Project and Adventure Journey

1. 1–2

   Days 1–2

   Depart UK, fly overnight and arrive in Sandakan on day two

   Meal included: dinner

   Fly from the UK to Sandakan where we meet our local STC Expedition Leader and transfer to our accommodation in Sepilok. We spend our first night in Borneo here; already immersed in the incredible wildlife and environment the island has to offer. After freshening up and a welcome briefing, we visit the Rainforest Discovery Centre for an evening walk before tucking into our first traditional meal.

2. 3

   Day 3

   Sepilok Orangutan and Sun Bear Sanctuaries

   All meals included

   We rise early to visit the Borneo Sun Bear Conservation Centre and the famous Orangutan Sanctuary where a video presentation introduces us to the centre, after which we walk down to the viewing platforms to watch the orangutans enjoy their dinner and gain an understanding of the work Sepilok does and the plight of these amazing creatures.

3. 4–6

   Days 4–6

   Kinabatangan Project

   All meals included

   We transfer to the Bilit community on the Kinabatangan River. Here we complete a sustainable and ethical community project and go on wildlife cruises along the river. Previous projects have involved constructing prawn and fish traps, helping with planting seedlings to reforest areas of local land, and assisting with maintenance. We may also spend some time at the village school to allow the local students a chance to practise their English and play sports together. During the project we stay with a local family in a traditional homestay. This is an opportunity to gain a true understanding of what day-to-day life is like in rural communities in Borneo. It is basic but warmly welcoming.

4. 7

   Day 7

   Gomantong Cave and Transfer to KK

   All meals included

   This morning we bid goodbye to the Bilit community and begin our journey to the capital of Borneo, Kota Kinabalu. We stop for lunch en route and visit Gomantong Cave. We follow the boardwalk through dense jungle to the mouth of the cave and begin exploring. After boarding the bus again, we arrive in Kota Kinabalu for dinner and settle in for an early night ahead of a busy day.

5. 8

   Day 8

   Tuaran Bike Ride & Beach Clean

   All meals included

   Following breakfast at our hotel, we transfer out of Kota Kinabalu to the start of the day’s biking adventure. Our ride takes us through the heartland of the Dusun people, passing through beautiful villages on hanging bridges, single-track trails, rubber and pineapple plantations. It is a great way to see more of everyday life in Borneo. We stop for lunch at Tuaran town, close to the Chinese Pagoda.

   On arrival back in Kota Kinabalu, we take part in our ‘Environment Clean Up’ project and help to collect waste from the shoreline. This is a huge problem in Borneo where hundreds of miles of coastline are polluted with waste from passing ships, littering, and material washed in from the South China Sea.

6. 9

   Day 9

   White water rafting & Ziplining

   All meals included

   We swap our bikes for rafts today. The Kiulu River runs through the stunning Kiulu Valley and is gentle, safe and fun. We finish the day with another adrenaline activity as we zipline through the forest!

7. 10

   Day 10

   MERC visit

   All meals included

   We turn our attention to the sea and coral reefs of Kota Kinabalu and visit the Marine Ecology Research Centre (MERC) off the coast. We are met on arrival by MERC staff for a briefing and take a tour of the site. We learn about their research focuses, including successfully producing all seven species of giant clams found in Malaysian waters.

8. 11–12

   Days 11–12

   Depart Kota Kinabalu, arrive UK

   Meal included: breakfast

   On our final day in Borneo, we make our way to the airport for our return flight to the UK. Depending on flight schedules, we may have time to buy some last-minute souvenirs.

Itineraries can change with the seasons, local conditions and your group's needs. Ask us and we'll tailor it.