Destinations and Tours
KENYA
The amazing African continent is a traveller's dream. Kenya is a perfect picture postcard destination with the Rift Valley shimmering in the heat, the snowy conditions on Mount Kenya and the perfect white beaches of the east coast. An Antipodeans Abroad Kenyan Expedition offers physical challenges, cultural diversity, community projects and amazing game viewing safaris.
Community Service
Antipodeans Abroad village based community projects involve construction and renovation of schools, conservation work and teaching. Students will be immersed in the culture and learn conversational Swahilli during their stay. The beaches located along the Indian Ocean, just south of Mombasa are a great option for post project relaxing.
Treks
Treks usually include Mount Kenya which is situated just north of the equator. This 4,985m peak offers a challenging trek that often culminates in a snowy finish as the sun rises over the African plains below.
Highlights
• Climb Mt. Kenya (4,985m)
• National Parks - The Masai Mara, Amboseli, Tsavo East & West
• The overnight train from Niarobi to Mombasa is comfortable, safe and a scenic journey.
• Beaches located along the East Coast and the Indian Ocean
TANZANIA
Tanzania has an abundance of wildlife in the numerous National Parks, contains Africa’s highest mountain and boasts not only a tropical coastline but also Zanzibar - the Spice Island. Like its neighbouring East African countries, Tanzania is rich culturally, with many tribes such as the Masai retaining a traditional way of life.
Community Service
With numerous community projects available, we can offer a different experience to suit individual schools. Either be based around Arusha or Moshi, at the foothills of Kilimanjaro, or on the banks of Lake Manyara. Students will be adopted by their local community whilst they help paint classrooms, build toilet blocks or plant renewable fuel producing plants.
Treks
Treks would include either the beautiful but challenging Mount Meru 4,556m or Kilimanjaro, at 5,895m an extremely challenging experience even for the fittest of trekkers.
Highlights
• Ngorongoro Crater, Arusha National Park, Lake Manyara or the Serengetti.
• The beautiful beaches of Zanzibar, with this spice islands amazing Arabian influences.
• Mount Meru or Mount Killimanjaro
MOROCCO
Morocco is the classic North African experience. Medieval towns of Marakesh and Fez provide an insight into the feudal history of this beautiful Islamic country. The Berber tribes offer a cultural immersion that differs drastically with the Western world. The mountains and desert provides a landscape to be marvelled at.
Community Service
Projects may involve cultural exchange with a Berber community in the Atlas Mountains or in the Todra Gorge. The work could include light renovations of schools, vital litter collection or, time and resources permitting, working on a dam building project.
Treks
Trekking in the Atlas Mountains is world class. Teams can opt a summit attempt on Jebel Toubkal (the highest mountain in North Africa at 4,167m). Alternatively, students may choose a 5-day challenging desert trek through Todra Gorge and Gorge du Dades or an overland journey to Erg Chebbi, the enormous sand dune made famous in the film Lawrence of Arabia.
Highlights
• Amazing towns of Fez and Marrakesh, with their bazaars & souqs
• Ruins can be visited in Meknes and Volubilis
• Restaurants and beach in Agadir
• High Atlas mountains and Sahara Desert
PERU
Peru has long been a traveller’s Mecca. With the Inca history and culture that surrounds Cuzco and Machu Picchu, the amazing lake Titicaca, Arequipa and Nazca Lines all providing huge attractions to be explored. Combine this with the mountains of the Andes, the Amazon rainforest and of course the vibrant and friendly Peruvian people for an extremely popular destination that ticks all the right boxes.
Although the Spanish influence is everywhere, indigenous communities are very much alive. The main tribes are the Quechua and the Aymara with other Amazonian tribes making up the remainder. They have maintained much of their traditional customs, which the team members would be able to experience at first hand during their expedition.
Community Service
Projects would be based in and around Cuzco and the Sacred Valley. Help with renovation of schools and community buildings, teach English and play games with the local kids. The majority of people here are Quechuan, but it’s a opportunity time to improve your Spanish.
Treks
Trekking options include The Inca Trail, a Sacred Valley trek along old Inca paths to Larres and the hot springs, the famous Colca Canyon or possibly the Cordillera Blanca area.
Highlights
• Inca culture
• Andean Mountains
• Machu Picchu
• Lake Titicaca
• Arequipa
• Nazca Lines
• The saltpans of Salinas
ECUADOR
Ecuador is a country that offers everything to the traveller, beautiful beaches, amazing volcanoes, The Andean mountains, jungle travel in the Amazon basin, Inca history, world famous markets and cultural diversity to match any South American Country!
Community Service
Projects within this world heritage listed city of Quito include working in suburban schools, children centres and orphanages. Students will be involved in renovations, construction and community development whilst immersing themselves in the culture, teaching English and involving the local children in various activities.
Treks
Trekking options are endless with the Andean corridor running the length of central Ecuador. Cotopaxi National park would be of interest to the teams with Volcan Cotopaxi, 5897m, dominating the glacial-clad highlands. Further south is Volcan Chimboraza, 6310m, and again there are many trekking options to choose from.
Highlights
• Quito is the second highest capital city in the world
• Learn Spanish
• The markets of Otavalo or Saquisil
• Head to the jungle for canoe trip on the Rio Napo and guided wildlife-watching.
INDIA
India is still a country that leaves the traveller with more questions than answers. The fascinating cultural diversity, wonderful history, inspiring landscape, spiced food, amazing architecture and extremely friendly people are reasons why people keep coming back to this destination.
Most expeditions are based in the Himalayas. The trekking is some of the best in the world, with local community projects linked to the Tibetan refugee communities. India has a number of wonderful sights to see in every corner of this vast country. Students will use their guide books for options of places to stay, eat and visit.
Community Service
Community projects involve light renovations of Tibetan schools, communal buildings or Monasteries. This is a great chance to be absorbed into the Buddhist culture and learn all about these wonderful and peaceful people.
Treks
Treks can range in length from 4 days to 8 days, all are fully supported by local trekking teams, this allows the students to simply but on their rucksack each morning and marvel at the scenery as they traverse huge mountain ranges via high altitude passes and ridges.
Highlights
Team can choose either East Indian Himalaya;
• Kolkotta, Darjeeling, Sikkim, Gangtok, Kalimpong
• Trek the Nepal border on the Singalila Ridge and traverse Mount Kachengunga, 3rd highest mountain in the world
• Views of Everest, Makalu and Lhotse
• Tibetan Refugee communities project
Or West Indian Himalaya;
• Dehli
• Taj Mahal
• Dharamsala & the Kangra Valley or Manali & the Kulu Valley
• Tibetan refugee communities project
NEPAL
In 1979 Antipodeans Abroad founder, Colin Carpenter, took his first expedition to Nepal, since then, it has always been a favourite destination of Antipodeans Abroad. With amazingly friendly people, fantastic Buddhist cultural and mountain scenery that is unsurpassed anywhere else in the world. We are always happy to suggest Nepal as a destination to any of our school teams.
Home to the world’s highest mountain, Mount Everest, Nepal has long been considered an outstanding country to enjoy trekking. However, it’s the rich Buddhist culture, the open friendliness of the people, the fairytale suspension bridges and wonderful handy-craft markets, that make Nepal the perfect destination for those who wish to combine a “once in a life time” trek with a traditional cultural experience.
Community Service
Projects are based in Kathmandu Valley, Pokhara or Chitwan. With schools and orphanages providing bases for our students cultural immersion whilst they help out with some community development and get to know the local kids.
Treks
Trekking phase could include Everest Base Camp via Long Ponga Lake and over Chola Pass. Alternatively the Annapurna Ranges of central Nepal, possibly trekking to the Annapurna Base Camp, this region is north of Pokhara. Or head to the wonderful Langtang Valley Trek, north of Kathmandu close to the Tibetan Border.
Highlights
• The capital city, Kathmandu, is the ultimate traveller’s cross roads
• Enjoy the amazing Himalayan mountain vistas
• See the Hindu & Buddhist temples
• Visits to Pokhara or Chitwan National Park for safaris where you may encounter elephant, rhino and tigers.
THAILAND
This is the destination for a team that are after remote villages, a mosaic of minority tribes wearing traditional dress, and culture interaction on projects that are on-going and can really make a difference.
Expeditions generally ignore the tourist areas of the southern beaches, and instead head into the northern hill tribe areas. The local people are friendly, tourism is low key and responsible travel is still the buzz phrase.
Community Service
Projects are based north east of Chang Rai. Staying at the project centre in a home-stay style house, students will be involved in some teaching and opt for various on-going community development projects. Education in this area is key, so these projects suit teams that will be enthusiastic whilst teaching and motivated to meet the local kids.
Treks
Trekking option would involve walking through remote villages, staying with locals in home-stay houses and feasting on the tastiest food of any where in South East Asia. The mountains can be challenging, however, it’s possible to choose routes that suit varying levels of fitness and adventure.
Highlights
• Elephant treks
• Mekong River cruises
• Golden Triangle towns
• Temples and markets
• Boarder crossings to Laos and Cambodia.
VIETNAM
Vietnam is one of the post popular destinations for Antipodeans Abroad Expedition teams. It never fails to thrill the traveller with it’s unique sights, sounds, tastes and smells. Culturally and historically it is a labyrinth waiting to be explored, students are able to book much of their transport, tours, accommodation and choose from endless restaurants as they travel. This, mixed with worthwhile community projects and outstanding trekking means Vietnam fits perfectly into the Leadership and Community Service Expedition model.
Community Service
Projects are based in or around Hanoi, the capital. Teams will help out in schools and orphanages, painting classrooms, renovating kitchens, building desks or book shelves for libraries. Whilst being surrounded by the local children, who are eager to learn a bit more English and play games, particularly badminton and soccer which are popular across this wonderful country.
Treks
The North West highlands around Sapa provide the venue for some spectacular trekking. Teams travel through local villages with ethnic hill tribe people still dressed in traditional clothing and always happy to come and meet you once their shyness has abated. Staying in local home-stays, students get a real understanding of life for these people and will be delighted by the amazing food that is provided. Everyone loves Vietnamese food.
Highlights
• Hanoi’s famous Old Quarter, numerous museums
• Ho Chi Minh’s mausoleum
• Sapa’s local market and traditional cloth or jewellery
• Halong Bay for unforgettable sunsets
• Ancient tombs and citadels
• The old Imperial Capital and UNESCO World Heritage Site, Hue.
• Hoi An for architecture, delicious food, great markets and a relaxing beach
• Cu Chi Tunnels
• Cholon District in Saigon
LAOS & CAMBODIA
Although both countries can be visited on their own, we believe combining the two adds value to the cultural experience. Students gain significant global awareness from comparing the two states and the cultural, historical and geographical reasons behind the differences.
Laos, landlocked by Thailand, Cambodia, Vietnam, China and Myanmar is a peaceful and beautiful country with World heritage-listed cities and temples, hospitable people, remote mountains for trekking and elephants rides, Mekong River boat trips, limestone caves and traditional Lao villages.
Cambodia to the south of Laos, is home to the Angkor Temples at the heart of the old Khmer Empire. In addition to this, attractions include slow boats on the Mekong River, the brilliant beaches of Sihanoukville, quiet villages with local markets. A visit to the vibrant capital Phnom Penh, may include a trip to S21 and the Killing Fields, two places synonymous with Cambodia’s darker days.
Community Service
Projects would generally be in Laos in or around the former royal capital of Luang Prabang. This beautiful and peaceful city is home to numerous Buddhist temples which are must to visit before and/or after the project. Helping in children centres and local schools, teaching English, reading books and playing games is a perfect way to meet the people.
Treks
Trekking takes place in the remote mountains of Laos, Nam Pha province, which has abundance wildlife and spectacular rugged terrain. With inquisitive local kids joining along the way to improving their English, it’s a fantastic way to interact with the local communities of the region.
Highlights
• Elephant treks in either Laos or Cambodia
• Boat trip on the Mekong
• Luang Prabang has wonderful temples and waterfalls
• Angkor ruins at Wat Phu near Champasak in Southern Laos
• Vang Vieng river has amazing limestone outcrops
• Angkor Wat the Khmer temples compare easily with the Egyptian Pyramids, Peru’s Macchu Pichu, China’s Great Wall and Terracotta Warriors and Rome’s Colosseum
BORNEO
Borneo brings a sense of adventure and remoteness to any Expedition. The primary jungle of Northern Borneo is one of the oldest and least changed in the world, mixed with massive limestone cave systems, beautiful beaches, Mount Kinabalu and of course the Orang-Utans at Sepliok there a feast of sites to visit.
Community Service
Our projects are based either in the Kelabit Highlands or travel by boat up river and across the border into Brunei. Working in remote villages, we have established long-term and ongoing projects that are run by and empower local communities who are helping themselves become self sufficient in regards to tourism. Through your assistance we are combating the need for logging and the exodus of local people out of the jungle to the major cities.
Treks
Two treks are usually undertaken in Borneo. Teams will choose a 2 or 3 day jungle trek out of Brunei and east back into Borneo, usually staying in traditional longhouses, this feels like a real step back in time. Teams will also head for the 2 day trek up and down Mount Kinabalu, at 4095m, the highest mountain in this area of south east Asia.
Highlights
• The Sandakan War Memorial to remember the Anzac Death Marches of WWII
• Sepilok Orang-Utan Sanctuary
• Kota Kinabalu, the capital of Sabah, explore the local markets and city tours
• The islands of TAR National Park for snorkelling and other beach activities.
CHINA
The vastness of China provides a variety of itinerary choices for Antipodeans Abroad Expedition Teams. Several teams have recently opted for the amazing trekking on the remote Great Wall combined with the travel opportunities and history of Xi’an and the Terracotta Warriors. Head south for remote projects and a look at China’s quieter side and a slower pace of life. If you’re looking for a destination that offers cultural, historical and geographical diversity with once in a lifetime photo opportunities China is worth considering.
Community Service
Projects generally take place in remote villages and towns of the south west of China, either around Lijiang or Zhongdian. This part of China is characterised by traditional costumes of the local people and much slower pace of life. In the past school renovation and building projects have been popular. In particular, heating systems, solar power resources and desk/library shelf construction.
Treks
Trekking remote parts of the Great Wall, north and north east of Beijing, may not be too physically demanding, however, the scenery is spectacular and the chance to stay in local farmers house is always enticing. In addition to the Great Wall, trekking Tiger Leaping Gorge in Yunnan province, adds a little extra challenge to the expedition.
Highlights
• Beijing - Temple of Heaven, Tianamen Square, Forbidden City
• Great Wall of China
• Chinese Acrobat Show
• Xi’an - Terracotta Warriors, 1st Dynasty & Silk Road history, Muslim Quarter
• Lijiang & Zhongdian Monasteries.
The amazing African continent is a traveller's dream. Kenya is a perfect picture postcard destination with the Rift Valley shimmering in the heat, the snowy conditions on Mount Kenya and the perfect white beaches of the east coast. An Antipodeans Abroad Kenyan Expedition offers physical challenges, cultural diversity, community projects and amazing game viewing safaris.
Community Service
Antipodeans Abroad village based community projects involve construction and renovation of schools, conservation work and teaching. Students will be immersed in the culture and learn conversational Swahilli during their stay. The beaches located along the Indian Ocean, just south of Mombasa are a great option for post project relaxing.
Treks
Treks usually include Mount Kenya which is situated just north of the equator. This 4,985m peak offers a challenging trek that often culminates in a snowy finish as the sun rises over the African plains below.
Highlights
• Climb Mt. Kenya (4,985m)
• National Parks - The Masai Mara, Amboseli, Tsavo East & West
• The overnight train from Niarobi to Mombasa is comfortable, safe and a scenic journey.
• Beaches located along the East Coast and the Indian Ocean
TANZANIA
Tanzania has an abundance of wildlife in the numerous National Parks, contains Africa’s highest mountain and boasts not only a tropical coastline but also Zanzibar - the Spice Island. Like its neighbouring East African countries, Tanzania is rich culturally, with many tribes such as the Masai retaining a traditional way of life.
Community Service
With numerous community projects available, we can offer a different experience to suit individual schools. Either be based around Arusha or Moshi, at the foothills of Kilimanjaro, or on the banks of Lake Manyara. Students will be adopted by their local community whilst they help paint classrooms, build toilet blocks or plant renewable fuel producing plants.
Treks
Treks would include either the beautiful but challenging Mount Meru 4,556m or Kilimanjaro, at 5,895m an extremely challenging experience even for the fittest of trekkers.
Highlights
• Ngorongoro Crater, Arusha National Park, Lake Manyara or the Serengetti.
• The beautiful beaches of Zanzibar, with this spice islands amazing Arabian influences.
• Mount Meru or Mount Killimanjaro
MOROCCO
Morocco is the classic North African experience. Medieval towns of Marakesh and Fez provide an insight into the feudal history of this beautiful Islamic country. The Berber tribes offer a cultural immersion that differs drastically with the Western world. The mountains and desert provides a landscape to be marvelled at.
Community Service
Projects may involve cultural exchange with a Berber community in the Atlas Mountains or in the Todra Gorge. The work could include light renovations of schools, vital litter collection or, time and resources permitting, working on a dam building project.
Treks
Trekking in the Atlas Mountains is world class. Teams can opt a summit attempt on Jebel Toubkal (the highest mountain in North Africa at 4,167m). Alternatively, students may choose a 5-day challenging desert trek through Todra Gorge and Gorge du Dades or an overland journey to Erg Chebbi, the enormous sand dune made famous in the film Lawrence of Arabia.
Highlights
• Amazing towns of Fez and Marrakesh, with their bazaars & souqs
• Ruins can be visited in Meknes and Volubilis
• Restaurants and beach in Agadir
• High Atlas mountains and Sahara Desert
PERU
Peru has long been a traveller’s Mecca. With the Inca history and culture that surrounds Cuzco and Machu Picchu, the amazing lake Titicaca, Arequipa and Nazca Lines all providing huge attractions to be explored. Combine this with the mountains of the Andes, the Amazon rainforest and of course the vibrant and friendly Peruvian people for an extremely popular destination that ticks all the right boxes.
Although the Spanish influence is everywhere, indigenous communities are very much alive. The main tribes are the Quechua and the Aymara with other Amazonian tribes making up the remainder. They have maintained much of their traditional customs, which the team members would be able to experience at first hand during their expedition.
Community Service
Projects would be based in and around Cuzco and the Sacred Valley. Help with renovation of schools and community buildings, teach English and play games with the local kids. The majority of people here are Quechuan, but it’s a opportunity time to improve your Spanish.
Treks
Trekking options include The Inca Trail, a Sacred Valley trek along old Inca paths to Larres and the hot springs, the famous Colca Canyon or possibly the Cordillera Blanca area.
Highlights
• Inca culture
• Andean Mountains
• Machu Picchu
• Lake Titicaca
• Arequipa
• Nazca Lines
• The saltpans of Salinas
ECUADOR
Ecuador is a country that offers everything to the traveller, beautiful beaches, amazing volcanoes, The Andean mountains, jungle travel in the Amazon basin, Inca history, world famous markets and cultural diversity to match any South American Country!
Community Service
Projects within this world heritage listed city of Quito include working in suburban schools, children centres and orphanages. Students will be involved in renovations, construction and community development whilst immersing themselves in the culture, teaching English and involving the local children in various activities.
Treks
Trekking options are endless with the Andean corridor running the length of central Ecuador. Cotopaxi National park would be of interest to the teams with Volcan Cotopaxi, 5897m, dominating the glacial-clad highlands. Further south is Volcan Chimboraza, 6310m, and again there are many trekking options to choose from.
Highlights
• Quito is the second highest capital city in the world
• Learn Spanish
• The markets of Otavalo or Saquisil
• Head to the jungle for canoe trip on the Rio Napo and guided wildlife-watching.
INDIA
India is still a country that leaves the traveller with more questions than answers. The fascinating cultural diversity, wonderful history, inspiring landscape, spiced food, amazing architecture and extremely friendly people are reasons why people keep coming back to this destination.
Most expeditions are based in the Himalayas. The trekking is some of the best in the world, with local community projects linked to the Tibetan refugee communities. India has a number of wonderful sights to see in every corner of this vast country. Students will use their guide books for options of places to stay, eat and visit.
Community Service
Community projects involve light renovations of Tibetan schools, communal buildings or Monasteries. This is a great chance to be absorbed into the Buddhist culture and learn all about these wonderful and peaceful people.
Treks
Treks can range in length from 4 days to 8 days, all are fully supported by local trekking teams, this allows the students to simply but on their rucksack each morning and marvel at the scenery as they traverse huge mountain ranges via high altitude passes and ridges.
Highlights
Team can choose either East Indian Himalaya;
• Kolkotta, Darjeeling, Sikkim, Gangtok, Kalimpong
• Trek the Nepal border on the Singalila Ridge and traverse Mount Kachengunga, 3rd highest mountain in the world
• Views of Everest, Makalu and Lhotse
• Tibetan Refugee communities project
Or West Indian Himalaya;
• Dehli
• Taj Mahal
• Dharamsala & the Kangra Valley or Manali & the Kulu Valley
• Tibetan refugee communities project
NEPAL
In 1979 Antipodeans Abroad founder, Colin Carpenter, took his first expedition to Nepal, since then, it has always been a favourite destination of Antipodeans Abroad. With amazingly friendly people, fantastic Buddhist cultural and mountain scenery that is unsurpassed anywhere else in the world. We are always happy to suggest Nepal as a destination to any of our school teams.
Home to the world’s highest mountain, Mount Everest, Nepal has long been considered an outstanding country to enjoy trekking. However, it’s the rich Buddhist culture, the open friendliness of the people, the fairytale suspension bridges and wonderful handy-craft markets, that make Nepal the perfect destination for those who wish to combine a “once in a life time” trek with a traditional cultural experience.
Community Service
Projects are based in Kathmandu Valley, Pokhara or Chitwan. With schools and orphanages providing bases for our students cultural immersion whilst they help out with some community development and get to know the local kids.
Treks
Trekking phase could include Everest Base Camp via Long Ponga Lake and over Chola Pass. Alternatively the Annapurna Ranges of central Nepal, possibly trekking to the Annapurna Base Camp, this region is north of Pokhara. Or head to the wonderful Langtang Valley Trek, north of Kathmandu close to the Tibetan Border.
Highlights
• The capital city, Kathmandu, is the ultimate traveller’s cross roads
• Enjoy the amazing Himalayan mountain vistas
• See the Hindu & Buddhist temples
• Visits to Pokhara or Chitwan National Park for safaris where you may encounter elephant, rhino and tigers.
THAILAND
This is the destination for a team that are after remote villages, a mosaic of minority tribes wearing traditional dress, and culture interaction on projects that are on-going and can really make a difference.
Expeditions generally ignore the tourist areas of the southern beaches, and instead head into the northern hill tribe areas. The local people are friendly, tourism is low key and responsible travel is still the buzz phrase.
Community Service
Projects are based north east of Chang Rai. Staying at the project centre in a home-stay style house, students will be involved in some teaching and opt for various on-going community development projects. Education in this area is key, so these projects suit teams that will be enthusiastic whilst teaching and motivated to meet the local kids.
Treks
Trekking option would involve walking through remote villages, staying with locals in home-stay houses and feasting on the tastiest food of any where in South East Asia. The mountains can be challenging, however, it’s possible to choose routes that suit varying levels of fitness and adventure.
Highlights
• Elephant treks
• Mekong River cruises
• Golden Triangle towns
• Temples and markets
• Boarder crossings to Laos and Cambodia.
VIETNAM
Vietnam is one of the post popular destinations for Antipodeans Abroad Expedition teams. It never fails to thrill the traveller with it’s unique sights, sounds, tastes and smells. Culturally and historically it is a labyrinth waiting to be explored, students are able to book much of their transport, tours, accommodation and choose from endless restaurants as they travel. This, mixed with worthwhile community projects and outstanding trekking means Vietnam fits perfectly into the Leadership and Community Service Expedition model.
Community Service
Projects are based in or around Hanoi, the capital. Teams will help out in schools and orphanages, painting classrooms, renovating kitchens, building desks or book shelves for libraries. Whilst being surrounded by the local children, who are eager to learn a bit more English and play games, particularly badminton and soccer which are popular across this wonderful country.
Treks
The North West highlands around Sapa provide the venue for some spectacular trekking. Teams travel through local villages with ethnic hill tribe people still dressed in traditional clothing and always happy to come and meet you once their shyness has abated. Staying in local home-stays, students get a real understanding of life for these people and will be delighted by the amazing food that is provided. Everyone loves Vietnamese food.
Highlights
• Hanoi’s famous Old Quarter, numerous museums
• Ho Chi Minh’s mausoleum
• Sapa’s local market and traditional cloth or jewellery
• Halong Bay for unforgettable sunsets
• Ancient tombs and citadels
• The old Imperial Capital and UNESCO World Heritage Site, Hue.
• Hoi An for architecture, delicious food, great markets and a relaxing beach
• Cu Chi Tunnels
• Cholon District in Saigon
LAOS & CAMBODIA
Although both countries can be visited on their own, we believe combining the two adds value to the cultural experience. Students gain significant global awareness from comparing the two states and the cultural, historical and geographical reasons behind the differences.
Laos, landlocked by Thailand, Cambodia, Vietnam, China and Myanmar is a peaceful and beautiful country with World heritage-listed cities and temples, hospitable people, remote mountains for trekking and elephants rides, Mekong River boat trips, limestone caves and traditional Lao villages.
Cambodia to the south of Laos, is home to the Angkor Temples at the heart of the old Khmer Empire. In addition to this, attractions include slow boats on the Mekong River, the brilliant beaches of Sihanoukville, quiet villages with local markets. A visit to the vibrant capital Phnom Penh, may include a trip to S21 and the Killing Fields, two places synonymous with Cambodia’s darker days.
Community Service
Projects would generally be in Laos in or around the former royal capital of Luang Prabang. This beautiful and peaceful city is home to numerous Buddhist temples which are must to visit before and/or after the project. Helping in children centres and local schools, teaching English, reading books and playing games is a perfect way to meet the people.
Treks
Trekking takes place in the remote mountains of Laos, Nam Pha province, which has abundance wildlife and spectacular rugged terrain. With inquisitive local kids joining along the way to improving their English, it’s a fantastic way to interact with the local communities of the region.
Highlights
• Elephant treks in either Laos or Cambodia
• Boat trip on the Mekong
• Luang Prabang has wonderful temples and waterfalls
• Angkor ruins at Wat Phu near Champasak in Southern Laos
• Vang Vieng river has amazing limestone outcrops
• Angkor Wat the Khmer temples compare easily with the Egyptian Pyramids, Peru’s Macchu Pichu, China’s Great Wall and Terracotta Warriors and Rome’s Colosseum
BORNEO
Borneo brings a sense of adventure and remoteness to any Expedition. The primary jungle of Northern Borneo is one of the oldest and least changed in the world, mixed with massive limestone cave systems, beautiful beaches, Mount Kinabalu and of course the Orang-Utans at Sepliok there a feast of sites to visit.
Community Service
Our projects are based either in the Kelabit Highlands or travel by boat up river and across the border into Brunei. Working in remote villages, we have established long-term and ongoing projects that are run by and empower local communities who are helping themselves become self sufficient in regards to tourism. Through your assistance we are combating the need for logging and the exodus of local people out of the jungle to the major cities.
Treks
Two treks are usually undertaken in Borneo. Teams will choose a 2 or 3 day jungle trek out of Brunei and east back into Borneo, usually staying in traditional longhouses, this feels like a real step back in time. Teams will also head for the 2 day trek up and down Mount Kinabalu, at 4095m, the highest mountain in this area of south east Asia.
Highlights
• The Sandakan War Memorial to remember the Anzac Death Marches of WWII
• Sepilok Orang-Utan Sanctuary
• Kota Kinabalu, the capital of Sabah, explore the local markets and city tours
• The islands of TAR National Park for snorkelling and other beach activities.
CHINA
The vastness of China provides a variety of itinerary choices for Antipodeans Abroad Expedition Teams. Several teams have recently opted for the amazing trekking on the remote Great Wall combined with the travel opportunities and history of Xi’an and the Terracotta Warriors. Head south for remote projects and a look at China’s quieter side and a slower pace of life. If you’re looking for a destination that offers cultural, historical and geographical diversity with once in a lifetime photo opportunities China is worth considering.
Community Service
Projects generally take place in remote villages and towns of the south west of China, either around Lijiang or Zhongdian. This part of China is characterised by traditional costumes of the local people and much slower pace of life. In the past school renovation and building projects have been popular. In particular, heating systems, solar power resources and desk/library shelf construction.
Treks
Trekking remote parts of the Great Wall, north and north east of Beijing, may not be too physically demanding, however, the scenery is spectacular and the chance to stay in local farmers house is always enticing. In addition to the Great Wall, trekking Tiger Leaping Gorge in Yunnan province, adds a little extra challenge to the expedition.
Highlights
• Beijing - Temple of Heaven, Tianamen Square, Forbidden City
• Great Wall of China
• Chinese Acrobat Show
• Xi’an - Terracotta Warriors, 1st Dynasty & Silk Road history, Muslim Quarter
• Lijiang & Zhongdian Monasteries.