Arrival
You will be met at the airport and transferred to the sanctuary by a project representative. You will then settle in and get to know your fellow volunteers before a brief orientation by the project facilitator.
Project Days
A typical day will involve morning and afternoon activities with breakfast, lunch and dinner provided. Enrichment will be the primary activity you will complete on this project, but you will also participate in many other exciting activities! Take a look below to see what you could be involved in as a volunteer at this orangutan sanctuary.
Enrichment
Enrichment is at the heart of this project, and as a volunteer, you'll play a key role in crafting and distributing various enrichment items like hammocks, ice treats, coconut husks, and bamboo goodies. You'll also gather leaves and branches for the orangutans to build their nightly nests. This enrichment promotes natural behaviours, reduces stress, and keeps up the essential skills they'll need for release back into the wild.
Orangutan Observation
You'll embark on two river cruises around the orangutan islands, where orangutans in the final stages of rehabilitation practice their forest skills before being released into the wild. From the boat, you'll spot these remarkable apes, learn about the rehabilitation work of the Borneo Orangutan Survival Foundation (BOSF), and get to know some of the orangutans' personalities. Later in your itinerary, you'll head deeper into the jungle with the technicians to observe the apes up close and witness their behaviours firsthand!
Observe Orangutans at Baby Playground
If you're a fan of the TV series Orangutan Jungle School, you'll treasure the chance to quietly watch the baby orangutans returning from a day at forest school. From a respectful distance, you'll see them unwind on their playground - possibly one you helped build - after a day filled with learning and play. This is an enriching experience where you'll witness the early stages of rehabilitation.
Construction and Maintenance
Volunteers frequently help with construction and repairs that are needed at the sanctuary. This typically involves building platforms and play structures for the orangutan playground! With a new island being developed for orangutans unable to return to the wild, upcoming projects will include constructing feeding and observation platforms. Whether you're building or maintaining, your work will enhance the lives of the orangutans for years to come.
Reforestation & Tree Care
Human-driven habitat loss is the main reason orangutans rely on the care provided by BOSF, which is why volunteers participate in reforestation and tree care efforts. Whether restoring a degraded forest patch or planting on new orangutan islands, you'll be essential in reviving areas where native trees are needed. You'll also support young saplings by watering, mulching, and clearing invasive weeds.
Veterinary Clinic Tour
A fascinating tour of the Nyaru Menteng Orangutan Sanctuary's veterinary clinic, led by the renowned Dr Arga (featured in Orangutan Jungle School), offers volunteers a unique educational experience. Dr Arga will share valuable insights into BOSF's operations, the common health challenges orangutans face, the urgent threats to their survival, and the extensive care and rehabilitation efforts in place.
Bukit Tangkiling
Volunteers embark on a journey to Bukit Tangkiling to experience local culture and enjoy a picturesque hike up the hillside. As you climb the terrain, you'll come across various traditional Dayak shrines, culminating in breathtaking views of the expansive primary rainforest below. You'll explore the legend of Bukit Tangkiling and visit a small Hindu temple, immersing yourself in the local way of life.
Traditional Night Market
One evening, you'll explore a traditional local night market. With few tourists present, you'll have a unique chance to interact with locals, browse colourful stalls, and savour authentic regional dishes. This market serves as a hub for residents to shop for their daily essentials and groceries, providing a genuine insight into the heart of Indonesian culture and lifestyle.
Coconut Café
While participating in the project, you'll visit a permaculture and sustainable farm, and it's onsite cafe. As you gather coconut husks to create enrichment items for the orangutans, you'll have the opportunity to explore the farm and taste delicious treats like stingless bee honey and coconut brownies! Additionally, the café is a venue for live music, so you can relax with your sustainable snacks while enjoying a local performance!
