Permits and the turnaround

We apply for every permit ourselves: forest reserve entry through the Perak State Forestry Department, Taman Negara through PERHILITAN, and Kinabalu through Sabah Parks.

Weather

Thunderstorms build most afternoons. Trips start early, and cave trips are cancelled outright if heavy rain is forecast upstream.

Communication

Each group carries a satellite messenger. Someone in Ipoh knows the route and the time we expect to be out.

First aid

Both guides are trained and the kit is checked before every trip, including a splint and an emergency shelter.