Overview
A great opportunity to travel deep into the jungle to live and learn from three remote and unchanged indigenous tribes.
On arrival you'll be whisked away to the traditional long house community of Kipouvo, northern Sabah, to immerse yourself in the culture and traditions of the Rungus community. You'll be involved with basic construction work, help out with their harvesting and take part in their highly competitive village sport.
The second phase will be at the village of Bongkud, located in Ranau district on the west coast of Sabah. Well known for the highest mountain in south east Asia, Mount Kinabalu. The majority of Ranau population is composed of the Dusun natives.
Camp Bongkud is located within the village where you will get involved with their Community Improvements Projects. There will also be the opportunity to learn how to play the traditional local instruments, music, dance and perhaps also gain some knowledge on some local cooking lessons. Bongkud community loves their sports especially football, volleyball and badminton so be prepared to get stuck in.
The third phase will be at the village of Batu Puteh on the mighty Kinabatangan River in Eastern Sabah where you can see up to 8 species of primate including the elusive orangutan swinging by. Here you will live in a jungle camp and work on a forest regeneration project.
After all this you'ill spend a couple of days R&R in Kota Kinabalu with modern shops and bars all around, or if you have time visit one of the stunning remote islands for a laid back beach moment! It is one of the best places in the world to learn to scuba dive.
How you help
Helping Who
The jungle villages of Kipouvo and Batu Puteh.
Helping How
Kipouvo - Community Phase - 3 weeks:
Here you'll become totally integrated in the day to day life of this indigenous community while getting stuck into:
• Their harvesting and creation of a medicine garden and training centre.
• The refurbishment of the community hall and canteen.
• Construction of a community learning centre – to be used by the kindergarten and local women’s group including a playground.
• You can teach English, reading, drawing, sports and possibly music and art in the local primary school, the children are aged 7-10 and they love it.
Bongkud - 2 weeks
Project work in this village includes:
• The building of a new Community Multipurpose hall, to replace the ailing community hall built since 1967. The community hall which served as a gathering place for the local chiefs as well as nursery centre will be replaced for the village head’s office, mini library, multi-purpose hall for the community etc
• The building of a Water Feed Tank to be able to supply water to over 20% families in the village.
• Playing games and sports with the local children.
Batu Puteh – Conservation Phase - 1 week:
The main work here will be centred around forest regeneration, helping degraded areas of the reserve to be replanted with indigenous species of trees. Here you will collect seeds from the jungle, germinate them in the community nursery and replant in the cleared areas.
You'll also help will the development of trails and animal/bird hides. The local community run an eco-lodge on the edge of an oxbow lake and are always looking to extend their facilities and infrastructure. Work could include planning and mapping new areas, clearing existing or new trails, trail improvements such as bridges, steps or rest areas, signage and information boards.
To access the work sites you will transported up and down the river by boats. On these trips be prepared to spot crocodiles, monkeys/orangutans, lizards, wild boar, bird life and elephants.
You will also get the chance to visit Sepilok Orangutan Sanctuary where you can see these amazing and endangered creatures in their natural habitat and the adorable sunbears. One of life's amazing and unforgettable experiences!
Your base
Your Team
Max of 30 volunteers per team, minimum of 4, aged 18-27.
Accommodation
Camp Kipouvo:
Here you will share a modern/traditional Kadazan Dusun house with twin/triple sharing rooms, including mattress and sheet if necessary. Showers (Hot/cold) and western style sitting lavatories. The house is in a small camp a short distance from the community of Kipouvo and has its own small vegetable patch/garden and is a beautiful idyllic spot. There will be the opportunity a weekly trip to the small town of Dongongon, Penampang and you are not far from the buzzing social life of Kota Kinabalu with its excellent restaurants, cafes, clubs and tropical islands to visit at weekends.
Bongkud:
The Accommodation at Camp Bongkud is in 5-man tents, though we tend to sleep only 3 people to a tent. These are arranged around a large communal area covered with traditionally used grass tiles. The toilets are the local squat type, with flushing cisterns and working showers in each cubicle.
Batu Puteh:
A short boat ride from the community takes you to the eco-lodge built by the local cooperative. Here you could be on a different planet with wildlife all around and no sign of human encroachment. You will live in a jungle camp under individual tarpaulins and sleeping in hammocks under your mosquito nets. The river runs close by and is your means of transport in and out of the area.
Food
You will eat locally produced food which will generally be rice or noodle based with plenty of fresh fruit and vegetables. Meat will usually be either chicken or fish. Although menus will be local they will be tempered to western tastes wherever possible. Vegetarians are easily accommodated.
Weather
It is always hot and humid with temperatures constantly in early 30’s with high humidity. It is generally dry in the mornings with heavy rain in the afternoons.
Communication
You will be able to communicate in English, but English is limited amongst certain local communities. The project leaders will help translate on the placements and you’ll be encouraged to learn some useful local phrases.
Wildlife
Elephants, Wild Boar, Orangutan, Proboscis Monkeys, Other monkey species, Crocodiles, Monitor Lizards, Water Buffalos, Mouse Deer,
Birdlife: Eagles, Kites, Hornbills, Swifts, Kingfishers, Egrets, Darters,
Time In/Out
Time In
Generally activities on the projects will take place 5 days per week for 6 - 8 hours each day with weekends free but please remain flexible! Project hours are normally 7 to 11 then 2 to 5 pm.
You will all be met at Kota Kinabalu International airport (BKI) and taken by bus to Tinangol for a 2 day induction and training.
Initial 3 weeks at Kipouvo, followed by 2 weeks at Bonkud, followed by 1 week at Batu Puteh. This will include opportunities to see wildlife at first hand and an organised trip to the Sepilok Orangutan sanctuary.
Time Out
Top Trips
The following adventures are in addition to the scheduled programme and are organised by Camp Borneo. These are approximate costs and a full description, itinerary and breakdown of costs can be provided.
- Mt Kinabalu 2 day climb - £175
- PADI open water scuba-diving course, 5-7 days - £150
- PADI advanced scuba-diving course, 3-4 days - £150
- Jungle trek, 5 days - £225
NB the PADI scuba-diving course represents really good value for money as it costs between £300 - £400 for a similar course in the UK. This is an optional extra that you are most likely to do when close to Kota Kinabalu (KK) and may involve taking time away from the project location and the projects.
Exploring rain forests, spotting orangutans, jungle trekking, climbing mountains, kayaking, watersports including paragliding/banana boating/snorkelling, white-water rafting, jungle tours, scuba diving horseback riding, camping trips, wildlife tours, community tours.
Costs/Dates
Dates
2011 6 weeks
July 4th
2012 6 weeks
July 2nd
Costs
Up until 31st August 2011
6 weeks £1760
Up until 31st August 2012
6 weeks £1827
Includes:
Donation to the project trust – currently £80 per person.
Selection and briefing on all aspects of the scheme.
24-hour emergency back-up, management and support by UK team and in-country Placement Manager, with reliable communications and infrastructure.
Safety and induction course on arrival.
Airport pick up and transfer to and from the placements. Transport between project phases.
Food and Accommodation throughout.
A day visit to Sepilok Orangutan Sanctuary.
Not included:
International flights, internal flights (not applicable), travel insurance, visas (not required for 90 days), medical expenses (reclaimable through travel insurance), soft drinks/beer etc. Volunteers will be responsible for any independent/weekend travel expenses e.g. food and accommodation whilst away from the placement location and any excursions not listed above. We are happy to arrange flights through STA Travel who are well known for offering good value.
Donation To The Community
Included in the cost of the scheme is a donation set at the level indicated above. A one off volunteer donation of £80 is made to the Camp International Trust and dedicated to community-based conservation throughout Borneo. Company and Trust work towards assisting communities to live in harmony with wildlife and to appreciate and preserve their natural environment. Trust funds are divided amongst the projects you assist ensuring that your contribution benefits everyone where they need it most.
