Malaysia - Borneo Sailing Rally 2011

The dream of "sell up and sail"

Exploring the stunning natural attractions of Borneo & Malaysia will be cool. But of course, you can do this on your own with a plane ticket and a backpack. The unique bit is the opportunity for an "insider glimpse" into the world of cruising yachties. Ever wondered what's it's really like to sell up and sail?? Come and hang out with some folks who are out there doing it, and discover for yourself!

Tioman & Surrounding Islands (May 22-29)

Never heard of Tioman? You probably have, just under a different name - the "Bali Hai" of the 50s movie, South Pacific!

Yet another claim-to-fame, Tioman was also selected by TIME magazine as one of the world's most beautiful islands; still sparsely inhabited, it is now a strictly enforced nature reserve, home to many unusual wildlife species. The interior is still mostly rainforest, with many waterfalls for keen hikers to cool off in! Coral reefs and sandy coves surround the islands, making it a snorkellers' paradise. For qualified divers, there are deeper dives offshore with fantastic visibility. Read More

Terengganu Coastline & Islands (June 8-18)

The coastline along which we'll be sailing is one of the oldest rainforests in the world - estimated at 170 million years old. Home to a multitude of exotic birds & animals, giant trees, waterfalls and limestone caves. The Elephant Conservation Centre is one place we're especially excited about visiting - a jungle rehabilitation where one can interact with the elephants and even help out with their daily river bath!

Scattered along the coast are half a dozen little islands, more sugar-sand beaches and multi-coloured coral reefs. Inland there are rivers and waterfalls, firefly colonies and hot springs to visit. Read more

Borneo - International Yacht Challenge (July 17-24)

OK, so we're not exactly going to be a serious racing entry! We'll be in the "cruising division" where yachts get awarded extra points for, eg, the number of potted plants they have on deck. But this still sounds a very fun and very social part of the rally, with yachts & crews from all over the world. (And yes, some do take it very seriously!)

There are a couple of long distance legs - from Miri to Labuan, 105 miles; and then from Labuan to Kota Kinabalu, another 65 miles. Labuan marine park is a must-stop anchorage, to catch up with some of those cruising activities like underwater explorations and sunset cocktails!

The regatta finishes in Kota Kinabalu with two races around a nearby island, followed by a lavish prize giving dinner at Sutera Harbour Marina Club.

Sabah, Northern Borneo (Aug - exact dates TBA)

Rainforests, orang utans, river expeditions, stunning underwater scenery - Sabah has it all!

A trip up the Kinabatangan River is a must-do on our list. The surrounding national park has the largest concentration of wildlife in all SE Asia - orang utans, probiscis monkeys, pygmy elephants and rhinos - all roaming free in the jungle. Towering above is Mt Kinabalu, the highest peak in SE Asia, with hot springs and waterfalls for a little trekking variety en route!

On the western side of Sabah lies Sipadan island, made famous by Jacques Cousteau in his documentary "The Ghosts of the Sea Turtle". Located in the Indo-Pacific basin - supposedly in the richest marine habitat in the world - it's teeming with fish and spectacular coral formations. It's most famous dive site is the Drop Off, where knee-deep water plummets suddenly into a 600m cavern