Doing volunteer work in Borneo you could be living and working among communities to improve health and educational services, living in an unexplored jungle whilst building a hanging suspension bridge and trekking across some of Sabah's most rugged terrain.
Types of volunteer projects you may be working on:
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Community projects
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Environmental projects
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Adventure
Community Projects
Borneo community projects are based in some of the remotest and poorest parts of Sabah. Volunteers work alongside the local community building a much needed kindergarten or maybe a gravity water feed system that will supply a community with a reliable source of fresh and clean water for the first time. However, it's not all about the projects; in the community phase it's about learning as much from each other as possible: language, traditions, cooking and many other skills.
Environmental Projects
Volunteers working on environmental projects in Borneo carry out conservation work in areas not accessible to tourists to increase access to environmental resources, conduct research, or raise awareness. Raleigh Borneo have a long-standing partnership with Yayasan Sabah, working together to build infrastructure in Imbak Canyon, a class one protected rainforest. More people have been to Everest base camp than have ever been to the Imbak Canyon, as Yayasan Sabah has exclusively asked us to help them protect the area.
Adventure Element
The adventure phase in Borneo is a tough physical and mental challenge. During the trek volunteers learn jungle skills to survive one of the most arduous environments on earth and when you finish you will feel confident that you can do and overcome anything.
What training will I get?
You will be invited to a pre-expedition training event where you'll be able to meet other venturers joining your expedition. You'll learn more about your projects, kit and medical requirements and do some group activity. When you arrive in country you’ll also have an induction. This includes safety briefings, risk assessment, casualty evacuation; training in the correct and safe use of tools, camping equipment, and safety equipment including radios.
What is the deadline for applying for an expedition?
We run expeditions throughout the year and encourage venturers to apply between six and 18 months in advance to ensure you get the place you want and give you time to raise the money. We do accept applications up to a month in advance, however you will have missed out on the UK training weekend, you may not get the place you want and you will have to organise your fundraising and vaccinations very quickly.