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.
EnquireDownload a guide
EXPEDITION OPTIONS FOR BORNEO
10 Weeks
Take on the ultimate Borneo experience and spend a full 10 weeks on Expedition. You'll complete all three phases - Community, Environmental and Adventure.
Find Out More7 Weeks
Enjoy a 19-Day Adventure Challenge alongside an Environmental or Community project, set amidst our wildest and most adventurous location
Find Out More5 Weeks
Combine meaningful Community or Environmental Project work with a shorter Adventure phase in a the jam-packed 5 week Expedition.
Find Out More4 Weeks
The Mini-Gap Option, designed for a shorter but impactful break. Get stuck into a single Community or Environmental Project, packed with adventure elements.
Find Out MoreCosts and duration overview
Limited Time Offer - Cycle 1 2027
10 weeks
£5250$6560$6560$6560
Save £150$200$200$200
The most immersive and popular Expedition. Take part in all three full phases.
7 weeks
£4590$5740$5740$5740
Save £150$190$190$190
Two full phases – either the Community or Environmental with the Adventure Challenge.
5 weeks
£3200$3995$3995$3995
Save £150$185$185$185
One full phase – Community Project or Environmental with a shorter Adventure Challenge.
4 weeks
£2200$2750$2750$2750
Save £100$130$130$130
One full phase – Community Project or Environmental.
All dates and prices
Expedition highlights from Borneo
Payment plans
5% deposit
Secure your spot from as little as £99.5
Installments
Pay over time interest free*
Discounts
Book early at a lower price
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.
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)
For this you’ll be at our Fieldbase – Camp Bongkud. During this time you’ll 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 (11 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 (8 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 Fieldbase (2 days)
All Expeditions end with everyone coming together for a final few days back at Fieldbase. Catch up with friends and celebrate all you have achieved together.
Borneo Dates & Pricing
2026
For Venturers aged between 18-24.
CYCLE 1
Full
FEBRUARY - APRIL
10 Weeks
10th February – 17th April 2026
7 Weeks
A: 10th February – 28th March 2026
B: 2nd March – 17th April 2026
5 Weeks
10th February – 19th March 2026
Deposit
5%
CYCLE 2
Borneo Expeditions do not run in Cycle 2
CYCLE 3
OCTOBER - DECEMBER
10 Weeks
13th October – 18th December 2026
£5250$6570$6570$6570
7 Weeks
13th October – 28th November 2026
£4590$5740$5740$5740
5 Weeks
13th October – 19th November 2026
£3200$3995$3995$3995
4 Weeks
13th October – 7th November 2026
£2300$2880$2880$2880
Deposit
5%
Apply now
2027
For Venturers aged between 18-24.
CYCLE 1
Limited Time Offer
FEBRUARY - APRIL
10 Weeks
8th February – 15th April 2027
LIMITED TIME OFFER £5250$6560$6560$6560
Save £260$330$330$330
7 Weeks
A: 8th February – 26th March 2027
B: 28th February – 15th April 2027
LIMITED TIME OFFER £4590$5740$5740$5740
Save £230$290$290$290
5 Weeks
8th February – 15th March 2027
LIMITED TIME OFFER £3200$3995$3995$3995
Save £160$205$205$205
4 Weeks
8th February – 5th March 2027
LIMITED TIME OFFER £2200$2750$2750$2750
Save £100$130$130$130
Deposit
5%
Apply now
CYCLE 2
Borneo Expeditions do not run in Cycle 2
CYCLE 3
Limited Time Offer
OCTOBER - DECEMBER
10 Weeks
12th October – 17th December 2027
LIMITED TIME OFFER £5250$6560$6560$6560
Save £260$330$330$330
7 Weeks
A: 12th October – 27th November 2027
B: 1st November- 17th December 2027
LIMITED TIME OFFER £4590$5740$5740$5740
Save £230$290$290$290
5 Weeks
12th October – 16th November 2027
LIMITED TIME OFFER £3200$3995$3995$3995
Save £160$205$205$205
4 Weeks
12th October – 6th November 2027
LIMITED TIME OFFER £2200$2750$2750$2750
Save £100$130$130$130
Deposit
5%
Apply now
What's Included?
Extensive pre-departure training
Airport welcome and transfers
All food, transport and accommodation
24/7 in-country & UK office support
Orientation, project training & safety briefing
Free Raleigh International T-Shirt
All bookings also include a free NOMAD & MASTA Travel Health brief with health risks & vaccination requirements
Flights, visas, vaccinations, personal kit, travel insurance, DBS/Police background check and first aid training (for Venturer Managers) are not included in the price of a Raleigh Expedition. A full breakdown will be provided on point of booking.
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.
How our Venturers rated Raleigh last year
95
say they would recommend Raleigh
94
say Raleigh developed their leadership skills
87
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
Need more Expedition information?
Hear from Raleigh Alumni about life on Expedition
You'll find everything in one place about your Expedition
Send us an enquiry with what you'd like to know more about
