Turtle Conservation in Borneo

Dive into expedition life, assign some team roles and meet the ground team. You’ll need to buy some food supplies and a SIM card for the team phone, so head to the market and get to grips with the currency, the Malaysian Ringgit. Jobs done, it’s time to explore. Kuching is Sarawak’s oldest city. Get your bearings with a stroll to the historic waterfront, where sampan water taxis glide by. Smell sizzling street food in the alleyways of Chinatown. Taste satay sticks and your first ‘kolo mee’, Chinese-style noodles with soup and soy sauce. Yum!

Boots on, and daypack loaded, it's time to trek. Travel to Gunung Gading National Park, this mountainous rainforest boasts the world’s biggest flower, the rafflesia. Decide which of the park’s self-guided treks to tackle. You could hike to beautiful Siar beach, or climb up Gunung Gading (906m), the park’s highest peak. Trekking in the heat can be tough. Work as a team to make sure everyone stays hydrated in the humidity. You’ve also got the option of a twilight trek to experience nocturnal wildlife; think geckos, frogs and flying squirrels.

Nothing quite prepares you for Semenggoh. It’s one of the few places on the planet where you’ll see orangutans in their natural habitat. The centre cares for injured orangutans and helps them to survive in a protected area of rainforest, and feeding time is the best chance of seeing them up close. Tear yourself away and head back to Kuching, you’ve got a full day there to explore, do some laundry and prepare for your conservation initiative.

Back in the city, you’ve got a free day to catch up on some admin, tackle laundry, and get ready for the days ahead. Take advantage of the time by exploring Kuching’s vibrant markets and the bustling Main Bazaar. Stroll through the narrow streets lined with shops offering traditional Sarawakian handicrafts; everything from intricate beadwork to handwoven textiles and pottery. Soak up the atmosphere as you relax in one of the city’s cozy cafés, and sip on a cold drink as you watch the world go by. If you’re up for something a bit different, consider visiting Kuching’s quirky Cat Museum. This unique spot features over 4,000 exhibits celebrating all things feline, from history and art to pop culture. As the day draws to a close, make your way to the Darul Hana Bridge. This modern pedestrian bridge provides stunning sunset views, the perfect way to wrap up your day.

Take a boat to an island off the coast of Kuching. Part of the Talang Satang National Park, this epic place has lush forests, white sands, clear waters and coral reefs. It’s a haven for rare species that include endangered green turtles and hawksbill turtles. Turtles return to the beaches they were born on to lay their eggs, so keeping these habitats clean and safe is crucial. This is where you come in, you’ll be working alongside a local team to carry out environmental and community work that helps to conserve the turtle’s fragile habitats. You’ll also get involved in tree planting and help out with maintaining the island’s nature trail. This is a great opportunity to pool your skills. Before you begin, discuss your strengths and decide how you can work best as a team. You’ll also need to consider the impact your work might have on the local community and environment. After your final day, travel back to Kuching by boat and bus.

Back in Kuching, you’ve got options for your last few days. You could discover more of the city on foot. Squeeze through narrow alleys lined with carpenter shops and cafes, gazing up at Chinese temples decorated with dragons. For great views of the city’s waterfront, climb Fort Margherita, which once protected Kuching from pirate attacks. The Borneo Cultures Museum is also fascinating, the modern, five-storey building is packed with exhibitions about everything from Borneo’s rivers to “objects of desire”. Another option is to take a day trip into the countryside to explore the beautiful Fairy and Wind Caves, stopping at historic gold mining towns along the way. Or how about learning to make traditional Sarawak cuisine in a cooking class? On your last night in Borneo, gather the team for a final meal. Celebrate everything you’ve achieved together and set your friendships in stone.

After the best two weeks of your life, it’s time to travel home. Cram everything into your backpack and head to the airport. Check in, sit back and let it all sink in, you’ve just experienced something incredible. Borneo has opened your eyes and challenged you more than you ever imagined. You’ve fast-tracked your life skills and connected with the locals; you’ve led your team and made new friends for life. These experiences will shape who you are and put you on the path to becoming a true global citizen. So prepare to return home forever changed!