A short introductory trip to Bekalalan in mid December

TRIP TO BA'KALALAN VALLEY IN THE KELABIT HIGHLANDS
12 - 14 DECEMBER 2009

Members are invited to take part a short weekend trip to Bekalalan up in the highlands on the above dates. A short trip on a twin otter from Miri airport will transport you across from the humid lowlands to cool quiet surroundings of Bekakalan. Friends of MNS Miri are welcomed too.

Some of the activities you may find yourself taking part include:
1. visit apple farm (apple harvesting is around end of Nov to early Dec, hope there are some left for us to pick and sample)
2. climb up a hill to a view point, enjoy the scenery of Bakalalan
3. walk from Buduk Nur to the other end of Bakalalan and visit Buduk Bui (salt spring) on the way ~ about 3 hours walk one way, passing paddy fields and villages
4. birdwatching and photography for those seeking a more leisurely weekend up in the highlands.

It's an introductory trip so it'll be a leisurely affair, you choose yourself how you wish to spend your first Bekalalan weekend.

We will be stating for 2 nites at Bekalalan Apple Lodge Homestay, cost per room and board specified below:

http://www.borneojunglesafari.com/apple_lodge_bakelalan.htm

Single/double with attached bathroom - RM60 per room per night
Twin/double with shared bathroom - RM50 per room per night
Breakfast - RM5, lunch - RM12, Dinner - RM12 per person

Guide and Transport:
Guide around Ba'kalalan - fee is about RM45 - 60 (for group of 12).
4WD ~ RM250 per vehicle one way from one end of village to the other end (optional, price depends on distance and type of vehicle. It is also possible to hire motorbike)

MasWings flights:
Sat 12/14 MYY/BKM ETD 7:30am ETA 9:05am
Mon 14/14 BKM/MYY ETD 10:05am ETA 11:40am
RM177.00 return.

The thing with trips to the interior is always the availability of tickets to board the plane. This announcement hopes to give you ample notice to scramble to the airport closest to you and book your Bekalalan tickets. We'll be firming up our accomodation bookings by mid November, so do get going if your're joining us.

It'll be fun raoming around unfamiliar surroundings making new friends along the way.