You searched for Borneo | Camps International https://www.campsinternational.com/ Ethical Journeys with Impact Fri, 17 Apr 2026 07:35:51 +0000 en-GB hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=6.7.5 https://www.campsinternational.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/Camps-International-Dark-Grey-Tent-Only-Logo.svg You searched for Borneo | Camps International https://www.campsinternational.com/ 32 32 Preparing Students for a Changing World: The Power of Experiential Learning https://www.campsinternational.com/blog/the-power-of-experiential-learning/ Thu, 16 Apr 2026 07:53:50 +0000 https://www.campsinternational.com/?p=7037 The post Preparing Students for a Changing World: The Power of Experiential Learning appeared first on Camps International.

]]>

Education is evolving, and while academic achievement is still vital, schools are increasingly recognising that success in the modern world requires more than grades on a piece of paper. Character, resilience, adaptability and global awareness are now just as essential to stand out from the crowd.

What is Experiential Learning?

Experiential learning is the process of learning through doing, reflecting and applying yourself to the situation at hand. Rather than simply absorbing information, students actively engage in real-world situations that require them to think critically, collaborate, problem-solve and adapt to the world around them.

In real terms, experiential learning may involve fieldwork, service-learning projects, expeditions, internships or immersive cultural experiences. What defines it is not the location, but the method – students are placed in authentic contexts where they must make decisions, take responsibility and reflect on their growth.

When students step beyond the classroom and into unfamiliar environments, such as trekking through mountain ranges, working on community infrastructure projects, or contributing to conservation initiatives, it teaches them strength and global context that are hard to replicate within the classroom.

The cognitive development through overseas experiential learning is  mainly reflected in the perception of oneself (self-awareness and self-understanding), other people (social communication), and other things (international perspectives, cultural and global diversity, racial, ethnic diversity, and complexities of global issues) (Tian and Lu, 2018).

Mary, a student traveller who visited Cambodia, mentioned she now feels more confident”, and that “this trip has reassured me in my journey of becoming an adult. As I now feel like I have – or am developing – the essential qualities which makes a successful person”.

The Rise of Global Citizenship and Growth Mindset

Today’s students are growing up in an interconnected world. Everything is chronically online and available instantly at their fingertips, which is both exciting and dangerous in equal parts. Exposure to global challenges, whether environmental sustainability, inequality, or conservation, creates a deeper understanding of responsibility and impact and takes them out of the digital world that they find themselves ever immersed in.

Experiential learning, especially on expedition, allows students to gain a wider understanding of different cultures and traditions, and exposes them to different global issues that are faced around the world. When students work alongside communities in different cultural contexts, contribute to sustainability initiatives, or witness global challenges firsthand, they begin to see themselves not only as learners, but as contributors and true global citizens

At the same time, these experiences naturally foster a growth mindset. In educational settings, developing a growth mindset helps students build resilience and self-belief. It encourages them to take ownership of their development, seek feedback and reflect on how they can improve. This not only improves their confidence, but teaches them how to keep trying when the going gets tough, which is a skill that sets them up for future careers and life paths.

Ronnie Masters, one of our Regional Expedition Coordinators and Dean Bates, the Regional Manager for the North, were interviewed on HMC’s podcast mini series in which they spoke about the need for extra-curricular skill building and how an expedition can be the catalyst for developing a growth mindset;

“It’s about getting young people comfortable with being uncomfortable. That really helps them to develop confidence, self-belief, resilience, self-awareness, all these really hard to come by skills. They’ll get an abundance, you know, certainly after a four-week expedition overseas. That’s when you go into something called your stretch zone, that’s really where the magic happens. That’s where your brain is engaged, that’s where you go into this growth mindset, and that’s where these skills are really developed.”

“[Expeditions help] to get young people out of that comfort zone and into the stretch zone where they can develop these skills that will just help them, you know, beyond school, and deal with the ups and downs of life.”

In this way, global awareness and personal growth develop hand in hand. Students return not only with a deeper understanding of the world around them, but with the confidence and resilience to shape their own futures within it.

Student Traveller Lauren, who took part in one of our Borneo expeditions in 2023, told us that “The highlight of my journey was experiencing the cultures and taking part in the local community, with either project work or having the opportunity to engage with the children and locals. The setting and environment were beautiful in the Borneo jungle, with the river boat ride in the sunset. The journey had a significant impact on me and kick-started my career based on the passion I’ve always had for wildlife, conservation and preserving the environment. The experience of travelling across the globe has changed my life.”

The journey had a significant impact on me and kick-started my career based on the passion I’ve always had for wildlife, conservation and preserving the environment. The experience of travelling across the globe has changed my life.

Lauren, Student Traveller, Borneo 2023

Balancing Experience with Evidence

Schools today are increasingly tasked with preparing students for an unpredictable future. The value/cost perception is under continuing scrutiny and parents want to make sure that their students are getting the most out of every experience, whether inside or outside the classroom. Data plays an important role in helping teachers understand what’s working, where students need more support, and how to keep improving.

The most effective schools are those that balance experiential learning with high academic standards. Actionable data helps leadership teams refine strategy and support staff development, while experiential learning environments, such as expeditions, help build confidence, resilience and independence – qualities that aren’t always easy to measure.

In this sense, personal development and academic performance are not opposing priorities, they are complementary. Character builds confidence, confidence enhances performance, and reflection strengthens both.

Check out our video that dives deeper into experiential learning on a Camps Expedition and the benefit of taking students abroad in your educational toolkit.

Education for the Future

Preparing students for an unpredictable future requires more than curriculum learning. It requires opportunities to test themselves, to lead, to think of things other than themselves, and to understand the wider world.

The most powerful approach utilises both rigorous academic standards and impact driven real-world experiences. When schools combine meaningful challenge with reflective practice and evidence-based improvement, they create learning environments that are both ambitious and grounded. Students leave not only with qualifications, but with resilience, cultural awareness and the confidence to thrive. In a rapidly changing world, where adaptability and global awareness are increasingly valued, experiential learning provides students with the confidence and capability to thrive beyond school.

If we are serious about preparing students for the world ahead, we must give them opportunities to experience it beyond the classroom.

To listen to the full HMC podcast featuring Ronnie and Dean, you can tune in here.

The post Preparing Students for a Changing World: The Power of Experiential Learning appeared first on Camps International.

]]>
Leadership-Focused Expeditions for Schools https://www.campsinternational.com/leadership-expeditions-for-schools/ Mon, 23 Mar 2026 15:24:35 +0000 https://www.campsinternational.com/?page_id=6956 The post Leadership-Focused Expeditions for Schools appeared first on Camps International.

]]>

Leadership-Focused Expeditions for Schools

Camps International In Partnership with Raleigh International

A New Partnership in Student Leadership Development

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

This partnership introduces a new programme of two-week overseas expeditions, delivered during the Easter and October half-term breaks, offering a shorter yet structured, outcome-led experience that serves as an ideal entry point for schools that are new to overseas programmes or have limited time available.

Group of people wearing green Raleigh t-shirts and navy Camps International t-shirts posing for a photo outside with lots of greenery around them

Explore Our Partnership Destinations

Through this partnership model, schools can access a selection of carefully chosen international destinations, each designed to balance community engagement, conservation work and structured leadership development.

Across diverse cultural and environmental settings, students contribute to established, locally led initiatives while undertaking guided leadership challenges in unfamiliar environments. Whether working alongside community partners or supporting conservation efforts in biodiverse regions, each experience is built around the same core framework:

  • Meaningful, sustainable impact
  • Adventure-based leadership challenge
  • Structured reflection and facilitated learning
  • Clear developmental outcomes

While each destination offers a distinct context and landscape, the educational structure remains consistent, ensuring your school can select the location that best fits your strategic priorities, students and calendar.

Three Unique Countries

Explore what each expedition has to offer, to find the right fit for your school.

Designed for Students. Built for Schools.

At its core, this programme is about student growth:

  • Leadership in unfamiliar environments
  • Resilience through challenge
  • Cultural intelligence through global engagement
  • Ethical awareness through meaningful impact

It is built deliberately with Headteachers and EVCs in mind. Every element, from duration to delivery, has been structured to provide clarity, safeguarding assurance and measurable outcomes.

 

Planting Costa Rica

Begin Your School’s Leadership Expedition Journey

If your school is looking to introduce students to international leadership development within a shorter, structured format, this partnership provides a strong and carefully designed entry point.

I’m really happy that I went on expedition. Costa Rica is a beautiful country, and I enjoyed every moment there. Also, I have learned a lot of lessons so thank you.

Merel, Expedition Venturer 2024

Camps International in Partnership with Raleigh International FAQs

How long are the partnership expeditions?

The partnership programme offers two-week overseas expeditions, delivered during the Easter and October half-term holidays.

This structure enables schools to provide a meaningful international leadership experience while minimising impact on curriculum time.

Who is this expedition designed for?

The expedition is designed for secondary school students, with a structure that supports the operational, safeguarding and governance requirements of schools.

How is safeguarding managed?

The programme operates under Camps International’s established safeguarding policies, alongside robust risk assessment frameworks and experienced in-country teams, with full documentation available for EVC and SLT review.

The post Leadership-Focused Expeditions for Schools appeared first on Camps International.

]]>
Celebrating International Mountain Day https://www.campsinternational.com/blog/celebrating-international-mountain-day/ Thu, 11 Dec 2025 08:24:21 +0000 https://www.campsinternational.com/?p=6744 The post Celebrating International Mountain Day appeared first on Camps International.

]]>

International Mountain Day, celebrated every year on 11th December, shines a spotlight on the vital role mountains play in the health of our planet and the wellbeing of the people who depend on them. These towering landscapes cover an incredible 27% of the Earth’s land surface and provide a home for nearly a quarter of all land-based plants and animals. Beyond their breathtaking beauty, mountains are essential to sustainable development, shaping weather systems, supplying freshwater, supporting biodiversity, and sustaining millions of communities worldwide.

How mountains change us

Whilst mountains are important on a global scale, their impact on us as individuals is just as important. As we climb, we step away from daily distractions, challenge ourselves physically and mentally, and gain new perspectives.

We spoke to some members of the Camps crew to hear what they had to say about their experiences on mountains, and what they mean to them.

Why Camps loves mountains

“The natural environment around is spectacular, deep, emotional, and connects to our being, our souls as humans. Whether it is being alone on a mountain, being with a group of people or young students, or interacting at the edges where populations meet the environment. It is all awe inspiring. On a recent expedition to Cambodia the young students where remarking and discussing how the local people had very little but seemed incredibly happy and very generous with what they had. Compared to their own lives, this was a very reflective time for them.” – Mohamed, Expedition Leader

“For me mountains have formed a major part of my self-care routine to support my mental health. When life feels overwhelming and you’re getting drawn into problems, a trip to the mountains grounds me. Making me realise how small I am and my worries are, helping to put things into perspective.  At 15yrs old, growing up in a low-income family, I would never have imagined I’d have the chance to leave Cornwall, let alone be able to work around the world guiding in these breathtaking mountainous areas! The mountains are accessible for all, it just takes a little grit and determination, and you too can find yourself amongst their awe-inspiring beauty that will change how you see the world forever.”  – Anna, Assistant Operations Manager

“For me, the mountains offer a rare chance to step away from the noise of everyday life and return to what truly matters: looking after yourself, supporting the people around you, and appreciating the world in its raw, natural beauty. Trekking on an expedition, whether it’s watching the sunrise as you approach the summit of Mount Meru or catching the first glimpse of Machu Picchu, gives everyone an unforgettable sense of adventure. The mountain environment has a unique way of pushing individuals beyond what they believe they’re capable of. The resilience built through simply putting one foot in front of the other, and the teamwork forged by simply ‘trekking together, staying together, and uniting together’, creates a deep sense of achievement and pride that lingers long after you descend.”Phil, Expedition Leader

“Mountains have always held a special place in my heart because they remind me of the power of perseverance and the beauty of simplicity. Every time I climb or walk through a mountain trail, I feel deeply connected to myself and nature, returning renewed and full of energy.  One of my most memorable experiences at the mountain was reaching the summit of Cotopaxi at sunrise. The mountain was so gentle with us that we were able to enjoy the stunning views, the colours, the silhouettes of the surrounding mountains.  While watching the beautiful sunlight, I was immensely grateful for the opportunity of being there, for the team that supported me throughout the journey, and for what we achieved together. That moment taught me how transformative nature can be. Trek expeditions offer the same opportunity to students, they challenge them physically and mentally while giving them space to reflect, connect with themselves, and discover their own strength. In the mountains, students learn resilience, teamwork, and appreciation for the environment.” – Andrea, Costa Rica Operations Manager

“In the words of Sir Edmund Hillary, “It’s not the mountain we conquer, but ourselves”. Mountains are the perfect place to learn valuable lessons about yourself and others whilst also enjoying some of the most spectacular environments, landscapes and if you’re lucky views! They teach you that even the biggest obstacles can be overcome, one step at a time. They teach you about the importance of preparation, and the rewards for perseverance. They can be places of solitude (even in a crowd) but are often at their best when shared with others. Whether it’s an early morning dash up Bongkud Hill in Borneo, a multi-day ascent of Mt Meru in Tanzania, or the magical trail to Machu Picchu in Peru, I’ve had some of the best moments of my Camps career on a mountain with my team. Of course, there’s always the ‘because it’s there’ excuse too!” – Sharon, Managing Director

What are some of the global challenges facing mountains?

Mountains may appear strong and unchanging, but they are facing growing challenges in today’s world. Climate change is causing glaciers and snowpacks to shrink rapidly, affecting water supplies and increasing the risk of landslides and extreme weather. Unique mountain species are under pressure as habitats shift and biodiversity declines. At the same time, increased touriswhen not managed responsibly can lead to overcrowding, erosion, and pollution of fragile environments. These pressures also impact the communities who call mountains home, making traditional livelihoods harder to sustain and putting both cultural heritage and local ecosystems at risk. 

What can you do to help?

Whether at home or on expedition, there are meaningful ways you can help protect mountain environments. At home, small everyday choices like reducing energy use, cutting down on single-use plastics, and choosing sustainable products help lower your carbon footprint and ease pressure on fragile ecosystems. During your expedition, you can make a positive impact by following responsible travel practices like sticking to designated trails, carrying out all your rubbish, respecting wildlife, and following the guidance from your Expedition Leader and local guides. Supporting local communities by buying locally made products, engaging respectfully with cultural traditions, and participating fully in project work also helps ensure that your presence has a lasting, positive effect. By acting thoughtfully both before and during your trek, you contribute to protecting these remarkable landscapes for the people who rely on themand for future adventurers! 

Travelling on a trek expedition soon? Our top tips 

Trekking mountains can be a physical challenge, but there are things you can do in the lead up to your expedition to help yourself prepare for the adventure ahead.  

  1. Start training early The earlier you can start practicing for your trek, the longer you have to build up the intensity of your training. Adopting a ‘little and often’ approach is a great way to incorporate preparing for you expedition into your daily life. 
  2. Break in your footwear Hiking boots can be a little uncomfortable at first, but the more you wear them, the more you can break them in before your trek. This reduces the chance of getting blisters and sore feet! 
  3. Practice hikes with your backpack Whilst going on practice hikes, try adding a little weight to your backpack and try carrying it with you. This will help prepare your shoulders, back and legs for the real thing. 
  4. Train on varied terrain If possible, practise walking on different surfaces, muddy paths, rocky tracks, steep hills, and uneven ground. This helps your muscles adapt and prepares you for the types of terrain you’re likely to encounter during your expedition. 

 

As we celebrate International Mountain Day, it’s clear that mountains matter both globally and personally. They provide essential resources, support communities, and offer valuable opportunities for learning and growth. By taking simple steps to protect these environments and approaching our expeditions responsibly, we can help ensure that mountains remain healthy, accessible, and enjoyable for everyone, now and in the future.

Camps International have a portfolio of expeditions that include mountain trekking, each one of them providing a unique and challenging experience, with of course fantastic views.  Why not explore them further…

• Meru (Tanzania Trek Expedition)
• Mount Kenya ( Kenya Trek Expedition)
• 2 Peak Cotopaxi National Park Trek (Ecuador Trek Expedition)
• Salkantay route to Machu Picchu ( Peru Trek Expedition)

Have you been on a trekking expedition with Camps?  If you would like to share your own experiences from the mountain we would love to hear from you.

The post Celebrating International Mountain Day appeared first on Camps International.

]]>
Borneo Kembara Expedition https://www.campsinternational.com/expedition/borneo-kembara-expedition/ Thu, 14 Aug 2025 10:34:03 +0000 https://www.campsinternational.com/?post_type=expedition&p=6485 The post Borneo Kembara Expedition appeared first on Camps International.

]]>

Borneo Kembara 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 Kembara, 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 Kembara – your journey. 

Asia - Borneo - round map with Camp Borneo logo

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.

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.

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

Interested in this expedition?

"*" indicates required fields

Step 1 of 3

Are you a teacher, parent, student or expedition leader?*

The post Borneo Kembara Expedition appeared first on Camps International.

]]>
Borneo International Award Silver Expedition https://www.campsinternational.com/expedition/borneo-international-award-silver-expedition/ Fri, 18 Jul 2025 09:53:37 +0000 https://www.campsinternational.com/uae/?post_type=expedition&p=1838 The post Borneo International Award Silver Expedition appeared first on Camps International.

]]>

Borneo International Award Silver Expedition

Adventure through the Bornean hills on this epic expedition designed to develop your key outdoor skills. Based at our flagship Camp Bongkud, you’ll take part in a fully supported journey through rural communities and remote landscapes, building your independence, teamwork and resilience. This itinerary enables you to complete the Qualifying Venture of your Adventurous Journey section of the Silver International Award.

  • Location Borneo, Asia
  • Duration 8 days
  • Expedition Type Adventures By Camps

Explore Borneo on the trek of a lifetime through spectacular hills, forested trails, and remote campsites. Before heading home, you’ll also visit the incredible Sepilok Orangutan Rehabilitation Centre and Bornean Sun Bear Conservation Centre, offering a unique glimpse into Borneo’s conservation efforts.

Asia - Borneo - round map with Camp Borneo logo
Baby Orangutan in Borneo
Sunbear at Sepilok.

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
  • All meals
  • Unlimited drinking water
  • All accommodation mentioned in the itinerary
  • Project costs
  • Leader and staff costs
  • Orientation and language lessons
  • 24 hour emergency support

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 and head to Camp Bongkud Upon arrival at the airport, you will be met by one of our local staff members, who will accompany you to our flagship camp, Camp Bongkud. After settling into your home away from home, there will be a safety orientation and briefing on what you can expect from your expedition, followed by a traditional dinner and a restful evening in camp. You will have the opportunity to look over the preparation work you should have completed prior to the expedition and make plans for possible obstacles you may face.
Day 2 Key skills Today you will spend time familiarising yourself with the equipment and techniques you will be required to use on your expedition. These include setting up a ‘bare earth’ camp, cooking on open fires and learning important emergency procedures.
Day 3 Planning and preparation Preparation is key, and today you will set out to explore the local town and markets in order to purchase food required for your trip. In the afternoon you will work in teams with your route maps to finalise your journey. You will also have a chance to practice putting up your hammocks and cooking with the local equipment provided.
Day 4 Trek begins in Namaus (6hrs) After starting the morning with a hearty breakfast, you will be transferred to Namaus, where you trek will begin. You will then spend the day walking through pastures and undulating low and high hills to the first night at Camp Tupil, where you will put your preparation into practice and cook your first meal under the jungle canopy before heading to sleep in your hammock.
Day 5 Trek to Camp 1 (6hrs) Following a breakfast cooked by yourselves, you will head off on today’s route. This will head to undulating terrains through the jungle before ascending to Camp Nunuk, where you will spend the night.
Day 6 Final day of trekking (6hrs) Once you have packed up all your gear and enjoyed your last campsite breakfast you will head to the high ground of the Belian hills. Here you will enjoy spectacular views over the plains below before descending and looping back to complete your journey. Once back at Camp Bongkud, you will get to enjoy a celebratory dinner.
Day 7 Wildlife at Conservation Sanctuary After three days of walking, you will get to spend today enjoying a walk to the Sepilok Orangutan Sanctuary and Bornean Sunbears Conservation Centre. These two neighbouring wildlife sanctuaries in Sepilok offer a unique glimpse into Borneo’s conservation efforts. Elevated boardwalks offer excellent viewing while supporting education and wildlife protection.
Day 8 Departure Depending on your flight times you may have the opportunity to buy souvenirs at a local curio shop before your transfer to the airport for your journey home.

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.

Interested in this expedition?

Step 1 of 3

The post Borneo International Award Silver Expedition appeared first on Camps International.

]]>
Borneo International Award Gold Expedition https://www.campsinternational.com/expedition/borneo-international-award-gold-expedition/ Fri, 18 Jul 2025 09:53:29 +0000 https://www.campsinternational.com/uae/?post_type=expedition&p=1840 The post Borneo International Award Gold Expedition appeared first on Camps International.

]]>

Borneo International Award Gold Expedition

Embark on an unforgettable journey through the heart of Borneo as you trek across the lush hills, valleys and rural farmland surrounding Camp Bongkud. From winding jungle trails to spectacular hilltop views, this expedition will challenge and inspire you while developing the key skills needed to complete the Qualifying Venture of your Adventurous Journey section of the Gold International Award.

  • Location Borneo, Asia
  • Duration 8 days
  • Expedition Type Adventures By Camps

Over four days, you’ll trek through the Geluing Valley, rural farmland and remote hilltop trails, camping under the stars. With every step, you’ll build resilience, teamwork and confidence. To round off your trip, you’ll visit the Sepilok Orangutan Rehabilitation Centre and Bornean Sun Bear Conservation Centre, which offer an inspiring insight into Borneo’s conservation efforts.

Asia - Borneo - round map with Camp Borneo logo
Sunbear in Sepilok in Borneo
Orangutan with its baby in the jungle in Borneo

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
  • All meals
  • Unlimited drinking water
  • All accommodation mentioned in the itinerary
  • Project costs
  • Leader and staff costs
  • Orientation and language lessons
  • 24 hour emergency support

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 and head to Camp Bongkud Upon arrival at the airport, you will be met by one of our local staff members, who will accompany you to our flagship camp, Camp Bongkud. After settling into your home away from home, there will be a safety orientation and briefing on what you can expect from your expedition, followed by a traditional dinner and a restful evening in camp. You will have the opportunity to look over the preparation work you should have completed prior to the expedition and make plans for possible obstacles you may face.
Day 2 Key skills Today you will spend time familiarising yourself with the equipment and techniques you will be required to use on your expedition. These include setting up a ‘bare earth’ camp, cooking on open fires and learning important emergency procedures.
Day 3 Planning and preparation Preparation is key, and today you will set out to explore the local town and markets in order to purchase food required for your trip. In the afternoon you will work in teams with your route maps to finalise your journey. You will also have a chance to practice putting up your hammocks and cooking with the local equipment provided.
Day 4 Trek begins in Namaus (6hrs) After starting the morning with a hearty breakfast, you will be transferred to Namaus, where you trek will begin. You will then spend the day walking through pastures and undulating low and high hills to the first night at Camp Tupil, where you will put your preparation into practice and cook your first meal under the jungle canopy before heading to sleep in your hammock.
Day 5 Trek to Camp 1 (6hrs) Following a breakfast cooked by yourselves, you will head off on today’s route. This will head to undulating terrains through the jungle before ascending to Camp Nunuk, where you will spend the night.
Day 6 Final day of trekking (6hrs) Once you have packed up all your gear and enjoyed your last campsite breakfast you will head to the high ground of the Belian hills. Here you will enjoy spectacular views over the plains below before descending and looping back to complete your journey. Once back at Camp Bongkud, you will get to enjoy a celebratory dinner.
Day 7 Wildlife at Conservation Sanctuary After three days of walking, you will get to spend today enjoying a walk to the Sepilok Orangutan Sanctuary and Bornean Sunbears Conservation Centre. These two neighbouring wildlife sanctuaries in Sepilok offer a unique glimpse into Borneo’s conservation efforts. Elevated boardwalks offer excellent viewing while supporting education and wildlife protection.
Day 8 Departure Depending on your flight times you may have the opportunity to buy souvenirs at a local curio shop before your transfer to the airport for your journey home.

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.

Interested in this expedition?

Step 1 of 3

The post Borneo International Award Gold Expedition appeared first on Camps International.

]]>
Using Social Media to Promote Your Fundraising https://www.campsinternational.com/blog/using-social-media-to-promote-your-fundraising/ Thu, 10 Jul 2025 10:46:30 +0000 https://www.campsinternational.com/?p=6276 The post Using Social Media to Promote Your Fundraising appeared first on Camps International.

]]>

Social Media and Fundraising

More and more student travellers are turning to social media to help raise awareness for, and promote, their fundraising journey.
Using platforms such as Instagram or TikTok can be a great way to update lots of people at once about any new challenges or milestones, and can also be useful to promote your events and get them out to a wider audience who may want to attend and support. Using social media for fundraising also comes with it’s challenges around privacy and online safety, so it’s important to find the right balance for you.

Whether you’re just getting started on your fundraising journey, or looking for extra ways to reach more people, then carry on reading for hints, tips and further inspiration!

Why Use Social Media?

  • It can help with your long-term motivation and accountability knowing that you have people waiting to hear how you’re getting on
  • Social media profiles can help spread awareness for the cause behind your expedition and why you’re excited to go
  • You can share what expedition you’re going on and what projects you’re going to be involved with to lots of people at the same time
  • Sharing fundraising targets and updates to lots of people at the same time helps with time management and organisation
  • It gets people excited for you, which means they may be more likely to donate to your cause
Social media to promote your fundraising

Social Media Top Tips

  • Start by thinking what platform you want to use. Instagram is often the most popular and has the most people already using it, so a good place to start.
  • Choose a clear profile picture and a short but punchy bio to explain what your account is about
  • Link to your fundraising platform in the bio so people can easily donate and see more background on your upcoming expedition
  • Stay consistent with posting, so people know where you’re up to with your fundraising target. This also helps with Instagram knowing that you’re an active account that has things to say!
  • Engage with your followers as much as you can. If people comment, reply back to them and start a conversation. It’s a great way to stay motivated, spark new ideas from a wider audience and signal to Instagram that your content is engaging and worth sharing with more people

What Should I Post?

  • Be authentic, and show the highs and lows of your fundraising journey so people can see the effort you’re putting in
  • Show all the steps, including the behind the scenes of organising the events and how they went. Did you bake cakes? Did you organise a fun run? What did you do to get there? People love to know how things work, and it will help inspire other fundraisers too
  • Share more of the day-to-day organisation and behind the scenes on your stories, but post some of them to your feed too! It helps to make people feel involved and want to continue following your journey, and helps if they’ve missed out on your stories
  • You can post about the ‘why’ behind the account, such as where you’ll be going on expedition and what you’ll be getting up to
  • Take your photos in good lighting and don’t post anything blurry. They don’t have to be super aesthetic, but clear colourful photos help tell your story so much better
  • Talk about your milestones, what upcoming fundraising events and activities you have going on
  • Use story highlights to categorise old stories and keep certain stories available on your profile, such as one highlight for each activity, one for behind the scenes, and one for your current fundraising pot
Lady holding iPhone - Social Media Fundraising Blog

Being Safe on Social Media

  • Keep your location and full name private
  • Only share what you feel comfortable with
  • Don’t share your full address, school name or daily routines, or any other things personal to you
  • Ask yourself “Would I be happy for a teacher, parent, or future employer to see this?”
  • Stay respectful and avoid posting anything that could be seen as offensive, unkind, or too personal, as it can be hard to delete things forever once they’re online, even though you can delete your account
  • If your account is public to raise more awareness for your fundraising, make sure you’re happy and comfortable with who’s following you
  • Don’t feel bad about blocking or removing followers
  • You can also get your parent or guardian to run your account or help you with content, replying to comments and monitoring your followers

Student Traveller Inspiration

We thought we would share some accounts who we feel have done a great job sharing their fundraising journey on social media!

Getting Crafty

Georgina is travelling to Borneo in 2025, and decided to take on lots of craft projects to raise her funds. She created an Instagram account called 3 Gen Crafts, and used it to promote the items she was making and selling.

We love the way that she took consistent photos of all her handmade jewellery, and showed a mix of close ups, market stall setups and people wearing her items.

She also mentioned her fundraising link in her bio, so that people could donate straight into her fund.

Safety was a key priority too, and we love the way she used a business name for the account and didn’t put her full name in the bio.

Graphic Design and Fundraising

Paige is travelling to Peru in 2026, and decided to create an Instagram account called NoDramaLLama26 to promote her fundraising efforts of cycling the length of Peru over 78 weeks, and climb the altitude of Machu Picchu in 10 days.

Instead of posting photos of her updates, she instead created a feed made up of graphic design posts, each showing how close she is to reaching her goal and what activity she achieved that week.

The colours stand out amazingly, and even though the graphics show a lot of information, they all work cohesively together to tell her story. In each caption, she explains more about how the challenge went that day, and so far she’s managed to raise an amazing £1,885 towards her expedition!

We love that she did something different and used colour and illustrations to document her journey. It definitely makes it stand out from the crowd!

Showing Your Fundraising Efforts

Lacie is travelling to Tanzania in 2026, and decided to create an Instagram account, lacie_tanzania_expedition.2026, to document her fundraising journey and promote all the different activities she was taking part in to reach her target.

We love the way she showed the mix of activities she’s been doing, including uploading to pre-loved clothing websites, car boot sales and making beaded jewellery and custom clothing.

She also noted that her Instagram page has helped her to share her story, and she was inspired to create it by other students travelling with Camps. She told us that the page has helped her visualise her journey and see how far she’s come, and she can’t wait to finally get out to Tanzania in 2026.

What to Do with Your Fundraising Instagram Account After Your Trip

A great way to round off your expedition and fundraising account is to post about your experience once you’re home. This can include photos and videos from your expedition, and a summary post – or a few summary posts – about how you found the experience and what you got up to whilst you were there.

This is a great way to update everyone about your return, and to show your sponsors and followers where their money went whilst you were fundraising.

It’s a lovely full circle moment for both you and the people that supported you along the way!

Your Journey, Your Voice

You don’t need thousands of followers or likes to be a content creator. If you’ve created content and posted it on social media, you’re already there! You also don’t need lots of followers or likes to make an impact on others and fundraise for your expedition, just sharing your journey and genuine passion can go a long way.

Every post helps tell a bigger story — and it’s all part of the adventure! Remember that it’s a great tool for edging closer towards your overall fundraising goal, but it’s also not worth becoming stressed over to keep updated every day.

There are also plenty of social media fundraising resources on the Traveller Gateway!

Traveller Gateway Social Templates - Social Media Blog

Fancy Being Featured?

Have you got a fundraising story? We’d love to hear from you! We showcase student travellers’ fundraising journeys in our newsletter and on our website, so fill in this form or email us your story directly using the button below and you could be featured in our next blog.

Good luck from all the Camps team on your fundraising journey!

The post Using Social Media to Promote Your Fundraising appeared first on Camps International.

]]>
Top Fitness Fundraising Ideas for Expeditions and Student Trips https://www.campsinternational.com/blog/top-fitness-fundraising-ideas-for-expeditions-and-student-trips/ Thu, 10 Jul 2025 10:38:47 +0000 https://www.campsinternational.com/?p=6291 The post Top Fitness Fundraising Ideas for Expeditions and Student Trips appeared first on Camps International.

]]>

Fitness and Fundraising Ideas 

For many students, fundraising for an expedition isn’t just about hitting a target – it’s about finding creative ways to push themselves while saving up for the trip of a lifetime, and getting fit at the same time! 

Combining fitness challenges with fundraising has proven to be a rewarding and effective approach, as seen in the inspiring efforts of Isaac, Harlie, Arthur, Jack, Connie and Ollee.

Isaac’s Fundraising Journey

Isaac is preparing for his expedition to Peru, fuelled by a personal mission.

Having grown up with epilepsy, he has chosen to use his fundraising journey to not only support his trip but also give back to Young Epilepsy, a charity that has played a crucial role in his life. His target of £5,000 will be split between his expedition costs and this vital cause.

To raise funds, Isaac has taken on a series of running challenges, that test his resilience and push him out of his comfort zone. He’s been participating mostly in Parkruns, which are a great way to get out and meet new people while pursuing your fitness challenges. He’s also started an Instagram account to track his fundraising progress, runningtoperu. So far he’s raised over £2,300!

Parkrun is a global health and fitness movement where people come together to run, walk, or jog five kilometres every Saturday morning. There are currently 1,286 different locations held across the UK.

Ollee’s Fundraising Success

Ollee, who is set to travel to Ecuador in 2026, has also embraced fitness-based fundraising to work towards his goal. He organised a high-energy Zumbathon event, bringing the community together for a day of dance and fun.  

To maximise his fundraising efforts, he combined the event with a raffle and car wash, raising an incredible £1,200! Combining events is a great way to appeal to more attendees and gain more momentum with your fundraising. Not stopping there, Ollee also completed a sponsored cycling challenge over half term, proving that determination and fitness can go hand in hand and help you on your fundraising journey. 

Harlie’s Fundraising Challenge 

Harlie is preparing for her expedition to Kenya and to prove her dedication, she has committed to walking 2,141 miles over twelve months, the equivalent of walking around the border of Kenya. 

That’s nearly six miles every day! She tracked her progress on Facebook, keeping supporters engaged and motivated to donate. Using social media is a great way to keep your sponsors, friends and family up to date on how your fundraising journey is going, and inspire other people to try similar challenges to you. 

Alongside this, Harlie has organised bake sales and raffles to boost her fundraising total, demonstrating resilience and creativity in her approach. 

Arthur’s Fitness Fundraising 

Arthur has taken on multiple activities in his fundraising journey for Ecuador 2026 so far, and because of his athletic background, he started to focus on sports and fitness fundraising to change the game. He started by refereeing grassroot football matches at his local club, but decided to take on the bigger challenge of a 40km-walk across London to 6 of the Premier League clubs: Brentford, Fulham, Chelsea, Arsenal, Tottenham and West Ham. 

He created an Instagram account to document the journey, and received support from other people and groups linked to Ecuador. He kept everyone updated on his progress both before and during the walk, and has managed to raise over £2000 so far in just 4 months. He even met one of his followers during the challenge, which gave him the motivation to keep on going when the going got tough. 

His love of sports such as football, rugby and volleyball helped him with the dedication – and the fitness – to be able to complete the 7-hour walk. He told us that having a plan-B if things don’t go to plan is always important when doing such a big fitness challenge outside, but seeing the different stadiums and the Olympic Rings at the end of the walk was something he would always remember. 

Jack’s Triathlon Fundraising 

Jack’s fitness fundraising was inspired by his dad, who often takes part in trail runs, marathons and triathlons. To raise money for his Borneo expedition in 2025, he decided to undertake a triathlon and 6.6-mile trail run, which were his first ventures into competitive fitness. 

He promoted the events and his fundraising link on LinkedIn through the help of his dad, which he found worked well for both the motivational comments and people’s willingness to donate to his target. The trail run was his favourite, as he loved the woodland course and the challenges it brought.  

Through the promotion on LinkedIn, he managed to raise an amazing £1200 before and during the trail run and £1000 for the triathlon. He also raised another £2400 through company sponsorship and generous donations, showing that fitness fundraising coupled with other activities and social promotion can get you well on your way to your target! 

His advice to others was that consistency was key, and that posting behind the scenes content like training photos was a great way to help others feel involved.  

Connie’s Fundraising Activities 

Connie is currently preparing for her expedition to Borneo, which she knew she would love from the moment Camps came to present at her school. 

To begin with, she started off with smaller active tasks like cleaning local dancefloors at wedding venues and walking friends and neighbours dogs, but she knew she had to pull out all the stops to reach her target. 

As a big West Ham and football fan, she decided to complete a sponsored walk between the Brentford FC in West London to the West Ham FC home ground, The London Stadium, in East London. That’s over 27 miles! She used her social media to raise awareness for the walk, and to ask for shares and donations as she completed the challenge. 

She has managed to raise an amazing £900 from the walk alone, which shows that if you persevere and put your mind to a fitness challenge, it can get you much further towards your fundraising goal. 

Overcoming Challenges 

Fundraising through physical challenges isn’t always easy, but Isaac, Ollee, Jack, Athur and Connie’s and Harlie’s journeys show that dedication pays off. 

From organising large-scale events to completing personal fitness milestones, all six have had to plan, promote and persevere through setbacks. 

They’ve learned valuable skills such as budgeting, event coordination and community engagement – all of which will benefit them on expedition and beyond. 

Why Fitness and Fundraising Work So Well 

Fitness challenges are a great way to engage supporters, as they allow friends, family and even local businesses to rally behind a clear goal. 

Whether it’s through sponsorships, event participation fees or donation drives, these activities create a sense of involvement and excitement. 

Plus, the personal growth that comes from taking on physical challenges mirrors the resilience and determination needed for an expedition. 

Advice for Future Fundraisers 

Inspired by any of our student travellers successes? 

Here are some top tips to get started on your own fitness-based fundraising journey: 

  • Choose a challenge that excites you – whether it’s a marathon, a dance event or a sponsored hike. 
  • Get your community involved – events like Zumbathon and car washes attract local support and increase donations. 
  • Use social media to spread the word – share progress updates and encourage people to sponsor your efforts. 
  • Keep pushing yourself – fundraising is a marathon, not a sprint. Stay motivated and keep trying new ideas. 

 

By blending passion, fitness and fundraising, students like Isaac, Ollee, Harlie, Arthur, Jack and Connie are not only achieving their goals but also making a real impact. 

Could this be the approach that works for you? 

Get started today and turn your fitness journey into a fundraising success! 

Fancy Being Featured?

Have you got a fundraising story? We’d love to hear from you! We showcase student travellers’ fundraising journeys in our newsletter and on our website, so fill in this form or email us your story directly using the button below and you could be featured in our next blog.

Good luck from all the Camps team on your fundraising journey!

The post Top Fitness Fundraising Ideas for Expeditions and Student Trips appeared first on Camps International.

]]>
Melody’s Mission To Malaysia https://www.campsinternational.com/blog/melodys-mission-to-malaysia/ Fri, 15 Nov 2024 09:36:44 +0000 https://www.campsinternational.com/?p=5807 The post Melody’s Mission To Malaysia appeared first on Camps International.

]]>

When Melody saw David Attenborough speak at Glastonbury in 2019, her passion for environmental conservation was sparked. Now, she’s preparing for a transformative four-week scuba expedition to Borneo in 2025.

This adventure is more than a journey – it’s a chance to make a positive impact while developing essential life skills like financial management, communication and conservation practices. But before she dives into the Borneo reefs, she faces an equally ambitious goal: raising £5000 to support her journey.

Melody’s Fundraising Efforts

Inspired and determined, Melody took a creative, business-minded approach to fundraising. She joined the Camps International Fundraising Advice Group on Facebook to brainstorm and from there, she launched a variety of initiatives to reach her goal.

Here’s a closer look at her inventive fundraising strategies:

T-shirt Sponsorship for Businesses:

Melody raised £1750 by selling ad space on her T-shirt, where she promoted local business logos. Through email and social media promotion, she secured support from companies in her area.

Take a look at Sam’s Fundraising Story for guidance on what to charge for your business sponsorships.

Online Sponsorship:

Setting up a Just Giving page generated £1705.73. This simple yet effective initiative allowed family, friends and her wider network to contribute directly to her cause.

Theatre Tuck Shop:

By running a tuck shop during her Saturday theatre classes, Melody expected to make £456.72 over the year. She sourced stock from wholesalers to increase her profit margin.

Selling Pre-loved Items:

By gathering unwanted clothes from family and friends, Melody raised £289.30 through Vinted and eBay sales.

Themed Notebooks:

Inspired by her friend, Melody designed and published themed notebooks on Amazon Kindle Direct Publishing (KDP), bringing in £83.68 so far.

Overcoming Challenges

Fundraising isn’t easy and Melody’s journey had its share of setbacks. But each challenge became an opportunity to learn and improve:

Daunting Target:

The goal of £5000 seemed overwhelming, but Melody broke it into smaller, achievable projects to stay motivated.

Balancing Costs and Profits:

Finding a sustainable profit margin was challenging. Registering with a wholesaler improved Melody’s return on the tuck shop, but she learned it took patience and persistence.

Event Planning Lessons:

Not every fundraiser went as planned. A car boot sale, for example, drew fewer buyers than expected. Melody quickly realised the importance of researching her audience to align her efforts more effectively.

Highlights and Achievements

Beyond the funds raised, Melody’s fundraising journey has given her lasting memories and valuable skills.

Community Support:

Melody’s friends, family and local businesses have been incredibly supportive, encouraging her throughout the process and making the journey meaningful.

Learning Skills for Life:

From financial management to event planning, Melody has gained valuable skills that she knows will serve her well during her Borneo expedition and beyond.

Building Confidence:

With each successful fundraiser, Melody is not just inching closer to her financial goal but also feeling a growing sense of accomplishment and excitement for the adventure ahead.

Advice for Future Fundraisers

Drawing from her experience, Melody has some advice for those embarking on their own fundraising journeys:

Stay Focused and Flexible:

Raising a large sum can be overwhelming, but perseverance is key. If one idea doesn’t work, try another.

Think Like a Business:

Treat fundraising like running a small business—track profits, keep detailed financial records and use social media to promote your cause.

Have Fun:

Not every initiative will be a big money-maker, but it’s important to enjoy the process and see each experience as a learning opportunity.

Hard Work Pays Off

Click below to listen to Melody’s fundraising announcement.

Melody is excited for the adventure ahead and proud of her fundraising journey. She looks forward to the skills and experiences awaiting her in Borneo.

We love to hear everything about our travellers’ fundraising journeys. Send yours and you could be featured on our social media and website!

The post Melody’s Mission To Malaysia appeared first on Camps International.

]]>
Borneo Scuba Expedition: 3 Weeks https://www.campsinternational.com/expedition/borneo-scuba-expedition-3-weeks/ Wed, 13 Nov 2024 12:22:56 +0000 https://www.campsinternational.com/?post_type=expedition&p=5883 The post Borneo Scuba Expedition: 3 Weeks appeared first on Camps International.

]]>

Borneo Scuba Expedition: 3 Weeks

Experience the magic of scuba diving, learn about orangutan conservation and work hand in hand with Bornean communities on projects that help improve lives.

  • Location Borneo, Asia
  • Duration 3 weeks
  • Expedition Type Scuba
Journey from white-sand beaches and picture-perfect blue waters of the coastal regions, to the lush green landscapes of central Sabah – a beautiful region in Malaysian Borneo. Get up close to colourful marine life and incredible orangutans, enjoying the abundance of biodiversity whilst learning about sustainable conservation. You’ll play a vital part in environmental and community projects before taking on the challenge of learning to scuba dive on a PADI Open Water Scuba Diving Course. This incredible expedition to Borneo is jam-packed with adventure and impact.
Map highlighting Borneo in AbC orange colour.

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 Leave for Borneo This morning you will make your way to your designated meeting point ready to embark on your journey to Borneo.
Day 2 Arrive in Kota Kinabalu Fly into Kota Kinabalu International Airport where you’ll be met by one of our friendly Camp Borneo crew who will travel with you to your first camp. When you reach camp, you will be greeted by the team and the Camp Manager, before settling into your traditional longhouse accommodation. You’ll enjoy a tour of the village and an expedition briefing so you know what to expect over the next few weeks. The evening will be spent enjoying a traditional Bornean dinner and a cultural performance by the local villagers.
Day 3 – 8 Community project work Over the next few days you will be getting stuck into some community project work. You could be getting involved in helping to build classrooms, constructing and refurbishing community buildings and installing water storage systems. Whichever project initiative you work on, you’ll be working hand in hand with locals to tackle real needs. During the evenings, you’ll get to experience more of the local culture, with language lessons and cultural dance sessions (be prepared to show off your best moves!).
Day 9 – 15 PADI Open Water Scuba Diving Course Today we’ll hit the road and head to the coast where you will be spending the next few days while you complete your PADI Open Water Scuba Diving Course. You’ll meet your dive instructors who will give you a full briefing, before getting stuck in, with a mixture of theory and practical lessons. Over the coming days, you will progress to open water dives where you’ll have the chance to see an array of colourful marine life.
Day 16 – 19 Environmental project work Over the next few days you will be based at our environmental camp where you will learn more about the Borneo jungle and the challenges faced in this important habitat – home to many species including orangutans. Project work will include working on reforesting the area by growing and replanting native trees. You will also visit the famous Sepilok Orangutan Rehabilitation Centre to see these amazing creatures up close and personal in their natural habitat. We’ll also take you to the Bornean Sun Bear Conservation Centre – the only one of its kind in the world – where you can learn about the conservation work happening here protect these unique bears.
Day 20 Explore the city of Kota Kinabalu Today you will head back to Kota Kinabalu for some sight-seeing and last-minute souvenir shopping. Depending on time, you may also get to spend some time by the coast, taking in the white sandy beaches and crystal-clear waters before checking into your hostel for the evening.
Day 21 Goodbye Borneo After breakfast at the hostel, it’s time to say your final goodbyes to the Camp Borneo crew and head to the airport in time for your flight home.

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 collecting plastic waste on a beach.

Borneo – Ecotourism and recycling initiatives

Waste management is a big problem for the small islands, and the natural environment is suffering as a result. You’ll work with a local NGO on a recycling centre which gives local people a place to recycle plastic waste so it doesn’t end up on the beaches. You may also participate in constructing eco-tourism stalls and structures to raise awareness of environmental issues.

UN Sustainable Development Goals

4 Quality Education

Quality education

Ensure inclusive and equitable quality education and promote lifelong learning opportunities for all

13 Climate Action

Climate action

Take urgent action to combat climate change and its impacts

Habitat conservation

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

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 view from a trek adventure

Camp Batu Puteh

Batu Puteh is all about getting back to nature! Our jungle camp is set in the heart of one of Borneo’s most ancient forests along the banks of the Kinabatangan river where you’ll get the chance to live alongside elephants and orangutans for an experience that’s hard to beat.

Our camp offers three types of accommodation and you’ll hopefully get a chance to try them all:

Jungle camp: Get back to basics and experience true adventure. Learn how to rough it in the jungle with local guides accompanying you and showing you the ropes. Sleep in a hammock and cook over a camp fire before falling asleep to the soothing sounds of the forest.

Eco camp: A little more luxury but still an exciting wilderness experience. This camp offers raised camping platforms where you can enjoy camping in the great outdoors.

  • Location: 350 km (6 hours drive) from Kota Kinabalu Airport & 60 km from Lahad Datu
  • Accommodation style Jungle Camp: Hammock, tarpaulin & mosquito net. No toilet or washing facilities – completely back to nature!
  • Accommodation style Eco Camp: Tents with comfy mattresses & bedding. Flushing toilets, cold showers & sinks
  • Power: Gas lighting available in eco camp
  • Signature dish: Local cakes – Linggang & Gelang

All the camps staff were super friendly and helpful. It was incredible experience learning about different cultures. To see the project work completed by the end of the stay in a particular camp was so satisfying and knowing that the local community would benefit from it.

Asha, Camp Borneo 2023

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.

Evelyn Binti Thomas

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.

Interested in this expedition?

"*" indicates required fields

Step 1 of 3

Are you a teacher, parent, student or expedition leader?*

The post Borneo Scuba Expedition: 3 Weeks appeared first on Camps International.

]]>