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, including our work protecting orangutan habitat near Sepilok.
What community project work is included on the Borneo Trek Expedition? Students take part in community project work, which could include helping to build classrooms, constructing and refurbishing community buildings and installing water storage systems. Whichever project initiative students work on, the focus is on working hand in hand with local people to tackle real needs. Evenings include language lessons and cultural dance sessions with the local community.
What is the jungle trek and how challenging is it? The jungle trek takes students through villages, farmland and deep Bornean jungle, sleeping in hammocks and experiencing true off-grid living surrounded by the sights and sounds of the jungle. The trek includes a visit to poignant WWII memorials and teaches essential jungle first aid and survival techniques, with students mastering traditional survival skills along the way. It is a demanding multi-day trek requiring a good level of fitness and is led throughout by experienced local guides.
What conservation and wildlife experiences are included in the Borneo Trek Expedition? Students spend time at an environmental camp, learning about the Borneo jungle and the challenges faced in this important habitat, home to many species including orangutans. Project work focuses on reforesting the area by growing and replanting native trees. Students also visit the famous Sepilok Orangutan Rehabilitation Centre to see orangutans up close in their natural habitat, and the Bornean Sun Bear Conservation Centre, the only one of its kind in the world, where they learn about the conservation work taking place to protect these unique bears.
Where do students stay during the Borneo Trek Expedition? Students stay at Camp Borneo with traditional longhouse-style accommodation during the community project phase, in hammocks in the jungle during the trek, and at the environmental camp during the conservation phase. Time in Kota Kinabalu includes hostel accommodation, with the possibility of time by the coast to enjoy the white sandy beaches and crystal-clear waters before departure.
Is the Borneo Trek 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 Borneo in Sabah, giving us direct oversight of safety, accommodation and welfare at all times. The jungle trek is led by experienced local guides who teach essential jungle first aid and survival techniques. 24/7 emergency support is in place throughout and we follow Smartraveller guidance (smartraveller.gov.au).
What is included and excluded in the Borneo Trek Expedition cost? Included: international flights, accommodation across all phases including Camp Borneo, jungle hammocks, the environmental camp and hostel accommodation in Kota Kinabalu, all meals, in-country transport, project materials, entry to the Sepilok Orangutan Rehabilitation Centre 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.
