Overview
Our program brings you the best of both worlds: the consistency you rely on and the flexibility your group needs.
Immerse your students in hands-on community service and conservation work in Borneo. Through reforestation, wildlife observation, cultural exchange, and visits to orangutan and sun bear sanctuaries, students gain a meaningful perspective on sustainability and global citizenship.
Itinerary
Day 1
Overnight flight to Malaysia (Kota Kinabalu)
Please note: you may have to depart a day earlier to arrive on Day 2.
Day 2
Arrive in Kota Kinabalu
Meet Camps International staff and transfer to Camp Bongkud
Health & safety programme orientation
Participate in an orientation session covering health, safety, and programme expectations.
Traditional welcome dance
After dinner, local school children will perform a traditional welcome dance.
Daily reflection and group discussion
Each evening, time is set aside to update your Reflection Journal and share the thoughts and insights from the day.
Day 3
Bongkud community project
Past community projects in Borneo have included building a children’s development centre, constructing community centres, refurbishing kindergartens, building foot and hanging bridges, and supporting marine conservation and reforestation efforts. Projects are selected in partnership with local communities based on their needs. Current and ongoing projects include installing new community toilets, building a village community hall, and constructing a volleyball court.
Group discussion
Students take part in a guided group discussion to reflect on their goals for the week ahead. Through student-led conversation, the group explores the local community at Camp Bongkud, the challenges it faces, and how their work can make a meaningful impact. These discussions help students align around shared goals and begin shaping their own objectives for the experience.
Day 4
Complete Bongkud community project
Students wrap up their time at Camp Bongkud by sharing their completed project with local students and teachers, reflecting on their achievements and the impact they’ve made.
Leadership discussion
Students take part in a student-focused discussion on leadership, exploring different models, challenges, and goals. The conversation encourages reflection on what’s working, what isn’t, and how their approach can evolve throughout the experience.
Day 5
Travel to Camp Batu Puteh
Transfer to hammock camp and make camp
Wildlife observation river cruise
Enjoy a wildlife observation cruise where you can see animals such as the long-nosed Proboscis monkeys, alongside the different species of Leaf monkeys and Macaques. You can even see wild orangutans preparing their nests for the night in the treetops next to the river.
Night walk
Day 6
Transfer to tree planting site
Reforestation project
Get involved in vital forest regeneration work such as seed collection, forest restoration and learning about ethnobotany.
Day 7
Travel to Sepilok
Sepilok Orangutan Sanctuary visit
Enjoy a visit to the world-renowned Sepilok Orangutan Sanctuary, where orphaned orangutans are cared for and rehabilitated for life back in the wild. Arriving at feeding time offers an unforgettable chance to see these incredible primates up close as they interact with one another.
Day 8
Travel to Sandakan
Sandakan was once a thriving hub of global trade, home to German, Arab, Indian, Dutch, and Chinese influences. Though the city was destroyed during World War II, it later rebounded through a booming timber trade that brought wealth from Borneo to the world. Today, Sabah’s second city is marked by historic religious sites, haunting cemeteries, and striking colonial-era mansions.
Bornean Sun Bear Conservation Centre visit
Learn how endangered Bornean sun bears are rescued, rehabilitated, and protected through local conservation efforts.
Travel to Kota Kinabalu
Day 9
Return home
TourFlex: Your Experience, Your Way
With TourFlex, available for tours departing October 2027 or later, you get the flexibility to shape an itinerary that's as unique as your group. Dial your trip up or down for more choice, more control, and more unforgettable hands-on moments, all while getting the right experience at the right value. Available options vary by program and destination.
Explore Your Way
- Add experiences like theatre tickets or unique excursions
- Swap activities for ones that better serve your group
- Extend the learning through go-aheads or stay-behinds
Go Your Way
- Choose the most accessible departure airport for your group
- Opt for 2-, 3-, or 4-star hotels that are centrally located or a convenient ride to major itinerary attractions
Dine Your Way
- Opt for pre-selected meals or encourage exploration by dining on your own
- Enjoy 2-3 course, culturally representative meals or opt for 3-course, authentic dinners at local restaurants
Already Included
WorldStrides Tour Director: A dynamic destination expert who makes learning come to life by leading your group's activities and discussions.
Transportation to & from your destination
Authentic accommodations such as tents, traditional bandas (huts), or hammocks in the jungle, all within local communities
Daily meals, with options varying by program (ask your Program Consultant for details)
Community-based projects
Admissions to top attractions (details in itinerary)
Guided sightseeing tours & city walks (details in itinerary)
WorldAssist staff members available 24/7/365 should your group need extra help
Professional development credits (CEUs) for educators
Scenes from Borneo
Health & Safety
Additional health and safety measures may be available within your respective destination. Refer to your program-specific materials for complete details.
Financial Assistance
Financial Assistance
Through the WorldStrides Canada Financial Assistance Program (FAP), we provide travel grants to elementary and secondary school facing financial hardship. These grants, which can be up to $250 for coach tours and up to $1,000 for flight tours, are designed to make our programs more accessible to students from all backgrounds. Interested families are encouraged to speak with their school to learn more about our confidential application process.
Payment Plans
Monthly Automated Plan
Enroll with a deposit of $99 plus the cost of your travel protection plan (if included). We’ll automatically debit the rest of your tour fee from your chequing account in equal monthly payments, with the final payment due 35 days before you travel.
Please note: If two consecutive payments are declined, your account will be moved to the 4-Step Manual Plan.
4-Step Manual Plan
Manage your payments manually with a $249 initial payment plus your travel protection plan costs (if included). You’ll then make three more payments at key milestones as your departure date approaches. The final balance is due 65 days before your trip.
Please note: Payments on this plan are not automatically deducted and must be made manually.
Fundraising Tools
We are committed to helping you make your educational travel dreams a reality. We offer a comprehensive Fundraising Guide packed with creative ideas, tips, and resources to help you and your students reach your fundraising goals. From setting a timeline to brainstorming innovative campaigns, our guide provides a structured approach to make fundraising a fun and engaging experience for everyone involved.