Sorry, online registration is no longer available for this event. Please contact us on events@mariecurie.org.uk or call us on 0800 716 146.

22-30 May 2022

Take on this jungle experience, trekking through mountain forest, rushing streams, rivers and isolated villages. You will be taught survival skills, help set up camp and sleep in hammocks, all in aid of Marie Curie.

Itinerary

Day 1 - Grand depart: Croydon to Calais (via Dover)

After registration at the start point in Croydon, we start early at approx. 7am to avoid the hustle and bustle of the London traffic.

It's not too long before we're cycling to the outskirts of London and hitting the countryside of Kent.

It's a long cycling day today but upon reaching the port of Dover and witnessing its famous white cliffs, we'll experience a great sense of achievement. We then board the ferry to Calais and have dinner whilst on board.

Upon reaching Calais it's just a very short push onto our hotel, where we have a much deserved rest and get our heads down for the night.

Cycling distance – approx. 85 miles

Day 2 - Calais to Bruges

After breakfast at our hotel, it's straight back into the saddle for day 2 of our adventure.

Today's destination is the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Bruges. Famous for its canals, Bruges is often referred to as "Venice of the North", as they surround the many medieval buildings that make this place so charming and interesting.

We overnight in our hotel – a perfect end to a great days cycling.

Cycling distance – approx. 80 miles

Day 3 - Bruges to Breda

Our route today continues East through Belgium as we cycle towards the country's largest city, Antwerp.

To avoid getting caught up in the city traffic we head around the outskirts of the city as we make our approach to the border.

We cross the border into the Netherlands mid-afternoon and arrive at our hotel in the wonderful historic city of Breda early evening.

Cycling distance – approx. 90 miles

Day 4 - Breda to Amsterdam

This morning we leave Breda and head north towards Rotterdam, before reaching our final destination - Amsterdam!

From Rotterdam our route hugs the coastline and winds its way along typical Dutch cycle lanes passing famous landmarks of the country – windmills!

Leaving the coast and heading inland towards the capital we eventually reach the heart of the city. Amsterdam is the world's capital of cycling and is a fantastic place to end our European cycling extravaganza!

This evening we enjoy a meal together as a group before opting for either a quiet night of relaxation, or the hustle and bustle of the Amsterdam nightlife!

Cycling distance – approx. 80 miles

Day 5 - Return to UK: Amsterdam to London

After breakfast we are free to enjoy the sights and sounds of Amsterdam.

Around lunchtime each participant will be responsible for getting themselves to Amsterdam Centraal in order to catch the Eurostar back to St Pancras.

Bicycles will be transported back to London in the support vehicle and upon our arrival; we can catch our short transfer back to the starting point in Croydon, for farewell and goodbyes.

Alternatively, you can be reunited with your bicycle at St Pancras. 

Please note this is a complex itinerary and subject to change, including the timings and distances detailed.

Day 8

Kota Kinabalu

Free morning in Kota Kinabalu before an overnight flight to UK. 

Day 9

Arrive UK

Information

What's included?

  • Return flights
  • Local transfers
  • Accommodation
  • Tour leader
  • Medic
  • All meals
  • Marie Curie kit
  • Marie Curie representative on the event

Event details

  • Distance

    Around 8-12 kilometres per day

  • Date

    22 - 30 May 2022

  • Location

    Borneo

  • Minimum fundraising

    £3,450 – we'll help you with your fundraising every step of the way

  • Fundraising Deadlines

    £2,760 due 6th March 2022. Remaining amount due 4 weeks after the event.

  • Registration fee

    £299

  • Minimum age

    You must be 18 years or older to register for this event

  • Fitness

    To take on this challenge you'll need to be fit and do some training.

Smoky Mountains Promo

The trip of a lifetime

Trek through the magnificent Smoky Mountains and help people living with a terminal illness get the most from the time they have left.

Picking a raffle ticket

Get fundraising tips

Worried about reaching your target? Get some more ideas for how you can get those pounds rolling in.

Fundraising tips
Fundraising tips

Have a question about this event?

Ask away. We'll get back to you as soon as we can.

Contact us

0800 716 146
events@mariecurie.org.uk

How the money you raise helps

£180 pays for someone with a terminal illness to attend the day therapy unit at the hospice.

£400 pays for someone to stay in a Marie Curie Hospice for 24 hours, so that they can receive the hands-on care they need in their final days.

£1,250 pays for a portable oxygen system that will relieve distressing symptoms, so a person doesn’t have to be confined to bed.

Sorry, online registration is no longer available for this event. Please contact us on events@mariecurie.org.uk or call us on 0800 716 146.

Brenda trekked the Great Wall of China for Marie Curie

"I could not have asked for a better group of people to trek with. At different points on the trek you would have a chance to discover what inspired everyone else to get involved."

Read about Brenda's trek experience

Frequently asked questions

  • We are continuously monitoring and assessing the evolving situation with Covid-19 along with the event organisers. Health and safety is our top priority, and we will only run the event if it safe to do so within government guidelines. If the event cannot go ahead, we will look to postpone it to a later date.

  • You must be 18 years old or over to take part. The group size will be around 30, and will include people of all ages and from all backgrounds. Most will be on their own, but some will go with friends, partners or relatives.

  • Although you do not need to be an exceptionally fit person to take part, the trek poses a significant physical challenge and you will need to train properly beforehand. The more consistent with and committed you are to your training, the more you will enjoy the adventure.

  • - Registration fee
    - Travel insurance
    - Recommended vaccinations

    - Visa
    - Tips and gratuities
    - Personal spending money.

  • We require 80% of the total amount three months before the trip, with the remainder due four weeks after you return.

    Stage 1: £2,760 due 6 March 2022

    Stage 2: £690 due 27 June 2022

  • We ask you to raise a minimum of £3,450. A minimum of £1,954 will go directly to Marie Curie, as well as anything you raise over the minimum sponsorship.

    You can opt to pay for or contribute to the tour operating costs, therefore reducing your sponsorship target, please contact us on events@mariecurie.org.uk or 0800 716 146** for more information.

  • Participants should have at least six months’ validity on their passports from the date of return to the UK. British nationals do not need a Visa to enter Malaysia. Other nationalities should check with their Embassy. 

  • We recommend you seek professional medical advice from your GP to ensure your vaccinations are up to date, including primary courses and boosters as recommended for living in the UK.

  • Your welcome pack will include a full packing list, but essential kit includes good quality walking boots, rucksack, lightweight walking trousers, waterproofs, a sunhat and a light scarf/bandana.

     

  • The accommodation will be a mixture of hotels on a twin share basis and wild camping sleeping in individual hammocks whilst on trek. These are tied to trees about two to three feet above the ground, you will set them up yourself with help from the guides 

  • All the water on the trek will be boiled or purified and safe to drink. Whilst in the jungle, you will eat the same as the people in the villages. They only eat what they can grow or farm locally, such as bread, rice, noodles, beans, fern plants, fruit, fish and chicken. For example, breakfast may consist of noodles, bread, fried/scrambled eggs, possibly meat and fruit if available. You may find meals can feel repetitive so we would suggest to bring some of your own snacks and treats too. Please let us know in advance of any special dietary requirements.

  • Sabah enjoys a tropical climate, with temperatures ranging from 22C to 30C (72-86F) in lowland areas throughout the year.  Although rain can occur at any time of the year, showers are generally brief. It is important to use a high factor sun cream and drink plenty of non-alcoholic fluid each day. 

  • You may see some deer, wild boars, snakes and a wide variety of birds and insects. There may be an option to visit the Sepilok Orangutan Rehab Centre if you wish to extend your trip by a day or two. This will be at an additional cost and subject to availability. Please contact Ultimate Travel Company for more information. 

  • Anyone wanting to stay on after the trek can arrange to do so by contacting Ultimate Travel Company. This will likely be subject to an additional cost and be subject to availability.

  • Beforehand: To help you raise your final total, we will send you fundraising pack with lots of helpful tips on how to meet your targets. We’ll be in touch with you regularly to offer any help, and we’ll also invite you to a briefing day where you can meet your fellow participants and hear more about the challenge.

    During the trip: Your group will be accompanied by a qualified medic and trek leader, as well as a Marie Curie representative. Local guides will escort your group along the route, and your luggage will be transported to each night’s accommodation, so you won’t be carrying it in the daytime.

  • Marie Curie is committed to responsible tourism. This challenge is organised by our tour operator, Ultimate Travel Company, who can provide guidelines on responsible tourism upon request, or you can find out more through their website https://www.theultimatetravelcompany.co.uk/about/treading-lightly/

Sorry, online registration is no longer available for this event. Please contact us on events@mariecurie.org.uk or call us on 0800 716 146.

Please email support@mariecurie.org.uk or call us on 0800 090 2309 Response within 24 hours