Diving, exotic wildlife conservation, a high peak and community service. We really tick off everything on this epic summer program traveling through the far flung island nation of Borneo.
Location
Borneo
Best Time To Go
Dry Season (May to September) – Best for wildlife and outdoor activities
Programs
Service Learning
Leadership
Marine Conservation
Cultural & Community
PROGRAM OVERVIEW
So, what’s the deal with this exotic sounding country? Borneo is the third biggest island in the world, shared by the Malaysian states of Sabah and Sarawak, Indonesian Kalimantan and the tiny nation of Brunei. Borneo is a paradise for rich biodiversity; home to the elusive pygmy elephant and clouded leopard (don’t worry, we had to google them at first, too!). We will be getting up close and personal with sun bears and orangutans! Borneo is home to pristine beaches, wild jungles and the high altitude mountain, Kinabalu - which you will stand atop with your group members if you join us this Summer!
The adventures on this program are endless; we will get out on a thrilling rafting adventure in Sabah, zip line through rainforest canopies, and snorkel the islands off Kota Kinabalu. You know when a place is hard to get to but people from all over the world put in the effort anyway? This is one of those places. The marine life on Sipadan and the surrounding islands is out of this world; rated the second best dive site on the planet for its rich marine habitat! We will get the chance to spot turtles, an underwater tornado of barracudas and countless rainbow colored tropical fish.
On this program, we will immerse in local culture during a community service project in Tampat Do Aman, and support with the tasks required at the time of our visit. This ranges from working at a learning centre for children with disabilities to helping the Forestry Commission with reforestation programmes to protect the flora and fauna of Borneo's rainforests.
A unique opportunity of this program is getting hands on with wildlife learning and conservation. We will head up to Sipilok to spend time at a world class conservation center, supporting orangutangs, sun bears and proboscis monkeys.
Program Components & Highlights
Service Learning & Volunteer Projects
- A rewarding community development project with a community in Tampat Do Aman
- A reforestation project to create a corridor of trees for wildlife to pass through in Kopel
- Work with orangutangs, sun bears and proboscis monkeys on various conservation projects near Sepilok
Outdoor Adventure
- Snorkel the vibrant reefs and marine areas
- Summit Mount Kinabalu, South East Asia’s highest mountain at 11,000ft
- Raft the Kiulu River
- Take a zip line adventure through the rainforest, plus multiple canopy hikes
Cultural Immersion
- Learn about the local environment and culture through working alongside local communities
- Immerse in the jungle and understand the connection with environment fostered by the people of Borneo
Personal Development
- Become a global citizen with a global perspective on environmental issues
- Work confidently and collaboratively with others
- Step up with confidence to new opportunities and challenges
- Transfer the applicable learning activities to benefit both school and personal life
Our Process
From the initial program launch and student registration, through to comprehensive pre-departure training and on-the-ground administration, Unearthed Education provides comprehensive and in-person support to students, parents, and school leaders.
FAQs
What's included?
- All in-program travel and transport
- All accommodation
- All meals
- All expeditions, activities, excursions, volunteer projects and entry fees as described in the itinerary
- Experienced Program Instructors and local guides
- Informal lectures from resident experts on conservation and eco-tourism
- Core Activities that encourage shared group reflection
- 24/7 Emergency contact based in New Zealand
What is the accommodation like?
Our accommodation will be a mix of comfortable, clean hostels, lodges and homestays.
Students will have private rooms shared only by members of the group. Students will be in shared rooms, sometimes separated by gender but where that is not possible they will share with the whole group. Students will have access to American style flush toilets and also hot water showers. There will never be outsiders from the group present in the rooms. The instructors will be in a twin room near the students. Students will always be able to access the instructors for support at any time of the day.
Laundry and Wi-Fi facilities will be available most days, except during the weeks in the field on the volunteer projects and on expeditions. Accommodation is diverse, comfortable and carefully chosen to fit our needs.
How active is the program?
Medium Activity Level: Anyone with an average fitness level and an enthusiasm for the outdoors and new experiences will have a great time on this summer internship! We do climb Kota Kinabalu over two days, and will be guided by professionals. You will need to be prepared for some physical work during the volunteer projects on the program, like preparing beds for planting or the removal of invasive plants.
What level of volunteering is involved?
Medium Learning Level: You will be able to make a difference to the local community during your stay. Be prepared to get your hands dirty and do some hands-on learning about local issues.
Do you need to be a confident camper?
No. This is a Low Camping Level: Be prepared to spend some time out in nature. You'll love the experience of camping, staring at the campfire, breathing in fresh air and stargazing the night away.