Name: Claire

Hometown: Edinburgh

Destination: Sabah, Borneo

Project type: Trekking, diving, construction, teaching English and integration with local people

Organisation: Raleigh International

What were your impressions of your destination?

Sabah is a beautiful region of Malaysia on the East of Borneo. It is predominantly tropical rainforest, where it hasn't been logged, and the jungle is full of every sort of wildlife possible. There are beautiful beaches on the coast, and I have never met a more friendly people than the locals.

Was the work interesting and challenging?

With Raleigh I spent three weeks on 'Adventure Phase' trekking for a week through rainforest in areas that have been little visited by Westerners. I then was taught how to dive and through Raleigh gained my Padi Open Water and a new hobby. I then climbed Mount Kinabalu, the highest mountain in SE Asia. On 'Community Phase' I spent 3 weeks living on the remote Mantanani Island, a beautiful white sand and palm trees paradise, building a library for the school there, which was the worst performing school in the whole of Malayia, and teaching the children English. Finally on 'Environmental Phase' I helped to build an Ecolodge on a crocodile infested river, and was taught lots of local dances...Yes everything was very interesting, and yes everything was a challenge, but if you like a challenge, then it is so rewarding to see it materialise in front of you, especially whilst you're having so much fun!

What was your accommodation like? Did you feel comfortable and welcome at all times?

We slept in hammocks and on the floors of village halls mostly, but there is nothing like the experience of sleeping in the jungle, nor waking up to the sunrise....can't say it was always comfortable, but it was always welcoming.

Were you happy with the organisation and the staff that were responsible for you during your stay?

The organisation and staff couldn't have been more reliable, I trusted them entirely.

Do you feel that you got value for money on the project?

It seemed a little pricey at £2995 for 10 weeks, but from speaking to other gappies on my travels, it seems like the experiences that Raleigh can give you are unique....the best (and the only) £3000 I have ever spent, and I would gladly spend it again if I could be guarenteed such a fantastic time.

Would you recommend the project to others?

Yes