Borneo – Village enhancement projects You’ll get involved in a number of projects to improve facilities for the rapidly growing population of Bongkud. Projects may include constructing a youth centre, improving the drainage system to ensure cleaner and healthier living and establishing a community farming programme to improve food security and encourage self-sufficiency within the village, without needing to transport supplies from larger towns. UN Sustainable Development Goals Zero hunger End hunger, achieve food security and improved nutrition and promote sustainable agriculture Good health and well-being Ensure healthy lives and promote well-being for all at all ages Industry, innovation and infrastructure Build resilient infrastructure, promote inclusive and sustainable industrialization and foster innovation Climate action Take urgent action to combat climate change and its impacts
Borneo – Habitat conservation Batu Puteh is an incredible haven for a large majority of Borneo’s wildlife including orangutans, elephants and proboscis monkeys, and is one of the world’s most important natural habitats. However, it’s also one of the most threatened. You’ll get involved in activities to help safeguard this wildlife paradise for future generations by helping to tackle deforestation. UN Sustainable Development Goals Climate action Take urgent action to combat climate change and its impacts Life on land Protect, restore and promote sustainable use of terrestrial ecosystems, sustainably manage forests, combat desertification, and halt and reverse land degradation and halt biodiversity loss
How long has Camps International been running expeditions to Borneo? Camps International was founded in 2002 and opened Camp Borneo in Sabah, Malaysian Borneo in 2009. For over fifteen years we have built a permanent presence in the region with experienced locally based teams, long-standing community partnerships and established conservation relationships. Camp Bongkud, our flagship Bornean camp, sits at the heart of the 2-week programme and reflects the depth of our long-term commitment to the region.
What community project work will students do on the 2-week Borneo Expedition? Community project work is based at Camp Bongkud and focuses on improving the infrastructure and facilities needed by the rapidly growing local community, with cultural activities and sports with local community members in the evenings. All projects are co-designed with local community leaders and our long-term partner organisations to address genuine locally identified needs and create lasting sustainable change.
What conservation and wildlife experiences are included in the 2-week Borneo Expedition? Students spend time at a jungle camp in Batu Puteh working with KOPEL, a local environmental organisation, on vital forest regeneration activities including seed collection, forest restoration and ethnobotany. A river safari gives students the chance to spot Borneo wildlife in its natural habitat. Students also visit the Sepilok Orangutan Sanctuary and the Bornean Sun Bear Conservation Centre in Sandakan to see these protected animals up close and learn about the conservation work being done to protect them.
What cultural experiences are included in the 2-week Borneo Expedition? Cultural experiences are woven throughout the programme. The journey to Camp Bongkud includes a stop at the Kundasang War Memorial, where students learn about the fate of British and Commonwealth soldiers during WWII. On arrival at camp, students are welcomed with a cultural performance by the local community. Evenings throughout the project phase include cultural activities and sports alongside local community members, with a traditional dinner and cultural farewell before moving on to the jungle phase.
Is the 2-week Borneo Expedition safe for school students? Yes. Camps International has operated in Borneo since 2009 with experienced permanently based in-country teams. We own and operate Camp Bongkud in Sabah, giving us direct oversight of safety, accommodation and welfare at all times. The jungle phase at Batu Puteh is delivered in partnership with KOPEL, a trusted and established local organisation. 24/7 emergency support is in place throughout and we follow Smartraveller guidance (smartraveller.gov.au).
What is included and excluded in the 2-week Borneo Expedition cost? Included: international flights, accommodation across all phases including Camp Bongkud, the jungle camp at Batu Puteh and hostel accommodation in Sandakan, all meals, in-country transport, project materials, entry to Poring Hot Springs, the Orangutan Sanctuary and the Bornean Sun Bear Conservation Centre, leadership and staff costs, travel insurance, orientation and language lessons and 24-hour emergency support. Not included: personal spending money, visas and vaccinations.
