Discover
Borneo

Sarawak, on the island of Borneo, brings together ancient rainforests, extraordinary wildlife and rich cultural traditions.
Discover diverse ecosystems, explore vibrant towns and connect with local communities. With opportunities for outdoor adventure, cultural exchange and hands-on learning, Sarawak invites students to broaden their perspectives, build confidence and deepen their understanding of the natural world.
Icon for nights 7 - 28 nights
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Ideal for Geography, Biology & Conservation, Outdoor Expeditions

Highlights

  • Encounter orangutans, sun bears and river wildlife

  • Hike Tanjung Datu biodiverse rainforest trails

  • Hands-on turtle conservation

  • Glimpse into Borneo's active nocturnal wildlife

Sample itinerary

Here’s how your school trip to Borneo could look. Take this as a starting point and tailor it to your school (including duration, locations and activities).

Day 1

Kuching – welcome to Sarawak

Arrive in Kuching, where your Gapforce leader will meet you and accompany you to your accommodation. Settle in, get to know your surroundings and join an orientation before sharing a welcome meal and looking ahead to the adventure.

Day 2

Kuching – city discovery and local flavours

Explore Kuching on a guided walking tour through historic streets, lively markets and colourful waterfronts. Sample Sarawak street food, visit traditional kampongs and cross the Sarawak River by sampan. Along the way, discover how different communities and traditions have shaped the city.

Day 3

Semenggoh and Tanjung Datu – wildlife centre and a jungle night walk

Visit Semenggoh Wildlife Centre to learn about orangutan rehabilitation, with the chance to observe these remarkable animals in their forest habitat. Continue to Tanjung Datu National Park and settle into your rainforest base. After dark, head out with an expert guide to discover the jungle’s nocturnal wildlife.

Day 4

Tanjung Datu – rainforest exploration and turtle conservation

Follow your guide along rainforest trails, looking out for hornbills, gibbons and banded langurs while exploring the park’s biodiversity. Later, discover its green turtle conservation programme and learn about the challenges facing these endangered animals, ready for your own involvement in protecting their habitat.

Day 5

Tanjung Datu – hands-on turtle conservation

Support the park’s turtle conservation programme through beach clean-ups, hatchery maintenance and nesting site management. After dark, join guided beach patrols to monitor for nesting green turtles. Working together, students gain practical conservation experience and explore how local action helps protect vulnerable coastal ecosystems.

Day 6–7

Sematan – Salako longhouse stay and community projects

Stay at Kampung Pueh Longhouse and experience daily life with the Salako community. Work together on locally led projects, which may include construction, maintenance or environmental improvements. Visits to rice paddies and fruit farms offer insight into local livelihoods, while traditional music and storytelling introduce students to Salako culture and heritage.

Day 8

Gunung Gading – rainforest trails and waterfalls

Head to Gunung Gading National Park for a guided rainforest hike to its spectacular waterfalls and natural pools. Discover the plants and wildlife that thrive here, with the possibility of seeing the remarkable Rafflesia flower when it is in bloom. A day to develop perseverance and explore the connections within a tropical ecosystem.

Day 9

Kuching – wildlife river cruise

Return to Kuching before setting out on a wildlife river cruise. Watch for proboscis monkeys, crocodiles and birdlife as the sun sets over the mangroves. It’s an opportunity to observe a different habitat and reflect together on the experiences, challenges and achievements of your expedition.

Day 10

Farewell Sarawak – taking new perspectives home

After a final goodbye, transfer to the airport for your journey home. From supporting conservation to working alongside local communities, students leave with experiences that deepen their understanding of the world and the confidence gained from stepping beyond the familiar.

Learning beyond the classroom

Discovery is one of the most powerful ways to learn. Through cultural immersion, hands-on projects, outdoor adventures and meaningful local interactions, students experience learning in action while developing confidence, curiosity and a deeper connection to the world around them. Below are some of the curriculum areas this expedition can support.

  • Community Impact:

    Support conservation and meaningful local development projects.

  • Adventure & Outdoor Learning:

    Jungle survival skills, rainforest exploration and wildlife expeditions.

  • Field Studies:

    Explore tropical ecosystems and human-environment interactions.

  • Wildlife & Conservation:

    Study rainforest biodiversity and endangered species conservation.

  • Cultural Immersion:

    Experience Indigenous traditions and community life.

  • Sustainability:

    Explore reforestation, habitat protection and conservation solutions.

learning outcomes

Students will:

  • See the curriculum come to life through real-world experiences.

  • Encounter rare wildlife and support real conservation efforts.

  • Gain insight into Sarawakan culture through meaningful interaction with local communities.

  • Embrace adventure by trekking jungle trails and navigating rivers.

  • Build confidence and teamwork by facing physical and personal challenges in nature.

feeling inspired

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