1. When is the best time of the year to visit Cambodia?
There are two distinct seasons in Cambodia; the dry season from November to May and the wet season from June to October. The dry season is further divided into two sub-seasons; the cool season from November to February and the hot season from March to May. The dry and cool season which has the best weather also coincides with the peak season to visit Cambodia. Temperature and humidity rise slightly during the dry and hot season with Phnom Penh and Siem Reap seeing peak daytime temperatures of 33°C and higher. The wet season is usually marked by a brief downpour in the afternoon which might slightly affect travel plan but there are still sufficient hours of bright sunshine for sightseeing. The wet season also known as the green season is an excellent time see the countryside at its lushest and to avoid crowd.

2. Do I need a VISA to visit Cambodia?
ASEAN citizens do not require a visa for Cambodia for up to 30 days. Nationalities of other countries can obtain tourism visa either on arrival or via eVISA online (https://www.evisa.gov.kh/) for up to 30 days.

3. What are the main languages spoken in Cambodia?
Khmer is the official language of Cambodia. English is quite widely spoken by young people especially those who work in tourism related industry while French is more widely spoken by the older generation.

4. What is the time difference between Cambodia and Singapore?
Singapore is one hour ahead of Cambodia. For example 12 noon in Singapore is 11 am in Cambodia.

5. What is the voltage in Cambodia and what adapters should I bring?
The standard voltage in Cambodia is 230V with a frequency of 50 Hz. There are three types of power supply used in Cambodia, types G, A and C with the primary power supply being type G.

6. What is the Cambodia currency?
Cambodian currency is called the riel (KHR). The exchange rate is around KHR $4,000 to USD $1. Riel is a non-convertible currency, meaning that you can only exchange for Cambodia currency (with USD only) within Cambodia – banks or moneychangers outside Cambodia will not accept or exchange it.

7. Is US dollars accepted in Cambodia?
US dollars are actually the de factor currency in Cambodia. Most businesses, especially hotels, restaurants, airlines, and souvenir shops set their prices in US dollars though change (especially small change) may be given in riel. Always carry some small riel for small purchases. 500 and 1000 riel notes are the most common and useful denominations.

8. Are there any Automated Teller Machine (ATM) in Cambodia?
International access ATMs dispensing US dollars can be found in most major tourist centres in Siem Reap, Phnom Penh and Sihanoukville. There is a surcharge of USD 2-5 per withdrawal. Currency can also be exchanged at most banks, hotels or moneychangers in town.

9. Is credit card acceptable in Cambodia?
Credit cards are accepted in most upscale shops and restaurants in Siem Reap, Phnom Penh and Sihanoukville. Visa, MasterCard and JCB are the most widely accepted credit card in Cambodia. AMEX is gaining wider acceptance while Diners Club is only accepted in a few places.

10. How do I get a Sim Card in Siem Reap?
Cambodia has a very competitive mobile markets; there are about 5 Telco for a population of 15 million. The SIM card providers are: Metfone, Smart, Cellcard, qb and Seatel. Metfone has the best 3G coverage outside of major towns in the provinces. Both Smart and Cellcard have good 3G coverage in major towns and tourist attractions though their connection might be patchy in  remote areas. By law to purchase a SIM card you need to bring along your passport with valid VISA (if applicable) to the telco office or booth for registration. However, this is not adhered by most retailers  who continue to sell SIM cards without the required IDs. You can buy prepaid 3G SIM card and/or top-up value easily from any telco booths, telco offices, phone shops or supermarkets in airport or town. Prices are generally low; you can easily get 1GB for 1 week duration for a couple of dollars.

11. Are there any good shopping in Siem Reap?
Siem Reap is not just about Angkor Wat and museums, it is also an up-and-coming shoppers’ paradise. Siem Reap is an excellent place to shop for quality and inexpensive Cambodian souvenirs, handicrafts, textiles and contemporary art. Besides the traditional shopping venues, new fashion and apparel malls and boutiques are also sprouting up every now and then. There are also dozens of night markets in Sieam Reap where you can stroll, shop and eat all night long.

12. What are the food options in Cambodia?
Bordered by Laos, Thailand, and Vietnam on three sides, Cambodia cuisine is very much influenced by its neighbours including China. There are noodle soups like Vietnamese phở and sandwiches like bánh mì. There are many dishes which are similar to Thai food but with less chili, sugar and coconut milk being used for flavoring. Indian inspired curries and Chinese style stir fry dishes are also commonly found in Cambodia cuisine. The main stable of Cambodians is rice while fresh water fish from the Mekong and the Tonle Sap make up a large part of the Cambodian diet. The pungent fermented fish paste Prahok used in almost every dishes is considered the sole of Cambodia cuisine. If Prahok is too much of an acquired taste for you, there are hundreds of restaurants serving all types of international food (French, Italian, Japanese etc) in Siem Reap and Phnom Pehn. Halal and vegetarian food can also be found easily in the cities.

13. Can I drink the water when traveling in Cambodia?
We strongly advise you not to drink water directly from the tap as it might not be safely treated. You should always drink boiled water or bottled water from reputable international or local brands like Dasani (Coca Cola), Evien, Kulara Water etc.

14. Is it customary to tip while traveling in Cambodia?
Cambodia is one of the poorest countries in Asia; the medium wage is less than USD$200 per month. Many workers in the tourism and restaurant industry rely strongly on tips to supplement their meager income. Therefore we encourage tipping especially for good services.

15. What are the opening times of the Angkor Archaeological Park?
The park opens everyday from 7.30am till 5.30pm. However some temples and sites within the park have different opening times; Angkor Wat Temple opens at from 5.00am till 5.30pm while Bakheng Hill opens at from 5.00am till 7.00pm.

16. Are there any specific dress code for visiting the Angkor Archaeological Park ?
Angkor Wat is considered a holy religious site by many Cambodians. Visitors should dress politely and modestly as they would to visit any religious place. Visitors are required to wear pants or skirts below the knees and a T-shirt that covers the shoulders. Spaghetti straps, mini-skirts and shorts are prohibited. Visitors can and are frequently turned away by the park authority when wearing revealing clothing.

17. What type of footwear should I wear for visiting the Angkor Archaeological Park?
You will be doing a lot of walking as the Angkor Archaeological Park covers a very large area. Some of the trails connecting the various temples are not paved and are rocky with tree roots. You should wear sturdy covered shoes (running shoes are fine) for visiting the Park.

18. Is there a map for me to visualize the scale of the Angkor Archaeological Park 
Refer to the two links below which provide good maps to visualize the scale of Angkor Wat.
http://www.visit-angkor.org/project/angkor-map
https://www.google.com/streetview/#angkor-wat

19. What do I need to bring along for the trip?
A comprehensive packing list will be provided by us upon trip confirmation.

20. Are medical supplies easy to find in Siem Reap?
Medical supplies are readily available at pharmacies and supermarkets in Cambodia. U-care (http://www.ucarepharma.com/) is the biggest and most established pharmacy with many branches in Siem Reap. You will be able to find in U-care most of the medicine brands available at home.

21. Do I need vaccinations?
The vaccination and immunization required depend on the length of your stay, the activities you plan to undertake as well as your personal health conditions. Since most vaccination and immunization have to be done a few weeks in advance before departure in order to be effective, it is important for you to consult your doctor early. Kindly refer to these links for more info: http://wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel/destinations/traveler/none/cambodia

22. Is travel insurance provided in the package?
Travel insurance is not included in the package. We strongly recommend you to procure your own travel insurance before embarking on the Cambodia trip. You may also procure travel insurance through us: http://iwannatravel.com.sg/world-nomads-travel-insurance

1. Where is Endau Rompin National park?
Endau-Rompin National Park, straddling the states of Johor and Pahang is Malaysia’s second largest national park after Taman Negara. The National Park is named after the two major rivers Endau River and Rompin River which flow through the park. The park is actually divided into two areas; Endau Rompin Peta and Endau Rompin Selai. Endau Rompin Peta covers the eastern half of the park with entrance near the town of Kahang while Endau Rompin Selai covers the western half of the park with entrance near the town of Bekok. As of now, we only organize trip to Endau Rompin Peta.

2. How do get to Endau Rompin National Park?
The nearest town from Endau Rompin Peta is Kahang which is about 2.5 hours’ drive from Singapore. From Kahang, you have to travel for 1.5 hours via 4-wheel drive on unpaved road to Kampung Peta jetty located at the edge of the National Park. A further 45 min boat ride down the river will bring you to the first campsite at Kuala Jasin. Thereafter you have to trek for 1.5 hours to the second campsite at Kuala Marong where you will be camping for your stay in Endau Rompin.

3. What is so special about Endau Rompin National Park?
Endau Rompin is considered to be one of the last remaining lowland dipterocarp forest in Malaysia. The park is rich in flora and fauna like tigers, elephants, sun bears, and is believed to be the last refuge in Malaysia for the highly endangered and elusive Sumatran rhinoceros. Endau Rompin is unique from a geological and ecological standpoint. Its landscape was shaped by volcanic eruptions more than 240 million years ago. Ancient volcanic rocks like ignimbrites can still be clearly seen on the ground surface at some of the waterfalls. Its mountains are flattish topped sandstone plateau massifs and isolated from the main mountain range of Peninsular Malaysia, as a result of which bears a number of endemic species like the Gollum’s toad.

4. When is the best time to visit Endau Rompin National Park?
The best time to visit the National Park is during the non-rainy season from late Feb to early Nov. The park is also opened to visitors during the rainy season from Nov to Feb. To avoid sleeping in waterlogged tents during the rainy season, you can choose to stay overnight in the Orang Asli homestay which we can help to arrange. However due to the limited homestay availability in the village, booking has to be made at least one month in advance.

5. Who are the Orang Asli?
Orang Asli meaning ‘original people’ are the aboriginal inhabitants of the Peninsular Malaysia. They are believed to have migrated to Malaysia from other parts of Asia about 6000 to 8000 years back. Their total population is about 14,457,300 representing a mere 0.8% of Malaysia population. There are officially 18 Orang Asli tribes, categorized under three main groups according to their different languages and customs. The Orang Asli who lived in Endau Rompin belongs to the sub-tribe of Orang Asli called Jakun. Unlike the Malay Muslim, the Jakun are most animism in their religious belief.

6. Will there be chances to interact with the Orang Asli?
Orang Asli are exclusively engaged as guides for treks within Endau Rompin National Park. The Orang Asli guides are generally very friendly and like to interact with their guests to share with them their intimate knowledge of Endau Rompin and its environs – the place where they called their home. If time permits, the guide can also bring you to the Orang Asli village in Kampung Peta for a short visit.

7. What are the chances of wildlife sighting?
The chances of seeing small mammals like wild boars, gibbons and birds like hornbills and eagles is quite high. However, it is not likely that you will stumble upon bigger size mammals like elephants, tigers, sun bears as they are usually nocturnal animals and shy of people. However, you will definitely be able to see telltale signs of their presence during the trek; elephant dung, camera traps for tigers and sun bear claw marks on tree trunks are a common sight.

8. What is the difficulty level of the trek?
On Day 01, you will trek for 1.5 hours on relatively flat ground from the trailhead to Kuala Marong campsite where you will set up tent for the night. On Day 02, you will trek for 5-6 hours to Buaya Sangkut Waterfall and back to the campsite. The trail is undulating with some relatively steep sections but scrambling is not required. For Day 03, you will visit Upeh Gulling and Tasik Air Biru which are about 30 min return trek and 20 min return trek from the campsite respectively. Thereafter you will trek for 1.5 hours back to the trailhead. On all days, you will need to wade through some streams and knee level deep rivers. The rivers are usually slow flowing and there are ropes set up across the river to assist your crossing. Overall this trip is not very challenging and is suitable for beginner hikers. However, please take note that your guide might take another route if the usual routes are not accessible. So always bring more water than you think you need.

9. Do I need a trekking stick for the hike?
A hiking stick is useful for providing extra stability and traction when going uphill and reducing strain on joints when going downhill. It is a good to have but not absolutely necessary for this trip.

10. What clothes should l wear for the trek?
Dri-fit long sleeve T-shirt and pants will be useful to prevent insect bites and scratches, but it is still a personal preference as many hikers like to trek in short sleeve T-shirts and shorts. However, please do not wear any military/camou style clothing.

11. What types of footwear are recommended for the trek?
A pair of covered shoes with good traction and ankle grip to protect your feet from sharp rocks. Sandals and sports shoes are not recommended. Do trim your toe nails before the hike as long nails might rub against your shoes especially when going downhill causing subungual hematoma which is also commonly known as “black toes”. As there are leeches at the park, anti-leech socks will be useful. You can also purchase anti-leech socks at the park.

12. What is the accommodation like during the trip?
You will be camping in tent throughout the trip. It is also possible to stay in Orang Asli homestay instead of camping. However due to the limited availability of homestay in the village, booking has to be made at least one month in advance.

13. What are the camping equipment provided in the package?
2-man tent (~2 kg) with groundsheet and portable gas stove (< 1 kg) for cooking are provided in the package. As porters are not included in the package, you have to carry them up and down the trail yourselves. These equipment will be collected from the guide before your hike.  We do highly recommend you bring along your own tents if possible. The tents are provided by the park and we cannot guarantee their quality.

14. What other camping equipment should i bring along?
You should bring along some lightweight Aluminium mess tin (for cooking dinner and/or boiling water) and cutlery (forks and spoons). Sleeping bags and mats are good to have for added comfort but they are not an absolute necessity. Night temperature at the campsite is cool but not cold. Thicker or extra clothing can be worn to sleep to keep warm in lieu of sleeping bag. The camping ground is flat and non-rocky.

15. Where can I buy sleeping bag and mess tin?
Sleeping bag and mess tin can be bought from Army Market in beach road (http://armymarket.sg/), DG online (http://www.dgsoldiertalk.com/), Decathlon (https://www.decathlon.sg) or from outdoor supplies shops in Velocity @ Novena Square (http://www.velocitynovena.com/)

16. Do I need any specialized equipment for the trek?
This is a relatively straightforward trek along well defined path. Except for a good pair of covered shoes and headlight, you do not need other specialized equipment for this trek.

17. Will a packing list be provided to the participants?
A comprehensive packing list will be provided by us upon trip confirmation.

18. Are porters available for hire at the National Park?
Porters can be hired to carry the camping equipment and/or personal belongings from Kampung Peta jetty to Kuala Marong campsite and from Kuala Marong campsite back to Kampung Peta jetty. Each porter can carry up to 15 kg. The weight carried by the porter can be shared among the group. It cost SGD 50 to hire a porter for the one way trek between Kampung Peta jetty and Kuala Marong campsite. Therefore it cost SGD 100 for a two-way trek from Kampung Peta jetty to Kuala Marong campsite and back.

19. Will meals be provided during the trip?
Meals are not provided during the trip. You would have to bring your own food from Singapore. Trail food like bread, energy bars, biscuits, apples, nuts and raisins will be good for breakfast and lunch. Food to be cooked like instant noodles, spaghetti and canned food like sardines and luncheon meat will be good for dinner.

20. Are there portable water source along the trail?
There are no portable water source along the trail except at Kuala Marong campsite where there is clean tap water for drinking. According to the National Park, the water is piped from spring water source in the mountain. However, as the water is untreated, we recommend you to boil or treat with water purification tablet before consumption.

21. Are there shower and toilet facilities at the campsite?
Cold shower is available at the campsite but you would have to bring your toiletries. We strongly recommend you to use only biodegradable shower foam and shampoo so as to reduce impact on the environment. Basic toilets are also available.

22. How many guides will be provided for the trek?
We have a maximum guide to trekker ratio of 1:8. For example, 1 guide will be provided for group size of 8 pax; 2 guides will be provided for group size of 9-16 pax etc.

23. Does the Orang Asli guide speak English?
The Orang Asli guides are able to speak and understand conversational English.

24. What is the Rubbish Deposit?
Each trekking group has to pay a refundable rubbish deposit of 100 MYR to the National Park HQ before the climb. This deposit can only be paid in cash on the day of climb. Every hiker is also required to fill in a rubbish declaration form at the National Park HQ to declare the personal items that he or she is carrying up the mountain. After the climb, the national park officer will check the items that the hikers bring down to ensure that nothing (no trash) is left in the mountain. The deposit will then be refunded in full if the items declared tally with what the trekkers have. Otherwise, the deposit will be confiscated by the National Park HQ. It is every hiker’s responsibility to take care of the mountain by not littering and carrying their rubbish down.

25. How much tips is appropriate for the guide?
Tipping is highly encouraged especially for good services. A ballpark figure would be around 80-120 MYR to each guide for the whole group.
Is there mobile reception in the National Park?
There is no mobile reception in the National Park. Take it as a good opportunity to part with your phone for a while.

26. If I do not wish to camp, are there accommodations and meal options?
Yes, full board is available at Kampung Peta where there are family chalets and meals  will be taken care of. For the chalet option, you will still have a chance to take the boat ride to visit Upeh Guling and Tasik Air Biru. Other activities include tubing, animal traps and blowpipe demonstration. However, you will not be able to visit the Buaya Sangkut Waterfall as it is a long hike and only suitable for the camping itinerary.

27. Is travel insurance provided in the package?
Travel insurance is not included in the package. We strongly recommend you to procure your own travel insurance before embarking on this trip. You may also procure travel insurance through us: http://iwannatravel.com.sg/world-nomads-travel-insurance.

1. Where is Flores?
Flores (Flowers in Portuguese) is one of the Lesser Sunda Islands, a group of islands in the eastern half of Indonesia. Its land area is about 20 times bigger than Singapore but its population is only one-third that of Singapore.  It is located to the east of Bali (about 500km as the crow flies), west of East Timor and south of Sulawesi. The peoples of Flores are almost entirely Roman Catholic Christians whereas most other Indonesians are Muslim – the result of its past colonization by Portugal.

2. What are the highlights in Flores?
Flores has long been a springboard to Komodo National Park – home of the famous Komodo dragons (largest lizard in the world) – but the island has much more to offer. The western end of Flores with its archipelago of beautiful Savannah islands – Komodo, Rinca, Padar, Kanawa, Seraya – offers some of the best diving and snorkeling spots in Indonesia. Heading east, highlights include the UNESCO Heritage Site of Wae Rebo – a remote highland village which is only accessible via a 4 hrs uphill trek, Liang Bua Cave dubbed as “Hobbit Caves” where remains of miniature humans (Homo floresiensis) were found and the traditional Ngada villages of Desa Guru Sina, Desa Langa, Desa Bela, and Desa Lina Tiwa. Further east are Riung 17 Islands Marine Nature Reserve and the tri-coloured Kelimutu Lake which changes colour at different times of the day. The volcanoes dotted island with its numerous mountains (Mount Mbeiling, Mount Inerie, Mount Ebulobo), waterfalls (Cunca Wulang, Cunca Cami) and hot springs is a trekking paradise for outdoor enthusiasts.

3. When is the best time to visit Flores?
The best time to visit Flores is during the non-rainy season from March to November. All the national parks including Komodo and Kelimutu National Parks are opened 365 days a year but be prepared for muddy roads and cloudly skies if you visit during the rainy season from December to February.

4. Why Flores?
Flores means Flower in Portuguese and it is indeed endowed with unspoiled nature and rich cultural heritage. Unlike heavily touristed Bali, the local population in Flores is not dependent on tourism for their livelihood. Coupled with its rugged and mountainous landscape that has hindered access to the island’s interior in the past, Flores has remained pretty intact pretty intact from the negative aspect of tourism. Flores is largely devoid of tourist horde and you can have large portions of it as a traveller to yourself.

5. How to get into Flores?
There are no direct flight between Singapore and Flores. The most convenient way to enter Flores is via a transit flight from Bali. Garuda Indonesia and Wings Air offer daily connection between Denpasar In Bali and Labuan Bajo in Flores. The flight time is about 1hr 20 min.

6. How is the road conditions in Flores?
Major towns and destinations in Flores are connected by paved roads which are well maintained and relatively free of potholes. However, due to the mountainous terrain, the roads are generally narrow, steep and winding with average driving speed around 30km/hr. Most other roads in Flores are unpaved with potholes. One needs a four-wheel-drive or car with good suspension to travel on these dirt roads.

7. How is the telecommunication network coverage in Flores?
Telecommunication including 3G is readily available in most part of Flores including Komodo National Park except in more remote places like Wae Rebo. Many hotels and restaurants offer free wifi services for their guests. A local pre-paid sim card with 2-4 GD data bundle typically costs less than 150K IDR. Telkomsel has the best coverage in Flores and their simcard brand is called SimPATI.

8. Is tap water drinkable in Flores?
Tap water in Flores is not fit for direct drinking. Generally you would have to buy bottled mineral or distilled water from supermarkets or convenient stores though some hotels do provide free drinking water.

9. What are the food choices in Flores?
Labuan Bajo has a quite a diverse dinning scene with wide selection of western restaurant bars and warungs (small eateries serving local food). Cheap and fresh seafood is readily available along coastal towns while in Flores interior, food is usually more locally inclined but some hotel restaurants do do serve delicious western food.

10. What are the general recommendation for vaccination and immunization?
The vaccination and immunization required depend on the length of your stay, the activities you plan to undertake as well as your personal health conditions. Since most vaccination and immunization have to be done a few weeks in advance before departure in order to be effective, it is important for you to consult your doctor early. There are some risk of Malaria and Dengue in Flores. Kindly refer to these links for more info: https://www.cdc.gov/malaria/about/index.html https://www.cdc.gov/dengue/

1. When is the best time to climb?
The recommended period to climb Xueshan is during the dry season from October to December. From late December to March, the mountain will be heavily clad in snow and crampons would be needed for the ascent. For January and February climb, we recommend 3D2N trekking itinerary. Another good time to climb is during late spring from May to early June when the mountain is blooming with beautiful wild flowers but is also the plum rain season with occasional light showers. July to September is the typhoon season which contributes to occasional landslides and slippery trails.

2. How does the permit system work?
You need to have 2 types of permits to climb Xueshan; a National Park Entry Permit (issued by the National Park) and a Police Permit (issued by the Police). The National Park Entry Permit is meant for entering Xueba National Park while the Police Permit is meant for entering any high altitude area within the National Park. Application for the National Park Entry Permit has to be submitted to the National Park before the balloting date, which happens one month before your climb date. The Police Permit can be applied on the climb date. As the accommodation at 369 cabin is tied to the National Park Entry Permit; you will be guaranteed a bunk bed space if your National Park Entry Permit application is successful.

3. What is the booking process like?
To increase your chance of getting the National Park Entry Permit, you should book the trip with us as early as possible – at least 2 months before your climb date. We will require 50% deposit to proceed with the National Park Entry Permit application. The permit application result will be known one month before your climb date. If the permit application is successful, you are required to pay the balance payment in full to confirm your climb with us. If the permit application is not successful, we will refund the full 50% deposit back to you.

4. How does the typical hiking itinerary look like?
Day01: In the afternoon, transfer from Taipei to Nan Shan Village (南山村) in Yilan  (~5 hrs. drive). Overnight in homestay at Nan Shan Village.

Day02: In the morning, check-out from homestay and proceed to Wuling Farm and the Police Station nearby for the climb registration and the Police Permit application respectively. Proceed to trailhead to start your trek towards 369 Cabin (三六九山莊). Overnight in dormitory at 369 Cabin.

Day03: Wake up early in the morning for the sunrise summit trek. After sunrise, trek back to 369 Cabin for breakfast and check-out. Descend back to the trailhead where your transport will be waiting to fetch you back to Taipei.

5. What if I do not get the permits?
In the unlikely chance that we fail to get the permits (Xueshan slots are much easier to get compared to Yushan), we can arrange alternative climbs such as Nan Hua Shan and He Huan Shan.  These mountains also work on a permit system but is less popular than Xueshan.  Generally, we will be able to organise a trek for you as long as you are open to other mountains.  However, if Xueshan is your only choice, you should not buy air tickets to Taiwan before the permits are secured.

6. What are the accommodations like?
Both accommodations in Nan Shan Village and 369 Cabin are dormitory bunk beds styles accommodation with shared toilets.

7. Are sleeping bags provided?
Sleeping bag will only be provided at 369 Cabin while winter blankets will be provided at Nan Shan Village.

8. Are there showers at the lodges?
Hot shower is available at Nan Shan Village. There is no bathing facility at 369 Cabin.

9. Are meals provided during the trek?
All meals will be served in the lodge by the lodge’s kitchen for the whole duration of the trek. Meals are usually Chinese style dishes like porridge, soup noodles, rice with vegetables and meats, etc. However, utensils are not provided and you will have to bring your own utensils (mess tin, fork and spoon).

10. Is drinking water provided during the trek?
There is no water source along the whole trail except at the lodges. Boiled water will be available for top-up at the lodges for free. Please bring along a heat resistant water bottle for the refill. You only need to bring enough drinking water for the first day; i.e the journey from Taipei to Nan Shan homestay and for the night as well.

11. What is the trail’s terrain like?
The trail is well defined and marked with distance markers showing the distance travelled. The total trekking distance from the trailhead to the summit is 10.9km. The trail leading from the trailhead (2180m) to 369 cabin (3100m) is 6.9km long. This section of the trail is moderately steep; mostly gravel path with wooden bridges along the way. The trail from 369 cabin to the summit (3886m) is 4km long. The section of the trail is relatively steep especially the last 500m where some scrambling is required.

12. How long is the trek and how many hours do we trek each days?
The hiking distance and durations are:
Day 01: Trailhead – 369 Cabin – 6.9 km (6 hrs)
Day 02: 369 Cabin – Summit – 369 Cabin – Trailhead 14.8 km (13 hrs)
(Timings are estimated and depended on the individual trekker’s physical stamina and conditions).

13. When is the summit day and how is the climb like?
The summit day is on Day 02 of the trek. You will wake up around 2am for the summit climb. It takes about 4 hrs to reach the summit (for sunrise if you can reach on time) and another 3 hours to descend back to the camp site. If you do not wish to attempt the summit climb, you may stay at the lodge to wait for the summiteers to return.

14. What is the temperature like in the mountains?
Temperatures vary with altitude and seasons. Night temperatures at 369 cabin can be below 0 degree Celsius in winter months while summit temperatures can be below -5 degree Celsius before sunrise.

15. What clothes should l wear for the trek?
A quick dry synthetic material shirt (can be either short or long sleeve) as the base layer, a good quality fleece jacket/woollen pull-over as the middle layer and a thick wind proof jacket as the outer layer. Waterproof and wind- proof trekking pants will be desirable as well as a pair of woollen gloves, beanie and scarf for additional cold protection.

16. What types of footwear are recommended for the trek?
A pair of trekking shoes (that you have worn before) with good traction. Mid or high-cut shoes are preferred over low-cut ones for better ankle grips and to prevent loose soils from getting into the shoes.

17. What is the difficulty level of the trek?
Climbing Xueshan is tough; but anyone in reasonable shape should be able to manage to climb the mountain within 2D1N. You are expected to carry your own personal daypack of 6-8 kilograms. Normal hiking throughout except for some scrambling towards the summit. No rock climbing or technical climbing skills are needed.

18. Do I need trekking sticks for the trek?
Hiking sticks will be useful for providing additional traction when going uphill and reduce strain on joints when going downhill.

19. Do I need any specialized equipment for the trek?
This is a relatively straightforward trek along well defined path except for the summit trek where some scrambling is required to gain your foothold over steep ground. Except for a set of cold wear, a good pair of trekking shoes, a headlamp, trekking sticks and crampons (for winter climb only and will be provided), you do not need other specialized equipment for this trek. Upon booking confirmation, a detailed packing list will be provide to you to help you pack for your trip.

20. What are the training required to get myself prepared for the trek?
Exercise at least twice a week; comprising of either mid-distance jogging (~5km) or stair climbing (~60 stories height) at least 6 weeks in advance should be sufficient to condition your body for the climb. A longer period of conditioning is required for those who are unaccustomed to physical exercise.

21. Where can I store my extra belongings/luggage which I do not wish to carry up the mountain?
You may store your extra belongings/luggage in the vehicle and collect them after your trek.

22. Will porters be provided for the trek?
Porters are not included in our standard itinerary for this trek as you can leave your extra belongings/luggage in the vehicle. However, we can help to arrange for a porter if you require one.

23. How much does it cost to hire porter?
Porters are available for hire but very costly at SGD 600-800 per porter for the whole trip. Each porter can carry up to 25kg, therefore the cost of the porter can be split among the group.

24. Is high altitude sickness a problem for the climb?
Xueshan’s height is high enough for altitude sickness to be of a concern. Refer to the link below for more info on high altitude sickness: its symptoms, prevention and treatment: http://www.traveldoctor.co.uk/altitude.htm

25. Is travel insurance provided in the package?
Travel insurance is not included in the package. We strongly recommend you to procure your own travel insurance before embarking on the Xueshan trip. You may also procure travel insurance through us: http://iwannatravel.com.sg/world-nomads-travel-insurance.

26. Can you pick me up or drop me off at another location instead of Taipei City?
While it is possible to arrange an alternative pick up location, there might be extra transportation cost which we have to pay the driver. Note that Taoyuan airport is located 50km west of Taipei City so there will also be extra cost for direct airport pick up.  Just let us know your requirements and we will ensure any additional cost is known up front.

27. Will there be a refund if the climb is cancelled due to weather?
For the safety of hikers, the National Park might cancel or halt the climb in the event of adverse weather (heavy downpour/snow or lightning risk). As this is considered an act of god (out of human control), no refund will be made to the clients.

28. Do you rent hiking sticks and crampons?
Yes, hiking sticks can be rented at SGD 4.8 for one piece and crampons can be rented at SGD 28 for a pair. These will be passed to you before the hike.