Overview
PLEASE NOTE: OUR LAST DEPARTURE FOR THE BORNEO ITINERARY OUTLINED HERE WILL BE APRIL 2013 (we are researching new projects and itineraries in Borneo and hope to launch shortly our progrrame for July 2013 onwards).
Four different locations, projects and tribes in one fantastic placement…
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 from some local cooking lessons. The Bongkud community loves its sport, 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 swinging by, including the elusive orangutan. Here you will live in a jungle camp and work on a forest regeneration project.
The fourth phase is at a camp on Mantanani Island, a 2-hour boat ride out into the South China Sea. Explore the reef and lagoon around the islands in search of turtles and dugongs, which swim within view of the beautiful white beaches. Here you will live amongst the Muslim community and assist with land based community building projects.
Your final two weeks will be spent continuing project work and the BIG physical challenge… trekking in the Crocker Range National Park, home to pristine jungle and exotic wildlife. Your guides will tell you tales of their ferocious head-hunting forefathers and the spirits that live within!
After all this you'll spend a couple of days R&R in Kota Kinabalu with modern shops and bars all around! It is one of the best places in the world to learn to scuba dive.
How you help
Helping Who?
The villages of Kipouvo, Bongkud and Batu Puteh, both in the jungle and the Mantanani community, found on a tropical island surrounded by white beaches and blue sea.
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 in 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!
Mantanani - Marine Conservation Awareness Phase - 2 weeks:
The main goal here is to educate and encourage the local community to protect their marine environment.
You will help to give environmental education particularly about rubbish disposal and fishing techniques to the villagers and in the local school. In addition we are improving the infrastructures which will help them implement better lifestyle practises. For example we are building a community clinic, kindergarten, school sports facilities and some form of rubbish disposal incinerator. You'll carry out litter clean ups on the beaches, in the lagoon and around the reef and learn traditional boat building techniques. The intention is that you build a galleon out of the rubbish towards a playground and educational area.
You will also get the chance to swim and snorkel exploring the beautiful reefs and equipment is available, but under the strict guidelines set out by the camp manager; (never alone, never at night, only in safe sea conditions and only with the express agreement of the camp manager).
You can also teach English, reading, drawing, sports and possibly music and art in the local primary school, the children are aged 7-10.
Weekends spent on the island.
Bongkud and Trekking in the Crocker Range - 2 weeks:
Your final two weeks will be spent continuing project work and the BIG physical challenge… trekking in the Crocker Range National Park, home to pristine jungle and exotic wildlife. Your guides will tell you tales of their ferocious head hunting forefathers and the spirits which live within!
Your base
Your Team
Max of 16 volunteers per team, minimum 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 of 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 for a night 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. You will also stay with a family on a homestay visit for the remainder of your stay.
Mantanani
A mixture of semi-permanent hammocks on a beautiful, unspoilt island.
Jungle Trek Crocker Range
Hammocks and tents.
Food
You'll eat locally produced food - mainly rice or noodle dishes with plenty of fresh fruit and vegetables, fish and meat- ususally chicken. Menus will be local but they do try to temper them to the western palate! 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 11am then, due to the heat, from 2 or 3 to 5 pm.
Those choosing a 6 week placement will fly out with those who have chosen the 10 week option. You will all be met at Kota Kinabalu International airport (BKI) and taken by bus to Kipouvo for a 2 day induction and training.
6 week programme: 3 weeks at Kipouvo, followed by 2 weeks at Bongkud, 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.
10 week programme: As above then 2 weeks on Mantanani Island exploring the tropical reefs, carrying out community work and getting to know the community. Last 2 weeks at Bongkud and trekking: Transfer through Kota Kinabalu to Crocker Range for 5-6 days of jungle trekking, 1 more week of community project work and other activities.
The jungle trek is an awesome experience - sleeping in a hammock in primary rainforest is a once in a life time experience. You will learn to use a parang and challenge yourself to live amongst the insects and wildlife in their beautiful natural environment.
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 - £235
- PADI open water scuba-diving course, 5-7 days - £270
- PADI advanced scuba-diving course, 3-4 days - £200
- Jungle trek, 5 days - £238
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. It is one of the best places in the world to scuba dive.
Exploring rain forests, spotting orangutans, jungle trekking, climbing mountains, kayaking, watersports including paragliding/banana boating/snorkelling, white-water rafting, scuba diving, horseback riding, camping trips, community tours.
Costs/Dates
Dates
2012 for 10 or 6 weeks
January 4th, April 2nd, July 2nd (6 weeks only), September 3rd
2013 for 10 or 6 weeks
January 3rd, April 1st, July 1st (6 weeks only), September 2nd
Once on the placement it is possible to extend from 6 to 10 weeks.
Enjoy these extra benefits only available if you stay 10 weeks (Jan, Apr, Sept)
We appreciate that many choose the six week option for financial or other reasons but would highly encourage leapers, if they can, to stay for the full ten weeks – most do.
We are also very flexible and allow people the choice to extend from six weeks to ten weeks either pre departure, when you know how your fundraising is going or once overseas. The flights booked through STA travel are deliberately flexible to allow you to change your plans.
- spend two weeks on Mantanani Island, a beautiful tropical island surrounded by white beaches, stunning reefs and lagoons excellent for swimming and snorkelling in search of tropical fish and turtles. Helping to encourage and educate the local people to protect their marine environment.
- experience the thrill of a jungle trek and the rare opportunity to experience living in a primary rainforest. Trek into the foothills of Mt. Kinabalu. The area is home to pristine jungle and exotic wildlife, well known for its rainforest and natural beauty. Famed as well for the area that the SAS Regiment carry out jungle training.
- live and learn about the incredible flora and fauna from really friendly and knowledgeable local guides who will tell you stories of spirits which live in the jungle and the trails that were used during the second world war.
- visit local hot springs and Sabah Tea long houses.
- longer time to experience the culture, exotic wildlife, natural beauty of Borneo and have fun overseas.
- maximise the value of the international flight, especially if you tag on some independent travel to nearby countries, which you can do very easily and cheaply on Air Asia.
Costs
Up until 31st August 2012
6 weeks £1827
10 Weeks £2845
Up until 31st August 2013
6 weeks £1827
10 Weeks £2845
Includes:
Donation to the project trust – currently £90 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 £90 is made to the Camp International Trust and dedicated to community-based conservation throughout Borneo.
Scuba Diving
You will get the opportuntity to do a PADI open water or advanced scuba-diving course – the 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. It is a qulaification you can use around the world
