Jungle Trekking in Borneo
A challenging school expedition to Borneo featuring jungle trekking, wildlife conservation, rural communities and rainforest adventure.
Step straight into the wild heart of Borneo, where dense rainforest, river systems and rare wildlife set the stage for real adventure. Trek beneath Mount Kinabalu, live alongside rural communities on the Kinabatangan River, and contribute to conservation through tree planting and wildlife protection. Challenging, immersive and unforgettable, this school expedition leaves you more confident, capable and deeply connected to the natural world.
Trip highlights
- Explore Kota Kinabalu
- Guas Nabalu Trek
- Wildlife Conservation in the Kinabatangan
- Orangutans & Sun Bears
Itinerary
Kota Kinabalu
You’ve made it to Borneo, an island of rainforests, orangutans and adventure. Make sure you get some rest after your flight, because you’re about to take the road less travelled and experience the places you’ve been dreaming about. Steamy jungles, tribal communities and rugged highlands, they’re all here waiting to be explored.
Kota Kinabalu
Wake up to your first morning in Borneo and dive into expedition life when you assign some team roles and meet the ground team to discuss your plans. You’ll need to buy some snacks and a SIM card for the team phone, so head to the market and get to grips with the currency, Malaysian ringgit. Jobs done, it’s time to explore. The capital of Sabah, Kota Kinabalu is known locally as ‘KK.’ Discover the city’s most important landmarks, places like the War Memorial, Australia Place, the Jesselton Hotel and the Pillars of Sabah. Climb 267 steps for panoramic views from Signal Hill Observatory Tower, then tuck into fresh seafood, Indian roti (pancakes) or Malay curries for a well earned dinner.
Kota Kinabalu
Get together as a team and decide how to spend the day. Explore the city and take in the sights, take an optional snorkelling trip and explore the local coastline or head to nearby Gaya Island to spot the full cast of Finding Nemo. How about a white water rafting adventure? Grab a paddle and a helmet and work together as you rollercoaster over the rapids, it’s a surefire way to boost both adrenaline and teamwork skills.
Guas Nabalu
Time to trek! You’re about to set off into the jungle and camp beneath Mount Kinabalu. Lush, green and off the beaten track, this is the Borneo you’ve been dreaming of. Stop at the town of Pekan Nabalu to buy exotic fruits and handicrafts at the market, then continue to Guas Nabalu, the starting point for your trek. Lead your team past rubber plantations and banana trees to the summit of Nuluh Lingion (1,420m). Just look at those views!
Guas Nabalu
Trek deeper into the jungle past cascading waterfalls. Chat to your guides and learn about the plants and wildlife around you.
At night, help cook dinner, then sip hot Sabah tea until the stars come out, life in the wild feels amazing. Got a sweet tooth? Visit the village bee farm in Guas Nabalu, taste pineapple jam, and grind your own coffee. At sunset, trek up to Kiau viewpoint and gather round for dancing, music and folklore stories.
Kinabatangan River
Spend the next few days living alongside a rural community beside the Kinabatangan River, the longest river in Sabah. This lush landscape is home to orangutans, pygmy elephants and more. But much of it has been earmarked for agriculture and development, or damaged by logging and plantations. Learn about the efforts to protect this special place. Help out with tree planting and maintaining reforested areas. Prepare saplings in the nursery and clear areas ready for planting.
Kinabatangan River
Dive deeper into community life by eating with local families and experiencing their homeland on a boat trip. This is a side of Borneo that few tourists see. Rural life can be tough, and you’ll have none of the comforts you’re used to back home. Grab this opportunity to connect with the locals and learn about their lives.
Sepilok
Nothing quite prepares you for Sepilok Orangutan Rehabilitation Centre, it’s one of the few places in the world where you can see orangutans in their natural habitat. These endangered great apes can only be found in the rainforests of Borneo and neighbouring Sumatra. The centre cares for injured orangutans, and teaches them how to survive. Feeding time is the best chance of seeing them up close.
The nearby Borneo Sun Bear Conservation Centre cares for rescued bears and raises awareness of this fragile species. Meet the sun bears and keep an eye out for orangutans, macaques and squirrels that thrive in this protected forest.
Sandakan
After the best two weeks of your life it’s time to travel home, so cram everything into your backpack and head to the airport. Check in, sit back and let it all sink in. You’ve just experienced something incredible, Borneo has opened your eyes and challenged you more than you ever imagined. You’ve fast-tracked your life skills and connected with locals; you’ve led your team and made new friends for life. These experiences will shape who you are and put you on the path to becoming a true global citizen. Prepare to return home forever changed.
Ready to start planning?
Speak to our school trip specialists and start planning an expedition tailored to your students.