Overview

 Highlights


  • Discover orangutans and oither wildlife in their natural habitat
  • Explore the Borneo Rainforest Discovery centre
  • Service program at the Sepilok Orangutan Centre and Bornean Sunbear Conservation Centre
  • Cultural immersion program with Suku Kaum Sungai ethnic tribe
  • Hornbill conservation program
  • Cruise the Kinabatangan River viewing wildlife
  • Jungle trek
  • Explore Sandakan

The Island of Borneo is about 140 million years old, known to be the second oldest rainforest on earth. Borneo's greatest asset is undoubtedly its flora and fauna in the staggering array of ecosystem and incredible biodiversity. Borneo was once known as the lungs of South East Asia however much of the Borneo Lowland Rainforest is being wiped out due to intense deforestation. The effects are threatening towards the community, environment and the heart of Borneo - its nature and endangered wildlife. The purpose of this program is to share and experience the hidden wonders of Borneo, connecting with local tribal communities and conservation service work to endangered species of the region. Sabah, located in the north of Malaysian Borneo offers the ideal base for exploration of indigenous cultures, jungles, forests and an array of wildlife. Sabah is famous for many things including being covered in impenetrable tropical rainforest where the rafflesia – the world’s largest flowering plant, thrives together with an eclectic mix of other unusual plants and wildlife. However, it is the wildlife for which Sabah is best known and on this trip we we will have the opportunity to join conservation service programs, learn and discover the rich diversity of this incredibly bio-diverse island, seeing Orangutans, Sun bears and Elephant conservation in action as well as spending time with the Suku Kaum Sungai "people of the river" ethnic tribe.

Countries:

Start and Finishing Point:

Melbourne

Grading:Introductory to Moderate   


After all the planning and preparation the wait is finally over! Today we board our overnight flight to Kota Kinabalu to begin our Borneo program.

Meals:  Nil

On arrival in Kota Kinabalu our team will be waiting and transfer you to your hotel for check in. We have a full safety and trip briefing before we start exploring the highlights of this vibrant city. Tonight we will enjoy our first Malaysian meal at a welcome dinner. Overnight Klagan hotel

Meals:  L,D

This morning we have breakfast and head out on the 5 hour drive to Sandakan. Here we will stop at the Kundasang War Memorial dedicated to the British and Australian soldiers who died in the Sandakan POW camp during their death marches to Ranau. We then embark on a exploration of the historical and cultural iconic sights in the area. This afternoon we will have a project orientation. Overnight Elopura Hotel

Meals:  B,L,D

Today we have early breakfast, checkout and make our drive to Sukau to start our cultural immersion program. Borneo is known for their diverse culture, and one of the main ethnic groups comes from a tribe known as the Suku Kaum Sungai, also known as the “People of the River.” We settle into our nature lodge and enjoy a traditional local cuisine from the village. After lunch, we join the local village community of the gentle Orang Sungai (River People). We will join a village and tribe orientation and join a number of cultural activities in the surrounding jungle. The activities may include such programs as the Seni Silat (Indigenous Martial Art), Seni Tari (traditional dance), traditional craft and carvings. The Orang Sungai are known for Bird’s Nest Supply, we will also take part in learning of the process and importance of birds nest. We will join a Hornbill conservation program and nursery work as well as working with the local community creating fishing nets. Overnight Greenview Lodge

Meals:  B,L,D

This morning we will join a local forest restoration program before we spend the rest of the day exploring the magnificent scenery of the Kinabatangan River and mangrove forest. The Kinabatangan is the second longest river in Malaysia and is known for its high biodiversity and excellent wildlife spotting opportunities. We will explore this area collecting data and identifying animal and plant species. We hope to spot the Proboscis Monkey, Pygmy Elephant, Gibbons, Orangutans, Macaques along with hundreds of bird species. We learn of the many conservation efforts afoot in this protected area. Tonight we will venture out on a night safari as we witness the forest coming to life! Overnight Greenview Lodge

Meals:  B,L,D

We rise early this morning for our short drive to Sepilok. Sepilok is a natural paradise and one of the best places in the world to see the Orangutan in its natural habitat. It is home to the Sepilok Orangutan Rehabilitation Centre, the Borneo Sunbear Centre and the Borneo Rainforrest Discovery Centre. On arrival, we head to the Sepilok Orangutan Rehabilitation Center, the first orangutan sanctuary in the world. This facility is one of only four orangutan sanctuaries worldwide, providing medical care for orphaned and confiscated orangutans as well as dozens of other wildlife species. Over at the center, we will get the opportunity to observe and appreciate the orangutans and understand their life cycles and the intricate biodiversity roles that they have. We will also learn and understand more of the underlying threats to the habitat and wildlife. We assist the center with enrichment and welfare programs to help improve the playground and area area the Orangutans live and play in their daily life. Orangutans need to be able to climb and maintain some physical fitness whilst in a pre-release enclosure. This afternoon we head to the Borneo Lowland Rainforest introduction at the Rainforest Discovery Center. We will take part in an extensive learning about the great forest and wildlife surrounding us. We will learn more about the various plant and animal species and navigate through the dense forest to observe nature at its best! After lunch we head out on a jungle walk through the canopy and stop at observations tower. The tree top canopy walk towers 30mtrs above the ground and stretches for over 350mtrs. It gives you a wonderful birds eye view of the jungle tree tops and wildlife in the park. This afternoon we join a night jungle walk. Overnight Sepilok nature lodge

Meals:  B,L,D

Today we will spend our time at the Borneo SunBear Centre. Malayan sun bears are the smallest bears in the world and are only found in Southeast Asia. These bears continue to be threatened by forest degradation, illegal hunting for bear parts and poaching to obtain young cubs for pet trade. The results of these threats has caused young sun bears found to be living in unnatural captive conditions in Sabah, with no access to outdoor areas. There are currently 42 rescued ex-captive sun bears residing at the BSBCC. The facility includes large forest enclosures to provide a natural environment suited to the needs and welfare of the sun bears and facilitate their rehabilitation back into the wild. Our program will include participation in the bears welfare program as well as the nursery for endangered species. Tonight we head out for a special farewell dinner at the Sim Sim floating village. Overnight Sepilok nature lodge

Meals:  B,L,D

This morning we have breakfast and say goodbye to our lodge hosts as we head out on the drive to Sandakan. Here we will stop at the local central markets to see goods being traded and maybe try your hand at some bargaining. We then travel to the airport for your flight back to Melbourne connecting through Kuala Lumpur

Meals:  B,L

Your program finishes arriving into Melbourne at approximately 08:10 in the morning

Meals:  Nil


Learning outcomes for students

World Expeditions Schools journeys are designed to encourage positive personal development and the learning of life skills, while leaving the communities and environments we travel to, in a better condition than when we arrived.
The programs are designed to:
• build strong friendships and bonds with their peers, their teachers, and the local people they meet.
• increase the confidence to engage with new people, and collaboratively make informed decisions.
• discover the benefits of working cooperatively together as a cohesive team, to achieve a common objective.
• Increase the ability to face, and cope with, mental and physical challenges and therefore increase resilience.
• give students a chance to appreciate and care for the natural world. The environments we travel through are beautiful and often pristine, invariably the students will gain a deeper appreciation and understanding about how their individual actions impact on the environment.
• Learn personal skills i.e., time management, personal hygiene, responsibility for personal gear, patience, tolerance, and public speaking.
We help encourage students to learn what it means to be a true global citizen.


Inclusions

  • Flights ex Melbourne to Kota Kinabalu / Sandakan return
  • All meals as per itinerary
  • Expert local guide (English speaking) throughout
  • All land transfers required within the program in private air conditioned vehicles
  • National park permit fees and sightseeing and entry fees as per itinerary
  • Pre Departure Information kit and evening meeting to help you prepare and pack
  • River safari cruise

  • Items of a personal nature such as souvenirs, laundry, soft drinks etc
  • Travel Insurance

Grading

Introductory to Moderate


Why travel with us

Why travel with us

Assisted over
14,000 Students Worldwide

Since the 1980's, we have helped students from around the globe to experience the world's most exciting destinations, allowing them to travel, give, grow.

400+ Service Learning
Programs

Together with students, we have completed over 400 Service Learning programs in developing countries. We will always continue to support causes including social justice, animal welfare, the environment and more.

Fully Customised
School Travel Programs

Want to include service learning, your school curriculum and a physical challenge, or any of the above? Contact us and we can design a program fully catered for your students and budget.

Safety and
Support - Our #1 Priority

Every school receives a detailed risk management plan that is guided by government advisories and the local partners we work with. We never compromise on the safety of your students to reduce the price of the program.

Testimonials


Want to find out more?

Our educational travel experts are ready to help you tailor an itinerary or service learning project to suit your school’s needs and budget. Contact us today to receive a free consultation.


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