Borneo Panau Expedition

Camps International are partnering with Raleigh International in an industry first – combining Camps’ expertise in impact and service learning with Raleigh’s renowned leadership adventure model. Together, we are creating a new standard in purposeful youth development.

Go on your own Panau, meaning “journey” in Malay, on a wild Bornean trek, designed to stretch your comfort zone and grow your confidence. You’ll live off-grid, cook over open flames, trek wild trails, and contribute to meaningful community and conservation work. All while surrounded by a close-knit team of peers and expert leaders who’ve got your back every step of the way. 

  • Location Borneo, Asia
  • Duration 2 weeks
  • Expedition Type Adventures By Camps

Set in the ancient rainforests of Malaysian Borneo – home to 6% of the world’s biodiversity – this expedition takes you deep into areas impacted by deforestation and poverty, where your efforts really count. Across three phases, you’ll develop real-world leadership skills while getting hands-on with environmental research and volunteering on infrastructure projects that support indigenous communities. From survival training and multi-day treks to volunteering shoulder-to-shoulder with locals, you’ll leave with new found confidence, powerful memories, and skills that last a lifetime. This is your Panau – your journey. 

Asia - Borneo - round map with Camp Borneo logo
Borneo students group photo, Borneo Panau Expedition in Partnership with Raleigh International
Borneo Life in Camps_Putting up Hammock
School Expedition in Borneo. Travellers walking with a beautiful landscape ahead of them

A fully supported expedition, from start to finish

Your expedition cost is comprehensive and covers the incredible activities you’ll be taking part in, as well as the extensive support you’ll receive in the lead up to, and during, your expedition.

Don’t forget you’ll also need your vaccinations, visas, kit and some spending money. You can find guidance on all of these on your personal Traveller Gateway once you sign up.

  • Ongoing pre-expedition support
  • Flights and in-country transfers
  • Travel insurance
  • Food and accommodation
  • Adventure challenge
  • Project costs
  • Leader and staff costs
  • Camps t-shirt
  • Orientation and language lessons
  • 24 hour emergency support
  • Reserve location

This sample itinerary will give you an insight into what you’ll be getting up to. Please note, the exact projects, activities and camps may change closer to the time of your expedition.

Day

Activities

More details
DAY 1-3 PHASE 1: INDUCTION. GET EXPEDITION-READY. Your expedition starts here. On a 3-day Induction, you’ll get to learn the ins and outs of life on expedition to prepare you for the adventure ahead. Taking place at Fieldbase, you’ll learn survival skills, basic first aid, cultural insights from Malaysian Borneo and the foundations of what it is to be a day leader. You’ll be equipped, trained, and ready for the expedition adventure.
DAY 4-8 PHASE 2: RESEARCH + CONSERVATION. MAKE AN IMPACT. The State of Sabah is rich in incredible nature and is a wildlife haven for animals such as orangutans and pygmy elephants. You may spot some special wildlife while working shoulder-to-shoulder with local experts and conservations to support field projects which help conserve Borneo’s natural environment. Learn about sustainability, wildlife conservation and how to support natural habitats. We’re not learning from textbooks here – this is curriculum-connected learning in the real world.
DAY 9-13 PHASE 3: ADVENTURE CHALLENGE. EARN EVERY STEP. It’s time to push your limits on an adventure which is fun, challenging and rewarding. Work alongside your team to navigate through jungle and mountainous landscapes, which is home to interesting and colourful wildlife. You’ll learn about orienteering and map reading, all while exploring lush terrains and camping out under the stars in hammocks. You’ll gain independence and resilience as you’ll be carrying your own kit while you’re trekking through rainforest and will have the chance to take charge as Day Leader and guide your team through the unknown.
DAY 13-14 ENDEX: END OF EXPEDITION DAYS. CELEBRATE THE JOURNEY. Wow – you’ve made it to the end! You’ve taken the lead, pushed your limits and conquered challenges on your expedition. Now it’s time to reflect and celebrate. Endex is time to review and debrief on what you have achieved on your expedition. You’ll learn more on how you can take your expedition learnings back home with you and get inspired about what you can do next. And of course, there will be a farewell celebration as well.
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See what life is like on expedition

Check out the photos from our previous travellers for a first-hand view into life on expedition.

A group of travellers walking on a trek in Borneo
Travellers digging on a project, Borneo
Teapots camping Borneo trek
Proboscis monkey, Borneo
Borneo Trek camping in the jungle in hammocks
Travellers working on a community building, Borneo
A group of travellers walking on a trek in Borneo
Travellers digging on a project, Borneo
Teapots camping Borneo trek
Proboscis monkey, Borneo
Borneo Trek camping in the jungle in hammocks
Travellers working on a community building, Borneo

For more of our travellers’ best photos visit our photo competition gallery. See more

How you’ll make a difference

You’ll work on a range of projects throughout your expedition, each aligned to the UN Sustainable Development Goals and designed to make a significant and lasting impact on the region’s most critical issues.

Travellers digging a road in a project in Borneo

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

13 Climate Action

Climate action

Take urgent action to combat climate change and its impacts

15 life on land

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

Experience the local way of life in our authentic camps

Our camps are the heart of our expeditions. Built and staffed by locals in the traditional style, and located within the heart of communities, they are the perfect place to relax after a day of project work. You’ll get to stay in a number of camps during your expedition, which could include those featured below.

Borneo, Tinangol - traditional longhouse accommodation

Camp Tinangol Fieldbase

Our Borneo Fieldbase is located at Camp Tinangol, which is situated in the Kudat District. Fieldbase is where you’ll do your training. The accommodation there is in traditional style longhouses and there are toilet and shower blocks with cold running water and a basic central building for mealtimes and group gatherings. It’s rough and ready and all part of the experience. 

  • Location: In the Kudat District
  • Accommodation style: Longhouse with mossy net and bedding. Flushing toilets. No Wi-Fi. No heater.
  • Social area: A basic central building for mealtimes and group gatherings.
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I developed a much better understanding of biodiversity and nature. It made me realise the huge impact humans have on the environment and how our protection and care make a difference, whether big or small.

Estrella, Expedition Venturer, 2024

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