“A different world”: Borneo expedition gives boys the adventure of a lifetime

QE’s first-ever expedition to Borneo saw pupils exploring the island’s amazing wildlife, working on jungle conservation projects, and mixing with local children amid monsoon rains.

Their trip featured encounters with four of the Asian island’s ‘big five’ animals, as well as camping in the rainforest, snorkelling around coral reefs, and climbing a mountain.

The Year 10 & 11 expedition group even set a record – for the most species of trees spotted on a Borneo World Challenge trip.

PE teacher & QE Flourish tutor Nicholas Langley-Pope said: “On their trip to the third-largest island in the world, our boys experienced a new culture, challenged themselves thoroughly, and developed greater independence.

“With Borneo boasting over 400,000 square miles of rainforest and some 15,000 different plant species, they loved discovering some of the world’s most remarkable wildlife.

“It was a wonderful trip in so many ways and, for many, I am sure, an experience that they will never forget.”

The World Challenge company organises pupil-led school expeditions on which participants develop qualities of leadership, independence and resilience, as well as other life skills. Those involved have to raise their own funds.

The wildlife was a major attraction for the QE adventurers. They visited the Sepilok Orangutan Rehabilitation Centre and the Borneo Sun Bear Conservation Centre to see rescued wildlife. The boys enjoyed cruises along the Kinabatangan River, where they spotted crocodiles, birdlife and monkeys. They thus saw four of the ‘big five’, namely the proboscis monkey, rhinoceros hornbill, Bornean orangutan, and saltwater crocodile (the only one they missed being pygmy elephants). Snorkelling at Gaya Island and paddleboarding provided opportunities to discover the region’s spectacular marine life and coral reefs.

For some, camping in the rainforest for three days, sleeping in hammocks among the trees, was a particular highlight.

The physical challenges of carrying equipment and coping with the heat and humidity during a three-day trek through the jungle beneath Mount Kinabalu tested the boys, yet also helped them find their hidden reserves. Ryan Goyal, of Year 11, said: “We weren’t prepared for the amount of trekking due to our fitness levels, but after day 3 it felt normal.” Their trip included a hike to the 1,420m summit of Mount Nuluh Lingion.

The trip offered opportunities for the party to immerse themselves in local culture and undertake a cultural exchange – another highlight for many, including Year 11’s Noah Green. Meeting the locals, they sampled Malaysian cuisine and even played football with Malaysian children in the monsoon rain. “As part of the cultural exchange, we got to dance and sing Malaysian songs,” said Noah. “Year 10 made up a rap about English culture and school. Although we were nervous, once we performed it, it was a lot of fun – and very funny, too.” The cultural experience was, said Alex Bicar-Fields, of Year 10, “a doorway into a different world; and it was life-changing seeing how other people live”.

Conservation was another important aspect of the experience. The boys helped to support biodiversity by clearing invasive plants and vines, and replanting trees to support reforestation in the jungle.

Throughout the trip, every QE boy got the chance to lead, learn and listen. Year 10’s Sahas Sudhagar, who celebrated his birthday during the expedition, said of his fellow travellers: “They took on different roles and responsibilities throughout the activities. It helped them to develop confidence and independence.”

Ansh Hegde, of Year 10, summed up the expedition’s overall impact: “It was life-changing – a once-in-a-lifetime experience.”  Krish Bhatia, also of Year 10, added: “The trip was a good integration of culture and learning experiences.” And for any QE pupils thinking about tackling a future World Challenge expedition, Ryan Goyal had this advice: “Just do it, as you only live once.”

Accompanying the boys were the following QE staff: Mr Langley-Pope; Mathematics teacher Matthew Tricker; Head of Library Support Services Jenni Blackford; and PE teacher Guy Ashby – supported by their World Challenge Leader and local guides.

• QE Flourish reporter Salaheldin El Seed, of Year 8, contributed to this report.