Red Arc International Horizon Gap Year Program

In July and September 2024, I got the chance to visit Sabah twice for the Xplorer exploration activities. On this trip, the plant diversity in Sabah felt like a huge treasure chest, really grabbing my attention. Sabah is like a botanical kingdom, packed with an incredible variety of species. I’m especially into Gentianaceae flowers and ferns. The Gentianaceae flowers are super colorful, and the ferns come in all sorts of shapes, giving off that ancient, lively vibe. It’s also cool to see how plants grow at different altitudes, which can teach us a lot about how they adapt to their environment and evolve over time. However, there are notable gaps in the development and utilization of plant resources in Sabah. Many valuable plant species remain underexplored, resulting in their economic potential being overlooked. The promotion of sustainable development practices is urgently needed to address these challenges. All these aspects present meaningful directions for further exploration.

Of course, the thing that made me happiest was being able to enjoy super tasty durians anytime in Sabah. I also tried many tropical fruits which I’d never heard of before. And guess what? My favorite fruit turned out to be the local monkeys’ favorite too! Haha!! I am eager to seize future opportunities to continue my explorations in Sabah.

My deepest impression of Sabah lies in its breathtaking natural beauty, its rich biodiversity, and its warm-hearted people—individuals who live with sincerity and a deep aspiration for a better life. I was equally impressed by the professionalism and genuine hospitality shown by local government institutions. Sabah is truly a land and community that deserves to be seen, appreciated, and celebrated by the world.

Local learning facilitator provided invaluable insight into the region’s ecological significance, particularly the vital role that Sabah’s bio-environment plays in sustaining key species such as the proboscis monkeys and the delicate firefly ecosystems. This deepened our understanding of conservation, sustainability, and the urgency of environmental stewardship.

As a short placement learning facilitator, I am especially grateful for the generous support and warm hospitality extended to us by the Yayasan Sabah Foundation group. Their thoughtful coordination and the stately reception hosted by local state representatives made the closing of our program not only memorable, but truly meaningful and dignified.

My experience in Sabah was truly unforgettable. I had the opportunity to meet remarkable people and immerse myself in the breathtaking natural beauty that spans from the ocean to the rainforest. This journey deepened my understanding of why it is vital for humanity to protect the natural world, and revealed just how generously nature sustains us—often in ways we take for granted.

I believe this program offers a transformative opportunity for learners who are passionate about sustainability, environmental science, or agricultural studies, and who seek to experience firsthand the profound beauty and significance of our planet’s ecosystems.

At Outward Bound Sabah, I witnessed some of the most precious forms of growth.

A child was terrified of heights, gritted their teeth and climbed to the summit of a cliff. Another slid down the zipline with eyes tightly shut—only to burst into laughter and leap into their teammates’ arms. Every trembling grip on the rock wall marked a personal breakthrough.

I watched as youthful faces grew suddenly serious while checking each other’s harnesses. They began to communicate trust not just with words, but with steady hands and confident glances. They learned what it meant to bear one another’s weight—physically and emotionally.

And as the sun set, gilding their silhouettes in golden light, I felt something shift within me.

I understood, perhaps more deeply than ever, the true essence of education: not merely the transmission of knowledge, but the ignition of courage—the spark that drives them to break barriers and grow together.