Syd's Deep Dive Into Borneo.

I am Sydney, a 14yo on my 1st ever trip further than France. It's my 1st Flight, 1st time away without my parents and 1st time I can make a difference by what I do, not just what I say!

Alright, here's the plan: I'm about to embark on an insane journey. First stop: the pristine white-sand beaches and crystal-clear blue waters that define the coastal regions. From there, it's on to the lush, green landscapes at the heart of Sabah — an absolute gem tucked away in Malaysian Borneo.

I'm not just sightseeing, though. I'll be diving headfirst into the vibrant marine life and get to encounter orangutans in their natural habitat, which is an experience in itself. Plus, it’s a crash course in sustainable conservation — an opportunity to learn about and contribute to the protection of these awe-inspiring ecosystems.

But the adventure doesn’t stop there. I’ll be participating in a series of environmental and community projects, really making a difference on the ground. And, as if that's not enough, I'll be tackling the PADI Open Water Scuba Diving Course and learning to scuba dive along the way.

This expedition to Borneo isn't just a trip — it's a jam-packed adventure with a purpose. Can't wait to get started!

If you want to know more - Borneo Scuba Expedition | Camps International

So, like, I'm really into this thing called biodiversity. It's like all the different types of plants and animals and stuff. And I think the rain forests are super cool because they have so many different things living in them. But there's one animal that I think is really awesome, and that's the Bornean orangutan. 

Now, this isn't your usual monkey business. The Bornean orangutan, along with its cousins, the Sumatran and Tapanuli orangutans, are the only great apes native to Asia. And the Bornean orangutan is the big cheese, the largest of the three species.

What's really mental is that these creatures are super clever. I mean, they use tools and have their own unique culture in the wild. It's like they're the humans of the forest. And get this, they share about 97% of their DNA with us humans.

But here's the sad part. The local people call them mias, and they're in a lot of trouble. They're on this list of animals that might not be around for much longer because their homes are being destroyed for something called palm oil plantations, and some people are even hunting them. It's really not fair, and we need to do something to help them. We can't let these amazing creatures disappear from our world.

 The Bornean orangutan lives in tropical rain forests in the Bornean lowlands, as well as montane rain forests in mountainous areas up to 1,500 metres (4,900 ft) above sea level. This species lives throughout the canopy of primary and secondary forest, and moves large distances to find trees bearing fruit.

Bornean orangutans have been sighted using spears to attempt (unsuccessfully) to catch fish. The species has been observed using tools such as leaves to wipe off faeces, a pad of leaves for holding spiny durian fruit, a leafy branch for a bee swatter, a bunch of leafy branches held together as an "umbrella" while traveling in the rain, a single stick as backscratcher, and a branch or tree trunk as a missile

What Is Scuba Diving?

Scuba diving refers to the activity of swimming underwater using SCUBA -- Self Contained Underwater Breathing Apparatus. By using a cylinder of compressed gas to breathe, scuba divers can dive underwater much longer than would be possible by conventional diving.

In addition to the gas tank, scuba diving requires the use of apparatus such as scuba masks, breathing regulators, buoyancy devices (usually extra weights to be attached to the weight belt), a pair of fins, and a scuba wetsuit / rashguard and board shorts to be worn while diving.

Nowadays, scuba diving is very safe and easy to learn. All basic skills can be learned in as little as three days and you can obtain your license as soon as all conditions are fulfilled. Scuba diving is a sport that is practiced recreationally all around the world. More than just a hobby, it can also be turned into a very rewarding profession.

GAINING A DEEPER APPRECIATION FOR THE OCEAN

The ocean plays a huge role in the maintaining and regulating of climate. Did you know that the ocean is the largest carbon sink in the world? Some 93 percent of carbon dioxide is stored in algae, vegetation, and coral under the sea. therefore, the marine ecosystem is extremely important in keeping global warming in check. As you see more of the ocean and the contents of its underbelly, you will feel a stronger need to protect it.

LEARNING MORE ON HOW TO BE ECO-FRIENDLY

Once you have learned to appreciate the ocean and all its important roles in the cycle of life, you will automatically be more savvy and aware on how your lifestyle can affect the ocean. Did you know that plastic is the most common element that is found in the ocean? It is harmful for the environment as it does not get break down easily and is often considered as food by marine animals. Knowing this and how it affects the ocean life, you will make lifestyle changes to make a difference.