What sort of food will I be eating in Borneo on my Raleigh Expedition?

Raleigh provides dry and fresh food (Raleigh Rations), and Venturers rotate cooking for the group. Meals typically include South Asian staples like noodles, rice, bread, beef, fish, chicken, and vegetables. You may also try rainforest-sourced foods like bambagan and rambutan.

VOLUNTEER IN BORNEO

Q: Where will I be staying on Expedition with Raleigh in Borneo?

Accommodation will vary and may include wild camping in hammocks, sleeping in traditional longhouses, or staying in community halls. All options are basic, offering an authentic experience of rural life in Sabah.

Q: What is the weather like in Borneo?

Borneo is hot and humid year-round with temperatures from 27°C to 32°C and 80% humidity. The dry season lasts from March to September, and the wet season runs from October to February. Expect rain, especially in the afternoons, and bring waterproof gear.

Q: Will I need a visa for Borneo and is it included in the cost?

Visa requirements depend on your nationality, residence, and length of stay. Your Venturer Coordinator will guide you through the process. Visa costs are not included in the Expedition fee, so budget for them separately.

Q: What language is spoken in Borneo?

The official language is Malay. Useful phrases include: 'Selamat pagi' (Good morning), 'Selamat petang' (Good afternoon), 'Selamat malam' (Good evening/night), and 'Terima kasih' (Thank you).

Bursting with jungle, orangutans, and ancient traditions. Travel to our most wild and adventurous destination

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Home | Raleigh Expeditions | Volunteer in Borneo

Why volunteer in Borneo?

If you want a gap year or travel experience that’s real, raw and meaningful – Borneo is the one.

Home to ancient rainforests, orangutans, and 6% of the planet’s biodiversity, Borneo is breath-taking. But it’s also facing huge challenges: deforestation, disappearing mangroves, and underdeveloped rural areas.

On a Raleigh Expedition in Borneo you’ll volunteer to help protect fragile habitats and support local Dusun communities with sustainable projects that improve access to essentials like clean water, toilets, and community spaces. Then you’ll take on an adventure challenge different to our other destinations – part trek, part eco-tourism work, river safari and orangutan sanctuary visit.

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“Thank you for giving me the opportunity to join this very fun adventure and for giving me a lot of learning throughout my participation in the Raleigh International programme. I am very happy with this achievement and learned many new things.”
AvetikaVenturer 2025

“Made very good connections and friends on Raleigh with a variety of people who have encouraged me to be a better person”
DanielVenturer 2025

“Raleigh was one of the most amazing experiences of my life.”
MeganVenturer 2025

“It was amazing, I loved it so much and had met so many different people and experienced so much and learnt loads about myself.”
EvieVenturer 2025

Costs and duration overview

Early bird prices 2026 - Cycle 2 & 3

10 weeks

£5,100$6,370$6,370$6,370

Save £150$200$200$200

The most immersive and popular Expedition. Take part in all three full phases.

7 weeks

£4,440$5,550$5,550$5,550

Save £150$190$190$190

Two full phases – either the Community or Environmental with the Adventure Challenge.

5 weeks

£3,050$3,810$3,810$3,810

Save £150$185$185$185

One full phase – Community Project or Environmental with a shorter Adventure Challenge.

All dates and prices

Expedition life in Borneo

Every Raleigh Expedition in Borneo blends volunteering, adventure, and personal growth. You’ll rotate through three unforgettable phases: Community, Environmental and the Adventure Challenge.

You’ll be at Fieldbase for your induction, ‘changeover’ between phases and to at the end.

Community project

In Borneo you’ll volunteer on projects with the aim of increasing access to the facilities most needed to support welfare and growth in indigenous areas.

Example project: Many Dusun communities are remote and rely on small businesses, subsistence farming or farmers markets, resulting in many of these communities experiencing poverty and underdevelopment.

Type of work: Through your project you will get involved in planning and construction work to support community initiatives. This may include working on building toilets, community halls, supporting the development of drainage systems, and other smaller projects to benefit the community.

Environmental project

Over 50% of Malaysian mangroves are found in Sabah, however each year thousands of hectares are disappearing. You’ll work on projects to help combat this.

Raleigh Venturers will volunteer in Borneo on building a jetty, a mangrove planting and rehabilitation project, working alongside local experts and communities living near mangrove creeks to revitalise mangrove growth.

Adventure challenge

You’ll have two different adventurous experiences – the Leadership Trek and the Jungle Adventure. You’ll also visit an Orangutan Sanctuary.

The Leadership Trek – takes place over 7 days, where you’ll explore the Salt Trail in Borneo’s Crocker Range. The routes are off the beaten track so something tourists don’t normally experience.

The Jungle Adventure – you’ll spend time in Batu Puteh, a Sungai native community living by the Kinabatangan River, working on eco-tourism and jungle restoration projects. You’ll get to see wildlife on a river safari, and go on short night treks and also visit Borneo’s famous Orangutans at the Sepilok Orangutan Sanctuary.

Fieldbase

Fieldbase ‘Camp Bongkud’ is situated close to a rural Dusan community and very similar in feel, giving you an authentic experience. The longhouses have a corridor down the middle there is communal space for chilling out and socialising, on the other are sleeping rooms.

Induction: At the start of your Expedition you’ll arrive at Fieldbase for training – including safety briefings, codes of conduct and plenty of teambuilding activities.

Changeover: After each phase you’ll return to Fieldbase to ‘changeover’ groups, wash and sort your kit, learn about your next project.

Endex: This is when you’ll get the chance to reflect on your experiences, receive final feedback from our Venturer Managers and other staff members which should help you continue your personal development and time to say your goodbyes.

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Borneo example itinerary

It depends on the time and budget you have – if you’re taking a gap year in Borneo or just a bit of time out before carrying on studying or working. The full 10-week Expedition with Raleigh in Borneo will look like this. You’ll get more detail on the projects nearer the time.

Induction and training (3-4 days)

Get to know your fellow Venturers and prepare for Expedition life. You’ll receive essential training on topics such as health and safety and cultural awareness.

Community Project (19 days)

Venturers work together in a Sabah native community on projects which may include supporting construction of community halls, toilet blocks, or village drainage systems.

Debrief at Fieldbase (2-3 days)

At the end of each phase, everyone returns to Fieldbase ‘Camp Bongkud‘ for a few days before moving on to your next project. You’ll catch up with the rest of the Expedition team and start to prepare for your next project. Project groups will change between each phase, this is an important part of the Expedition experience.

Leadership trek (7 days)

You’ll conquer a 7-day trek across the Salt Crocker Range. On this trek, every day is different, including the weather and the accommodation.

Jungle challenge (11 days)

You’ll work on eco-tourism projects, living in a rainforest community with Orang Sunai (indigenous river people), go on river safaris and visit Borneo’s famous Orangutans at the Sepilok Orangutan Sanctuary.

Environmental Project (19 – 21 days)

You’ll work on reforestation activities and mangrove rehabilitation, which will support local wildlife, while also raising awareness locally about these issues.

Final review at base (2 days)

All Expeditions end with everyone coming together for a final few days back at the training centre. Catch up with friends and celebrate all you have achieved together.

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Borneo Expedition gallery

Raleigh Borneo Adventure Challenge Venturers enjoying trek

Raleigh Borneo Adventure Challenge Venturers with rucksacks on in jungle

Raleigh Borneo environmental project Venturer with plants

Raleigh Borneo environmental project venturers working with soil

Raleigh Borneo environmental project monkey in the branches

Raleigh Borneo Environment phase project work

Raleigh Borneo Adventure Challenge Venturers trekking in jungle

Raleigh Borneo Adventure Challenge misty landscape

Raleigh Borneo Venturers digging community project

Raleigh Borneo community work Venturer with Wheelbarrow

Ready to apply?

If you already know Raleigh is for you, don’t miss out on a place!

Apply now

2026

*From 2026 you will need to be aged between 18-24. We won’t accept anyone aged 17 while on Expedition.

CYCLE 1

FEBRUARY - APRIL

10 Weeks
10th February – 17th April 2026

£5,250$6,570$6,570$6,570

7 Weeks 
A: 10th February – 28th March 2026
B: 2nd March – 17th April 2026

£4,590$5,740$5,740$5,740

5 Weeks
10th February – 17th March 2026

£3,200$3,995$3,995$3,995

Deadlines:

10 weeks, 7 weeks (A)
Application: 30th November 2025

7 weeks (B)
Application: 14th December 2025

Deposit

Apply now

CYCLE 2

Borneo Expeditions do not run in Cycle 2

CYCLE 3

Early bird prices

Offer ends 29th March 2026

OCTOBER - DECEMBER

10 Weeks
13th October – 18th December 2026

EARLY BIRD PRICE £5,100$6,370$6,370$6,370
Save £150$200$200$200

7 Weeks
13th October – 28th November 2026

EARLY BIRD PRICE £4,440$5,550$5,550$5,550
Save £150$190$190$190

5 Weeks
13th October – 17th November 2026

EARLY BIRD PRICE £3,050$3,810$3,810$3,810
Save £150$185$185$185

Deadlines:

10 weeks, 7 & 5 weeks (A)
Application: 27th June 2026

7 weeks (B)
Application: 11th July 2026

Deposit

Apply now

2027

*From 2026 you will need to be aged between 18-24. We won’t accept anyone aged 17 while on Expedition.

CYCLE 1

Early bird prices

Offer ends 31st July 2026

FEBRUARY - APRIL

10 Weeks
8th February – 15th April 2027

EARLY BIRD PRICE £5,250$6,560$6,560$6,560
Save £260$330$330$330

7 Weeks 
A: 8th February – 26th March 2027
B: 28th February – 15th April 2027

EARLY BIRD PRICE £4,590$5,740$5,740$5,740
Save £230$290$290$290

5 Weeks 
8th February – 15th March 2027

EARLY BIRD PRICE £3,200$3,995$3,995$3,995
Save £160$205$205$205

Deadlines:

10 weeks, 7 & 5 weeks (A)
Application: 28th November 2026

7 weeks (B)
Application: 12th December 2026

Deposit

Apply now

CYCLE 2

Borneo Expeditions do not run in Cycle 2

CYCLE 3

Early bird prices

Offer ends 27th March 2027

OCTOBER - DECEMBER

10 Weeks
12th October – 17th December 2027

EARLY BIRD PRICE £5,250$6,560$6,560$6,560
Save £260$330$330$330

7 Weeks
A: 12th October – 27th November 2027
B: 1st November- 17th December 2027

EARLY BIRD PRICE £4,590$5,740$5,740$5,740
Save £230$290$290$290

5 Weeks 
12th October – 16th November 2027

EARLY BIRD PRICE £3,200$3,995$3,995$3,995
Save £160$205$205$205

Deadlines:

10 weeks, 7 & 5 weeks (A)
Application: 25th April 2027

7 weeks (B)
Application: 29th May 2027

Deposit

Apply now

What's included

Airport welcome and transfers
All food, transport and accommodation on Expedition
24-hour support from Expedition country & UK office
Safety expertise
Extensive pre-departure information and support
Local orientation, project training & equipment
Raleigh t-shirt
Free Nomad & MASTA Travel Health brief with health risks and vaccination requirements

Not included

Flights
Visas
Vaccinations
Personal kit
Travel insurance
DBS/Police background check
First aid training (Venturer Managers)

All full breakdown will be provided on application

Apply now

How to apply for an Expedition

1

Apply online

Fill in the online form. Be clear on why you want to go on Expedition!

2

Screening

If we accept your application, you’ll get a link to pay a 5% deposit. Your place isn’t secured until this is paid.

3

Confirmation

Your Venturer Coordinator will send you all the information you need for your Raleigh Expedition.

4

Pre-departure

Get ready for your Expedition! We’ll give you support and training in the run up.

Apply now

How our Venturers rated Raleigh last year

say they would recommend Raleigh

say Raleigh developed their leadership skills

say its one of the best things they've ever done

Borneo Expedition FAQs

Frequently asked questions about Raleigh Expeditions in Borneo

What sort of food will I be eating?

Raleigh provides dry and fresh food (Raleigh Rations), and Venturers rotate to cook for the group.

You’ll be living in remote areas of Borneo, so food will consist of South Asian staples such as noodles, rice, breads, beef, fish, chicken and vegetables. You will also have the chance to experience foods provided by the rainforest and enjoyed by locals, such as the bambagan (a giant, mango like fruit) and the rambatan (a juicy, sweet fruit similar to a lychee).

Basic Rations might include

Breakfast: Porridge (Oats) with milk powder and sugar to flavour.
Lunch: Bread or Crackers with Jam, tuna, cheese.
Dinner: Rice/Pasta, tinned pasta sauce, tinned beans or tinned curries.
Additional: Tea, coffee, milo, local doughnuts, fried bananas (Pisang Goreng), fruit and fresh produce when available.

Where will I be staying on Expedition with Raleigh in Borneo?

Accommodation may vary. You’ll wild camp in hammocks, sleep in traditional long houses and also in local community halls. No matter where you stay, accommodation will be basic and authentic to rural life in Sabah.

What is the weather like in Borneo?

Borneo is a tropical paradise that attracts travellers all year round. The weather is hot and humid for most of the year, with average temperatures of 27°C to 32°C and relative humidity of 80%. Borneo has two distinct seasons: the dry season, which starts from March to September; and the wet season, which lasts from October to February when the North-East monsoon hits the island.

You can expect brilliant sunshine in the morning and rain in the afternoon which generally lasts a few minutes to hours. However, the weather is often unpredictable and you should expect high humidity and rain at any time of the year, which means you will most certainly need your waterproofs.

Will I need a visa for Borneo and is it included in the cost?

Whether you need a visa to travel to Borneo will depend on your nationality, purpose of visit, country of residence and length of your stay. Your Venturer Coordinator will provide you with all the relevant information. The costs of visas isn’t included in the price of your Expedition.

What language is spoken in Borneo?

The official language in Borneo is Malay.

Some useful phrases are:

Selamat pagi – Good morning (literally translating as ‘Good day’)
Salamat petang – Good afternoon
Selamat malam – Good evening or good night
Terima kasih – Thank you

Read all FAQs Parent information

Latest stories from our Borneo Expeditions

Borneo

Are you a Borneo National?

Would you like to volunteer?

Apply

Over 25?

Become a Venturer Manager

Apply

VOLUNTEER IN BORNEO

Why volunteer in Borneo?

Expedition highlights from Borneo

Costs and duration overview

10 weeks

The most immersive and popular Expedition. Take part in all three full phases.

7 weeks

Two full phases – either the Community or Environmental with the Adventure Challenge.

5 weeks

One full phase – Community Project or Environmental with a shorter Adventure Challenge.

Expedition life in Borneo

Community project

Environmental project

Adventure challenge

Fieldbase

Borneo example itinerary

Borneo Expedition gallery

Borneo Dates & Pricing

2026

*From 2026 you will need to be aged between 18-24. We won’t accept anyone aged 17 while on Expedition.

FEBRUARY - APRIL

Borneo Expeditions do not run in Cycle 2

OCTOBER - DECEMBER

2027

*From 2026 you will need to be aged between 18-24. We won’t accept anyone aged 17 while on Expedition.

FEBRUARY - APRIL

Borneo Expeditions do not run in Cycle 2

OCTOBER - DECEMBER

What's included

Not included

How to apply for an Expedition

1

Apply online

2

Screening

3

Confirmation

4

Pre-departure

How our Venturers rated Raleigh last year

Borneo Expedition FAQs

Need more Expedition information?

Latest stories from our Borneo Expeditions

Are you a Borneo National?

Over 25?

Socials

Newsletter

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