BORNEO WORLD CHALLENGE TRIP

Student Testimonials 

We’re excited to share a little bit about our incredible World Challenge journey to Borneo, Malaysia — a trip that’s left a mark on all of us, in more ways than one. Eleven students from years 10 and 11 embraced the challenge of travelling to Malaysia for 15 days, during the final week of term and into the school holidays. 

From the moment we stepped into the jungle, we knew this wouldn’t be an ordinary school trip. Trekking through the dense rainforest was both challenging and unforgettable. Every step took us deeper into nature — and for many of us, this was the first time we truly understood what a wild, untouched ecosystem looks and feels like.

One of the most meaningful parts of our trip was the community tree planting initiative along the Kinabatangan River. Working side by side with local conservationists, we planted native trees to help restore habitats that are crucial to Borneo’s amazing wildlife. We cleared a large section of jungle, and planted over one hundred soft wood fruit trees, a favourite food source for the long and short tailed macaques in the area. 

Knowing that our hands played a small role in something so important was truly powerful — we weren’t just visitors; we were contributors.

And of course, the wildlife… was nothing short of magical. We’ll never forget seeing orangutans swinging through the canopy above us, proboscis monkeys peering curiously from the trees, and the majestic hornbills soaring across the sky. These moments reminded us why protecting places like Borneo is so important — not just for the animals, but for the planet.

This trip changed the way we see the world. It taught us about conservation, culture, and community. But most of all, it reminded us how connected we are to the natural world — and how much we can do when we choose to care.

Surf Coast Secondary students in Years 8 and 9 will have the opportunity this term to sign up for the next World Challenge trip in 2027. 

Keep an eye out for communication about this fantastic opportunity.   

-Taylor and Donovan