Borneo 7-week Expedition
Discover Borneo on a 7-week Expedition – designed for those with tighter budget or time constraints, who still want to experience transformative travel in our wildest destination.
Time to experience ancient rainforests, wildlife you never thought you'd see in real life and take part in a volunteering project - either community or environmental. Topping it off with an adventure phase which is different to our other destinations - part trek, part river safari and orangutan sanctuary.
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
Part one is a 10-11 day off-grid jungle trek along the historic Salt Trail, following a route unique to Raleigh, crafted by leaders with years of experience. Part two is a jungle experience where you’ll take part in a eco-tourism and rainforest restoration project, ending with two nights at a world-famous Orangutan Rehabilitation Centre.
*You'll embark on one Project - either Community or Environmental - as well as the Adventure phase.
Expedition highlights from Borneo
Borneo 7-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 (11 days)
You’ll conquer an 11-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.
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
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
For 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
Part one is a 10-11 day off-grid jungle trek along the historic Salt Trail. Part two is a jungle experience where you’ll take part in a eco-tourism and rainforest restoration project, ending with two nights at a world-famous Orangutan Rehabilitation Centre.
Read more
Part one – The Jungle Trek
You’ll take on a 10-11 day off-grid jungle trek along the historic Salt Trail in the Crocker Range – 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.
Part two – The Jungle Camp Adventure
You’ll spend this phase in Batu Puteh, a Sungai native community on the Kinabatangan River, engaging in a meaningful eco-tourism and rainforest restoration project. You’ll work side-by-side with the community to help protect and regenerate one of Borneo’s most important ecosystems, including:
- Tree planting – restores degraded forest areas, increases biodiversity, and helps protect rivers and soil. Healthy forests also support eco-tourism and provide resources for the community.
- Site maintenance/ground preparation – ensures planted trees survive and grow strong, creating long-term benefits for both nature and people.
- Seed collecting – provides a sustainable source of native species for replanting, keeps local forests diverse, and strengthens community-led conservation efforts.
- River cruising for wildlife spotting
- Night walks for nocturnal wildlife spotting
Finale – Orangutans and Sun Bears
To round off your jungle phase, you’ll spend two nights at Sepilok, home to the world-famous Orangutan Rehabilitation Centre. During this part of your adventure, you’ll:
- Visit the Sepilok Orangutan Sanctuary
- See the Sun Bear Conservation Centre
- Explore the Rainforest Discovery Centre, including a canopy walk
- Stay in a hostel with Raleigh logos proudly left by previous Venturers!
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. 90 mins from Fieldbase.
- 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 7-weeks dates & pricing
CYCLE 1
Fully Booked
FEBRUARY - APRIL
10th February – 28th March 2026
CYCLE 2
JUNE TO AUGUST
Borneo Expeditions don’t run in Cycle 2
CYCLE 3
OCTOBER - DECEMBER
- A: 13th October – 28th November 2026
- B: 2nd November – 18th December 2026
£4590$5740$5740$5740
Apply now
CYCLE 1
Limited Time Offer
FEBRUARY - APRIL
- A: 8th February – 26th March 2027
- B: 28th February – 15th April 2027
£4590$5740$5740$5740
Save £230$290$290$290
Apply now
CYCLE 2
JUNE - AUGUST
Borneo Expeditions don’t run in Cycle 2
CYCLE 3
Limited Time Offer
OCTOBER - DECEMBER
- 12th October – 27th November 2027
- 1st November – 17th December 2027
£4590$5740$5740$5740
Save £230$290$290$290
Apply now
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
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.
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