General Info
Weeks 1 and 2
You’ll be working at Zoo Negara – in Kuala Lumpur for the first 2 weeks, here you’ll get hands-on caring for orang-utans, chimps and other apes. You’ll be involved with a range of activities including cleaning, feeding and maintenance and keeping the animals stimulated whilst gaining a deeper insight into the lives of these amazing animals.
Home to more than 5,000 animals you may work with some of the zoo’s other residents including; camels, sun bears, pythons and tigers! It’s important to remember that safety is paramount and your contact with the animals will be supervised, you will need to listen to the zoo keepers to make sure you learn a lot and stay safe.
Weeks 3 and 4 - Weeks 3 to 4 until September 2011: 2 weeks
You will visit wildlife rehabilitation centres that provide sanctuary for the orang-utans of Borneo prior to their release back into the wild, before setting off for a week in the jungle as you make your way to the volunteer project at Batang Ai.
During your time in the jungle you will live with the Iban tribe of Sarawak giving you a unique view of their traditions and culture, and explore the wonders of rainforest on jungle treks.
Weeks 3 and 4 - Weeks 3 to 4 From October 2011 Onwards: 2 weeks
Time to get back to basics and spend 2 weeks living in a wildlife sanctuary, among the local tribe; the ‘Orang Sungai’. Here you will assist with restoration work that is greatly needed to help conserve the habitat of orang-utans, elephants and other wildlife in the area. You will also take part in data collection that will help to ensure the future preservation of these incredible creatures and education initiatives within the local community that will teach local children about the importance of conservation.
You will round off your adventure with a trip to Sepilok, home to the Rainforest Discovery Centre and the world-famous Orang-utan Rehabilitation Centre, both offer fascinating experiences and a chance to reinforce what you have learned about the rainforest during your time on the project.
What’s Included in the Programme
* All accommodation - simple, basic and with bags of character - based on dorm style with a minimum of two persons sharing.
* Food - all inclusive (as part of food allowance), apart from the occasional meals on certain travelling days, ie at airport and whilst in KL and Kuching.
* Meet and greet on start date
* Orientation and welcome lunch or dinner
* Private transfers on specified days to all hostels, lodges and destinations
* Local guides and specialists
* Access permits
* Volunteer programme
* Evaluation with supervisor
* Donations are made to local projects on behalf of the volunteers
What’s Not Included in the Programme
* International Flights
* Local flights - we recommend that you see Malaysia Airlines
* Travel insurance
* Alcoholic beverages
* Personal expenditure
* Meals on Travelling Days
Benefits:
Prices range depending on activity and duration. Volunteering starts from £389 for 2 weeks, Adventure Travel starts from £799 for 2 weeks and our Paid Work options start from £299 for up to 12 months. All trips come with, accommodation, some food, transfers, support and back up in-country and 24/7 emergency contact numbers. Before you leave full comprehensive information is provided through an Online Accounts and our expert travel advisers are always available to give help and advice.
Requirements:
There are no specific qualifications or requirements needed to take part on this trip. We do however require that all travellers have a sense responsibility for other travellers, project staff and local community and most importantly... a sense of fun and adventure!
