Raleigh International Summer: Borneo

A Raleigh Expedition in Borneo is a truly unique international experience for 17-24 year olds. Join young volunteers from across the world and gain skills, experiences, and friends that will last you a lifetime. To date we have sent over 55,000+ young people on a Raleigh Expedition, this includes people like Prince William and Princess Kate, and the British Astronaut Tim Peake. 

Where will you be based?

The Raleigh International Borneo Expedition takes place in several locations across the island. Upon arrival, venturers will be situated in a Rungus native community village and stay in large traditional longhouses. They will then embark on an Adventure phase, a community project, or an environmental project, which will occur in various spectacular locations throughout the island. The expedition concludes in a Bajau Ubian native community village, located along a golden sandy shoreline.

How long can you go for?

Each summer, we run 5, 7, and 10-week expeditions in Borneo (We also offer additional 5, 7, and 10-week expeditions in the spring and fall).

• The 10-week program is the most immersive of our expeditions. You will take part in all three project phases, in three locations, and with three different groups.
• If you don’t have as much time, the 7-week program is a great option. You will participate in two different phases — one trek and one project — in two different locations, with two different groups.
• The 5-week program is shorter but still an incredible experience. You will participate in one full volunteering project and an adventure phase.

The Three Project Phases:

1. Community Volunteering Project

This community-led project focuses on finding sustainable solutions to issues such as poverty, low levels of education, and poor access to water, sanitation, and hygiene. Each day, you will walk into the adjacent community, working as a team on projects such as building toilets, market stalls, and improving community infrastructure. Our community projects are set up in collaboration with community leaders in the villages we work with, often in areas that are home to some of the poorest villages in Malaysia. You’ll live in local accommodation, usually in their community hall (Balai Raya).

2. Environmental Volunteering Project

Despite being one of the most biodiverse and ecologically rich areas on the planet, Borneo's wilderness faces incredible challenges that require urgent action. This phase will have a direct impact on restoring the health of one of the world’s richest ecosystems. You will be involved in invasive plant removal, indigenous tree planting, and combating the destruction of vital mangroves—all of which will help accelerate the restoration of the wilderness. The work will be physical, dirty, and fun, making a difference to the health of the habitat.

3. Adventure Phase

The adventure phase is split into two sections:

• Trekking Portion: Due to the remote nature of Borneo, the trekking portion lasts 7 days. You’ll explore the Salt Trail in the Crocker Range, deep within the Bornean jungle. This will be hard work, to say the least! Along the way, you’ll pass through local communities and have the opportunity to do some project work in coordination with a grassroots charity.
• Jungle Experience: The second part of this phase involves a jungle experience in Batu Puteh, a Sungai native community along the Kinabatangan River. You will take part in an eco-tourism and jungle restoration project, working hand-in-hand with the village to maintain and re-establish ecosystems while learning how to live like a local. The forest reserve is home to fascinating wildlife, including orangutans, proboscis monkeys (found only in Borneo), crocodiles, clouded leopards, wild cats, and pygmy elephants. However, it’s also one of the most degraded and logged areas in Asia, putting many endangered species at imminent risk of extinction.