1   Am I Fit Enough?

2   Am I too old (or too young)?

3   I have a medical condition. Can I go caving?

4   Will I be Safe?

5   How do I get there?

6   Are the local people involved?

7    What equipment do you provide?

8    What should I bring with me?

9    What about the environment?

10   What about valuables, electronics and personal equipment?

11   What can I do and what can't I do?

12  What about accidents, rescue and insurance?

1   Am I Fit Enough?

If you can climb 2 or 3 flights of stairs and walk a mile then you are fit enough for the easy expeditions.  Intermediate expeditions require a higher fitness level but you don't have to be superfit or superman.  Advanced expeditions are harder. Check the rating and fact sheet for the expedition which you are planning to do for a description of what the expedition entails. If you are a visitor to the region you will find that dehydration is a threat so drink plenty of water.. Going jungle trekking or caving before you have had a chance to acclimatise will reduce your effectiveness.

2   Am I too old (or too young)?

Our oldest guest was 67 years old whilst our youngest was 7 so it isn't about age it is about your physical condition, fitness level and outlook on life. Children below the age of 14 are welcome in their family group.

3   I have a medical condition. Can I go caving?

Firstly, we strongly recommend that you see a qualified medical practitioner if you have any doubt at all about your state of health before going caving. In any event please inform us at the time of booking if you suffer from obesity, coronary heart disease, any condition which results in shortness of breath, epilepsy, disorders affecting your balance, loss of vision which is not corrected by spectacles or contact lenses, arthritis and other debilitating physical conditions or any other medical condition which may affect your ability to safely go caving.

4   Will I be Safe?

We go to great lengths to make your caving experience a safe one and have had no guests or staff members suffer injuries requiring medical attention to date. There are many caves in the area in which rock falls and floor collapses are a danger which we avoid and our route planning, preparation, equipment maintenance and guide training are designed to keep you safe. Accidents and illness can always, however, happen and we are prepared for them if they do. See here.

5   How do I get there?

You have the following transport options:
1    Make your own way to a meeting point - we will send you a map. All meeting points are on major roads and are within an hour of the International Airport.
2    Your tour operator provides transport to the destination along with other services.
3    We arrange transport for you. There will be an additional fee unless the package includes transport.
 

6   Are the local people involved?

Yes. Our company is majority owned by Bidayuh interests and is part of the local community. Local villages hold the rights to the caves which we use and, in every case, benefit from your enjoyment of them as follows.
1   A proportion of the fee paid by every guest is paid to community funds.
2   Our guides are hired from the local community.
3   Local businesses are used to support our operation.

7    What equipment do you provide?

All packages include a safety helmet, 2 lamps, spare torch and batteries (both carried by your guide).

Our premium package also includes:
Overtrousers              

Gloves                    

Water            

Rubber boots           

Light pack               

Socks

Personal backup kit with spare torch and whistle

If you choose the standard package you can hire the clothing and equipment listed above

If you choose the economy package you bring your own equipment and clothing.

If the destination involves ropework we also supply as required and on a shared basis:

Ropes 

Ascenders              
Descenders   

Harnesses                       

Carabiners

If you use your own footwear and clothing make sure that they are suitable for caving. Footwear should be sturdy and preferably with rubber soles. Long trousers are preferred but, if you prefer shorts, they should cover the knee and not restrict movement. Clothing used in caves will get dirty and may be torn

All climbing equipment is name brand and meets the appropriate standards. Ropes, harnesses, ascenders and descenders are regularly inspected and retired according to manufacturers guidelines.

If you chose the premium package or the standard package with clothing and equipment hire please let us know your clothing and boot sizes at the time of booking. We carry stocks of small,  medium and large overtrousers fitting from waist size 24 inches to 42 inches and boots from UK size 4 to 11 (See here to convert shoe sizes).  If your waist or shoe size are outside this range please bring your own.

A charge may be made for any equipment entrusted to you (including spent batteries) not returned at the end of the expedition.

Please note that guests wearing inappropriate footwear (flip flops, high heels, light weight sandals) will not be allowed to enter the caves.
 

8    What should I bring with me?

All guests should bring a towel, insect repellant and spare T shirt.

If you chose not to use our clothing and equipment option (standard and economy options only) you should also bring old clothing and footwear to cave in and a small pack.
 

9    What about the environment?

Caves are fragile ecosystems which support unique species the existence of which will be threatened if appropriate policies are not followed. We recognise that using the caves for tourism can be damaging and take the following steps to minimise it after consultation with the relevant authorities.:

1 Most caves are used infrequently to avoid continuous disturbance.
2 Guests are asked to follow our guidelines to minimise cave damage and disturbance.
3 Where human traffic can damage the floor we monitor the state of the floor and take appropriate action if damage is noticed.
4 Of the many caves to which guests could be taken only a small percentage are used for tourism.
5 In some cases rubbish has accumulated in the caves. All caves which we visit are given a clean up before being brought into use. Our activities therefore have a nett positive environmental impact.
 

10   What about valuables, electronics and personal equipment?

If you don't need them with you we suggest that you leave them behind - we cannot guarantee their safety in the cave environment. Bring a water proof bag for cash and any electronic devices you decide to bring. Photography is not permitted inside the caves but there are no restrictions outside. If you wear glasses secure them around your neck with a cord.

11   What can I do and what can't I do?

Most importantly - enjoy the experience! But, for your own safety and the protection of the cave environment: leave nothing which you have brought in behind. Take nothing out that belongs in the cave. Follow your guides instruction at all times. Do not smoke. Do not eat food which you have touched with your hands until you have thoroughly washed them. Do not rush. Do not shout.

12  What about accidents, rescue and insurance?

Your safety is our number 1 priority however accidents and illness can happen and we are prepared for them. At least one of our expedition staff will have first aid training and our policies determine what steps are to be taken in the event of illness or injury. Our policies cover initial treatment, obtaining assistance, evacuation and hospitalisation. This may involve emergency services, private paramedics and cave rescue teams. We therefore recommend that all guests have valid personal insurance cover.