Borneo Scuba & Marine Conservation

This action-packed expedition will take you from exploring life under the sea to getting up close and personal with orangutans and sun bears.

  • Location Borneo, Asia
  • Duration 8 days
  • Expedition Type Scuba

An action-packed trip with incredible experiences including learning to scuba dive on a PADI Open Water Scuba Diving Course, a visit to the orangutan and sun bear sanctuary as well as the opportunity to explore the local area. You will immerse yourself in the local culture through interactions with the community whilst learning how to scuba dive around the beautiful islands of TARP.

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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.

  • International flights
  • Expedition Leader
  • Comprehensive travel insurance
  • All meals
  • Unlimited drinking water
  • All accommodation mentioned in the itinerary
  • All activities mentioned in the itinerary
  • Entrance fees for all sights mentioned in the itinerary
  • All transfers mentioned are in private vehicles
  • Project costs and management
  • 24 hour support throughout expedition

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 Arrive in Kota Kinabalu Arriving in Kota Kinabalu, you will be transferred to your hotel for an expedition briefing. You will then head out to lunch in the town followed by some time to explore the area. Dinner will be had at a traditional local restaurant before you head back to your hotel for the night to get a good night’s sleep.
Day 2 Arrive at Mamutik Island After breakfast at the hotel you will meet the rest of your group in the lobby before taking a boat ride over to Mamutik Island. Here, you will settle into your new hotel and have an arrival briefing. You will then have your very first PADI class with a break for lunch in between lessons. After your scuba class, dinner will be served on the island before heading to bed back at the hotel.
Day 3 – 5 Scuba diving You will have 3 days of PADI lessons where you will learn the basics of scuba diving with the opportunity to go diving off around the islands of TARP. The Tunku Abdul Rahman Park Islands (named after Malaysia’s first Prime Minister) are a haven for marine wildlife with crystal-clear waters and coral reefs. Lunch and dinner will be provided.
Day 6 Coral Reef Conservation Specialty Course This morning you will enjoy your final breakfast on the island before taking part in project AWARE which is PADI’s Coral Reef Conservation Specialty Course. Through classroom discussions, you will learn: – How coral reefs function and the complex nature of life on a reef – Why coral reefs are so important – Why many coral reefs are in serious trouble – What you can do to prevent further decline – How Project AWARE unites divers and water enthusiasts to make a difference. You will then have a delicious lunch on the island before transferring via boat back to Kota Kinabalu and head to the airport for your flight to Sandakan. Upon arrival, you will check into your B&B hostel at Sepilok before meeting for dinner.
Day 7 Sepilok Orangutan Sanctuary Today you will be visiting the orangutans and sun bears. After breakfast at the hotel, you will head to Sepilok Conservation Sanctuary where you may get the chance to see the orangutans and sun bears up close. After lunch at Sepilok, you will be transferred to the airport for your flight to KK. Upon arrival (time permitting) you will proceed to have a tour of the city before checking into the hotel, having your final dinner in town, then heading to bed.
Day 8 Departure Breakfast will be at the hotel before you say your final farewells and head to the airport for your flight home.
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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.

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

The most breath-taking, life changing and beautiful month of my life. We were able to experience different cultural amongst many other activities like Scuba Diving. As well as experiencing a range of work which was a great privilege to be able to help those less fortunate than ourselves. Not only did camps allow us to meet friends for life but also gave us memories that will last forever.

Sarah, Camp Borneo 2019

Our local camp legends

Our camps are staffed by members of the community who will make you feel like a local in no time. These legends will make your expedition spectacular and will show you the very best of their home country.

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As a Camps traveller, you’ll get to learn about our rich Bornean culture and experience its spectacular beauty – from mountains to coasts and jungles full of flora and fauna. Many people in rural villages in Sabah don’t have the opportunity to travel to other countries, so having travellers come to stay at camp is an amazing opportunity for cultural exchange (both ways!) and inspires the younger generations to study hard and see the world.

Meet our Crew

Interested in this expedition?

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