Borneo

The Need

***Note: Full COVID-19 Vaccination is Required for Participation***

Borneo is a rugged and remote island located in Southeast Asia’s Malay Archipelago and is the third-largest island in the world. The island is known for its biodiverse rainforest that is home to indigenous tribes and 288 species of terrestrial mammals, and its incredible geographical features. Borneo is mostly covered in dense mountainscape and features the 13,455 foot Mount Kinabalu, the highest peak in Malaysia. There are many other mountains with countless lesser-known trails to hike in Borneo, each with stunning panoramic rainforest and ocean views. While hiking, visitors have the opportunity to view over 700 unique species of trees, each seemingly more unique than the last. Travelers can also experience more of Borneo’s stunning topography and biodiversity by heading below the surface of the island’s remarkably blue water. 

Despite Borneo’s size, it is not densely populated, and most of the island’s inhabitants live near the coast. The residents represent approximately 300 ethnic groups, but about two-thirds of the population is Muslim. Since three different sovereignties govern this island, the Malaysian Ministry of Health runs the healthcare system; consequently, access to quality healthcare is not equally distributed, and many of the local health centers are not staffed by doctors. To make health services more accessible for the residents who do not live along the coast, the IMR team will work with local physicians to establish clinic locations in different villages in the jungle.

This Mission

Each day of clinic will be spent in the heart of a new village. Since this will be IMR’s inaugural trip to Borneo, community members will be eager to welcome you and receive much-needed treatment. During clinic, you can expect to assist entire families that span multiple generations. The services that you provide will range from the treatment of rashes, burns, and open wounds, to care for lymphatic filariasis, leptospirosis, and schistosomiasis. Since mosquito-borne diseases are quite common in this region, you will also educate families on how to prevent contracting malaria. 

You and the rest of the volunteer team will also educate locals on how to stay healthy and how to care for their loved ones. One of the main focuses of this mission is dentistry. Because dental pain is common here and all community members are encouraged to attend, the demand for dental care will be high. Another main focus of this mission is women’s healthcare. We will provide general women’s and infant care, as well as strengthen prenatal care knowledge.

Lodging/Transportation

Our Borneo trip is set apart from our other missions by the unique accommodations we have arranged. While on the island, you will stay in community longhouses, so you will not need to bring a sleeping bag, sleeping pad, or mosquito net. Since you will be indoors, tents are not required but can be brought if you would like additional privacy. The arranged transportation for the mission will include vans, 4×4 vehicles, and boats.

For additional information, please contact our preferred travel agency, Worldwide Navigators. Their team of experienced agents and travelers is available via email at travel@worldwidenavigators.com.

Highlights

The highlight of this trip is serving patients who, without you and your team, would not have access to healthcare. Your patients will mostly be from working-class families and refugee groups and will be eager to receive your treatment and kindness. Since the most significant age demographic in Borneo are those aged 15 and younger, your humanitarian efforts will leave a lasting impression on those who will shape their nation’s future.

While the most rewarding and memorable aspect of this trip will be caring for the people of Borneo, you will not be able to forget the lush rainforest and mesmerizing sunsets. Another activity that you will always reflect fondly upon is your team’s trip to the Borneo Orangutan Conservation; if you are lucky, you may even go home with an orangutan selfie!

Extend Your Stay

Since you’re journeying halfway across the globe, consider extending your stay to see more of Borneo, the only place in the world where orangutans live in the wild! Join International Medical Relief on an exclusive trip extension provided by our partner, Worldwide Navigators!

Worldwide Navigators offers several options for wildlife viewing, island hopping, snorkeling and diving, and more. Take a look at the options available.