Sleeping in hammocks under the rainforest canopy, scuba diving in tropical waters, and spotting wild orangutans were just some of the experiences students enjoyed on an unforgettable residential trip.

These were part of a four-week trip to Borneo for 22 students from HSDC's Alton, Havant, and South Downs campuses.

The journey was a mix of community engagement, conservation work and cultural exploration.

Students from HSDC's Alton, Havant, and South Downs campuses enjoyed a trip to Borneo.(Image: HSDC)

Martyn Bell, course lead of public and defence services, said: "One month in Borneo was a journey that rewrote our understanding of adventure.

"Among the lush primary forest, untamed wildlife, and vibrant cultures, 22 students discovered not just the beauty of the world, but also the depth of their own resilience.

"It was an experience that changed our lives, one breathtaking encounter at a time.

"My personal highlight was seeing a wild orangutan, scuba diving and playing sports with the locals."

Each student raised funds to cover the cost of the trip, demonstrating personal commitment to its conservation and community goals.

The group visited the outskirts of the city Kota Kinabalu, where they explored the Sabah Art Museum and took part in an upcycling workshop, transforming discarded materials into pieces of artwork.

They also contributed to a mangrove conservation project by planting saplings to support the preservation of these fragile and tropical ecosystems.

The rainforest leg of the journey took them to Camp Batu Puteh, where they camped in hammocks amongst the dense foliage, planted more than 200 trees, and took river cruises.

A key goal was to spot Borneo's "Big Five" wildlife: the orangutan, pygmy elephant, proboscis monkey, rhinoceros hornbill, and estuarine crocodile.

While the students heard but did not see the pygmy elephant and missed the rhinoceros hornbill, they were able to observe wild orangutans, proboscis monkeys, and estuarine crocodiles in their natural habitat.

The students also spent time on Mamutik Island, just off the coast of Borneo, where they learned to scuba dive and explored the vibrant marine life that included colourful fish, coral reefs, and turtles.

The trip was an invaluable opportunity for the students to learn more about Borneo, biodiversity, community collaboration and themselves.

Students spot wild orangutans and camp in hammocks on unforgettable Borneo trip