Review Author: Lucy Manley

Review Date: 14 Apr 2026

Review Body: Efficient service, punctual and very helpful. Drivers were SO friendly and stops were perfectly timed. Definitely worth every penny - next time I might split the trip to stay at one of the stop off points overnight. Coming into Sandakan traffic was very busy, so I’d say it’s best to book a hotel on the Sepilok side if you can. And for any vegans out there, the lunch stop had lots of delicious and reasonably priced options - we brought snacks/ lunch anyway but opted to save these for another time! Excellent.

Review rating: 5

Review Author: Bruce

Review Date: 06 Aug 2026

Review Body: RJ transported us from KK to Sandakan via a minibus. They arrived to pick us up on time and gave us a smooth and enjoyable trip with some stop-offs (including Poring Hot Springs, a tea plantation for lunch (average food, chaotic service and most orders were wrong)). The driver was nice, safe and gave some info despite stating that he was just a driver and not a guide. Would recommend.

Review rating: 5

Review Author: Steve

Review Date: 25 Mar 2025

Review Body: Amazing drive through the country side of Sabah. River Junkie crew were very thoughtful and made additional stops for us to buy some tropical fruit at local markets and to see the largest flower in the world. Would use their service again.

Review rating: 5

Review Author: Nina

Review Date: 04 Jun 2026

Review Body: Great way to drive from KK to Sandakan without missing any must-see's like view to Mt. Kinabalou, Hot Spring and Tea Plantation. Timely pick up and great communication before the trip with the host River Junkie.

Review rating: 5

Review Author: Very interesting way to cross the island

Review Date: 17 Aug 2025

Review Body: Crossing by mini bus the island is very interesting, all the stops worth It. The lunch at the plantation is a must. The change from the Forest to the palm plantation is very clear when you arrive by car.

Review rating: 5

Review Author: Carmen

Review Date: 23 Jun 2025

Review Body: The tour with River Junkie was a great way to experience the sights along the road from Kota Kinabalu to Sepilok and the communication and arrangements were excellent! Thank you :-)

Review rating: 5

Review Author: Sky

Review Date: 09 Sep 2025

Review Body: Great service from River Junkie from start to finish. Opportunities to stop and experience the local communities.

Review rating: 5

Review Author: Natalia

Review Date: 15 Jul 2026

Review Body: Great experience with River Junkie! Super punctual, nice staff, everything went as planned!

Review rating: 5

Review Author: Theresa

Review Date: 08 Mar 2026

Review Body: Sehr zuverlässig und pünktlich. Kleine Reisegruppe und netter Fahrer.

Review rating: 5

Review Author: Anna

Review Date: 28 Mar 2025

Review Body: Nice drivers always ready to help, in time

Review rating: 5

Review Author: Daniela

Review Date: 18 Jul 2025

Review Body: I can definitely recommend the tour!

Review rating: 5

Review Author: Cheryle

Review Date: 15 Jun 2025

Review Body: Xx

Review rating: 5

Review Author: Melissa Vithani

Review Date: 06 Jul 2026

Review Body: On time good communication

Review rating: 4

Review Author: mantabab, kent

Review Date: 22 Apr 2019

Review Body: DO NOT UNDERESTIMATE how tough this hike is. at times it was hell on earth. we booked the 2 night 3 day tour with RJ, unfortunately, i had already booked up somewhere else [which couldn't be canceled and was the most expensive place of our trip] on the 2nd night but still had to pay for the pouring hot springs part [which i totally understand]. apparently, you can only book the 2N/3D trip in advanced and the 1N/2D can only be booked something like month or so in advance and as i didn't want to take the risk that the mountain would be booked up by then we had to go for the longer trip....good move as it was booked up-so if this is something you want to do book ASAP. so onto the actual trip. we were met promptly at our hotel [do stay overnight in the area close to kinabula to get some acclimatization in] by the RJ pick up driver, he was brilliant knew exactly what needed doing once at the park and organised us so well. we left our 3 VERY HEAVY bags in the baggage drop at the park [small charge for that but worth it. we were introduced to our guide....Effrey, he was amazing try and book him if you can, and dont underestimate his size i was taken aback by his ease of hiking the mountain and with 3 backpacks. basically, this guy got me up the mountain. you pay per KG for them to carry your overnight bag around 13RM per kg, please if he also offers to carry your mountain day bag pay him well, i made sure i paid the same plus tip as the night bag he carried, even though he didnt carry my day bag all the time i was still grateful for the times he did as it made the hike so much easier for me. i found this hike a struggle, it is the highest altitude ive ever done and even though we were exercising before our trip [i did mount Snowdon only 3 months previous which was a piece of cake] nothing had really prepared me. my OH couldn't walk as slow as me so he went on and i stayed with Effery who offered to take my day backpack for me [he was already carrying his and our overnight one] that helped me enormously. the difficulty with this mountain is the gradient, the actual distance isnt long, around 8km but it goes up quite steeply, the are stairs and stairs and stairs, then boulders to trip over. my breathing was very labored, and i had found since hitting the kinabula area i was suffering nausea and lack of appetite. -mild altitude sickness. Effery took the walk at my pace, showing me the easiest places to walk in and telling me to walk at his pace -which was a mesmerizing slow pace, his feet just seemed to glide over the steps and rocks. we stopped for very slow breaks at every rest stop-you start to feel the cold if you stop too long and its harder to start again. the only downside /complaint i have of the trip was my packed lunch [my OH was happy with his] i don't eat meat [river junkies were aware of this] yet my pack lunch was chicken and veg, i noticed another couple who had booked with another company had been given sandwiches-cheese sandwiches, as i was suffering nausea something bland like cheese sandwich would have been very welcomed, instead my food went straight into the bin [i hate wasting stuff too], just looking at the veg in my meal made me feel sick, there was some kind of sweet bar and an energy drink i had brought in the pack which i ate and that was all the fuel i had for lunch to get me up to the hut. i feel bad dropping a star from the rating of this trip but feel the food/fueling was an important aspect of such a tough hike. i had made sure we packed lots of drink with us both using a drinks bladder in our backpacks [do take one of these they are so handy] and i had thankfully put in couple of energy tablets in the drink so that helped keep me going. how on earth the locals go up and down the mountain carrying the items they carry i just dont know-respect to them. the items at the hut are expensive-yes- BUT everything is carried up there, the bottle of water or coke isnt dropped off easily by a van but lugged up by men, so i have no problem with the cost of them. i reached the hut at 14.30 around 6hrs of hiking, during the last bit it poured down-so bring waterproofs i had jacket and trousers. our room "mates" [we were in a room with two bunk beds] arrived at 19.30 having got caught in a huge downpour and waited at one of the rest huts for it to stop, i had luckily reached the night hut by then as it did hammer down, but not sure i would have waited for it to stop but would have kept on walking. the room was basic but fine for the job, although there was no electric until 17.00 so take a torch with you-we didnt want to use our head torches and use up the battery but we did have handheld torches. the toilets and shower are just down the hall. i changed into dryer and warmer clothes got into bed for a nap and afterward went down to supper- which was most welcomed as i did manage to eat something. there was also plenty of choice of food. we tried to get some sleep around 6.45, in our clothes so when getting up at 1.30 we didnt have to get dressed. i cant say i had a good sleep but at least i was resting, and t was hard when the time came to get up in the pitch black and get motivated for the next part of the climb which was at 02.40am. you are given a small breakfast-but again i found i couldnt eat much i had two small pancakes [which were nice but all i could manage] then we were off out to climb the mountain of stairs at one point 1km of steps, it was dark it was cold although we soon warmed up and all you could see was line of lights ahead of you and behind you. the steps were never ending, until you came to the rope and an almost sheer rock face to walk up, i had a small meltdown at this point-i was tired and i was scared, i said to my partner and Effery i needed to have a little cry as im scared they both reassured me and i knew i had to crack on. make sure you take gloves they help with the rope holding. Effery at this point also took my walking poles [these are also important things to take] my OH soon walked on without us which i didnt mind in fact i was pleased as felt bad holding him up and he was happy in the knowledge that Effery was looking after me, and i wanted him to make the summit for sunrise as i knew i wasn't going to. everytime you think youre getting somewhere another peak/rope hit you. at one point i looked around me and laughed it was like the dawn of the dead....we were all walking like zombies, even on the "easy" parts i regret not filming it on my mobile now as it looked so funny seeing so many people all walking in the same weird manner. i made it up to the flatter part just below the summit for sunrise and OH MY GOD i have never seen anything so amazing, the sky was beautiful and the clouds hanging just below this blaze of colour, at this point i did keep stopping to take pictures as i just wanted to remember this forever, so few people will ever see anything like this and i am sure i never see such a spectacular sight as this again. i now turned round and saw the huge rock/boulder/mountain of the summit that i had left to climb-yep another little meltdown with tears, i cant get up there my energy was gone my breathing worse and still feeling sick. then i heard my OH shouting encouragement so i pushed on and made the summit. once photos done we climbed back down to the "flatter" part where we stopped for a break and snack and i promptly vomited, i think my body had decided that id achieved my objective and thus gave in to the sickness. the walk back down to the hut was easy i was surprised by my energy levels and was running some of the way and made it to the hut before my OH. back at the hut i had for the first time EVER a beer at 09.00am again I tried to eat some breakfast [which was plentiful and lots of choice] but still couldn't and just managed plain bread. people say the walk down is harder than walk up-i totally disagree, it was great to be able to breath better and not get short of breath. my biggest issue with the hike down was slipping and i did do that a few times and poor Effery nearly had a heart attack each time, plus he kept trying to save me falling and whIch i said he mustn't as last thIng i wanted was him hurting himself, not that hes not strong, but at home its drummed into us in my nursing job of manual handling and im not exactly a lightweight. so whereas others would pass me running down the mountain i had to take it easy to ensure i didn't fall any more times than possible, the flat parts near the end were great as i could run them. i was so relieved when we hit the bottom of the mountain, our driver was there waiting and once back at the start we were told to go and get some lunch which was included in price-again my appetite still wasn't fully back but i tried to eat. whilst having lunch Effery came in with our certificates - which he paid for and wouldn't take payment for them, he felt we had paid him too much for him taking our bags but it was also a tip and yet he felt embarrassed by taking the money which was in our books well and truly earned. we thought it was so sweet that he gave us the certs and a lovely gesture. we ached for days afterward, but all in all it was hell on earth but an amazing experience made more by the fact we are both 60 and yep overtook people much younger than us. everything was run very smoothly by river junkies, and as already said the only criticism was the pack up food -if id had a sandwich i would have left 5 stars, sorry guys. tips: take walking poles, waterproofs jacket and leggings, waterproof gloves, energy drinks in a drinks bladder, snacks. dont forget cash for the hut, dress in layers, dont take long rest breaks. take toilet paper with you there are toilets at the rest stops but no paper or water to wash hands so take hand wipes. i also wore tubi grips on my lower legs and im sure that helped with muscle soreness also don't think its just fitness you need its attiude more than anything, my own sheer determination was what got me thru this, [and of course help by Effrey] however, rubbish i was feeling i never once considered giving up, i knew i had to achieve this. ps book a massage for the day afterward-it helps i would certainly recommend River Junkies

Review rating: 5

Review Author: elizabetheR9722YZ, Singapore

Review Date: 21 Feb 2019

Review Body: We booked 3D2N Mt Kinabalu and Pouring followed by 5D4N to Kinabatangen River & Danum Valley all through River Junkie. The team in the office esp Rory and the guides Jonuwin, Chris and Theo were all brilliant. Mt K was a really challenging venture for us late thirty somethings but we pushed on through and were rewarded with an amazing sunset, sunrise and some beautiful shots of the mountain. I would advise getting fit before attempting the climb as your recovery will be less painful! We did retreat to Pouring Hot Springs afterwards which was a little busy in the public area but for a few quid you can get a private bath to ease the pain. It was a nice environment to chill out in. The staff were lovely and the Tenon coffee at breakfast delicious. Theo, our guide really made the trip to the river exceptional with his passion and professionalism. He was amazing at nature spotting and took us on excellent sunrise, sunset & night time cruises where we saw lots of monkeys, orang-utans birds and crocodiles. He has a great eye for spotting the magnificent hornbills! The night walk was ok but the mozzies in my face made wish I'd stayed back at the ranch and chilled out. Theo also took us to Sepilok to see Sun Bears and Orang-utans which was good and the cave which was full of bats and cockroaches which I could have easily missed. Bad smell, wear a hat. And a mask. At the end of our time there he gave us a comprehensive list of all the nature we'd seen. What a nice touch! Accommodation was nice at the river, we were in a big double room. Danum Valley trip took us deep into the jungle which was exciting. On arrival we did an afternoon stroll with our guide Ray. Nice guy who is clearly experienced and knowledgable but lacked the intune with the group nature of our other guides. He is very enthusiastic about insects and conservation. We skipped the evening walk due to the last experience at the river and didn't miss out on much. The second day was a sunrise stroll then a long (feels longer in the jungle) morning trek to the Rhino Pools which was great. A chance to swim freely in nature and only our group and another couple were there. Again, skipped the afternoon walk to some ancient graves due to being too tired and instead relaxed at the Resthouse where we saw up close oriental pied hornbills who flew in to the camp and an orang-utan and her baby feeding on the fig tree, walking across the lawn in front of us then making a nest for the night. The best thing we saw the whole time in Danum Valley! We did the night safari which was a nice trip and the morning sunrise which was also good. Not much nature to spot on these but it is after all a jungle out there and you never know what you'll see! On the last morning we bathed in the river near the field centre which was a lovely was to end the trip. Altogether, a great experience with River Junkie, well organised and executed. Thanks guys!

Review rating: 5

Review Author: Sylv R

Review Date: 22 Feb 2017

Review Body: River Junkie picked us up from out hotel at 6.30am, we got to Kinabalu NP around 8.30. You register with the Park and get a lanyard (which during and after feels like a medal for all your efforts climbing) we were given a packed lunch of 3 types of sandwiches, a hard boiled egg, biscuits, chicken wings and a bottle of water. I'm sure vegetarian options are available of you let them know beforehand. Climbing: there's rest houses every km or so, toilets rarely have toilet paper so just be sure to bring that. You can refill water at each rest house. Bring chocolate and other high energy foods! A snickers bar will never taste so good when your 4,000mts above sea level! Take it slow and stop along the way as much as you can, we stopped at every rest house (obviously) and had mini breaks in between. Going up to fast will only mean it's sorer on you in the early morning/coming down. You'll see people race it up..let them! Laban rata: all the free food you can eat, fresh towels, bedding, good sunset and hot showers (only if it's been sunny) also you can buy snacks for the morning ascent to the summit as well as buy/send postcards. The bunk beds are fine, believe me you won't care after climbing all day. Things you'll really need for the 3am summit climb: A warm hat, gloves (seriously!!!!) More layers than you think you'll need. I had 3 and a jacket and I was still crippled with cold. Thick socks, good trousers or moisture wicking running pants. You'll want to basically cover your entire face up there, the wind is freezing. A light wind breaker/rain jacket for up top/climb back down to Laban Rata. You can rent walking sticks from the office before you begin your ascent, we did for 10rm each and I barely used mine but my other half used his the entire way. Head torch is the most popular torch to bring as it frees your hands up for the rope climb part which isn't as scary or steep as it sounds. We used a hand held torch as it was fine, a little awkward at times but alot brighter than most people's headtorches. And a camera, duh! It's the single most rewarding thing I've ever done, it was hard but not to the point where I thought I can't do this. Coming down was quicker but I'd advise to take your time, we were down too fast and our calves were jelly making walking normally impossible! The views are so breath taking its make you emotional to be there. Our guide was patient with us and very friendly, not alot of English which was disappointing when we asked questions but really you're not going to talk much when climbing. You literally scramble rocks at a few parts. Do it! It's the best thing we've done since being in Borneo.

Review rating: 5

Review Author: AndyKane, Perth, Australia

Review Date: 31 Mar 2016

Review Body: One of the main reasons I went to Borneo was to climb Mt Kinabalu and it was definitely worth the trip! I booked the 2 day/1 night package through River Junkie and would also recommend booking the transport to and from the mountain with them as this will give you the opportunity to potentially team up with and share the transport/guide costs with anyone else they have booked up for the same dates. The whole experience was hassle free which made the trip more enjoyable....Rory picked me up from the hostel in the morning of Day 1 where I then teamed up with another client he had booked up for the same dates. Once at the mountain he also arranged the permits, guides and meal tokens for us so we didn't have to mess around. Day 1 of the climb was fairly tough going and took us around 5 hours to reach the Laban Rata Rest House where we would spend the night. The rest house was better standard than I was expecting, it was clean, the beds were comfortable, towels were provided, the food was excellent (buffet style), there was a shop to stock up on drinks and snacks...and the setting of the place itself above the cloud line made it a great place to chill on the balcony after a days trekking. Day 2 started at 2:30am in order to reach the summit for sunrise. Head torch is essential (but can be hired from the rest house) as the climb to the top is in the dark. We made it to the summit around 5:30am and then the magic happened! I have been lucky enough to watch the sunset over Mt Everest and I would honestly say the sunrise from the Summit of Mt Kinabalu is up there, it was spectacular and makes the slog to the top worth every drop of sweat! After a bit of time and a few photos you make your way back down to the rest house for breakfast before then trekking all the way back to the bottom. We reached the bottom around 2:00pm (so it is a long day) to have lunch and be met by Rory again for the drive back to the city. I would definitely recommend the Mt Kinabalu climb to anyone and I would even consider doing it again myself. If I had more time I would also have booked more trips through River Junkie, Rory and the team have a great knowledge of the island and are full of suggestions and recommendations.

Review rating: 5

Review Author: Jo Chappell

Review Date: 22 Jul 2024

Review Body: We had an amazing day hiking through the Kinabalu Geopark. Our guide was Adam - he has lived in the area all his life and the insight he gave us to life on his family’s farm and living in the rainforest was just fascinating. He was so interesting and also encouraging during the hike which was a lot more challenging than we anticipated. That said, as a couple in our late 50s with a reasonable level of fitness the hike was perfectly achievable. The scenery was stunning and when we reached the top of Nuluh Lingion, the view of Mount Kinabalu was magnificent. We were so lucky to have a clear, sunny day to see the area at its best. Adam made the three of us walking poles to assist on the walk back down and they were very much needed - the path was slippery and at times, really narrow with a drop either side. Though we never felt in danger, you need to keep your wits about you. We walked through coffee bushes and pineapple plants - Adam was really knowledgeable talking about how his family grow and harvest the crops. We finished the hike at one of Adam’s cousin’s houses who had kindly cooked us some amazing local dishes. It was great seeing up close how a Bornean family live and eat. The feeling of community in the village was palpable. This was our last day in Borneo and it really was an experience we will never forget. The beauty of the scenery was just amazing but the day was made extra special by the wit and warmth that Adam provided throughout the day. He is a special person and the love he has for his village, family and their traditional lifestyle was heart warming. We loved every minute!

Review rating: 5

Review Author: Giusuz

Review Date: 06 Jun 2019

Review Body: My whole experience with River Junkie Tours was great and I would highly recommend this company to anyone wanting to climb Mt Kinabalu! The company was very professional from the start. I originally booked the 2D/1N Mt Kinabalu trek with the LPC Via Ferrata. However, the LPC was closed due to maintenance and I was downgraded to the Walk the Torq activity by the park office. River Junkie called personally to apologize for this which I really appreciated (obviously it was not their fault). They also offered me a refund straight away without me having to ask for it (also very appreciated). Effrey was my guide during the activity. He was very professional and friendly. He adapted perfectly to my speed and made sure that I was fine during the whole climb, which made it a very enjoyable experience. Mt Kinabalu itself was beautiful and definitely worth the effort. I do quite a lot of hiking at home, so it was not too hard for me. However, I struggled a little bit with the altitude at the end. The Walk the Torq activity was less challenging than I expected (a bit too easy to be honest). Since I was looking for a challenge, I was a little disappointed by it. But if it's the first time for you climbing a mountain or doing a via ferrata it would definitely be a great experience. To summarize: It was a unique experience, a beautiful mountain, good company and a great company!

Review rating: 5

Review Author: Charlotte M, Paris, France

Review Date: 16 Apr 2017

Review Body: I have booked with River Junkie because they are partners with Scuba Junkie and both very dedicated in wildlife protection. The organisation was perfect, they have replied very fast to my emails and they managed to take me everywhere I wanted in just 7 days. After diving in Sipadan with Scuba Junkie, I went to Sandakan and they took me to Selingan island (where you can watch turtles laying eggs at dusk) then to Sepilok and Kinabatangan. I will never forget the nature lodge in Kinabatangan, the morning mist on the river cruise, the night walk in the jungle. I have spent two nights there and seen a herd of pygmées éléphants, orang outangs, probocis monkeys, crocodile... Unforgettable. And at the end of my trip they took me to Mont Kinabalu for the climb. It's mainly stairs, not an easy climb, but the sunrise at the top is worth all that sweat ! Then they brought to Poring hot spring to rest. The canopy walk is nice and the butterfly gardens gives usefull informations but I wasn't very interested in the hot springs, it was already so hot outside ! It's a place where local families gather for a picnic and bath with their clothes on, it's joyfull and soothing after such a long climb. I had an amazing time, thank you so much Rory and all the team of River Junkie !

Review rating: 5

Itinerary Day 1

Itinerary Summary: Enjoy a travel overland from Kota Kinabalu to Sandakan with scenic stops

Itinerary Description: 6:15 - 6:45 AM: Pick up from your hotel in Kota Kinabalu and start the 2-hour drive to Kinabalu Park. 8:30 AM: Stop at Kinabalu Park. Stretch your legs, enjoy the cool air, and take a short walk along the boardwalk. If the weather is good, visit the observation deck for a great view of Mount Kinabalu. 9:00 AM: Depart for Poring Hot Springs (1-hour drive). 10:00 AM: Arrive at Poring Hot Springs. Relax and explore at your own pace. You can enjoy the hot springs or walk around the beautiful surroundings. 12:30 PM: Leave Poring and head to Sabah Tea Plantation (30-minute drive). 1:00 PM: Arrive at Sabah Tea Plantation. Take a stroll through the tea fields, enjoy the mountain views, and have tea or lunch at the café. 2:00 PM: Depart for Sepilok / Sandakan (4-5 hours drive). 6:00 - 7:00 PM: Arrive at your accommodation in Sepilok / Sandakan and relax after your day of sightseeing. ***NOTE: Please be advised that the canopy walkway in Poring is currently closed for renovation and no re-opening date has been provided by the park authorities (last updated 29th July 2025).