’re acclimated well to the destination.  If you add another country, we often see many AFSers on Facebook urging others to join them what do you consider the cost of tours, transport, hotels, etc.  Stopovers are great to add, but understand AFS has no responsibility for the quality of your trip.

(Please understand that as a group tour operator it’s important to note that our specialty lies in organizing group tours, and as such, our resources are tailored specifically for this purpose. Consequently, we are not equipped with the appropriate tools to assist with individual travel plans. For personalized vacation arrangements, we recommend exploring services like Viator, which is designed for individual travelers.)

Airport Transfers-  In August we will email you a form to complete your air details, dates and times. If we get a minimum of 10 people or more we can provide an arrival transfer for those people. Anyone falling outside those times, the fastest way to get to Traders Hotel, Kuala Lumpur from airport is to taxi which takes 45 min and costs $23 – $28 or Uber.

Due to the complexity of managing individual flight schedules, and with people arriving on different days and times it’s impossible to provide a group transfer. We’ll collect everyone’s flight information through a form, arrival transfers will only be available if we have a minimum of 10 people arriving at similar times. Travelers arriving outside this group transfer windows will need to arrange their own transportation to the hotel via taxi or Uber. This shift aligns with current industry standards, as most major tour companies have already moved to having travelers arrange their own arrival transfers. Like our industry peers, we’ve found this to be the most practical solution for everyone involved. Rest assured, we will still provide a return transfer to the airport on the final day of the tour. As we get closer to the departure date, we’ll send you a form to collect your exact flight details, which we’ll need for coordinating both potential arrival transfers and your guaranteed departure transfer.

Meet Up With Group- On SEP 6 a time will be set to meet the group at the hotel for a briefing. More on this later in our departure letter.  Janice will also be sending you updates as our departure nears. We will be collecting all your air schedules or arrivals and departures.

Baggage– Think light to ease your burden, not like you’re fleeing your homeland.  You change hotel properties several times including three internal flights. including three internal flights.  Bring your carry-on and your main suitcase not to exceed 45lb checked bag – weigh on a bathroom scale.  Apple AirTags work great to track checked bags when the airline cannot, also good for carry-on.   Leave space for great souvenirs. Be sure to attach ID inside and out of carry-on and checked bag.

 Packing-  Google weather in Borneo a week prior departure – should be in the 80’s.  September is in the dry season making this the ideal time to visit.

This trip is casual and easy to pack.   September, pack lightweight, breathable clothing such as moisture-wicking shirts and long pants for comfort in the heat and humidity.  Include swimwear for potential beach or waterfall visits, and comfortable footwear like lightweight hiking shoes or sturdy sandals with good grip, plus flip-flops for casual use. Don’t forget a wide-brimmed hat and sunglasses for sun protection, insect repellent to guard against mosquitoes, and high-SPF sunscreen to protect your skin. Bring a small daypack for carrying essentials during excursions, a portable travel umbrella, travel-sized toiletries, and a small first aid kit with basic supplies and personal medications. Enjoy your trip and stay hydrated with bottled water!

Read Packing 101 in Heading Abroad with AFS

Cool travel hacks from our AFSers! Pack overnight outfit in your carry-on, liquid IV packets to hydrate, use packing cubes, downy wrinkle spray, Apple AirTags, extra nylon bag to check laundry home, tons of US dollars for extra tips, fully charged travel banks, less is more, get global entry.

 Electric– Don’t forget a portable backup charger, cords, gadgets, etc. Cell phones and tablets do not need a converter; you only need an adapter plug.  AFSers often leave charger cords in room, so be sure to double-check your room before check out. All properties have hairdryers.  See https://www.power-plugs-sockets.com

 Money Matters – Always bring some cash!  You will need some cash for personal tipping, meals, and shopping. $300 cash should suffice.    Change currency on arrival at airport, bank, or hotels or withdraw local currency from an ATM.  Note -independent ATMs are risky due to skimmer scams. Safest ATMs are at airport and banks. Always shield your pin number when entering.  Bring newer bills 2016 on as some countries won’t take old or slightly damaged bills.

Master Card and Visa widely accepted.  Amex rarely accepted.   Credit cards are far safer than using your debit card. I use my credit card for most purchases.  Many cards now offer no foreign transaction fees. (Some countries in Africa and Asia require new bills dated after 2016. Older bills not accepted when changing money.)

• Currency  Exchange Rate  $1 = 1.37
• Follow the link below to create a conversion cheat sheet

• USD to Indonesian Rupiah (IDR) Quick Reference Chart

  $1 = Rp 16,312
  $5 = Rp 81,560
  $10 = Rp 163,120
  $20 = Rp 326,240
  $50 = Rp 815,600
  $100 = Rp 1,631,200

  💡 Travel Tip: When looking at prices in Indonesia, remember:

  • Rp 100,000 is about $6
  • Most small meals cost between Rp 25,000-50,000 ($1.50-3)
  • If you see “K” after a number, it means thousand (e.g., 50K = Rp 50,000)

  Note: Exchange rates fluctuate daily. This chart uses the rate as of January 21, 2025.

Gratuities –  Please note that included, but added $100 to your final invoice for ease of distribution we hired the top ground teams in each country. It’s protocol to tip our guides, assistance, drivers, porters, staff, lodges and more for each group abroad.   Discretionary tips help insure a good relationship and the only thing we travelers leave behind is our reputation. Our new web platform we travel shows all trip prices. The gratuities are listed below the itinerary and in the trip tips. Amount difference per destinations, as well as the group size on land or cruise tours. Our tour companies must determine gratuity amount in advance. Total group tipping is based on minimum standards within the tourism industry. It local staff goes beyond the call of duty for you, we encourage you to give more directly.

Tipping on own – If service is stellar, feel free to give more directly.  All we tourists leave behind is our reputation. I carry a stash of US ones in an envelope to draw from as needed. Porters – AFSers roll bags to their room.  If you use a porter, please tip.  For group lunches or dinners included, please leave $2 for waitstaff!

 Communication– Internet is available, especially at our hotels in large cities. And some of the smaller locations it may be a little spotty.

 With smartphones, be sure to check with your provider for rates and coverage for international phone plans before departure. Data Roaming rates can be expensive. To reach home – Texting, iMessage, WhatsApp, and Facebook messaging when using WIFI. Be cautious using public Wi-Fi without using VPN. Without VPN never open attachments or view financial or personal accounts on the Internet while abroad.  Phone calls, text messages, and data usage of all kinds, it is crucial to understand that, unless you are connected to Wi-Fi, every use of your phone incurs a data toll.  Unless you are connected to Wi-Fi, however, WhatsApp is using cellular data, so you are getting charged at your provider’s international roaming data rate.  Facebook Messenger Phone is an easy free way to make calls. The most affordable way to get data on your cell phone is by using a SIM card or virtual Sim card. However, this will only work if your phone is unlocked, meaning it’s not tied to a specific carrier.

Safety: AFS, safety of our Travelers is our priority since our inception in 1989. Our local teams constantly monitor any issues with your destination. They can access real time safety updates and inform us if necessary.

Avoiding Hackers on Vacation.  Thieves not only want your money but also your data.    Change passwords often. Check device security settings before you leave for your trip. Back up, update, and encrypt your devices and data using a virtual VPN. Since 1989, your safety is our primary concern. Our local teams are experts, constantly monitoring any issues with your destinations. They can access real-time safety issues and will keep us informed if necessary.

• Bottled water is a must in Borneo.  Do not drink tap water.  Stay hydrated.
• Travel health – Avoid street foods. Bring Imodium or anti-diarrhea medicine.  Bring sunscreen.  Load up on antioxidants like vitamin C to zinc.

Health –  All our meals are pure and water is filtered. Bottled water provided throughout. Don’t use ice outside hotels. No shots are needed.

Photography – Before taking pictures of locals, know it is polite to ask.  Your AFS Private Facebook Group Page is a great way to share your best shots with each other. AFS loves photos with group participants (not typical churches, monuments, or any shot that looks like you pulled it off of the net, etc.) for our website. The best photos are ones that include a group member with a local, children, animals, or at iconic sites in the same frame! Note, there may be some restrictions with photos in Buddhist places and religious sites. Guide will advise.

Websites of Interest:  Visitborneo.com or lonelyplanet-borno.  The official tourism website for Malaysia, known as Malaysia Travel, offers valuable information about Borneo, particularly the states of Sabah and Sarawak. For those interested in Indonesian Borneo (Kalimantan), the Wonderful Indonesia site features details on destinations, culture, and activities. These resources can help travelers plan their trips and discover attractions, including opportunities to see orangutans.

 Chewing-  Indonesian cuisine is incredibly diverse, reflecting the country’s many islands and regions, with rice as a staple food served with almost every meal. Popular dishes include Nasi Goreng, a flavorful fried rice made with leftover rice, soy sauce, and various proteins; Satay, skewered and grilled meat served with peanut sauce; and Rendang, a rich and spicy slow-cooked meat dish originating from West Sumatra. Gado-Gado is a salad of boiled vegetables, tofu, and hard-boiled eggs topped with peanut sauce, while Soto is a traditional soup made with meat and spices. Tempeh and tofu are widely consumed soy products, often marinated and fried, and Bakso consists of meatballs served in broth with noodles and vegetables. Nasi Padang features rice served with a variety of side dishes, including fried fish and spicy curries, showcasing the rich flavors and culinary traditions of Indonesia.

Accommodations –Accommodations – Our itinerary has links to each hotel.  Hotels can change, but it’s rare.

Roommates –  Single supplements have significantly increased in price– if available at all.  Save money and buy yourself an awesome local gift. We all live alone, but save money when traveling by rooming together. Suzy spends a lot of time on roommate matching.  99% of our clients are wonderful and you’re only in your room to sleep at night.   The best option is to invite a friend.  Note, kindness begets kindness.  Many of our seasoned travelers bring headsets to drown out any excess noise.  We share rooms only to sleep at night.

Please understand if  the AFS room list ends up with unbalanced gender, and forces a single room, we will offer it to all in group.  If all decline, we split the added forced cost single room. If you were the last to book we may have to remove you from the trip unless you share in the supplement cost

 Leisure Time –  For your free time, it’s best to arrive and ask our local expert guides for suggestions.  We notice many newer clients pre-plan many activities on the AFS trip well before they arrive, often with disappointing results.  Our daily itineraries are pretty full, but there will be some free time. Expert travelers revel in the element of surprise in a new destination and allow the wind to blow them where it will. Use Google Maps on your phone to find everything nearby.

Amending tour pre-or post-trip. We honor your independent spirit, but encourage you to extend more days at the trip’s end when you’re acclimated well to the destination.  If you add another country, we often see many AFSers on Facebook urging others to join them what do you consider the cost of tours, transport, hotels, etc.  Stopovers are great to add, but understand AFS has no responsibility for the quality of your trip. Please understand that we are a group tour organizer and do not have the time or resources sources to arrange private vacations for individuals.

Private Facebook Group Page  –  The benefit of the Private FB Group Page is that you have an opportunity to introduce yourself to your fellow travelers before departure and share trip photos during and after the tour.  The link can be found in your Wetravel welcome letter after your initial deposit.  (We found that some never read the Trip Tips jumping right to the Private FB Group Page assuming they will get all trip info needed. Often, they only receive rumors or misinformation. All important information is ALWAYS emailed to each participant and posted in Trip Tips under UPDATES. Nobody misses a thing.)

Emergency Contact – AFS phone or text 770-432-8225, or email us at https://afstravelers.com/contact-us/    More contacts will be provided with your Final Docs email 2 to 3 weeks before departure. Your guide can handle a call home for a true emergency. Do not expect to use your trip leader’s cell phone; you’ll need to use your own.

Cancellation Policy –  At Adventures For Solo Travelers (AFS), we understand that sometimes unforeseen circumstances may require you to cancel your tour. We have established the following cancellation policy to provide clarity and fairness to all our travelers; thus keeping in line with other tour operators and global suppliers today. A deposit secures your place on an AFS tour. The deposit amount varies by tour and will be clearly stated for each trip.  (Cruiseline deposit structure in terms may differ.)

Deposits Paid- Cancel and You Find a Replacement – $100 Penalty

• If you cancel your tour and YOU find a replacement, you will be refunded your deposit minus a $100 processing fee. Please note that finding a replacement does not fully alleviate the administrative burden on AFS, as we must still spend time familiarizing the new traveler with the tour details, answering questions, and sending all previous communications. The $100 fee helps offset these costs. You are responsible for finding a suitable replacement and ensuring they meet all AFS eligibility criteria and agree to the terms and conditions of the tour.

Travel Insurance– Approach your journey with an open heart and mind, understanding that travel experiences differ wonderfully from our daily routines. The most rewarding adventures come to those who embrace flexibility and maintain an adventurous spirit.

Should plans shift, view changes as opportunities for unexpected discoveries. Cultural differences are not obstacles but gateways to enriching experiences – respect local traditions that have flourished for centuries. Let curiosity guide you, and remember that a genuine smile transcends all language barriers. Your warmth and kindness will naturally invite the same in return.

While we encourage embracing adventure, we also prioritize your peace of mind. In today’s dynamic travel environment, we strongly recommend securing travel insurance to protect your investment. Visit insuremytrip.com to compare comprehensive coverage options. While standard policies cover trip interruption and cancellation, CFAR (Cancel For Any Reason) coverage provides additional protection, including COVID-related cancellations, though at a higher premium. Please note that no insurance covers cancellations due to fear of travel.

Important Insurance Timeline:

• If you have any pre-existing conditions (such as concerns about elderly parent, a chronic health condition that may flare up, etc.), a chronic health condition that may flare up, etc If you purchase insurance within 15 days of your initial trip deposit for full coverage they cover it all.
• You can adjust your coverage amount later (for example, to add airfare costs)
• Insurance can be purchased at any time, but coverage may be limited if bought after the 15-day window
• Recommended providers: TravelSafe, Allianz, and Seven Corners

Our shared goal remains simple: immerse ourselves in diverse cultures, forge new friendships, capture stunning moments, embrace joyful experiences, and return home with stories that will last a lifetime – all while knowing you’re properly protected for the journey.

Click here to Purchase Travel Insurance online

AFS Group Etiquette – Approach your journey with an open heart and mind, understanding that travel experiences differ wonderfully from our daily routines. The most rewarding adventures come to those who embrace flexibility and maintain an adventurous spirit.

Should plans shift, view changes as opportunities for unexpected discoveries. Cultural differences are not obstacles but gateways to enriching experiences – respect local traditions that have flourished for centuries. Let curiosity guide you, and remember that a genuine smile transcends all language barriers. Your warmth and kindness will naturally invite the same in return.

Our shared goal is simple: immerse ourselves in diverse cultures, forge new friendships, capture stunning moments, embrace joyful experiences, and return home with stories that will last a lifetime.

10 Commandments for AFS Travelers

1. Thou shall not expect to find things as thou hast at home, for thou hast left thy home to find things different.
2. Thou shall not take anything too seriously.A carefree mind is the beginning of a fun vacation.
3. Thou shall not let other group members get on thy nerves, for thou art paying good money to enjoy thyself.
4. Thou shall not forget that doist represent America (Canada too) at all times. Kindness begets kindness, ugliness begets ugliness.
5. Thou shall not worry. This is for thine AFS trip leader.  They who worry hath no pleasure, and few things are fatal.
6. Remember thy passport at all times. A person without a passport is a person without a country.
7. Blessed is the person who can say “thank you” in any language
8. When in Rome, do as the Romans do
9. Do not judge the people of a foreign land by one person with whom thou hast had trouble.
10. Remember, thou art a guest in each land. They who treateth their host with respect shall be treated as a guest of honor.

At AFS, we maintain a non-partisan environment to ensure all travelers can focus on our shared passion – our love of travel. To preserve a positive group dynamics, we encourage members to avoid political discussions and embrace our core values of Tolerance, Open-mindedness, and Kindness (TOK).

Please understand that while tour itineraries may require adjustments based on local conditions, all advertised activities will be delivered. Our team is readily available to address any questions regarding your upcoming journey. We anticipate travel requirements will continue to streamline, and we thank you for your understanding during this transition period. The privilege of international travel has become increasingly meaningful, and we’re delighted to help you resume your adventures.  Your long-awaited journey awaits – let’s explore!