We recently received a lovely review from one of our volunteers about her experience on the Samboja Lestari Orangutan Volunteer Project and, after chatting a little more to the lady herself, the lovely Marion Franke has been kind enough to share even more of her wonderful experience with us! Find out what it is that Marion loved so much about her time in Borneo by reading her blog entry below.
What was the highlight of your trip?
Everyone will take something else away from this experience as every day had its highlight. The one constant I will remember from Samboja is the incredibly closeness you experience with the orangutans and how amazing it feels to be able to contribute in even a very small way to ensure their future. Being able to spend so much time observing the orangutans and helping to make their life at Samboja as natural as possible in a group of like-minded people has been one of the best experiences ever.
Would you like to return to Samboja, or even check out any other volunteer projects?
I wish I was still there and would definitely like to return at some point, even just to see the work we started closer to being complete, and to say ‘hello’ to the incredible people who run the project at Samboja. It has certainly inspired me to do more volunteering.
What are your tips for new travellers?
Bring items listed on the wishlist (facemasks, surgical gloves, raisins, etc); the project needs plenty, so it really helps. Take lots of T-shirts, socks and at least 2-3 long or knee-length trousers. Humidity makes it really hard to dry anything and you will long for a clean, dry pair of socks in your wellies!
If you had to describe your trip in 3 words, what would they be?
Emotional, amazing, adventure.
Did the trip inspire you to help animal conservation in any other ways?
Experiencing the efforts and difficulties conservationists face first hand highlights the urgency to not only find out more about how to help, but also to share and inspire others to join us.
Why do you think people need to travel?
Travelling as a volunteer lets you see the essence and beauty of our world whilst giving something back at the same time. If you immerse yourself and don’t just approach it as a tick list, it will enrich your life and those you meet.
Any final things you’d like to share?
The whole stay was just a wonderful and enriching experience. I would like to give a big thank you to everyone at the Great Projects, from staff here in the UK and particularly to Kate and her team on location. Kate is an incredible person and plays a big role in making this such an amazing experience.
Love the sound of Samboja Lestari? Check out ourproject page now to find your space on this brilliant volunteer trip!
