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
Borneo – Community centre construction Community centres (‘Balai raya’ in Malay) are commonplace in Sabah and form an integral part of village life. A well-used and maintained community hall is often a good indicator of the health of the community itself. You’ll be getting involved in a long-term project to construct a community centre for the local community, who currently do not have one. UN Sustainable Development Goals Decent work and economic growth Promote sustained, inclusive and sustainable economic growth, full and productive employment and decent work for all Industry, innovation and infrastructure Build resilient infrastructure, promote inclusive and sustainable industrialization and foster innovation
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. We have built a permanent presence in the region over more than fifteen years, developing trusted long-term relationships with local communities and conservation partners. That established track record gives UK schools confidence that simply cannot be replicated by operators who are newer to the region.
How physically challenging is the Borneo Trek Expedition? The Borneo Trek Expedition is designed to challenge and inspire rather than overwhelm. Students trek through diverse jungle terrain including lowland rainforest and highland trails, which requires a good level of fitness and mental resilience. No technical mountaineering skills are needed. All trekking is led by experienced guides. Our in-country team has been managing jungle treks in Sabah since 2009.
What kind of trekking will students do on the Borneo Trek Expedition? Students trek through the heart of the Bornean jungle in Sabah, experiencing true off-grid living. Trails pass through rural communities and some of the world’s most biodiverse rainforest. Trekking days are structured, supported by experienced local guides and form a key part of the overall expedition experience alongside community project work.
What kind of project work is included alongside the trek? In addition to trekking, students take part in community development and environmental conservation projects. These may include constructing community infrastructure and supporting orangutan habitat protection. All projects are co-designed with our long-term local partners and community leaders to ensure they respond to genuine locally identified needs.
Where do students stay during the Borneo Trek Expedition? Students are based at our own permanent camps in Sabah region with traditional longhouse-style accommodation or in hammocks on the jungle trek. On the trek you will stay in hammocks in the jungle. We own and manage our own facilities directly, ensuring consistent welfare standards, security and a genuine community immersion experience throughout the four-week expedition.
Is the Borneo Trek Expedition safe for school students? Yes. Camps International has operated in Borneo since 2009 with a permanent experienced in-country team. Because we own the camps in Borneo, we maintain direct oversight of safety, accommodation and welfare at all times. All treks are led by qualified local guides, risk assessments are reviewed before every expedition, and 24/7 emergency support is available throughout. We follow UK FCDO travel advice at all times.
What’s included in the Borneo Trek Expedition cost? The cost includes international flights, accommodation at our permanent camp, all meals, in-country transport, project materials, leadership and staff costs, travel insurance, orientation and language lessons and 24-hour emergency support. Personal spending money, visas, vaccinations, kit and travel to a UK airport are not included.
How does Camps International work with local communities in Borneo? Our community partnerships in Borneo have been built over more than fifteen years since Camp Borneo opened in 2009. All project work is planned in collaboration with local community leaders and our long-standing partner organisations in the Sabah region, so that activities genuinely reflect the priorities of the communities we work alongside. This long-term approach ensures our impact is sustainable and continues well beyond each individual expedition.
