The Samboja Lestari Orangutan & Sun Bear Conservation Program gives volunteers the opportunity to support the daily welfare of rescued wildlife at one of Indonesia’s leading conservation centres. Operated by the Borneo Orangutan Survival Foundation (BOSF) and supported by BOS Australia (BOSA), Samboja Lestari provides long-term care and rehabilitation for orangutans and sun bears affected by habitat loss, human–wildlife conflict and the illegal wildlife trade.

From October to March, Oceans 2 Earth Volunteers (O2E) coordinates the BOSA Volunteer Program, preparing and supporting volunteers through every step of their journey. If you have arrived here via Volunteer World, BOSF, BOSA or Experience Borneo, this listing refers specifically to the program delivered in partnership with O2E during this period.

Volunteers contribute to practical, welfare-focused activities that support BOSF’s rehabilitative work. These include:

• preparing enrichment items that promote natural behaviours

• assisting staff with daily routines that improve animal welfare

• maintaining habitats, forest areas and centre infrastructure

• supporting environmental upkeep such as trail maintenance or vegetation work

• observing BOSF staff as they carry out rehabilitation and welfare tasks

All work follows BOSF’s strict ethical guidelines. Volunteers do not handle orangutans or enter quarantine areas. There are no baby orangutans on this project. Activities are designed to ensure safety, maintain animal autonomy and prevent human–animal imprinting.

💬As a huge orangutan enthusiast, this was definitely the best experience of my life, and I can't wait to repeat it! Hard work, touching moments, exciting explorations, great fun, and laughter. Chiara from Italy.

Many animals at Samboja Lestari have suffered trauma before their rescue. Enrichment helps them build confidence, reduce stress, and develop behaviours necessary for rehabilitation or long-term wellbeing. By assisting with enrichment and habitat care, volunteers directly support the daily quality of life for orangutans and sun bears who depend on this centre for survival.

Your contribution also helps maintain the regenerating forest landscape of Samboja Lestari—an area restored to support wildlife recovery and broader conservation outcomes across East Kalimantan.

Volunteers stay in comfortable lodge-style accommodation located near the centre. Facilities include:

• shared twin rooms (single room upgrades available)

• daily Indonesian-style meals

• filtered drinking water

• Wi-Fi available in common areas

• transport between the lodge and project site

You’ll live within a restored forest environment created specifically for conservation and wildlife welfare.

This program operates October to March, with a minimum stay of 2 weeks.

Volunteer World may allow you to select any date in the calendar; however, all volunteers will be allocated to the closest Sunday start date to your preferred start.
❗Please check your Volunteer World messages and email regularly so O2E can confirm your placement and ensure a smooth booking experience.

To protect yourself, staff, other volunteers and the wildlife in care, the following vaccinations are mandatory:

• COVID-19: minimum 2 doses

• Tetanus: current booster

• Yellow Fever: required only if travelling from an endemic country

In addition, volunteers must provide medical screening results for:

• HIV

• Hepatitis B

• Hepatitis C

• Tuberculosis (TB)*

Tests must be completed within 6 months of your program start date.
*A TB screening method suited to your location and medical context will be outlined in the Medical Health Test PDF, provided after your final payment.

This program suits volunteers who:

• are 18 years or older at the time of travel

• enjoy practical, outdoor work

• are prepared for humid, tropical conditions

• value ethical, observation-based wildlife care

• are comfortable following structured routines

• are committed to animal welfare and conservation ethics