WORLD DIFFERENTLY! SEE THE
KALIMANTAN
SAR AWA K
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.
13 NIGHT EXPEDITION BORNEO
Contribute to a community intiative, tackle the Ranau trek and meet orangutans. With you and your team tackling fresh challenges each day, this once-in-alifetime experience proves just how much you’re capable of. It could change the way you see yourself and the world, forever.
START
HERE
DAY 1
ARRIVE IN KOTA KINABALU
Sleep: Hostel
Travel: Transfer 30mins to the accomodation
Touch down in the coastal city of Kota Kinabalu. 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.
DAYS 2-3
DISCOVER THE CAPITAL
Sleep: Hostel
Wake up to your first morning in Borneo and dive into expedition life. Assign some team roles and meet the ground team to discuss your plans. You’ll also need to buy some snacks and a SIM card for the team phone –head to the market and get to grips with the currency, Malaysian ringgit.
Jobs done, it’s time to explore. The capital of Sabah, Kota Kinabalu is known locally as ‘KK.’ A blend of old and new, this bustling city has fiery sunsets, friendly locals and a traditional fishing industry. When evening falls, watch the sun sink behind offshore islands.
Discover KK’s most important landmarks – places like the War Memorial, Australia Place, the Jesselton Hotel and the Pillars of Sabah. Climb 267 steps for the
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.
panoramic views from Signal Hill Observatory Tower.
Feeling hungry? Tuck into fresh seafood, Indian roti (pancakes), Malay curries and more.
PLAN AHEAD
NOW’S THE TIME TO BOOK ANY OPTIONAL ACTIVITIES. CHAT TO THE GROUND TEAM AND GET PLANNING!
DAYS 4-7
COMMUNITY INITIATIVE
Sleep: Guesthouse
Travel: Transfer 20mins to the community, transfer 20mins back to KK
Travel to your community and meet your hosts, over the next few days you will get stuck into hands on tasks to support their ongoing environmental and infrastructure projects. This could include helping out in the community garden, assisting with small building tasks, or participating in and environmental clean up – each effort helps protect natural resources and supports and more sustainable future for the region.
You’ll also join cultural sharing activities at the local learning centre. Practise a few local phrases and deepen your understanding of the culture.
The final day is about reflection – on what you’ve learned, shared, and accomplished.
End with a cultural celebration and head back Kota Kinabalu for the night.
SUSTAINABLE CITIES & COMMUNITIES
CONTRIBUTE TO AN INITIATIVE THAT HELPS COMMUNITIES TO BECOME RESILIENT, INCLUSIVE AND SUSTAINABLE.
DAYS 8-11
RANAU TRAIL
Sleep: Basic digs
Travel: Transfer 3.5hrs to start point, transfer 4hrs to Sepilok
Multi-day trek: 4 days
Trek difficulty:
Time for something bigger. You’re about to spend four days following parts of the Ranau Trail – a route taken by Allied prisoners of war during the infamous Sandakan Death Marches.
Meet your guides at Nabutan village, then set off along forested paths towards a longhouse. At dinner, learn more about the forced marches from Sandakan to Ranau – tragically, they resulted in the deaths of 2,434 Australian and British POWs. Just six prisoners escaped, and survived.
Step forward as team leader and retrace these WWII heroes’ steps through mountainous terrain. Dig deep to scale Marakau Hill – one survivor scaled this peak six times lugging bags of rice, and pinching some to help his escape.
You’ll be carrying your own gear and camping in basic digs throughout, so support each other and leap out of your comfort zone.
When you reach the Last Camp memorial in Ranau, pay your respects. Reflect on it all on the journey to Sepilok.
DAY 12
ORANGUTANS & SUN BEARS
Sleep: Hostel
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 their natural habitat.
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
DAY 13
TRAVEL TO KK
Sleep: Hostel
Travel: Transfer 8hrs to Kota Kinabalu
Travel back to KK and watch Borneo’s green landscapes and village life roll by one last time.
You won’t have much time, so use your final visit to Kota Kinabalu wisely. Squeeze in a stop at the handicraft market for last-minute souvenirs, or take a brisk stroll along the waterfront esplanade to soak up the city’s vibrant energy.
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.
Haven’t made it to Likas Lagoon yet? Now’s your chance for one last glimpse of local wildlife. Before sunset, try a few street food favourites at the night market. Then, gather with your team for a final meal - one more chance to celebrate everything you’ve seen, done, and overcome together in Borneo.
DAY 14
TRAVEL HOME FROM KOTA KINABALU
Travel: Transfer 30mins to 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.
TIME TO JOURNAL
THE FLIGHT HOME IS THE PERFECT TIME TO JOURNAL EVERYTHING THAT HAPPENED ON YOUR TRIP. YOU DON’T WANT TO FORGET THOSE MEMROIES!
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
