⭐LAST CHANCE TO BOOK FOR 2026⭐
Borneo 5-week Expedition
The 5-week Borneo Expedition is a structured gap year programme combining one volunteering project — Community or Environmental — with an Adventure Challenge in Borneo's ancient rainforests.
It runs across two phases and is designed for 18–24-year-olds who want a meaningful, challenging experience without taking a full 10 weeks.
Dates and rates
Cost
From £3200$4095$4095$4095
Dates and rates
When
Feb – Apr | Oct – Dec
Remote, wild and challenging
Raleigh Borneo Expedition life
Community project*
You’ll spend around 3 weeks volunteering in the remote Dusun village of Rumantai. Continuing the construction of a community church guesthouse, road maintenance, improving the village drainage system and teaching English.
Raleigh Borneo Expedition life
Environmental project*
For around 3 weeks you’ll be volunteering in the coastal community of Sungai Eloi. It’s a a blend of hands-on construction, environmental education, and cultural exchange – helping to protect the region’s rich mangrove ecosystems and river biodiversity.
Raleigh Borneo Expedition life
Adventure challenge
Experience a 5-7 day off-grid jungle trek along the historic Salt Trail, following a route unique to Raleigh, crafted by leaders with years of experience.
*You'll embark on one Project - either Community or Environmental - as well as the Adventure phase.
Expedition highlights from Borneo
Borneo 5-week itinerary
Please note this is a sample itinerary and order of phases will vary depending on Cycles and Venturer numbers.
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 or Environmental Project (19-21 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.
OR
You’ll work on reforestation activities and mangrove rehabilitation, which will support local wildlife, while also raising awareness locally about these issues.
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 (5-7 days)
You’ll conquer a multi-day trek across the Salt Crocker Range. On this trek, every day is different, including the weather and the accommodation.
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.
Expedition life in Borneo
Every Raleigh Expedition in Borneo blends volunteering, adventure, and personal growth. You’ll rotate through two unforgettable phases: the Adventure Challenge and the Project (either Community or Environmental)
Community project
Option 1: You’ll spend around 3 weeks volunteering in the remote Dusun village of Rumantai. Continuing the construction of a community church guesthouse, road maintenance, improving the village drainage system and teaching English.
Read more
Road maintenance and improving the village drainage system
- The challenge: Heavy rain has caused ongoing erosion, leaving potholes and uneven surfaces along a 600-metre stretch of road.
- The solution: Level and concrete the road to improve access with a durable and safe surface for residents and visitors.
Continuing the construction of a community church guesthouse
- The goal: Expand and improve the church’s accommodation facilities to create a comfortable, functional space for guests, visiting clergy, and community members.
- The outcome: A more welcoming environment that meets the needs of all visitors.
Community based tourism initiatives
Trails: Building safe, accessible trails helps both community members and visitors move through the forest with minimal environmental impact.
- Reduces soil erosion
- Protects vegetation
- Prevents disturbance to wildlife by keeping foot traffic on designated routes
Bird hide huts: Simple shelters for wildlife observation and environmental education.
- Allow discreet viewing of birds and other species
- Support eco-tourism and biodiversity awareness
- Create potential income opportunities for the community
Environmental project
Option 2: For around 3 weeks you’ll be volunteering in the coastal community of Sungai Eloi. It’s a a blend of hands-on construction, environmental education, and cultural exchange – helping to protect the region’s rich mangrove ecosystems and river biodiversity.
Read more
Conservation & research
- Collecting mangrove data for long-term protection
- Tracking biodiversity (birds, mammals, reptiles, fish, insects) to monitor ecological richness
- Detecting changes in wildlife populations to spot early stress signals
- Assessing habitat health through observations of wildlife, vegetation, water, and human activity
- Using data to guide conservation strategies with communities and partners
Community projects
- Renovating a jetty to support fishing, transport, and recreation
- Building a community boat to improve mobility and sustainable livelihoods
- Constructing a learning centre as a conservation and education hub
- Maintaining roads to tackle erosion from rain
Awareness & eco-tourism
- Involving Venturers, locals, and students in biodiversity monitoring to build knowledge and appreciation
- Linking wildlife records (e.g. otters, kingfishers, butterflies) to eco-tourism and livelihood opportunities
Adventure Challenge
Experience a 5-7 day off-grid jungle trek along the historic Salt Trail in the Crocker Range.
Read more
The Jungle Trek is a physically demanding and deeply rewarding journey that will push you beyond your comfort zone and help build real resilience.
But this is more than just a trek. It’s a journey of personal growth – a shared experience that will stay with you for life. Regardless of your previous experience, everyone starts and finishes together, come rain or shine. You’ll support one another, share the highs and lows, and celebrate your achievements as a team. These are often some of the most memorable and defining moments of the entire Expedition.
You’ll also play an active role in making the trek a success – helping to lead, plan, and manage logistics alongside your teammates and local guides. And at the end of each day, you’ll sleep under the stars, surrounded by the sounds and stillness of the Bornean jungle.
Where will I be in Borneo?
Location
You'll fly into Kota Kinabalu International airport and transfer to our Fieldbase 'Camp Bongkud'.
- Fieldbase – Camp Bongkud is situated in the Kudat District, also known as the tip of Borneo.
- Community project – Rumanati, a small, remote village located between the Ranau and Telupid districts in central Sabah.
- Environmental project – Sungai Eloi in the Pitas District of northern Sabah
- Adventure challenge – The Crocker Range
Fieldbase, Camp Bongkud
Accommodation
Fieldbase
- Longhouse Accommodation
- Indoor Communal Spaces
- WiFi
- Toilets
- Showers
Community Project
- Community hall accommodation
- Squatting & sitting toilets
- No WiFi
- Bucket showers
Environmental Project
- Sulap Hut (open air shelter)
- Squatting toilets
- Bucket Showers
Adventure Challenge
- Hammocks
- Bucket Showers
- Long-Drop toilets
- Jungle Camp
Borneo 5-weeks dates & pricing
CYCLE 1
Fully Booked
FEBRUARY - APRIL
10th February –19th March 2026
CYCLE 2
JUNE TO AUGUST
Borneo Expeditions don’t run in Cycle 2
CYCLE 3
Limited Places Remaining
OCTOBER - DECEMBER
13th October – 19th November 2026
£3200$4095$4095$4095
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, plus access to post-booking deals and discounts with our partners.
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
OTHER BORNEO EXPEDITION OPTIONS
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 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 MoreALSO AVAILABLE AS A 5-WEEK EXPEDITION
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South Africa 5 WeeksPayment 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
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.
Need more Expedition information?
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Latest stories from our Borneo Expeditions
FAQs
What does the Borneo 5-week Expedition include?
The Borneo 5-week Expedition includes one project phase — either a Community Project with indigenous Dusun communities or an Environmental Project protecting Sabah’s mangrove ecosystems — plus a shorter jungle adventure challenge. It is based in Malaysian Borneo
How much does the Borneo 5-week Expedition cost?
The Borneo 5-week Expedition starts from £3200$4095$4095$4095. A 5% deposit secures your place and interest-free payment plans are available. Flights, travel insurance, and visas are not included.
