Tandem Paragliding Ranau, Sabah Highlands, Borneo

Ranau is a town and district 108 km east of Kota Kinabalu and 227km west of Sandakan. Its name is derived from the Dusun language 'Ranahon' to mean paddy fields. It is a cool hilly region with mountainous views all around. This makes the perfect setting for paragliding scenery.

We take-off from a high point in Lohan. Depending on wind conditions, we will fly for several minutes, soaring up above mountain trees to observe the land below, seeing paddyfields and villages.

Ranau has diverse flora ranges from rich tropical lowland and hill rainforest to tropical mountain, sub-alpine forest and scrub on the higher elevations. Apart from its small town charm, there are other nearby attractions of Mount Kinabalu, Kinabalu Nature Park, Kundasang town, Gunner Cleary Memorial, Kundasang War Memorial, Mesilau Nature Park, Sungai Moroli Fish Spa (Kampung Luanti), Poring Hot Springs, and the Sabah Tea Garden. It is also famously known as the ending point of (World War II) Death March Trail where 3 large groups of Australian POWs walked to their deaths from treacherous jungle conditions, illness or having been killed by their captors.

Ranau was known to have the largest mining project in Malaysia, the Mamut Copper Mine, before it ceased operations in 1999. Ranau town is worth a visit and an overnight stay. It is mid-sized and has many eateries, convenience stores and many hotels with simple amenities. There are also homestays in the area. You will need your own transport to see the attractions in Ranau area as they are not in reach by foot.

FAQ

1. What happens in poor weather? Will there be refunds?

We wait for the right wind and weather conditions. If inclement weather persists, we reschedule - very rarely rescheduling happens.

As with all our adventures, there are no refunds for no show, late, or force majeure (bad weather/war etc).

2. Can I drive my own car to the flight take-off location?

Your transport must be a good condition 4wd to reach take off point. Otherwise, meet at Ranau Sports Complex.

3. Do I need to make reservation early and full payment to confirm? Can I walk-in and pay?

Yes, you need to pre-book early and make FULL payment to confirm any availability. Minimum 5 business days notice. Adventure is not daily operated. Pilot doesn't fly without confirmations. Best time during weekends.

4. Can I bring my own camera/action camera (GoPro) on flight?

Yes. Item will be at your own responsibility. Pilot will not be liable if you drop it or if it breaks for whatever reason.

5.What are the restrictions for Ranau tandem paragliding?

- Participants aged below 17 years should be accompanied by parent/guardian
- Passenger minimum weight 30kg / maximum weight 90kg

6. Can children fly tandem? Can I fly with my child?

Yes a child is able to fly together with a parent/guardian and the pilot. Triple tandem. Criteria for triple tandem:
- Child must be between 3-9 years old
- Child must be less than 25kg
- Combined weight with parent/guardian must be less than 90kg

Rate (per person and in Malaysian Ringgit)

Valid 2018

Capacity 1 to 60 persons. Large groups (above 10 person) require very early booking notice.

Itinerary

10am Meet Ranau Sports Complex (if you have your own transport). The location is about 7km from Ranau town, or minimum 15 minute drive. There isn't any public transportation to this location. From sports complex, pilot will bring you to Take Off point which is only accessible by 4wd.

Flights are conducted from 10.00am – 5.30pm. You will need to keep your day free as flight is subject to ideal weather conditions.

Upon arrival pilot will setup equipment. Once setup, a briefing will be provided by the pilot then we wait for the right moment to take off. Rain and wind will come and go so we wait for the right conditions for the best flight opportunity.

Flight duration is at least 7 minutes. If winds are good, maybe longer.

Unless it is raining, most of the time Ranau provides good paragliding conditions year round.

What is included?

Flight with tandem master only

Includes tandem paragliding gear, pilot

What is excluded?

Insurance, transport, food

*If you are taking the packge with GoPro video, please bring along a portable storage eg. flashdrive with minimum 4Gb empty space

Guest will sign a liability waiver form onsite

What to wear/bring?

All passengers are advice to wear T-shirt, long pants, and sports shoes.

Guests suggests to bring own snacks/drinks, personal medication, sunblock, hat, umbrella/raincoat, foldable chair, and a calm spirit.

Cold carbonated drinks and drinking water are available for sale at onsite.

Getting here

Ranau is approximately 2 hours drive from Kota Kinabalu. You can catch a public transport (estimate RM20 per person) or hire a private taxi. Both bus and taxi rides can be arranged at Padang Merdeka Bus Terminal at Bandaran Berjaya in Kota Kinabalu city.