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Brilliant 4.79rating (188)
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Sun Bear Caretaker

location
2 - 4 weeks  Â·  Age 18 - 50+
Verified

Highlights

  • Help care for the world's smallest bear: the Borneo Sun Bear!
  • Prepare food and create fun enrichment activities to keep the bears active and healthy.
  • Learn about sun bear conservation, rehabilitation and their return to the wild.

Highlights

  • Help care for the world's smallest bear: the Borneo Sun Bear!
  • Prepare food and create fun enrichment activities to keep the bears active and healthy.
  • Learn about sun bear conservation, rehabilitation and their return to the wild.
  • Work alongside local conservation staff and experience Malaysian culture.
  • Explore Borneo's tropical rainforest, amazing wildlife and nearby attractions during your days off.

  • You don't have to pay anything yet

    Especially good for

    Age 18+
    Singles
    Couples
    Families
    Groups
    50+

    About the program

    Help protect the world's smallest bears in Borneo! Prepare food, create enrichment toys and explore Borneo's amazing wildlife and rainforests on your days off.

    Sun Bear Conservation Volunteering Program in  Borneo, Malaysia

    Are you passionate about wildlife and looking for an unforgettable adventure in Borneo? Join our Sun Bear Conservation Volunteer Program and help care for the world's smallest bears while experiencing the incredible wildlife and ...

    About the program

    Sun Bear Conservation Volunteering Program in  Borneo, Malaysia

    Are you passionate about wildlife and looking for an unforgettable adventure in Borneo? Join our Sun Bear Conservation Volunteer Program and help care for the world's smallest bears while experiencing the incredible wildlife and tropical rainforests of Malaysia!

    Located in Sepilok, Malaysian Borneo, this exciting volunteer program takes place at wildlife centre dedicated to the care, rehabilitation and protection of sun bears.

    Sun bears are the smallest bear species in the world and face serious threats from habitat loss and illegal wildlife trade. During your stay, you will work alongside experienced local conservation staff and gain a unique insight into the challenges of protecting these fascinating animals.

    Experience the Adventure of Borneo

    Volunteering is only part of the experience! During your free time, you can explore the beautiful surroundings of Sepilok, visit nearby wildlife sanctuaries and discover the amazing biodiversity of Borneo's tropical rainforest.

    You will also have the opportunity to meet local people, experience Malaysian culture and discover what life is like in this fascinating part of Southeast Asia.

    Who Can Join?

    This program is perfect for wildlife lovers, students, gap-year travellers and adventurous people who want to contribute to conservation while exploring a beautiful destination.

    No previous experience is required! You only need to be at least 18 years old, have a positive attitude and be willing to get your hands dirty.

    Choose between a 2-week or 4-week placement, with scheduled starts throughout the year.

    Whether you are travelling abroad for the first time or looking for a meaningful wildlife experience, this program offers an exciting combination of conservation work, cultural discovery and adventure.

    Join us in Borneo and become part of the effort to protect these remarkable bears!


    Typical day

    What Will You Be Doing?

    As a volunteer, you will become part of the conservation centre's daily activities. Your tasks may include:

    • Preparing food and feeding areas: Help prepare food and maintain clean, comfortable living spaces for the bears.

    • Creating enrichment activities: Design and prepare fun ...

    Typical day

    What Will You Be Doing?

    As a volunteer, you will become part of the conservation centre's daily activities. Your tasks may include:

    • Preparing food and feeding areas: Help prepare food and maintain clean, comfortable living spaces for the bears.

    • Creating enrichment activities: Design and prepare fun enrichment toys and activities that encourage the bears' natural behaviour.

    • Maintaining enclosures: Help clean bear dens, improve enclosures and assist with small maintenance projects.

    • Learning about conservation: Discover how sun bears are cared for, rehabilitated and prepared for possible release into the wild.

    • Supporting education: Depending on the centre's needs, help with educational activities, visitor information or recording bear behaviour.


    Free-time activities

    Your adventure in Borneo doesn't stop when your volunteer work finishes!

    During your free time, you can explore the beautiful surroundings of Sepilok, one of Borneo's best-known wildlife destinations. Visit nearby wildlife sanctuaries, discover tropical rainforest trails and keep your eyes open for ...

    Free-time activities

    Your adventure in Borneo doesn't stop when your volunteer work finishes!

    During your free time, you can explore the beautiful surroundings of Sepilok, one of Borneo's best-known wildlife destinations. Visit nearby wildlife sanctuaries, discover tropical rainforest trails and keep your eyes open for some of the amazing animals that call Borneo home, including orangutans, monkeys and colourful tropical birds.

    You can also explore the nearby town of Sandakan, try delicious Malaysian food, visit local markets and experience the unique culture of Malaysian Borneo.

    Prefer to relax? Enjoy the peaceful rainforest surroundings, meet fellow travellers or simply take a break after your conservation work.

    The 2-week program includes 2 days off, while the 4-week program includes 6 days off, giving you time to discover more of this incredible destination!

    Optional excursions and activities during your free time are not included in the program fee.


    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.

    Required Documents

    CV, Resume, Letter of Motivation, Two pics and filled out application form

    Nationality Restrictions

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

    Time Commitment

    Your helping hand will be required on Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday from 08:00 - 17:00

    What's Included

    What's Included

    On-site Services

    What's included?

    • 13 or 27 nights of accommodation in a basic private room with shared facilities.

    • Airport pickup and departure transfers at Sandakan Airport.

    • Transfers between accommodation and the conservation project.

    • Welcome dinner on arrival.

    • Conservation project contribution.

    • Project orientation and English-speaking coordinator.

    • All scheduled conservation activities, tools and materials.

    • Work T-shirts.

    • Tourism and service taxes.

    • 24/7 Fronteering contact number and support.

    What's not included?

    • International and domestic flights.

    • Meals, except the welcome dinner.

    • Travel and medical insurance.

    • Visa fees, vaccinations and personal expenses.

    • Optional excursions and free-time activities.

    • Optional air-conditioned room upgrade.

    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 accommodation in the Sepilok area.

    We recommend booking a flight that arrives before 4:00 PM on your program's starting date.

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

    Please note that Sandakan Airport is a domestic airport. International travellers normally reach Sandakan via Kuala Lumpur or Kota Kinabalu.

    All flights are at your own expense. Please provide your flight details in advance so we can arrange your transfers.

    Accommodation

    Accommodation details

    During your volunteer adventure in Borneo, you will stay in traditional longhouse-style accommodation surrounded by the beautiful tropical environment of Sepilok.

    Each volunteer has their own private bedroom, offering a comfortable place to relax after a day of conservation work. Bathrooms are shared and include warm-water showers and toilets.

    The accommodation also has a communal kitchen with basic cooking facilities, where you can prepare your own meals, as well as a washing machine for your laundry.

    A welcome dinner is included on your arrival day, giving you a great introduction to your experience in Borneo.

    For those who prefer a little extra comfort, an upgrade to an air-conditioned room may be available for an additional fee.

    The accommodation is simple rather than luxurious, making it a great base for your wildlife conservation experience in Malaysian Borneo!

    Food & Beverages

    A welcome dinner is included on your arrival day, giving you a chance to enjoy your first evening in Borneo!

    During the rest of your stay, meals and drinks are not included in the program fee.

    Your accommodation has a communal kitchen with basic cooking facilities, allowing you to prepare your own breakfast, lunch and dinner.

    You will be responsible for purchasing your own groceries, meals and drinks throughout the program, including during your days off.

    This self-catering arrangement gives you the flexibility to prepare your favourite meals and discover Malaysian food during your stay!

    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 starts on the 5th of every month throughout the year. Volunteers can choose between a 2-week or 4-week stay.

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

    Program Fees

    $885 per week 2 - 4 weeks Age 18 - 50+

    Payment methods

    Visa Master Card Maestro American Express PayPal

    NO CREDIT CARD FEES


    Duration

    2 - 4 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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