Itinerary

Day 1(3rd): Arrive in Kuching, Sarawak, Borneo (airport code KCH). You will be met at the airport and transferred to the guesthouse for a welcome dinner and to meet all your fellow volunteers.
Day 2 (4th): Orangutan & Animal Wildlife Centre. You will have breakfast and then transfer to the wildlife centre to meet the centres’ English facilitator and of course all the animals at the centre including the amazing orangutans.
Day 3 (5th): Work at the Orangutan centre. Today you will get the opportunity to work behind the scenes with the staff at a busy rehabilitation centre to help with everyday tasks such as the feeding of the animals, the cleaning of enclosures and the orangutan enrichment. Please note there will be no touching or holding of orangutan or other animals for their safety and yours.
Days 4 & 5 (6th & 7th) Bako National Park. You will work with the orangutans in the morning and at mid-day head for Bako National Park having lunch on the way.

After a short boat ride you will reach Sarawak’s oldest national park and settle into the chalets provided. There is an optional night walk in jungle. The jungle trails at Bako are varied and beautiful, taking visitors through 5 different kinds of rainforest. There are numerous idyllic sandy beaches that are safe to swim from against the backdrop of lush tropical rainforest.
Day 6 (8th) Bako National Park and Damai beach. After a final morning you will transfer to Damai beach. Here you will spend the night in the very comfortable accommodation of Permai Rainforest Resort.
Day 7 (9th): Sarawak Cultural Village. Visit the cultural village, a ‘living museum’ to the Dayaks (indigenous tribes) of Borneo; including the famous head-hunters and fearsome. All are represented in colourful traditional dress in a realistic representation of how these tribes lived their lives inside a rainforest; there are demonstrations of their crafts, dances and traditions.

In the afternoon transfer back to Kuching, for your final night in the guesthouse before departing for Batang Ai.
Day 8 (10th): Semenggoh Rehabilitation Centre & Transfer to Batang Ai - Orangutan country! Early morning you will visit the Semenggoh orangutan rehabilitation centre at feeding time for the semi-wild orangutan. This is an amazing photograph opportunity and a chance to really observe how the largest arboreal animal in the world navigates through the trees. You will then travel to Batang Ai National Park. When you reach the mountainous border with Indonesia, you will transfer to light weight traditional longboats and begin a boat journey into the heart of Borneo through the untouched tropical rainforest looking out for the wildlife that lies within. That evening you will find yourself in the vast garden of the remaining wild orangutan.

Day 9-12 (11th-14th): Batang Ai rainforest. Regular activities include walks into the surrounding rainforest in search of its elusive inhabitants - the orangutan and other wildlife. You can also learn traditional handicrafts, cooking and survival or fishing as well as have the opportunity to talk (with translation) with the tribes people. There will be picnics amidst breath-taking scenery; a night out in the open jungle for the more adventurous; and kayaking or swimming in crocodile-free, jungle rivers and waterfalls.
Day 13 (15th): Transfer back to Kuching and for those who want to see more orangutans there is an opportunity to visit the Semenggoh rehabilitation centre on the return journey. Then back to beds and a warm shower at the guesthouse before getting some sleep ready for your departure tomorrow.
Day 14 (16th): Departure. Transfer to Kuching airport for your return or onward journey.

Duties

On this tour you will discover more about the positive conservation efforts being made, uncovering some of the existing problems and some of the solutions to sustaining orangutan populations in the safe havens of Malaysia.

With the extinction of orangutans being predicted in 20 years, you can help be part of a possible solution. On this project your money goes directly into supporting the rehabilitation of the orangutans that you will visit. You will also be helping to support the Iban tribes with ecotourism money. This gives them the means to protect their native jungle where wild orangutans live in peace and harmony, it helps them afford education and healthcare for their children and allows them to live in a traditional manner within their long house communities whilst still meeting their modern aspirations.

Since this a voluntour, you should go with an open mind, appreciating the opportunity to discover new lifestyles and cultures, enjoying yourself, learning more about orangutans and their conservation and interacting with your fellow travellers.

Your actions and attitude towards your host community are paramount to its success. You will be entering a culture and lifestyle very different to that which you are used to. By adopting your responsibilities and being open to everything this tour has to offer, you will not only improve the quality of your experience but, more importantly, improve the quality of life for the host destination.

What Makes this Project Great

Your tour employs local guides and supports local communities wishing to live in harmony with their rainforest home and demonstrates that orangutans and forests are worth more alive than chopped down. This is a virtuous circle, generating interest within the local community and authorities to place value on their natural heritage and virtually guarantees the protection of orangutan populations in this area.

You will gain an insight into the world of the orangutan and learn more about conservation. You will experience a meaningful holiday that you will be able to share with others, increasing the awareness of this amazing great ape.

FAQs

Is there an age limit?
Travellers should be aged 18 or over though there are no upper age restrictions. The only provision is that you are fit and healthy.
What level of fitness is needed on this placement?
The small amount of work you will be involved with for the first 2 days at the wildlife centre is physical and the temperature high so volunteers should have a decent fitness level. Please note that the terrain in the National Parks is hilly and you will be expected to be able to jungle trek in hot and humid environments, if you cannot you will be left behind so it is worth undertaking a fitness regime beforehand.
I don't like bugs, will I see many?
You are entering the Rainforest. You will see a large selection of bugs, insects and reptiles alike. An open mind is all that is needed to maximise enjoyment of this programme. The guides are there to ensure your safety.

During jungle trekking there will always be a guide leading you, ensuring the pathway is safe and there will be a guide following your group. If you return to your accommodation to find an unwanted visitor go to your guide who will help.
Where will my donation go?
Donations are spent on:
1. On-going project work at Matang Wildlife Centre, which is the location of the flagship volunteering program The Great Orangutan Project
2. Wider conservation efforts undertaken in partnership with Sarawak Forestry Corporation
3. Reforestation - helping to create more species diverse forest by planting primary rainforest species under the pioneer tree canopy ( such as dipterocarpaceae, fabaceae and malvaceae) in certain areas. You may also be adding fruiting tree species to wild orangutan habitat.

Is insurance needed?
Yes, insurance is compulsory and without it you will not be allowed to go jungle trekking. You should specifically mention to your insurance company that you will be jungle trekking and spending time around semi wild animals. We can offer insurance if needed.
Can I talk to previous volunteers?
Yes, and we encourage you to do so. If you have a Facebook account you can join our The Great Projects' page where many of our previous volunteers post photos and talk about their experiences. You can also find out more in by visiting our reviews section.

How do I go about booking my flights?
Please try to book your flights as far as possible in advance of your departure as flights become more expensive with time. We will provide you with some additional information in the 'Know Before You Go' pack that we send when we have received your deposit. If you have any difficulties feel free to contact our support team.
Do I need a mosquito net?
Volunteers sometimes leave behind their mosquito nets but we cannot guarantee availability so if in any doubt please bring your own.

For more FAQs please see our FAQ section here

Reviews

Andrea Willis gives this project 8/10
What were the highlights of your trip that you could not wait to tell your friends about?
I really enjoyed spending time with the Iban community when staying in the jungle. I also enjoyed visiting Matang Rehabilitation centre and learning about the orangutans from Leo. I got to feed big George a piece of pumpkin!

Fiona Dewey gives this project 9/10
What were the highlights of your trip that you could not wait to tell your friends about?
Seeing the Orangutans was undoubtedly the highlight of the trip! But, also travelling by longboat into the heart of the jungle was also an amazing experience!

Aimee Mattock gives this project 10/10
What were the highlights of your trip that you could not wait to tell your friends about?
Living in the jungle was fab. I really enjoyed meeting the locals and seeing how they live. Also helping out at Matang and being involved with the animals was a total bonus. Oh and the moonshine!

Michelle Holland gives this project 8/10
What were the highlights of your trip that you could not wait to tell your friends about?
It would have to be the trekking in the jungle and meeting the Iban Longhouse people. The people were amazing and so generous to allow us to join them in their house. I had a fabulous time and feel in love with the people. I also really enjoyed getting to know the other volunteers on my trip and Francis our guide was a dream.
Was there a part of the project that changed the way you look at the world or affected you in some way?
Learning about conservation of animals has changed the way that I veiw things like zoos and nature parks. I still understand that they have a place in society, but I am trying to educate my friends about the bigger role of conservation and how it is not just about realising animals from captivity .There is so much more too it. Leo was amazing - Mr Conservation - there is nothing he does not know.

Sherry Mills gives this project 9/10
What were the highlights of your trip that you could not wait to tell your friends about?
Getting close to the orangutans, and other animals, some I had never seen or heard of before, and helping with the cleaning and feeding at Matang. Spending time with the Iban people and staying at the longhouse Bako was lovely and beautiful and restful, and it was great to see the macaques running around

Important Information

Visas
Provided on arrival at airport.
Vaccinations
We recommend a course of malaria tablets and to consult with your local GP about what other vaccines are required. Contact us if you have any queries following consultation with your doctor.
Insurance
You will require special insurance for this project. Please let your insurance company know the nature of your trip. Do not hesitate to contact us with any queries and we will be able to suggest insurance policies relevant to your travels.

Accommodation
Participating in this project you will stay in three very different locations; a boutique guesthouse in Kuching, dormitory accommodation in Matang Wildlife Park and Bako National Park, and in a jungle chalet in Batang Ai.
Kuching: During your time in Kuching, stay in our favourite boutique guesthouse - enjoy all the mod cons such as the internet, television and phones accomodation will be on a shared room basis.
Matang: You will be living on the grounds of the Matang Wildlife Centre that hosts the Great Orangutan Project. It is in an idyllic setting in a remote rainforest area, inside of Kubah National Park, with a small river running through it. There will also be short bursts of rain most days so be prepared for that, and the ground can be slippery under foot. Similar accommodation will be provided at Bako National Park. Telephone communication is excellent in Kuching, Matang and Bako.

In Batang Ai your lodge will be of a very basic, jungle standard. Do not expect high levels of sterility or cleanliness as the jungle simply doesn’t allow for this! Showers are cold, and electricity is run by a generator and therefore not constant – the power is usually off from around 10.30pm. There is no telephone signal in this national park, though your guide will have access to a satellite phone in case of emergencies.

Please read our responsible volunteer policy and orangutan protection policy on responsible volunteering abroad with primates.

What's Included:
• Airport transfers
• Overland transportation
• Single accommodation
• Food (3 meals a day)
• Activities on project site
• Conservation donation.

What's Not Included:
• All flights
• Vaccinations
• Travel insurance
• Alcoholic beverages

Video

Below is the video for The Great Orangutan Project which shows the centre at which volunteers will be staying and working at for part of their trip (The Matang Wildlife Centre).