Company : The Great Projects
Countries: Borneo / Malaysia
Location : Sarawak
Duration: 1 week to 4 weeks
Approx Costs: 1000 to 2000 £ Pound (UK)
Volunteer at an award-winning Orangutan Volunteer Centre in beautiful Borneo.
This multi-award-winning orangutan project, based in the world-renowned Matang Wildlife Centre, focuses on the conservation and protection of Borneo's most fascinating and enchanting species: the orangutan.
Due to mass deforestation, mining and forest fires, the habitat of the area's orangutans is depleting and under constant threat. As a consequence, the species is increasingly endangered. The Matang Wildlife Centre is a refuge for orangutans which have been left injured or orphaned, usually as a direct result of these threats.
Taking part in this orangutan volunteer project allows volunteers to actively participate in the efforts of impressive wildlife centre, helping to improve the lives of the orangutans and work towards their future protection.
Day 1
You will arrive into Kuching Airport in Sarawak, Malaysian Borneo, and be met at arrivals by a member of the team. You will then transfer to Basaga Guest House in Kuching where in the evening you will enjoy a welcome dinner and orientation with the project facilitator from the orangutan project and your fellow volunteers.
Day 2
After breakfast, you and the rest of your group will take a private transfer to the Matang Wildlife Centre. Here, you will meet the project staff and take a full tour of the centre.
Day 3-13
You will now get stuck in with the project and take part in a variety of activities. These will include working with all of the animals at the centre, predominantly the orangutans and sun bears.
Day 14
This will be your last day at the project so after a final morning of activities you will pack up and transfer back to the Basaga Guesthouse for a farewell dinner alongside the project staff and your fellow volunteers.
Day 15
Depending on your departure flight time, you may have time for a lie in or even to see Kuching one last time before you take a private transfer to the airport for your return flight home, or to continue your independent travel plans.
On this project, you will get the chance to take part in a wide variety of exciting activities. Below are examples of some of those included in this project.
5th and 19th of every month.
Prices from £795
What's included in the price of the project?
• A monetary contribution to the project itself
• Transfers to and from the airport
• Full orientation and support from the project managers
• Accommodation and meals as indicated
• Activities on the project site
What's not included?
• Any flights
• Travel insurance to include cover for repatriation
• Visas if required
• Additional soft drinks, all alcoholic beverages
• Trips undertaken other than in the planned itinerary
The construction work undertaken on this Borneo Orangutan Sanctuary Project involves physical labour, often in humid conditions, and so requires a moderate level of fitness. The other tasks however, are not particularly physically strenuous, but a fair level of fitness is advised. No specific skills or experience are required, just commitment to the project and its aims, ability to work as a team and an upbeat, positive attitude as an orangutan volunteer.
Before I travelled to Borneo it was hard to image what the project would be like and what to expect. I ended up doing something so special working in a team of other staff and volunteers working at the sanctuary and helping orangutans. This was one of the most rewarding things I have ever done and I would love to go back and volunteer again in the future. The local volunteer coordinator was amazing and helped to make the whole experience one I will never forget.