Borneo Motorcycle Tour - Packing List

Packing List

We have quite a bit of experience riding around these parts. So these are our recommendations for what to pack -

Riding Gear

Helmet
Motorcycle Jacket with Armor - ALL mesh, no goretex - It is HOT HERE!
- Alternative, you could wear only armor with a light shirt. Just be sure whatever you bring, it's for the hottest, most humid weather you can imagine riding in.
Motorcycle Pants with Armor or External Armor - Again, ALL mesh, no goretex!
Riding Boots - A good pair of motorcycle boots that you can walk around comfortably in.
Riding Gloves - Make sure they are mesh for hot weather (sensing a theme here?)
Neck Buff - Great for wetting in the morning.
Rain Suit - For over your gear. Rain storms are intense here, and it rains frequently! So having something that has been proven to keep you dry will be invaluable. Don't forget about rain pants so your boots don't fill up with water.\
Sunglasses - Comfortable for riding.
Ear Plugs

Documents

Passport - Make sure you have at least 4 blank pages, and it won't expire in less than 6 months after your trip.
Driver's License & International DL - All rider must have a motorcycle license, and an International Driver's License is required!
Photocopies of Passport and Driver's License - Store them in a different location.
Emergency Credit Card - Tucked away someplace safe, storing cash in different spots is good too. Not because of theft (it is very safe here) but just in case it is left behind on accident somewhere.

Electronics

Camera - You'll definitely want to take pictures on this trip (we'll also be filming for our documentary video add-on, more on that HERE) A telescopic lens on a quality camera will be perfect for the wildlife, and a waterproof action camera is fun for riding. But in all honesty, a good phone with a good camera can serve most people splendidly, but you can go as big and as fancy as you want.
Extra Batteries, Battery Chargers, & Memory Cards
Phone - If you want to have phone service while here in Malaysia, we suggest getting an eSIM or a temporary international plan with your phone carrier for the duration of your trip. You can also purchase a local SIM card at the airport, it's pretty affordable.
Charging Cords
UK Plug Adapters - Yes, very important! Malaysia uses UK plugs, so get the right adapter or you won't be able to plug anything in! It is called a Type G plug.
Headlamp - We'll be going on a jungle night walk.

Clothes & Toiletries

Light Clothes for Riding - Moisture-wicking, quick-drying fabrics are great for the heat.
Comfortable Clothes for After Riding - Shorts, T-shirts, even summer dresses... You're on vacation!
Walking Shoes - Something comfortable and airy, a sandal-type walking shoe is what we like best.
Light Socks for Riding - I wash mine every night in the sink! Something that dries quick is best.
Swimsuit
Sunscreen - My advice is to bring something powerful.
Bug Spray - It's the jungle...
Sun Hat - Borneo is on the equator and the sun is intense. We always go out in a brimmed hat.

Jacket for Cold - For when we go by Mount Kinabalu, it legitimately gets chilly! You'll need something warm.
- HINT: If you have a good rain jacket for riding, this might work just fine for the cold too.
Toothbrush, Soap, Shampoo, & Other Toiletries - DEODORANT! That's all I got to say.
Prescriptions
Pain Killers, Allergy Meds, Antacid, Imodium, etc. - Not all of these are easily available out here. The food here is different from what you're used to so it may not settle in your stomach well. It's not a bad idea to prepare for anything.
Small Packet of Tissues - Many bathrooms in Malaysia are a bit "rustic," and it's not unusual for there to be no toilet paper. It's best to bring a tiny travel-sized version of your own.

Note - If you are not going to be washing your underwear, socks, or shirts in the sinks like we often do (it may or may not dry by morning, but in the tropics, that doesn't much matter), then we suggest packing enough of these items for the whole trip.

Other Items

Daypack or Backpack - Something for you to take your essential items with you on the bike, and also to walk around sites with. If you have a waterproof version of this, that's even better. Remember, the support vehicle may not arrive at our destination right when we do. So having anything necessary on-hand and on the bike is very important.
Binoculars - These are great if you want to see birds, monkeys, or other wildlife up in the trees. You can rent them at the Kinabatangan Riverside Lodge for 40RM per use, or you can bring your own.

This list is by no means comprehensive, but in general, people often think they need more things than they end up using. So I hope this helps you narrow it down a bit!

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