Blasting around in Borneo (2008 Northholm Expedition)

Written by Dan McNamara - Leader

Nine students and two teachers from the Northholm Grammar School in Sydney’s northwest accompanied Antipodeans Abroad leader Dan McNamara for a two week expedition to Borneo. The highlight of the trip for many was the 5 nights spent in a small community longhouse in Brunei. During this stay the team was involved with building a wharf to promote and increase tourism into the area. Initially this sounded like a bad idea, but the locals explained to us that due to the lack of work and facilities, many people were packing up and moving into the city. A small eco friendly tourist attraction will help to provide the locals with work and a reason to stay.

The team visited a local school, with numbers that have been steadily declining over about 40 years, from around 300 to its current population of 17. This was an amazing experience for everyone involved and the team’s gifts of pencils; colouring in books and basic sporting goods was accepted by the young locals with wide smiles and glee. The team spent half a day interacting with the school kids and showing them how to use a yo-yo, rugby ball and bubble blowing devices.


Life in the longhouse was an experience itself. The elder female, (Aunty) was an inspiration to us all. She cooked fantastic meals, showed us how to gather food and vegetables and taught us how to weave and make baskets. She was truly an incredible lady. A wild boar was eaten as an entrée one evening with the brain, ears, eyes, ribs and various other parts being consumed by the hungry team, much to the amusement of the locals.


The entire time spent in the longhouse was very memorable and the team had the distinction of being the first international school group to visit. The local guides, Haime and Maruli, were fantastic and showed the group a great time. The occasion was very memorable for the locals as well, with Haime asking the team to write up an article, accompanied by pictures of the team’s time in the longhouse. This article was then to be published in the national newspaper of Brunei. A great coup for Antipodeans Abroad, Northholm Grammar school and all others involved.


After the great start to the trip the team left Brunei and headed for Sabah. The team then visited the Sandakan war memorial, scene of the extremely moving death marches. This was particularly moving due to the timing of the trip co-inciding with ANZAC day. A couple of great days were spent watching the Orangutans play around at Sepilok before the team embarked on their final challenge, climbing Mt Kinabalu (4095m).


This mountain is very steep and a real challenge for all involved. It proved to be many people’s highlight and the entire team worked tirelessly to help their fellow team mates. From a leader’s point of view, it was a real credit to each and every person and particularly moving to see these courageous young people pushing themselves and helping each other to achieve success. Everyone pushed themselves to the limit and got down safely to go and enjoy a day soaking up the sun and relaxing on the gorgeous islands near Kota Kinabalu.


All in all a great trip was had by everyone involved. A fantastic new cultural experience at the longhouse, followed by some great sightseeing and a physical and mental challenge at the end of the trip to round things off. Thanks from the leader to the team for being such a fabulous group and I wish everyone all the best in the future.

I hope your legs aren’t still as sore as mine.

Dan ☺