Borneo World Challenge 2024

July 30th 2024

Team Turtle's Epic Borneo Adventure: A Journey of Discovery and Fun!

On Monday 8 July, a spirited group of QAS staff and students took on the Borneo World Challenge, embarking on an unforgettable journey, traveling over 30 hours to reach the vibrant city of Kuching. Despite the lengthy travel, the team, affectionately named ‘Team Turtle,’ was all smiles and filled with excitement for the adventures ahead.

Settling into Kuching

Upon arrival, the students and staff were guided through an orientation walk by a local expert, familiarizing themselves with Kuching and mastering the art of budgeting in a foreign currency. The day culminated with savouring delicious and budget-friendly local cuisine, giving everyone a true taste of Borneo. If you look closely you can see 'Team Turtles' mascot for the adventure, a bear called Finnegan sitting at the head of the table!

A Visit to the Orangutan Sanctuary

The next day, the team was thrilled to visit the orangutan sanctuary, where they spotted nine different orangutans in their natural habitat. Afterward, they returned to Kuching for a hearty lunch and shopped for supplies for their upcoming jungle trek.

Journey to Bako Nature Reserve

Traveling to Bako Nature Reserve by boat, Team Turtle embraced the jungle with enthusiasm. They spent the day trekking, setting up tents, and enjoying a communal dinner. However, a thunderstorm led them to seek shelter in a nearby museum, showcasing their resourcefulness as they secured a night with air conditioning!

Exploring Bali National Park

The adventure continued with an alfresco breakfast followed by a five-hour jungle trek. The team's spirits remained high as they sang their way through the dense foliage, eagerly anticipating a refreshing shower afterward. The day ended with a memorable boat trip to Tanjung Datu Turtle Reserve, where they pitched tents, took a quick dip, and released their first baby turtle into the sea before starting night patrols.

Turtle Conservation and Beach Clean-Up

Team Turtle's dedication shone through as they helped a turtle named Flappy lay 131 eggs, carefully reburied in the hatchery. They began the morning with a beach weeding session to prepare for more turtle nests. The girls' strength and teamwork were evident as they pushed wheelbarrows and lifted logs, rewarding themselves with a refreshing ocean dip and some impromptu karaoke.

Fun and Hard Work in the Turtle Reserve

Days were filled with physical activities, from digging new hatcheries to painting fences. Despite losing their beloved mascot, Finnegan, to the jungle, the team's spirit remained unbroken. They celebrated their hard work with dance sessions and enjoyed delicious meals of local cuisine. Even with the demanding tasks, the team always found time for fun and relaxation in the sea.

An Unforgettable Finale

As their time in Borneo drew to a close, the team watched the sunrise, enjoyed French toast and coffee, and had one last beach clean-up. With heartfelt goodbyes to their guides, they returned to Kuching with clean laundry and cherished memories. Their final day included a visit to the Sarawak Cultural Village, shopping sprees, and a beautiful sunset viewed from a river cruise, concluding their adventure with a night market visit.

Team Turtle's journey through Borneo was a blend of exploration, conservation, and camaraderie. Their experiences not only fostered personal growth and teamwork but also contributed to the vital conservation efforts in Borneo. Queen Anne’s School is immensely proud of their adventurous and resilient Borneo World Challenge group!