Conservation School Trip to Malaysia

• Fly out of Kota Kinabalu and head to Sandakan where the adventure really gets going! 

• Hope on your private coach for the hour-long journey from Sandakan to Sepilok. Once you’ve arrived, you’ll have time to relax and have a presentation from the Sabay Wildlife Department about the island’s wildlife, eco-systems, and conservation programmes. 

• Head out to the Rainforest Discovery Centre and explore the vast and exciting site. From a 363m long canopy-walk to a guided walk through the Plant Discovery Garden and the Kabili-Sepilok Forest Reserve, this visit is a great way to see a lot of what the island has to offer! 

• After some lunch, transfer back to your accommodation for a bit of well-deserved down time. 

• It’s time for a once-in-a-lifetime visit to see the magnificent orangutans. See them in their natural habitat and learn more about the work done to protect this endangered species. 

• After lunch travel on to the Labuk Bay Proboscis Monkey Sanctuary to learn more about this fascinating species.  

• In the morning, head overland to the MESCOT base. Once arrived, you’ll have an introduction to the Eco Camp where you will be staying. 

• In the afternoon, take to the water for a river cruise in search of wildlife along the Kinabatangan River. Look out for Pygmy Elephants, Orangutans, Proboscis monkeys and many more! 

• The adventure continues after dinner as you head for a guided night-walk along one of the local trails in search of nocturnal species. 

• Today is an early start for your forest walk. During the trek you’ll learn more about the seeds and sprouts of the forest, all while taking in the sights and sounds of the island! Keep your eyes on the skies as hornbills, macaques and a host of other tropical birds are attracted to the fruit trees around the camp. 
• In the afternoon you will be briefed about the Forest Restoration Project before proceeding to the nursery for seed propagation. Transfer the seedling to the forest restoration site for your tree-planting activity.

• Drive on to your next destination, Nalapak Ranau where you will visit a local tea plantation to learn more about this important product of the island. 
• Unleash your creative side by trying a local Batik painting activity. Batik is a technique of traditional wax-resist dyeing of clothes. Learn these techniques and creating your own design inspired by the rainforest surroundings.

• Visit the Kinabalu Park and see the spectacular botanical garden, Malaysia’s first UNESCO World Heritage Site. One of the world’s last frontiers of wilderness, this is a natural paradise that is a must see! Stop off at the Nabalu Market to see a rich variety of local products that offers spectacular views of Mount Kinabalu on a clear day. 

• After some lunch you’ll head to a natural hot spring bath to soak in the waters and take in the beauty of your surroundings.  

• It’s the final night of your time and time for a reflective discussion session with your peers, faculty-members, and Adventure Leader.  

Sadly, today marks the end of your conservation school trip to Malaysia! Transfer back to the airport, ready to head home.