(14 DAYS)
WORLD DIFFERENTLY! SEE THE
KIULU BAMBANGAN TREK
SABAH
BRUNEI
SAR AWA K KALIMANTAN
We believe in the power of extraordinary experiences. They allow us to see ourselves, others and the world differently, and develop our confidence, independence and resilience.
14 DAY EXPEDITION BORNEO
Meet orangutans in the wild, contribute to a gibbon conservation and tackle the Bambangan Trek. With you and your team tackling fresh challenges each day, this once-in-a-lifetime experience proves just how much you’re capable of. It could change the way you see yourself and the world, forever.
STARTHERE
DAY 1
ARRIVE IN SANDAKAN
Sleep: Hostel
Travel: Transfer 30 mins from the airport
Touch down in the coastal city of Sandakan and travel overland to Sepilok. You’ve made it to Borneo – an island of rainforests, orangutans and adventure.
Make sure you get some rest after your flight. You’re about to take the road less travelled and experience the places you’ve been dreaming about. Steamy jungles, tribal communities and rugged highlands – they’re all here, waiting to be explored.
DAY 2
ORANGUTANS & SUN BEARS
Sleep: Hostel
Wake up to your first morning in Borneo and dive into expedition life. Assign team roles and meet the ground team to discuss your plans. You’ll also need to buy some food supplies and a SIM card for the team phone – head to the market and get to grips with the currency, Malaysian ringgit.
Nothing quite prepares you for Sepilok Orangutan Rehabilitation Centre (SORC). It’s one of the few places in the world where you can see orangutans in the wild.
These endangered great apes can only be found in the rainforests of Borneo and neighbouring Sumatra. SORC cares for injured orangutans and teaches them how to survive. Feeding time is the best chance of seeing them up close.
Next to SORC, the Borneo Sun Bear Conservation Centre (BSBCC) cares for rescued bears and raises awareness
TRAVELLING RESPONSIBLY
REMEMBER, YOU’RE MORE THAN A TOURIST IN THIS PLACE. YOU’RE PART OF A TEAM OF GLOBAL CITIZENS, EMBRACING DIVERSITY AND COMMITTED TO LIFELONG LEARNING. STAY OPEN TO OPPORTUNITIES, CONTRIBUTE WHERE YOU CAN, AND CONNECT WITH THE MANY PEOPLE YOU MEET ALONG THE ROAD.
of this fragile species. Meet the sun bears and keep an eye out for the orangutans, macaques and squirrels that thrive in this protected forest.
You could also visit the Rainforest Discovery Centre to learn about Borneo’s epic wildlife.
PLAN AHEAD
REMEMBER TO BOOK ANY OPTIONAL ACTIVITIES AT THE START OF THE TRIP – CHAT WITH THE GROUND TEAM AND GET PLANNING!
DAYS 3-5
GIBBON CONSERVATION
Sleep: Dorms
Travel: Transfer 5hrs to the centre
THE GIBBONS AT THIS CENTRE ARE BEING REHABILITATED. INTERACTION WITH HUMANS IS KEPT TO A MINIMUM TO GIVE THEM THE BEST POSSIBLE CHANCE OF RETURNING TO THE WILD.
Travel to a special sanctuary near the northern tip of Sabah. This centre cares for gibbons rescued from the illegal pet trade, rehabilitating them until they are ready to be released. Learn more about these endangered ‘singing apes’, the threats they face and how the organisation is helping protect them. Deforestation is destroying their habitats, while illegal traders kill entire gibbon families to sell their babies as pets.
Roll up your sleeves and get involved. Lend a hand with site repairs and creating stimulating activities to help the gibbons reclaim their survival skills. Ask questions about the important role primates play in our ecosystem. As natural seed dispensers, they help keep the forest diverse and healthy.
Dive deeper into local life with exposure to traditional crafts and dances of the Dusan people – the largest ethnic group in Sabah.
LIFE ON LAND
CONTRIBUTE TO AN INITIATIVE THAT AIMS TO REVERSE BIODIVERSITY LOSS AND PROMOTE THE SUSTAINABLE USE OF ECOSYSTEMS.
DAYS 6-9
BAMBANGAN TREK
Sleep: Hammock
Travel: Transfer 1hr to starting point
Multi-day Trek: 4 days
Trek difficulty:
Boots on, time to trek – you’ll be hiking and camping for four days in the lush Bornean wilderness. Pile into the transfer vehicle and travel to the Kiulu valley for the start of the Bambangan Trail.
Step forward as team leader and set the pace along narrow jungle trails. Over the next few days, you’ll follow the river, passing rural villages and paddy fields. You’ll cross streams and hanging bridges – don’t look down!
At night, work together to pitch your tents and help cook the team meals. Before you crawl into your sleeping bag, look up at the night sky – you’ve never seen stars like it.
DREAM TEAM
TAKE IT IN TURNS TO LEAD THE GROUP TREKS. YOU’LL NEED TO MAKE KEY DECISIONS AND WORK AS A TEAM.
DAY 10
KIULU ADVENTURES
Sleep: Hammock
Travel inland to Kiulu town and set up camp. You’ve got options for how to spend your time. You could chill out at camp and prepare for your trek, or take your pick of optional activities.
Discover why Kiulu is a mecca for adventure lovers. Fancy white water rafting through the lush jungle scenery? Strap on a helmet, grab a paddle and ride the rapids. This one’s
a real team effort, so you’ll need to dig deep, pool your strengths and you’ll achieve more together. Chat with the ground team and make a plan.
LEARN THE LINGO
GREET LOCALS WITH ‘SELAMAT PAGI’ IN THE MORNING, AND ‘SELAMAT PETANG’ AFTER LUNCH.
DAYS 11-13
EXPLORE KK
Sleep: Hostel
Travel: Transfer 1.5hrs to KK
Crash out on the journey to the coastal city of Kota Kinabalu. Known locally as ‘KK’, the capital of Sabah is a blend of old and new. Expect fiery sunsets, friendly locals and a traditional fishing industry.
Discover KK’s historical landmarks – places like the War Memorial, Australia Place, the Jesselton Hotel and the Pillars of Sabah. Climb 267 steps for the panoramic views from Signal Hill Observatory Tower. You’ll also have time for optional activities like snorkelling or stand-up paddleboarding.
On your final night in Borneo, sit back and watch the sun sink behind the offshore islands. Gather the team for a final team meal, and tuck into local dishes like fresh seafood, Indian roti
(pancakes), Malay curries and more.
DAY 14
TRAVEL HOME FROM KOTA KINABALU
Travel: Transfer 30 mins to the airport
After the best two weeks of your life, it’s time to travel home. Cram everything into your backpack and head to the airport.
Check in, sit back and let it all sink in. You’ve just experienced something incredible. Borneo has opened your eyes and challenged you more than you ever imagined. You’ve fast-tracked
your life skills and connected with locals; you’ve led your team and made new friends for life.
These experiences will shape who you are and put you on the path to becoming a true global citizen. Prepare to return home forever changed.
EDUCATIONAL OUTCOMES.
Students will gain a greater understanding of how to act for a more sustainable future, at both local and global levels.
Students will be immersed in different cultures and experiences, growing to understand their role within our global community.
Students will be challenged to think critically about topical issues that affect our past, present and future around the world.
Students will be empowered to build on their self-care strategies, enhancing their physical and mental wellbeing.
Students will experience and reflect on the power of being pushed outside of their comfort zone, allowing the development of initiative, confidence, and resilience
Students will build a deeper connection to their own identity and personal values, developing their independence and sense of self.
EXPERIENTIAL LEARNING
