Tuesday, November 30, 2010

Sapulot Attractions


Batu Punggul

Standing tall along the upstream of Sapulot River lies Batu Punggul, a limestone outcrop that measures an approximate of 200 meters in height. Spoken of in many local Legends and being one of the most famous limestone outcrops in Borneo, Batu Punggul is a definite must visit attraction.

One of the most famous Legends claims that Batu Punggul was once a traditional Murut longhouse that was turned into stone by the angry GODS as one of taboos was broken by people attending the big feast

To reach Batu Punggul, one is required to take a journey by road to Tataluan Village. The drive will take approximately 4 hours from Kota Kinabalu, or approximately only 40 minutes from Romol Village Eco-Lodge. From there, a short 20 minutes river cruise on a traditional wooden boat powered by an outboard engine will bring you to the riverside base of the Legendary Batu Punggul.

Visitors are required to trek through the virgin jungles to the foot of the outcrop, the starting point for the climb (optional). During the jungle trekking, guests can also enter a small cave along the way where a massive Buddha shaped rock could be found. Since the jungle trekking will be cutting through the virgin jungles, do expect to be able to spot interesting wildlife and exotic plants along the way.

Able visitors will have an option to conquer Batu Punggul by a guided climb by the villagers. However climbing is done at climber’s own risk as only minimal safety facilities are provided as a measure to preserve the natural beauty of this magnificent limestone outcrop. If you wish, you can also leap over freefall gaps measuring up to 2.5 feet at the peak of Batu Punggul to enjoy more views.

This activity requires one to be physically fit for the jungle trekking and rock climbing activities. For those visitors who are less fit or scared of heights, they can also visit the nearby Tinahas cave which is about 30 minutes hike from the foot of Batu Punggul. According to the legend, this was the other long house on the other side of the river which was turned into rock at the same time when Batu Punggul was turned into rock. At the entrance of the Tinahas Cave, visitors can expect to see an iron wood beam imbedded in the limestone. There are also jar shaped stalagnites. According to the Legend, these are the tapioca and rice wine jars which was turned into stone during the whole event.

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Dragon Cave

The Legendary Dragon Cave or better known as The Pungiton Cave is a series of caves which should not be missed when visiting Sapulut. The name "Pungiton" was derived from the Murut word "PUNGIT" which means Bats since it is filled with abundance of them.

The Local Legends also mentioned that the Pungiton Cave is the house of a fiesty "Dragon" whose duty was to protect the cave from any external threats and harm, and that some of the elderly villagers had testified that they have witnessed this "Dragon" before. A large log blocking the Pungiton Streams ahd several wooden boats had been broken into pieces.

"Perfect for Cave Explorers, Jungle Trekkers, Nature Lovers and the Adventurous"

The caves are divided into several levels and each of them offers a different story and experience. During the cave exploration activity, one could expect to see; a cave with a stream running through it, a natural marble cave, the dragon's lair, and many more. Beautiful Stalactite and Stalagmite formations, Cave wall erosion patterns, the different wildlife and insects are also present in the caves.

A bare minimum development has been done to these caves in order to preserve its natural beauty, dangerous ledges or gaps are equipped with sturdy wooden steps for safety reasons.



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Hidden Waterfalls

Sapulot - Logongon area is blessed with many natural waterfalls big and small scattered and hidden as they are away from the main routes. Surrounded by the tropical jungles, these are the Natural SPA’s handcrafted by Mother Nature as a gift to Sapulot Logongon area.

With each of the waterfalls having its own stories, legends and taboos, it also promises so much relaxation and excitement at the same time.

Some of the hidden and beautiful waterfalls discovered are; The Kabolungou Waterfall (7 Levels of WonderFall), The Bantul Waterfall, The Sosogoh Waterfall, and many more.

"SPA’s handcrafted by Mother Nature as a gift to Sapulot"
Orou Sapulot - Kabulongou Waterfall

To get to each of the waterfalls will require visitors to undergo different obstacles both light and tough which include walking across streams and pools, climbing hills and rocks, jungle trekking or even taking a traditional perahu (wooden boat) across rapids.

Having undergone these small obstacles, one would be rewarded by indulging themselves into the most Natural SPAs in North Borneo surrounded and guarded by tropical jungles and fauna.

All of these waterfalls can be taken up as an activity when you visit OROU Sapulot.


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Rapid Shooting

The OROU Rapid Shooting could be best defined as a Traditional White Water Rafting but with some distinct differences.

The differences are:

* Instead of an inflated raft, we use the traditional wooden boat powered by outboard engines.

* Instead of just going downstream, we do both downstream and upstreams which offer different thrills.

* Get to witness the different villagers along the ride with their different cultures and amazing agriculture practices.

* For the Salung - Bantul - Salung rapid shooting, stop by one of OROU's discovered Hidden Waterfall Treasures at Bantul, near the Indonesia, Kalimantan Border.

* Some wildlife could also be spotted along the way.

* Our rivers when flooded after heavy rain arent exactly white!

* With prior arrangements, guests can lunch break and experience the livelihood and hospitality of the villagers at the Bantul Village Longhouse.

Orou Sapulot Rapid Shooting
Take this challenge by participating in this heart pounding, adrenaline pumping and non stop action adventures all the way down to the border of Indonesia and back! Also prepare to get yourself wet from this splashing experience.

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Lodgings

Romol Village Eco - Lodge

Strategically nestled on a hill, lies the Romol Village Eco-Lodge which promises beautiful surroundings and amazing sceneries especially during early morning sunrise. It is also the easiest location to access most of the beautiful attractions and activities offered by OROU Sapulut.

The Romol Village House is designed based on a normal village house concept to today's Sapulot’s one and only Village Eco-Lodge in the area that offers various basic amenities for guest lodgings. Guests staying at the Romol Village Eco-Lodge will be accommodated in the common hall the traditional way of Murut living, Mattreses, pillows, and bedsheet are provided for their comfort. The Romol Village Eco-Lodge gets its gravity fed water supply from a stream from the hill, therefore also guests can expect to be able to shower in refreshing fresh water. Some of the basic amenities include; public toilets, showers, common hall and even a dining area.

"The main characteristics of a Traditional Murut Village House are still Maintained"
The huge common hall will aslo provide space for gatherings, parties, performances and hosting guests. Staying at the Romol Villa Eco-Lodge not only promises our guests a fairly comfortable living, but also the beautiful experience of a traditional murut culture and friendly hospitality.

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Pungiton Eco - Camp

Situated at the bank of the Sapulot River and a stone's throw to the magnificent Legendary Pungiton Cave lays the Pungiton Camp. The other feature of the site is the large pebble beach when the Sapulot RIver is low to suggest Camp Fire, Swimming, and Sunbathing activities.

The legend tells that the The Pungiton Cave was once inhibited by a feisty "Dragon" whose duty was to protect the cave from any harm and threats. There were also testimonies from some of the older village folks claiming that they had seen this creature whose body’s diameter is more than 3 feet and its body covered with scales. It was also said that every time it gets irritated, the river water near the entrance to the cave would rise at least 3 feet high than the normal level.

"The Pungiton Cave was once inhibited by a feisty Dragon!"
Borneo Orou Sapulot - River Cave Entrance

The Pungiton Camp is developed by Borneo Outback Tours and the Villagers of Labang as their direct participation in the project. Many careful considerations were taken into account during the development of The Pungiton Camp, to minimize disturbances to its natural surroundings.

In Phase of the development, 2 accommodation options are available in Pungiton Camp to meet our guests' preferences. Hammocks which at any time could accommodate 20 people and 4 Men Tents to accommodate up to another 20 more. In the immediate future, 5 traditional farm houses will be built by the villagers to accommodate at least an additonal 20 people. The Pungiton Camp is sufficiently equipped with basic amenities such as Toilets, Showers, Dining Area, BBQ Pitt, Firewood Kitchen and a Reception Area are also part of the facilities to to ensure that every visitor will experience a pleasent stay.

The Pungiton Camp is perfect for cave explorers, jungle trekkers, nature lovers, incentive and motivation groups, the adventurous as well as those who want to experience Mother Nature to the fullest.

Activities available at Pungiton Camp include, Jungle Trekking, Cave Exploration, River Cruise, Fishing, Campfire and many more.


Borneo Orou Sapulot - Pungiton Camp Tents

Tents

3D 2N Murut Homestay & Living


Itinerary:

Day 1
Transfer o Romol Eco-Village at 7.30am
Lunch served upon arrival at Romol Eco-Village
View traditional animal traps
Participate in bead making and weaving

Day 2
Participate in farming activities
River cruise and traditional fishing
Murut Culture Performance

Day 3
Visit Kabulongou Waterfalls
Transfer back to Kota Kinabalu (Dinner is at Guest own cost)

Package Included: return land transfer, all food, lodging, activities and guides

Price:
2 - 3pax : RM 1250.00 per person
4 - 5pax : RM 820.00 per person
6 - 7pax : RM 650.00 per person

4D 3N The Sepulot Outdoors


Itinerary:

Day 1
Transfer to Pungitan Camp via road and river at 7.30am
Lunch served upon arrival at Pungiton Camp
Story telling session after dinner

Day 2
Trek into all 3 levels of the Pungiton Caves
Campfire by the river banks

Day 3
Legendary Batu Punggul visit
Transfer to Romol Eco-Village
Murut Cultural performance

Day 4
Rapid shooting and hidden waterfall visit
Transfer back to Kota Kinabalu (Dinner is at Guest's own cost)

Package Included: return land transfer, all food, lodging, activities and guides

Price:
2 - 3pax : RM 1790.00 per person
4 - 5pax : RM 1450.00 per person
6 - 7pax : RM 1150.00 per person

5D 4N Sapulot All Rounder


Itinerary:

Day 1
Transfer to Pungiton Camp at 7.30am
Lunch served upon arrival at Pungiton Camps
Story telling session after dinner

Day 2
Trek into all 3 levels of Pungiton Caves
Traditional fire starting demonstration

Day 3
Legendary Batu Punggul visit
Transfer to Romol Eco - Village
Culture Derformance & bead making

Day 4
Rapid shooting to the border of Kalimantan and visit a beautiful hidden waterfall
Witness the Muruts traditional fishing

Day 5
Visit the Kabuloungou Waterfalls
Transfer back to Kota Kinabalu (Dinner is at Guest's own cost)

Package Included: return land transfer, all food, lodging, activities & guides

Price:
2 - 3pax: RM 2400.00 per person
4 - 5pax: RM 1800.00 per person
6 - 7pax: RM 1450.00 per person

Friday, February 19, 2010

3D 2N - 4 Show Caves Mulu

Day 1
Upon arrival Mulu Airport, MH 3255 / 14:55 from Kota Kinabalu, meet and greet by our friendly representative (Royal Mulu Staff) and transfer to Royal Mulu Resort for check in.
Free & Leisure. Dinner will be served at buffet style. Overnight
Meal: Dinner






Day 2

7.00am: Breakfast at resort and by 8.20am, collect your pack lunch at R&A counter, transfer by longboat proceed to Batu Bungan - Penan Settlement, to observe the tribe lifestyle and to select handicrafts on display for sale at Penan Settlement. Continue journey by longboat to Wind Cave and Clearwater Cave. Picnic at Clearwater summer huts and later on you can enjoy swimming at Clearwater spring. . Late afternoon return transfer by longboat to resort, Rest at resort



2.10pm:
Afternoon, meet at resort lobby at R&A counter and transfer to Mulu National Park headquarters. Upon registration and proceed on plank walk for 3 Km to reach Deer Cave & Lang Cave. After exploring the caves, proceed to bats observatory to observe bats flying out of caves entrance at late evening (Only confine to fine weather). Return journey on the same plank walk to park headquarters and transfer back to resort. Dinner with cultural show performance & overnight at resort
Meal: Breakfast / Pack Lunch / Dinner




Day 3

Breakfast at resort & free at own leisure until transfer to Mulu airport for flight departure. Flight back to Kota Kinabalu MH 3254 / 3.20pm
Meal: Breakfast

For leisure activities like cycling, fishing, rock climbing etc. The activity mentions are passenger expenses



Rates Inclusive:

2 nights accommodation at Royal Mulu Resort
2 Breakfasts, 1 lunch & 2 dinners
Entrance fee, guide fee (Mulu National Park Guide Only) & boat transfers
All transfers & tours as stated in the package

Requirement for the trip:
Torchlight, insect repellent, raincoat, swim wear, own drinking bottle and first aid kit.

Price: RM 650.00 per person (Min. 2 Person)
Extra: RM 50.00 per person for private tour (Personal Guide Included)

Recommend Flight:

(Mon/Wed/Thu/Sat)
From KK to Mulu : MH 3255 : 1305 hrs - 1455hrs
From Mulu to KK : MH 3254 : 1520hrs - 1735hrs

(Daily)
From Miri to Mulu : MH 3630 : 0930hrs - 1000hrs
From Mulu to Miri : MH 3631 : 1025hrs - 1055hrs

3D 2N - Pinnacles Experience


Day 1 (Boat ride to Kuala Litut / Trekking to Camp 5)
Must arrive with first flight from Miri at 9.30am & arrive Mulu at 10am, after arrived
morning flight ready depart to the airport jetty for a boat ride to Kuala Litut (estimate time 1 hour depend on the water ) reach Kuala Litut ready for jungle trekking 8.8km to camp 5.Overnight.
Meal: pack lunch, dinner

Day 2 ( Pinnacle trip )
0630 or 0700hrs after breakfast ready to trekking up 2.4km to reach the pinnacle view point.duration(2- 3hours ), spend 30 minute or 1 hour to see the view. Ready to trekking back.duration 1-3hours.Overnigh
t.
Meal: breakfast, pack lunch and dinner
Day 3 ( Trekking back to Kuala Litut )
After breakfast around 0800hrs ready to trekking back to kuala Litut for boat transfer back to Mulu Airport to catch the flight back to miri.

Meal: breakfast,pack lunch.
Rates Inclusive:
- 2 night at Camp 5
- return boat ride - mulu airport - kuala litut
- meal
- personal tour guide


Requirement for the trip:
- rain coat, sleeping bag, insect repellent, torch light, tooth brush, soap, towel, good trekking shoes, 2 or 3 pair of cloth, stocking

Price: RM 1150.00 per person (Min. 2 person)

4D 3N - 4 Show Caves + Pinnacles Experience


Day 1 ( Deer Cave & Lang Cave)

Upon arrival Mulu Airport, MH 3630 / 10.00hrs from Miri, meet and greet by our friendly representative (Royal Mulu Staff) and transfer to Royal Mulu Resort for check in.
2.10pm: Afte
rnoon, meet at resort lobby at R&A counter and transfer to Mulu National Park headquarters. Upon registration and proceed on plank walk for 3 Km to reach Deer Cave & Lang Cave. After exploring the caves, proceed to bats observatory to observe bats flying out of caves entrance at late evening (Only confine to fine weather). Return journey on the same plank walk to park headquarters and transfer back to resort. Dinner with cultural show performance & overnight at resort
Meal: Pack Lunch & Dinner


Day 2 ( Wind & Clearwater caves & Camp 5 )

7.00am: Breakfast at resort and by 8.20am, collect your pack lunch at R&A counter, transfer by longboat proceed to Batu Bungan - Penan Settlement, to observe the tribe lifestyle and to select handicrafts on display for sale at Penan Settlement. Continue journey by longboat to Wind Cave and Clearwater Cave. Picnic at Clearwater summer huts and later on you can enjoy swimming at Clearwater spring.

After wind & clearwater caves continue your journey another 1 hour to reach Kuala Litut, sometime you need to go out and push the boat certain part.reach kuala litut and ready to do your jungle trekking to reach camp 5 ( 2-3hours ) Overnight at Camp 5
Meal: breakfast , pack lunch & dinner.

Day 3 ( Pinnacle & Camp 5)

Early breakfast in the morning around 0600hrs.
0630 or 0700hrs read
y to do trekking up 2.4km until you reach the view point to see the pinnacles
( 2-3hours ). After to see the pinncles start trekking back ( 2-3hours ). Overnight at Camp 5
Meal: breakfast, pack lunch & dinner.

Day 4 ( Trekking back to Kuala Litut )

After breakfast ready trekking back to Kuala Litut for boat transfer back to resort.
Short shower at resort and transfer to Mulu Aiport to catch the 1520 flight back to miri.
Meal: breakfast & pack lunch.

Rates Inclusive:

- 2 night at Camp 5
and 1 night at Royal Mulu Resort
- tour guide & mulu national p
ark guide
- meal as stated

- boat ride

Requirement for the trip:
- rain coat, sleeping bag, insect repellent, torch light, tooth brush, soap, towel, good trekking shoes, 2 or 3 pair of cloth, stocking

Price: RM 1350.00 per person (Min. 2person)