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Why volunteer in Borneo?

Malaysian Borneo’s ancient rainforest is the largest example of jungle in Southeast Asia. Whilst it’s home to a huge 6% of the world’s biodiversity, it also has one of the highest deforestation rates globally. Over the years rapid infrastructure development in Borneo has lead to mass deforestation and habitat fragmentation.

By volunteering in Borneo with Raleigh, you’ll support environmental restoration as well as working with local rural communities on to improve important infrastructure, helping to improve livelihoods and living conditions for those affected by poverty.

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Thank you for giving me the opportunity to join this very fun adventure and for giving me a lot of learning throughout my participation in the Raleigh International programme. I am very happy with this achievement and learned many new things.

AvetikaVenturer 2025

Made very good connections and friends on Raleigh with a variety of people who have encouraged me to be a better person

DanielVenturer 2025

Raleigh was one of the most amazing experiences of my life.

MeganVenturer 2025

It was amazing, I loved it so much and had met so many different people and experienced so much and learnt loads about myself.

EvieVenturer 2025
Read more

Costs and duration overview

Early bird prices

10 weeks

£5,100$6,370$6,370$6,370

Save £150$200$200$200

The most immersive and popular Expedition. Take part in all three full phases.

7 weeks

£4,440$5,550$5,550$5,550

Save £150$190$190$190

Two full phases – either the Community or Environmental with the Adventure Challenge.

5 weeks

£3,050$3,810$3,810$3,810

Save £150$185$185$185

One full phase – Community Project or Environmental with a shorter Adventure Challenge.
All dates and prices

Expedition life in Borneo

There are up to 3 phases: Community, Environmental and the Adventure Challenge. You’ll be at Fieldbase for your induction, ‘changeover’ between phases and to say your goodbyes at the end.

Borneo example itinerary

Raleigh International Borneo map

Induction and training (3-4 days)

Get to know your fellow Venturers and prepare for Expedition life. You’ll receive essential training on topics such as health and safety and cultural awareness.

Community Project (19 days)

Venturers work together in a Sabah native community on projects which may include supporting construction of community halls, toilet blocks, or village drainage systems.

Debrief at Fieldbase (2-3 days)

At the end of each phase, everyone returns to Fieldbase ‘Camp Bongkud‘ for a few days before moving on to your next project. You’ll catch up with the rest of the Expedition team and start to prepare for your next project. Project groups will change between each phase, this is an important part of the Expedition experience.

Leadership trek (7 days)

You’ll conquer a 7-day trek across the Salt Crocker Range. On this trek, every day is different, including the weather and the accommodation.

Jungle challenge (11 days)

You’ll work on eco-tourism projects, living in a rainforest community with Orang Sunai (indigenous river people), go on river safaris and visit Borneo’s famous Orangutans at the Sepilok Orangutan Sanctuary.

Environmental Project (19 – 21 days)

You’ll work on reforestation activities and mangrove rehabilitation, which will support local wildlife, while also raising awareness locally about these issues.

Final review at base (2 days)

All Expeditions end with everyone coming together for a final few days back at the training centre. Catch up with friends and celebrate all you have achieved together.

If you already know Raleigh is for you, don’t miss out on a place!

Raleigh Debrief Series Borneo

Lily

Venturer Borneo 2025

Tom

Venturer Borneo 2025

Arwena

National Venturer Borneo 2025

Borneo Dates & Pricing

2026

*From 2026 you will need to be aged between 18-24. We won’t accept anyone aged 17 while on Expedition.
CYCLE 1
Early bird prices

Offer ends 31st Oct 2025

FEBRUARY - APRIL

10 Weeks
10th February – 17th April 2026

EARLY BIRD PRICE £5,100$6,370$6,370$6,370
Save £150$200$200$200

7 Weeks

A: 10th February – 28th March 2026
B: 2nd March – 17th April 2026

EARLY BIRD PRICE £4,440$5,550$5,550$5,550
Save £150$190$190$190

5 Weeks
10th February – 17th March 2026

EARLY BIRD PRICE £3,050$3,810$3,810$3,810
Save £150$185$185$185

Deadlines:

10 weeks, 7 weeks (A)
Application: 30th November 2025

7 weeks (B)
Application: 14th December 2025

Deposit

5%

Apply now
CYCLE 2

Borneo Expeditions do not run in Cycle 2

CYCLE 3
Early bird prices

Offer ends 29th March 2026

OCTOBER - DECEMBER

10 Weeks
13th October – 18th December 2026

EARLY BIRD PRICE £5,100$6,370$6,370$6,370
Save £150$200$200$200

7 Weeks
13th October – 28th November 2026

EARLY BIRD PRICE £4,440$5,550$5,550$5,550
Save £150$190$190$190

5 Weeks
13th October – 17th November 2026

EARLY BIRD PRICE £3,050$3,810$3,810$3,810
Save £150$185$185$185

Deadlines:

10 weeks, 7 & 5 weeks (A)
Application: 27th June 2026

7 weeks (B)
Application: 11th July 2026

Deposit

5%

Apply now

2027

*From 2026 you will need to be aged between 18-24. We won’t accept anyone aged 17 while on Expedition.
CYCLE 1
Early bird prices

Offer ends 31st July 2026

FEBRUARY - APRIL

10 Weeks
8th February – 15th April 2027

EARLY BIRD PRICE £5,250$6,560$6,560$6,560
Save £260$330$330$330

7 Weeks

A: 8th February – 26th March 2027
B: 28th February – 15th April 2027

EARLY BIRD PRICE £4,590$5,740$5,740$5,740
Save £230$290$290$290

5 Weeks

8th February – 15th March 2027

EARLY BIRD PRICE £3,200$3,995$3,995$3,995
Save £160$205$205$205

Deadlines:

10 weeks, 7 & 5 weeks (A)
Application: 28th November 2026

7 weeks (B)
Application: 12th December 2026

Deposit

5%

Apply now
CYCLE 2

Borneo Expeditions do not run in Cycle 2

CYCLE 3
Early bird prices

Offer ends 27th March 2027

OCTOBER - DECEMBER

10 Weeks
12th October – 17th December 2027

EARLY BIRD PRICE £5,250$6,560$6,560$6,560
Save £260$330$330$330

7 Weeks
A: 12th October – 27th November 2027
B: 1st November- 17th December 2027

EARLY BIRD PRICE £4,590$5,740$5,740$5,740
Save £230$290$290$290

5 Weeks

12th October – 16th November 2027

EARLY BIRD PRICE £3,200$3,995$3,995$3,995
Save £160$205$205$205

Deadlines:

10 weeks, 7 & 5 weeks (A)
Application: 25th April 2027

7 weeks (B)
Application: 29th May 2027

Deposit

5%

Apply now

What’s included

  • Airport welcome and transfers
  • All food, transport and accommodation
on Expedition
  • 24-hour support from Expedition country & UK office
  • Safety expertise
  • Extensive pre-departure information and support
  • Local orientation, project training & equipment
  • Raleigh t-shirt
  • Free Nomad & MASTA Travel Health brief with health risks and vaccination requirements

Not included

  • Flights
  • Visas
  • Vaccinations
  • Personal kit
  • Travel insurance
  • DBS/Police background check
  • First aid training (Venturer Managers)

A full breakdown of what’s included and not, will be provided on application.

How to apply for an Expedition

Apply online

Fill in the online application form. Be clear on why you want to go on Expedition!

Apply now

Screening

If we accept your application, you’ll get a link to pay a 5% deposit. Your place isn’t secured until this is paid.

Confirmation

Your Venturer Coordinator will send you all the information you need for your Raleigh Expedition.

Pre-departure

Get ready for your Expedition! We’ll give you support and training in the run up.

How our Venturers rated Raleigh last year

95
say they would recommend Raleigh
94
say Raleigh developed their leadership skills
87
say its one of the best things they've ever done

Borneo Expedition FAQs

Frequently asked questions about Raleigh Expeditions in Borneo

What sort of food will I be eating?

Raleigh provides dry and fresh food (Raleigh Rations), and Venturers rotate to cook for the group.

You’ll be living in remote areas of Borneo, so food will consist of South Asian staples such as noodles, rice, breads, beef, fish, chicken and vegetables. You will also have the chance to experience foods provided by the rainforest and enjoyed by locals, such as the bambagan (a giant, mango like fruit) and the rambatan (a juicy, sweet fruit similar to a lychee).

Basic Rations might include

  • Breakfast: Porridge (Oats) with milk powder and sugar to flavour.
  • Lunch: Bread or Crackers with Jam, tuna, cheese.
  • Dinner: Rice/Pasta, tinned pasta sauce, tinned beans or tinned curries.
  • Additional: Tea, coffee, milo, local doughnuts, fried bananas (Pisang Goreng), fruit and fresh produce when available.

Where will I be staying on Expedition with Raleigh in Borneo?

Accommodation may vary. You’ll wild camp in hammocks, sleep in traditional long houses and also in local community halls. No matter where you stay, accommodation will be basic and authentic to rural life in Sabah.

What is the weather like in Borneo?

Borneo is a tropical paradise that attracts travellers all year round. The weather is hot and humid for most of the year, with average temperatures of 27°C to 32°C and relative humidity of 80%. Borneo has two distinct seasons: the dry season, which starts from March to September; and the wet season, which lasts from October to February when the North-East monsoon hits the island.
You can expect brilliant sunshine in the morning and rain in the afternoon which generally lasts a few minutes to hours. However, the weather is often unpredictable and you should expect high humidity and rain at any time of the year, which means you will most certainly need your waterproofs.

Will I need a visa for Borneo and is it included in the cost?

Whether you need a visa to travel to Borneo will depend on your nationality, purpose of visit, country of residence and length of your stay. Your Venturer Coordinator will provide you with all the relevant information. The costs of visas isn’t included in the price of your Expedition.

What language is spoken in Borneo?

The official language in Borneo is Malay.
Some useful phrases are:
  • Selamat pagi – Good morning (literally translating as ‘Good day’)
  • Salamat petang – Good afternoon
  • Selamat malam – Good evening or good night
  • Terima kasih – Thank you

Need more Expedition information?

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