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Borneo School Trips & Expeditions
About Borneo jungle trek
Home to over 250,000 species of flora and fauna and 30 different tribal groups, Borneo is a jaw-dropping mix of raging rivers, precipitous mountain ranges, unexplored caves and dense jungles.
For nearly three decades Gapforce has specialised in exciting and unusual Borneo trekking expeditions and school trips to this natural paradise. Give your pupils the opportunity of a lifetime - to enter one of the last great wildernesses on the planet.
From observing wildlife in the Kota Kinabalu Wetland Centre, a mangrove wetland home to more than 80 species of Malaysian bird to the challenge of white water rafting down the Kiulu River, pupils are sure to have a once-in-a-lifetime experience.
Our programs have been led in the past by indigenous rights activist and explorer Bruce Parry, of BBC’s The Tribe, part of which was set in the rainforests of Sarawak, Borneo. Zara Phillips, daughter of the Princess Royal, has also undertaken her own Borneo jungle trek school trip with us.
Suitable For: Science School Trips, Outdoor Education School Trips
Support we offer on a Borneo jungle trek
We support schools embarking on a Borneo jungle trek in a variety of ways, including:
- Tailormade itineraries to match your school’s learning objectives
- A launch evening at the school for parents, students and teachers
- One point of contact for planning and preparation
- A comprehensive pre-departure briefing
- A highly qualified Expedition Leader to accompany your group
For more information regarding planning and executing an expedition to the Borneo jungle with your school, see our comprehensive guide on how to plan a trip here.
Day 1
Fly to Borneo
Take a morning flight from London to Kota Kinabalu in Borneo.
Overnight in Flight
Day 2
Kota Kinabalu
On arrival, you will be met by your Gapforce Leader and transferred to your accommodation for a welcome & safety briefing.
In the afternoon, you will visit the Kota Kinabalu Wetland Centre, 59 acres of mangrove wetlands, designed as a bird sanctuary, where you can observe up to 80 species of birds.
Day 3
Jungle Skills
Today you will head to Kawang Forest Reserve and start to get used to a life in jungle! You will be taught the camp set-up and bushcraft skills such as how to set up shelters and animal traps, identify edible plants, collect rainwater and start fires.
You will spend the night sleeping in Borneo’s jungle under the stars, an unforgettable experience!
Day 4
Jungle Trekking
Today you will put your training into practice with a jungle trek! Along the way your leader will also continue you’re your bushcraft lessons which will include navigating using a compass and map, administering first aid and conducting search and rescue drill. . In the afternoon, you will be transferred to a guesthouse where you can finally enjoy a well-deserved hot shower!
Day 5
Conservation Project
Today you will begin work on a local reforestation project in Kawang Forest Reserve. Here you will be educated on the local eco-system, the work that is being done and your role for the next couple of days You will learn about the nature conservation efforts, and you will start contributing to the cause straight away!
Day 6
Conservation Project
Today you continue the great work and you might find yourself assisting with the collection of saplings and seeds from the forest, helping with the planting of saplings. All the work being done at the project is directly benefiting the environment and the wildlife it supports.
Day 7
Conservation Project
On your final day on the project, you will continue with the conservation efforts. Additional tasks you may t be involved with include removing water weed, monitoring water quality, building and construction of walkways.
Throughout these days on the project you will also learn about the local community, wildlife and biodiversity of the local area.
Day 8
Kinabalu Park
Today you will start preparing for your long-anticipated climb of Mount Kinabalu, the highest peak on the island!
You will be taken to the Kinabalu Park, where you will take a guided nature walk before heading to bed at the park lodge.
Day 9
Mount Kinabalu
Today you will start the ascent of the mountain, and it promises to be a long and challenging day, with 6 hours of trekking, but with the help of Gapforce and local guides, you will get there!
You will stop at a local lodge Laban Rata, where you will enjoy fantastic views across Borneo and the South China sea and have a good rest.
Day 10
Mount Kinabalu - Summit
Today you will have an early start for the final climb to the summit. With a little bit of perseverance, you will reach the top in time for sunrise and enjoy unforgettable views across Borneo!
You will then take a steady descent and transfer to you hostel for relaxing afternoon and celebration of your achievement!
Day 11
Island Exploration
Today you will head to Tunku Abdul Rahman Park, a protected marine area with 5 islands, just off the coast of Kota Kinabalu.
Walking along the many trails there may be a chance to spot bearded pigs, proboscis monkeys, long-tailed macaques, monitor lizards, hornbills and even a few snake species!
Day 12
Island Exploration
Having enjoyed the wildlife the day before, today you will explore the spectacular underwater world, snorkelling off the coast of the islands. Thanks to the concentrated efforts, the reefs in this part of Borneo are flourishing and you will learn all about the conservation of this reef system.
Later in the evening, you can rest on the beach, picnicking and BBQing, and enjoying the evening.
Day 13
Adventure Day
Your final day is packed with adventure! You will start the morning by heading to the Kiulu River to do white-water rafting in a safe grade I-II rivers, followed by zip-lining across the Kiulu River on Borneo’s biggest zipline!
In the afternoon, you will transfer to Kota Kinabalu for your final night, with the well-deserved dinner and last minute shopping.
Day 14
Return Flights
After breakfast, you will head to the airport to board the plane back home!
Gapforce Expedition Leader
Throughout your expedition you will be accompanied by a Gapforce Expedition Leader. Gapforce is renowned for the select team of enthusiastic leaders who run our worldwide expeditions.
We hire great people experienced in delivering inspiring and safe travel experiences, many of whom have graduated from our intense 3-month Expedition Leader Training which includes:
- Mountain Leader Training
- RGS Off-site safety management
- RLSS Water Safety
- QA Level 2 Activity First Aid
- Rescue Training
- Wilderness Medical Training
- Advanced Survival Training
- Expedition Planning
- Incident Management
Enjoy some shots from our various expeditions and group trips.
