Travel and contribute in the jungle + mountains AND tropical islands: helping with various conservation + community projects alog the way.
Why so good!? - you'll challenge both mind and muscles whilst satisfying itchy feet...perfect!
10 WEEK ITINERAY
FIRST 3 weeks
On arrival you'll be whisked away to Kipovu in Northern Sabah to live with the Rungus community where you'll become totally integrated in the day-to-day life of this indigenous tribe while getting stuck into:
Their harvesting and creation of a medicine garden and training centre.
The refurbishment of the community hall and canteen.
Teaching English, reading, drawing, sports, music and art in the local primary school.
+ 2 weeks
Living in the village of Bongkud on the western coast of Sabah, close to Mount Kinabalu.
Helping build a new community hall.
Constructing water feed tanks in the village.
Playing games and sports with the local children.
+ 1 week
Navigating the complex river systems to find the village of Batu Puteh on the mighty Kinabatangan River in Eastern Sabah where you can see upto 8 species of primate including the elusive orangutan swinging by. The main work here will be centered on forest regeneration, helping degraded areas of the reserve to be replanted with indigenous trees.
You'll also get the chance to visit the Sepilok Orangutan Sanctuary where you can see these amazing and endangered creatures in their natural habitat and the adorable sun bears. One of life's amazing and unforgettable experiences!
+ 2 weeks
Mantanani Island, a 2-hour boat ride out into the South China Sea where you’ll explore the reef and lagoon around the tropical island in search of turtles and dugongs. Here you’ll live amongst the Muslim community and assist with educating and encouraging them to protect their marine environment, currently they use dynamite as their prefered fishing technique!
+ final two weeks
Trekking in the Crocker Range National Park, home to pristine jungle and exotic wildlife. expect to hear tales of their ferocious head hunters and the spirits that live within!
After all of this you’ll head back to Kota Kinabalu to rest and recuperate before hunting out the bargains in the local shops or even learn to scuba dive, as the reef here is world famous.
Accommodation
Kipouvo
A modern/traditional Kadazan Dusun house with twin/triple rooms. Showers (hot/cold – luxury!) and western style loos (even more luxurious!)
Bongkud
Large tents arranged around a large communal area. Loos are sadly the local squat type, but with they do have a flushing cistern!
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. You’ll live in a jungle camp under individual tarpaulins and sleep in hammocks under your mosquito nets.
Mantanani Island – South China Sea
A mixture of semi permanent hammocks on a beautiful unspoilt island – perfect!
Jungle Trek in the Crocker Range
A mixture of hammocks and tents.