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Rainforest Conservation & Safari

location
1 - 1 weeks  Â·  Age 18 - 50+
Verified

Highlights

  • Help protect Borneo's rainforest by planting trees and restoring important wildlife habitats.
  • Explore the Kinabatangan River by boat and look for wild orangutans, pygmy elephants, proboscis monkeys and more!
  • Experience local village life, enjoy traditional Malaysian meals and discover Bornean culture.

Highlights

  • Help protect Borneo's rainforest by planting trees and restoring important wildlife habitats.
  • Explore the Kinabatangan River by boat and look for wild orangutans, pygmy elephants, proboscis monkeys and more!
  • Experience local village life, enjoy traditional Malaysian meals and discover Bornean culture.
  • Join rainforest walks and learn about tropical wildlife, plants and conservation.
  • Visit orangutan and sun bear conservation centres and discover efforts to protect these amazing animals.

  • You don't have to pay anything yet

    Especially good for

    Age 18+
    Singles
    Couples
    Families
    Groups
    50+

    About the program

    Help restore Borneo's rainforest! Plant trees, look for orangutans and pygmy elephants on river trips, and experience local village life.

    Ready for an unforgettable wildlife adventure in the heart of Borneo? Join our Borneo Wildlife Safari & Rainforest Conservation Program and experience one of Southeast Asia's most exciting rainforest destinations while helping protect its incredible wildlife!

    This unique volunteering experience takes ...

    About the program

    Ready for an unforgettable wildlife adventure in the heart of Borneo? Join our Borneo Wildlife Safari & Rainforest Conservation Program and experience one of Southeast Asia's most exciting rainforest destinations while helping protect its incredible wildlife!

    This unique volunteering experience takes place along the beautiful Lower Kinabatangan River in Sabah, Malaysian Borneo. The surrounding rainforest is home to an incredible variety of animals, including wild orangutans, pygmy elephants, proboscis monkeys, hornbills, gibbons and many other fascinating species.

    Sadly, Borneo's wildlife faces increasing threats from deforestation and habitat loss. By joining this program, you will help restore important rainforest habitats while discovering the natural beauty and local culture of this amazing island.

    An Incredible Wildlife Experience

    One of the most exciting parts of the program is exploring the Kinabatangan River, famous for its rich wildlife.

    During your river excursions, keep your eyes open for wild orangutans resting in the treetops, proboscis monkeys jumping between branches, colourful hornbills flying overhead and perhaps even Borneo's pygmy elephants along the riverbanks!

    Wildlife sightings are never guaranteed, but exploring this remarkable rainforest offers an unforgettable experience for nature lovers.

    Towards the end of your stay, you will also visit local orangutan and sun bear conservation centres and a rainforest discovery centre to learn more about Borneo's wildlife and the efforts to protect it.

    Live and Experience Local Bornean Culture

    During your project, you will stay in the Kinabatangan River region and experience life in a traditional Malaysian village.

    You will have opportunities to meet local families, enjoy meals with community members and discover the traditions of the Orang Sungai, also known as the "People of the River."

    This is a wonderful opportunity to experience a different culture while contributing to a wildlife conservation project.

    Who Can Join?

    This program is perfect for wildlife enthusiasts, nature lovers, gap-year travellers, students and anyone looking for a meaningful adventure abroad.

    No previous conservation experience is required! You simply need to be at least 18 years old, enjoy being outdoors and be willing to take part in practical conservation work.

    Choose between a 7-day or 12-day experience, combining wildlife conservation, rainforest exploration and cultural discovery.

    Join us in Borneo and help protect one of the world's most amazing rainforest ecosystems!


    Typical day

    As a volunteer, you will work alongside local conservation staff and community members on practical rainforest conservation activities.

    Your tasks may include:

    • Tree Planting: Help plant native trees to restore damaged rainforest areas and create important wildlife corridors.

    • Rainforest Restoration:

    Typical day

    As a volunteer, you will work alongside local conservation staff and community members on practical rainforest conservation activities.

    Your tasks may include:

    • Tree Planting: Help plant native trees to restore damaged rainforest areas and create important wildlife corridors.

    • Rainforest Restoration: Assist with nursery work, preparing seedlings, maintaining young trees, mulching and composting.

    • Wildlife Observation: Explore the river and its smaller waterways by boat, observing wildlife and learning about the animals that depend on the rainforest.

    • Conservation Monitoring: Help with activities such as recording tree growth and observing wildlife and its habitat.

    • Rainforest Exploration: Join guided jungle walks and discover the plants, animals and traditional uses of the rainforest.

    • Cultural Experiences: Spend time with local villagers, enjoy traditional meals and discover how communities have lived alongside the river and rainforest for generations.

    Activities depend on weather conditions, conservation priorities and the local community's schedule.


    Free-time activities

    Borneo is a paradise for wildlife lovers and adventurous travellers!

    Outside your scheduled conservation activities, you can enjoy the peaceful surroundings of the Kinabatangan River, relax at your accommodation or spend time getting to know local villagers and fellow travellers.

    Your program already ...

    Free-time activities

    Borneo is a paradise for wildlife lovers and adventurous travellers!

    Outside your scheduled conservation activities, you can enjoy the peaceful surroundings of the Kinabatangan River, relax at your accommodation or spend time getting to know local villagers and fellow travellers.

    Your program already includes exciting experiences such as wildlife observation along the river, rainforest walks and visits to wildlife conservation attractions.

    During river excursions, you may have the opportunity to see orangutans, pygmy elephants, proboscis monkeys, hornbills and many other tropical animals in their natural habitat.

    You will also have opportunities to experience local Malaysian culture, enjoy traditional food and learn about life in a Bornean riverside community.

    Please note that this is a structured volunteer program, so the amount of free time will depend on the daily schedule. Additional personal excursions are not included unless specifically arranged.


    Requirements

    Requirements

    Minimum Age: 18 years

    In order to join the program you need to be at least 18 years old on the program start date. There might be exemptions if you can provide the permission of your legal guardian(s) or if your are accompanied by your parents.

    Criminal Background Check

    required

    Required Documents

    Filled out application form, CV, Resume, Letter of Motivation, Two pics and Signed Policies and Liability form (provided during application process)

    Nationality Restrictions

    No restrictions. Helping hands from all over the world are welcome.

    Time Commitment

    Your helping hand will be required on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday from 08:00 - 12:00

    What's Included

    What's Included

    On-site Services

    What's Included

    • Volunteer placement and conservation contribution

    • 6 or 11 nights of accommodation, depending on duration

    • Airport pickup and return transfer at Sandakan Airport

    • English-speaking project coordinator

    • Project orientation and supervision

    • Scheduled rainforest restoration activities

    • Conservation materials and tools

    • Wildlife observation and scheduled riverboat excursions

    • Project transport and boat transfers

    • Guided rainforest activities included in the itinerary

    • Visits and entrance fees for the orangutan and sun bear conservation centres and rainforest discovery centre

    • Selected meals as described above

    • One project work T-shirt

    • Applicable tourism and service taxes

    What's Not Included

    • International and domestic flights

    • Travel and medical insurance

    • Visa fees, where applicable

    • Vaccinations and personal medication

    • Drinks and personal snacks

    • Dinner on the evening before departure

    • Additional excursions or personal activities

    • Camera fees, where applicable

    • Personal expenses

    Airport Pickup at Sandakan Airport

    Airport pickup and return transfers are included in your program fee!

    When you arrive at Sandakan Airport (SDK) in Malaysian Borneo, our local team will welcome you and arrange your transfer to your first accommodation in the Sepilok area.

    We recommend arriving at Sandakan Airport before 4:00 PM on the first day of your program.

    On your final day, a return transfer to Sandakan Airport is included. We recommend booking your departure flight after 11:00 AM.

    Most international travellers reach Sandakan via Kuala Lumpur or Kota Kinabalu.

    All scheduled project transfers, including transport to the conservation site and riverboat transfers during project activities, are included.

    Please provide your flight details in advance so our local team can arrange your airport pickup and return transfer.

    Accommodation

    During your Borneo adventure, you will stay in a combination of simple, comfortable accommodation in the Sepilok area and the Kinabatangan River region.

    On arrival, you will stay in dormitory-style accommodation with shared bathrooms and warm-water showers.

    During the main conservation project, you will stay in a village-style guesthouse in the Kinabatangan region. Rooms are normally shared between two volunteers and have private bathrooms with showers and toilets.

    Towards the end of the program, you will return to the Sandakan area and stay in a hotel with shared twin rooms and private bathrooms before your departure flight.

    The accommodation offers a great opportunity to meet fellow travellers and experience the atmosphere of Borneo's rural communities.

    Single-room upgrades may be available for an additional fee, subject to availability.

    Your program includes 6 nights of accommodation for the 7-day option or 11 nights for the 12-day option.

    Food & Beverages

    Most meals are included during your Borneo Wildlife Conservation experience!

    On your arrival day, you will enjoy a welcome dinner.

    During the main conservation program, breakfast, lunch and dinner are included. Some meals will be enjoyed with local families, offering a wonderful opportunity to experience traditional Malaysian food and village hospitality.

    On the day you return from the Kinabatangan region to Sandakan, breakfast and lunch are included, but dinner is at your own expense.

    Breakfast is also included on your departure day.

    Drinks and additional personal snacks are not included in the program fee.

    Internet Access

    Good access at the project site
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    What's NOT included?

    What's NOT included?

    Flight Tickets

    The nearest airport is Sandakan Airport (SDK) in Sandakan. We assist you to find cheap flights to Malaysia. FIND CHEAP FLIGHTS

    Travel Insurance

    Going abroad is an adventure and it is always best to be prepared. Sudden illness or injury, cancellation or theft - a travel insurance for Malaysia provides security and is a plus to have. GET A QUOTE

    Vaccines

    If you are intending to volunteer in Malaysia you should seek medical advice before starting your social journey. Check your required vaccinations for Malaysia. VACCINE CHECKER

    Details on arrival

    The program normally starts on the 21st of the month, with 7-day and 12-day placements offered on selected dates. Please contact us for upcoming confirmed departures.

    Availability
    Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec

    Program Fees

    $1,630 per week 1 - 1 weeks Age 18 - 50+

    Payment methods

    Visa Master Card Maestro American Express PayPal

    NO CREDIT CARD FEES


    Duration

    1 - 1 weeks

    Deposit

    Reserve your spot with just a few clicks and a small, secure deposit. You can pay by credit card, PayPal, or other convenient methods.


    Final Payment

    You’ll agree on the final payment method with your local organization during the application process. This final payment is only due closer to the start of your trip.

    You don't have to pay anything yet
    4.8
    Top Pick
    One of the top picks on Volunteer World, according to travelers

    Location

    Asia > South East Asia > Malaysia > Sandakan

    Meet your project coordinator

    Patrick
    188
    reviews
    4.79
    Brilliant
    2010
    Founded

    Verified

      Very high response rate
    Spoken languages: German, English, Dutch
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    Contact Patrick
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    German, English, Dutch

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