St. Mary's Menston World Challenge 2023 to Borneo

The achievements of the expedition to Borneo (in South East Asia) included reaching the top of Mount Kinabalu (4095m)

St. Mary's Menston World Challenge 2023 to Borneo

On Saturday 15 July 2023 15 students from Years 11, 12 and 13 travelled to Borneo with Mr Dootson, Miss Rutter and Alistair Daish from Word Challenge. The trip lasted three weeks in total and included an arduous jungle trek.

After the trek, the students and staff helped construct a hiking path down a steep gorge through more jungle to a hidden waterfall and plunge pool. The pupils had to descend each day to work and then climb back up to the farmstay accommodation. Work was also undertaken on a local primary school near the farmstay. The local economy will benefit from the increased tourism the new path and site will bring. Next came the Ascent of Mount Kinabalu. 4095m high. Leaving at 2:30am on summit day to reach the cathedral of jagged peaks on the summit plateau for a spectacular sunrise. As Mr. Dootson met the students that were descending from the summit, many of them commented that this was the best thing they have ever done in their lives. Between the three main phases there was a snorkelling trip off the coast of Kota Kinabalu - the Capital city, a visit to an Orangutan Rehabilitation centre, a visit to a sun bear rescue centre and many cultural activities around Kota Kinabalu itself. A fantastic time was had by all.

Find out more about Mount Kinabalu

World Challenge Borneo: Mount Kinabalu (4095m) Conquered by St. Mary’s. (St. Mary's Menston on X)

World Challenge Borneo: Last full day before starting the long journey home tomorrow. (St. Mary's Menston on X)