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Reflecting on my life-changing trip to Borneo

Robyn Lawrence
Image shows a jungle landscape

Robyn Lawrence

In July 2022, I was fortunate enough to visit Borneo, Indonesia for 16 days. I engaged in wildlife conservation, experienced new things, and pushed myself beyond my physical and mental boundaries. It was a fulfilling trip, exposing me to many highs and lows. So, at just 19 years old, off I went.

Travelling to Borneo

The trip was a partnership between World Challenge and my sixth-form college. It offered students who had finished their exams a chance to travel to the other side of the world for a great cause.

The purpose of the trip was to travel sustainably, expose ourselves to new cultures, and help local communities with conservation efforts.

“I realised the importance of conservation in a world where climate change, poaching and wildlife trading are ever-growing threats”

I’ve always had a keen interest in nature and wildlife. As I grew up, I realised the importance of conservation in a world where climate change, poaching, and wildlife trading are ever-growing threats. It seemed like an experience too profound to miss.

The sun setting during our first night in Kuala Lumpur. Image courtesy of Robyn Lawrence

Despite travelling with a group of students from my college, I didn’t know anybody. It was also my first time travelling without my family. Not having a familiar face in the group was terrifying and made me worry. I didn’t have anyone I could confide in.

All I had to cling to was my anticipation and excitement. I desperately hoped everything would turn out okay.

After more than 18 hours of travelling, we headed to our first hostel. It was a cramped room, filled with eight bunk beds. As everyone raced for the showers, eager to wash after the long journey, I quietly sat on my bed. I pulled out the notebook I brought with me and started to write. I made a promise to myself to always keep track of every detail of my trip: a chronicle of my thoughts, feelings, and activities on a given day.

Hiking in the jungle

We were staying in Kuala Lumpur before the hard work began. We ate at the local fish market, walked around, and bought souvenirs to bring home. After a relaxing few days, we were debriefed by our local guide about what was next.

“I couldn’t help but feel overwhelmed. Could I really do this?”

We were embarking on a three-day hike through the jungle. As I packed my hiking backpack, I couldn’t help but feel overwhelmed. Could I really do this?

Pain wracked my body as my backpack straps dug into my shoulders. Mud covered me head to toe. Sweat stuck to my skin from the muggy heat. But I did it!

The top of one of the mountains I climbed, looking down on a local village. Image courtesy of Robyn Lawrence

I walked along the side of narrow mountains. At times, I used my hands for support when my legs refused to carry me anymore. Throughout the whole process, one of the local Bornean guides held my hand. The gratitude that I felt was immense.

During our two nights sleeping under the stars, we set up camp in small huts and ate food made by the local community.

Having a break from hiking in the midst of the jungle. Image courtesy of Robyn Lawrence

As I reached the top of a high mountain, on our last day of hiking, I stopped to take in the view that was in front of me and silently cried. I cried for the little girl who believed her physical limits defined her.

I’ve always struggled with my health and continue to do so. Being diagnosed with arthritis as a child, I couldn’t walk for more than five minutes without pain.

“Things we define as our biggest weaknesses can also be our greatest strengths.”

But, at that moment, I knew my health problems didn’t define me anymore. With the biggest smile on my face, I took in what I had achieved. I had gone from struggling to walk as a child to hiking through a jungle.

My jungle trek taught me many vital lessons. The most important one was that the things we define as our biggest weaknesses can also be our greatest strengths.

Embracing every bit of it

The next task was to help a local group plant trees in the jungle.

We carried machetes and helped to cut down plants that were non-native to the area, in order to plant new ones. We sat on broken trees in a palm oil plantation and learned about the devastating effects deforestation is having on wildlife. Indonesia and Malaysia produce more than 85% of the world’s palm oil.

A proboscis monkey sitting in a tree. Image courtesy of Robyn Lawrence

Seeing all the incredible wildlife was the highlight of my trip. I saw monkeys swinging on trees in their natural environment in addition to visiting orangutang and sun bear sanctuaries.

One of my favourite memories took place in a boat, arm’s length away from a crocodile. As the sun set over the water, we watched the creatures swim on either side of us.

The view from my boat, travelling alongside crocodiles. Image courtesy of Robyn Lawrence

During my trip, I witnessed rude and hateful behaviour from my fellow travellers. I was told that ‘someone like me’ should not of come on the trip, and was questioned as to why I would sign up in the first place. My visible struggles were seen as a problem for the group.

“When you become comfortable with your independence, nobody can take away your happiness”

But I focused on making sure my experience was rewarding and that I was enjoying myself. I became at peace in my own company. When you become comfortable with your independence, nobody can take away your happiness.

I hope that one day I can use my own experiences to help other young people with chronic pain recognise that they deserve to feel supported. We have a right to experience things just as much as everybody else.

Going home

The trip was over before I knew it. As we headed to the airport, I reflected back on my experience:

My experience in Indonesia was nothing like I imagined it would be. It was hard work, but incredibly enriching and life-changing. I experienced and witnessed things I never thought I could.

A picture of my hut and bathroom at Eco Camp, overlooking the water. Image courtesy of Robyn Lawrence

It offered me the opportunity to engage in activities with no digital distractions. I was surrounded by a community who doesn’t live off their phones and found it refreshing. It meant I could embrace the trip wholeheartedly.

As we landed in England and headed back to college, I saw my mum waiting for me in the car park. I was immensely proud of my bravery and courage throughout the trip. As I ran up to her and gave her a hug, I was ready to tell her all about my trip of a lifetime.

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Featured image courtesy of Chris Abney on Unsplash. No changes were made to this image. See image license here.

Currently studying BA Journalism and Media at the University of Leeds. Love writing about nature, all things lifestyle and discussing important topics!

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