Volunteer with Orangutans in Borneo Malaysia
Experience the adventure of a lifetime by volunteering at the orangutan Sanctuary in Borneo, Malaysia. Our wildlife project helps with the conservation efforts for the orangutans and its precious natural habitat. By extending a helping hand in the conservation of the orangutans, you have the extraordinary opportunity to leave your mark on this planet!
Join this Unique Orangetan Project In Malaysia!
Are you ready for an unforgettable adventure? We’re thrilled to extend a personal invitation to you, inviting you to join our remarkable Orangutan volunteer program set amidst the breathtaking beauty of Sepilok, Malaysia.
You can join this project from a minimum of 5 weeks.
Start Dates:
August 27, 2023
September 24, 2023
October 29, 2023
November 26, 2023
December 31, 2023
January 28, 2024
February 25, 2024
March 31, 2024
April 28, 2024
May 26, 2024
June 30, 2024
July 28, 2024
August 25, 2024
September 29, 2024
October 27, 2024
November 24, 2024
Immerse yourself in the enchanting world of wildlife conservation, as this exceptional project aims to safeguard and nurture the magnificent orangutans and their precious habitats. By lending your efforts to various conservation initiatives, you’ll play an integral role in protecting, nurturing, and rescuing these awe-inspiring, intelligent, and gentle creatures.
Picture this: an idyllic setting, a moment suspended in time, where you can embark on a transformative journey. Not only will you gain invaluable hands-on experience, but you’ll also make a positive impact on the world around you. This is your chance to leave an indelible mark, both on your personal growth and in the preservation of these marvelous orangutans.
Moreover, this adventure offers an exceptional opportunity to immerse yourself in the rich tapestry of local culture and tradition. Interact with individuals from diverse backgrounds and nationalities, forging meaningful connections and broadening your horizons. It’s an experience that transcends borders, creating lifelong memories and friendships.
Are you ready to seize the moment, to witness firsthand the wonders of orangutan conservation? Join us on this extraordinary journey, where you’ll contribute not only to the well-being of these remarkable creatures but also to your own professional development. Together, let’s make a difference and lend a helping hand in safeguarding the wildlife treasures that are the orangutans.
Welcome to our extraordinary orangutan program, where our mission is to raise awareness, prevent extinction, preserve habitats, and empower students and participants to understand the vital role orangutans play in the delicate balance of our ecosystem. Together, we will lend a helping hand to injured and rescued orangutans, ensuring their well-being and securing their future for generations to come.
Our program is driven by a deep commitment to these magnificent creatures and the imperative to safeguard their existence. Through immersive experiences and educational initiatives, we aim to ignite a passion for orangutan conservation within each participant. By understanding their significance in the food chain and the broader ecosystem, we can actively contribute to their protection.
One of our key objectives is to create a lasting impact by providing support and assistance to injured and rescued orangutans. These incredible beings deserve our compassion and care, and through our dedicated efforts, we aim to ensure their rehabilitation and eventual return to their natural habitats.
At the heart of our program lies the desire to preserve orangutans for future generations. By coming together and taking action now, we can guarantee that these intelligent creatures continue to thrive in the years to come. Their unique presence enriches our world, and it is our responsibility to protect and cherish them.
Join us on this inspiring journey of awareness, conservation, and preservation. Together, let’s make a difference and secure a brighter future for orangutans, our ecosystem, and the generations yet to come.
Location: Sepilok, Malaysia
Duration: Join from 5 weeks
Welcome to Borneo
Nestled within the lush beauty of Borneo, lies the captivating village of Sepilok, a hidden gem in Malaysia. This enchanting destination is renowned for its extraordinary orangutan rehabilitation center, where orphaned and injured orangutans find solace and a chance at a new life in the wild.
Prepare to be awe-struck as you witness the resilience and determination of these majestic creatures up close. The Sepilok Orangutan Rehabilitation Center offers a unique opportunity to observe these incredible primates in their natural habitat, during feeding times and captivating nature walks. It’s a chance to witness the delicate balance between humans and wildlife, as these orangutans are skillfully trained to survive and thrive on their own.
Sepilok has even more in store for nature enthusiasts. Venture into the depths of the rainforest at the Rainforest Discovery Center (RDC), where a world of wonder awaits. Immerse yourself in the vibrant tapestry of the forest, as you explore the verdant trails and soak in the melodies of its inhabitants. The RDC is not only a haven for stunning flora and fauna but also serves as a hub for conservation efforts, allowing visitors to gain a deeper understanding of the delicate ecosystems that sustain life in this biodiverse paradise.
As you wander through this tropical haven, keep your eyes peeled for playful monkeys swinging through the treetops, colorful birds gracing the skies with their presence, and fascinating insects bustling amidst the foliage. Each step in Sepilok reveals a new discovery, a connection to the wonders of the natural world that will leave an indelible mark on your heart.
Come, join us in Sepilok, where the harmony between humans and orangutans is beautifully preserved. Immerse yourself in the rhythms of the rainforest, witness the resilience of these magnificent creatures, and experience the transformative power of nature. Sepilok beckons you with open arms, ready to unveil its secrets and ignite your passion for conservation.
Your Arrival
Get ready for a warm welcome to Borneo! Your adventure begins the moment you arrive, with our airport pick-up on Sunday at the Sandakan Airport between 08:00 to 18:00. To ensure a smooth transition, we’ll provide you with all the necessary arrival and contact details when you book your program. The local team will be waiting for you, ready to transfer you to your accommodation where you’ll meet fellow volunteers from around the world.
Your Accommodation
Your accommodation is included in your package from Sunday night until Saturday morning of your last week, so you can rest assured that you’ll have a comfortable place to call home throughout your journey.
You’ll be staying in shared rooms with other volunteers, giving you the perfect opportunity to make lifelong friends from around the globe.
You’ll be accommodated in single-gender dorm-style rooms, ensuring maximum comfort and privacy.
Located a mere 16 km from Sandakan Airport, our hostel-style accommodation is perfectly situated for you to embark on your orangutan adventure.
Immerse yourself in the surrounding natural wonders as you stroll just 1.6 km, approximately 15-20 minutes, to reach the Orangutan Centre.
And with just a short 5-minute walk, you’ll find yourself at the doorstep of the Rainforest Discovery Centre, ready to embark on a journey of exploration and discovery.
Enjoy the convenience of free WiFi, ensuring you stay connected and share your remarkable experiences with loved ones. Unwind in our comfortable common room, where you can relax. Indulge in the lush garden, providing a serene oasis for reflection and tranquility.
But that’s not all – we’ve got your meals covered too! You’ll enjoy three delicious meals per day from Monday to Friday, and two meals per day on weekends. Plus, if you’re a vegetarian, no problem! We can vegetarian meals for you.
About the Program
Sepilop Orangutan Conservation Project in Malaysia
Are you ready to embark on an adventure of a lifetime? As a participant you’ll have the unique opportunity to work in both the In-Doors and Out-Doors areas, contributing to the rehabilitation and care of our beloved orangutans.
The itinerary is divided into two segments. For the first segment, the participants will arrive in Kota Kinabalu, spend the first 2 days in Kota Kinabalu to rest after a long journey and attend an induction by Country Manager, followed by CAN (Culture, Adventure, and Nature) activities in Kiulu. For the second segment, beginning of the second week, the participants will be flown to Sandakan and divided into 2 groups to cover both in-doors and out-doors areas on 2-week rotational basis.
Aims & Objectives
The aims and objectives of this orangutan program is to spread awareness about these intelligent creatures, prevent them from going extinct, conserve their habitat, provide opportunity for students and participants to study the importance of orangutans in the food chain and in the ecosystem, provide help and support for the injured and rescued orangutans and not but the least to preserve these species for future generations.
Your work as a participant at the center is divided into two areas; In-Doors and Out-Doors. Each of the work areas is described below.
The Indoor Nursery
This area looks after the infants, from just a few months to around four years old. The babies stay in the sleeping area. Possible duties include:
Transfer infant orangutans from the sleeping cages to the playing cages
Clean the sleeping area
Prepare food for the infants (peeling bananas, making formula milk)
Feed the babies with bottled formula drink
Distribute bananas to infant orangutans
Give special attention and care for the sick infants
Transfer orangutans back to the sleeping cages
Clean the indoor nursery area
NOTE: participants may have the chance to work ‘hands-on’ with the orangutans, however, a strict policy of minimum human contact will be applied – this is to minimize the humanisation of orangutans. Too much human contact will hamper the rehabilitation process of the orangutan.
The Outdoor Nursery
This area is home to the juveniles, generally aged between five and eight years old. These orangutans are fed at the nursery and on the tourist platform. Their food is taken to different platforms to ensure that they learn to search for their food. This ensures the orangutan does not become reliant on food being at a particular platform each day. Possible duties include:
Collect bananas from the storeroom and take them via wheelbarrow to the nursery.
Sweep leaves from surrounding paths and clean the nursery area.
Feed the orangutans at the outdoor nursery.
Assist the rangers by carrying bananas to the tourist platform (done twice daily)
Complete the observation sheet on orangutans that attended the feeding platform.
NOTE: When working in this area there is plenty of time for observation of the orangutans in their natural surroundings.
On the other hand, in taking the programs, it is required that you must:
Have a genuine interest in wildlife/orangutan conservation;
Be between the ages of 18 and 50 without immobility;
Be proficient in English, regardless of their nationalities;
Submit your CV and travel history;
Fully vaccinated against CoronaVirus;
Received vaccinations against TB, Hepatitis, Tetanus, Rabies;
Attend mandatory quarantine of seven (7) days;
Take RT-PCR test 2 days before departure;
Take RT-PCR test on arrival; and
Wear Masks And Gloves everyday at work/
For further information, you do not have a problem in taking our orangutan program as:
You stay within the vicinity of the center and based on twin or triple sharing;
All meals are provided at the accommodation;
A local will be appointed as the coordinator of the program;
The price of the package covers Transportation, Meals, Accommodation;
Organized Trips, Work Equipment, Donation to Orangutan Wildlife Fund; and
Ground Handling Services.
Schedule
Get ready for an unforgettable journey with our orangutan program in Sepilok, Malaysia. Here’s a detailed overview of the exciting activities and experiences that await you:
Week 1
Sunday
Arrive at Kota Kinabalu Airport. Transfer to Kota Kinabalu. Check into Signal Hostel. Enjoy lunch or light refreshment before a short walk to be shown nearby facilities – i.e. pharmacy, ATM, shopping centre, phone shop
After having packed dinner, spend the night at the hostel.
Monday
Orientation
Go through the schedule, Q&A
Tuesday
After breakfast, by 0800am transfer to Kiulu for 4D3N to experience Culture, Adventure, and Nature of Borneo 0900am: ETA at the Rantau Camp Site
0930am: Demonstration of cooking traditional dishes
1200pm: Lunch with the locals
0130pm: Set up sleeping area – camping equipment will be provided
0230pm: Village Tour
0430pm: Free & Easy – you can unpack and explore the surrounding areas 0630pm: Dinner with local community
0700pm: Traditional Dance Performance – you will join in
0900pm: Rest
Wednesday
0700am: Breakfast
0800am: Demonstration of making traditional handicrafts
1000am: Start trekking to Kiulu Rainforest Park
1130pm: ETA at the park. Learn about medicinal plants and experience canopy walk
0230pm: Learn how to prepare local coffee
0400pm: Return to the camping site
0630pm: Dinner
0730pm: Sharing & review session
0900pm: Rest
Thursday
0700am: Breakfast
0800am: Gear up for White Water Rafting activity
0900am: Attend safety briefing conducted by the rafting guides
1230pm: Lunch by the river
0200pm: Attend safety briefing conducted by the Zipline instructor 0330pm: Return to the camping site
0630pm: Dinner
0730pm: Campfire. Sharing & review session
0900pm: Rest
Friday
0700am: Breakfast
0800am: Cleaning and pack things up
1000am: Transfer to Kota Kinabalu city
Packed Lunch & Packed Dinner
Saturday
Rest Day
Breakfast & Packed Dinner. You may go for island hoping (optional)
Sunday
After breakfast, transfer to KKIA to catch flight to Sandakan (Flight is included in the program fee)
Then transfer from Sandakan Airport to Sepilok
Enjoy refreshment/lunch in a local restaurant
Make several stops to purchase i.e. Wellington Boots, Gloves, Mask Dinner & Overnight at Sepilok Accommodation
Week 2 and onwards
Monday
Induction & Training at the Orangutan Centre
Tuesday to Friday
Working at Orangutan Centre
Saturday & Sunday
Rest Day
Breakfast & Dinner
Overnight at Sepilok accommodation
* This schedule can be changed and/or amended depending on weather conditions, local conditions, and unforeseen circumstances.
Program Prices
5 Weeks: 2950 Euro
+1 Week: 595 Euro
What’s included:
Volunteer program
Accommodation
Meals
24/7 in-country support
In-country program orientation
Pre-departure support
Airport pick-up
Not included:
visa, flight, travel insurance, vaccinations, criminal background check, return trip to the airport, 5% international banking fee
Requirements to join:
– Participants need to be minimum 18 years old
– Participants under 16 need to join with a parent/guardian
– Participants aged 16 to 18 need to have parental consent
– Participants are required to provide a criminal background check (if unable to obtain a criminal background check, you can provide two character reference letters instead)
– Participants are required to have their own travel insurance
– You need to be able to speak and understand at least basic English
Testimonial Sarah Snook
A testimonial from Sarah Snook the famous Hollywood actress who joined our volunteer program.