Borneo – Regeneration and infrastructure improvements This is an adventure with purpose. While exploring natural landscapes and experiencing amazing wildlife, you will also contribute to environmental research which supports local conservation. Whether it’s supporting with data collection or getting your hands dirty on nature-based activities, you will learn from environmental experts and leave a positive mark through your contribution to environmental work which protects our natural world. 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
What is the Borneo Kembara Expedition in Partnership with Raleigh International? The Borneo Kembara Expedition is a two-week leadership development programme delivered by Camps International in partnership with Raleigh International. Kembara means ‘journey’ in Malay. The expedition combines Camps’ expertise in impact and community work with Raleigh’s renowned leadership adventure model, offering students aged 14 to 17 a structured, outcome-led experience in the ancient rainforests of Malaysian Borneo.
What are the three phases of the Borneo Kembara Expedition? The expedition is structured across three phases. The Induction phase takes place at the Borneo Fieldbase, where students develop survival skills, basic first aid, cultural knowledge and the foundations of expedition leadership, leaving fully equipped and ready for the adventure ahead. The Research and Conservation phase involves working shoulder-to-shoulder with local experts and conservationists on field projects that help protect Borneo’s natural environment, including its orangutan and pygmy elephant populations. The Adventure Challenge phase takes students through jungle and mountainous terrain, trekking, orienteering and camping in hammocks under the stars, with students taking turns as Day Leader. The expedition closes with a reflection and celebration session where students debrief on their achievements and explore how to take what they have learned back home.
What leadership skills will students develop on the Borneo Kembara Expedition? Students develop practical leadership capability through progressive challenge and structured reflection across the three expedition phases. Taking on the Day Leader role during the Adventure Challenge phase places students in real decision-making situations, building confidence, resilience, communication skills and cultural intelligence. A structured debrief and celebration session at the end of the expedition helps students understand how to apply what they have learned back at school and beyond.
What conservation and project work is involved in the Borneo Kembara Expedition? Students work alongside local environmental experts and conservationists on field projects that support the protection of Borneo’s natural habitats, home to 6% of the world’s biodiversity. This may include environmental research, data collection and nature-based conservation activities contributing to climate action and land conservation goals. Students also contribute to infrastructure projects that support indigenous communities living in areas impacted by deforestation and poverty.
Where do students stay on the Borneo Kembara Expedition? Students are based at the Borneo Fieldbase in the Kudat District of Sabah during the Induction phase. Accommodation is in traditional longhouses with toilet and shower blocks providing cold running water. During the Adventure Challenge phase, students camp under the stars in hammocks. Accommodation throughout is authentic to rural life in Sabah and forms an important part of the off-grid expedition experience.
What food will students eat on the Borneo Kembara Expedition? Students eat a mix of dry and fresh food and have the chance to cook with their group. Food in Borneo is based on South East Asian staples including noodles, rice, bread, beef, fish, chicken and vegetables. Students may also have the chance to experience local foods including bambagan, a giant mango-like fruit, and rambutan, a sweet fruit similar to a lychee. Students receive orientation and language lessons in Malay as part of the programme.
Is this expedition safe for school students? Yes. The expedition operates under Camps International’s established safeguarding policies, robust risk assessment frameworks and experienced in-country teams. Full safety documentation is available for EVC and SLT review, and 24/7 emergency support is in place throughout. The programme follows UK FCDO travel advice at all times.
What is included and excluded in the Borneo Kembara Expedition cost? Included: international flights, longhouse and hammock camping accommodation, all food, in-country transport, adventure challenge, project costs, leader and staff costs, a Camps t-shirt, orientation and language lessons, travel insurance and 24-hour emergency support. Not included: vaccinations, visas, personal kit and spending money.
