If the first group of 2026 on the Samboja Lestari Orangutan Volunteer Project is anything to go by, it’s going to be an amazing year!
From the moment our first group arrived, the team slotted straight into life in Borneo, no easing in, no hesitation, just teamwork, muddy boots, and a clear willingness to get stuck in where it matters most. Which is what wildlife volunteering in Borneo is all about: practical conservation work, close collaboration with local technicians, and plenty of time spent directly caring for and enriching rescued orangutans and sun bears.
Enrichment, Tree Planting & Life on The Project
As always, enrichment played a central role in the itinerary. Our volunteers spent time creating and collecting enrichment for both the sun bears and orangutans, helping to stimulate natural behaviours and keep the animals engaged and on the move. One of the most rewarding parts of the bear and orangutan conservation work at Samboja Lestari is its hands-on, creative nature.
Out in the enclosures, the group also took on tree planting for the sun bears. Some habitats are still developing and don’t yet have the taller trees needed to fully enrich the environment, so this work plays an important role in shaping more natural spaces for the bears in the future.
It’s not the kind of task that grabs attention at first glance, but it’s exactly the kind of work that quietly builds something better over time.
Building, Maintaining & Making a Difference
The team also headed out to the island moat for maintenance, working on one of the islands that needed a bit of extra attention. It’s practical, physical work that keeps the islands safe and functioning properly, and a good reminder that conservation is as much about maintenance as it is about new projects!
The biggest task for the first group was the construction of an erosion barrier in an area where young orangutans sleep at night. Working alongside the technicians, volunteers built a wooden structure and reinforced it with soil to help protect the night enclosures from future erosion.
Team effort, problem-solving, coordination, and a fair amount of digging came together to provide a genuine example of how volunteer conservation work in Borneo delivers real, tangible impact.
The Best Part: Time with the Animals
Of course, no day at Samboja Lestari is complete without time spent observing the animals.
The group had the chance to watch both orangutans and sun bears going about their day, with some particularly memorable moments from Jujun and Vera, the newest residents on Island 6. Curious as ever, they kept a close eye on their new human neighbours, reminding everyone just how intelligent and observant these animals are.
Sun bears APang and Borela, pictured above, also gave our volunteers a reason to smile every day with their personalities becoming more apparent as the weeks went on!
Last-Minute Offer: Save 10% on Selected 2026 Trips
If the Samboja Lestari Orangutan Volunteer Project has been on your list, this is a great time to make it happen.
We’re currently offering 10% off when you travel before 31st July, making it easier to join a wildlife volunteering experience in Borneo this year.
It’s a chance to get involved in hands-on orangutan and sun bear conservation while supporting long-term work at the sanctuary, and experience life on the project for yourself.
Getting to Borneo: Still Straightforward with the Right Route
You may have seen that some long-haul flight routes have shifted recently due to the conflict in the Middle East. While this has understandably raised questions about long-haul travel, getting to Borneo is still very achievable with the right route. There are still plenty of flight options available that avoid affected airspace, and journeys are operating smoothly with a bit of forward planning.
To make things easier, we’ve put together a simple guide on our blog about recommended routes and practical travel advice: Flying from the UK to Southeast Asia - Avoiding the Middle East. And if you’d prefer support, our travel experts are always on hand to help plan the smoothest journey for your trip!
A Great Start to the Year
A huge thank you to Deborah, Matthew, David, Kimberley, Barbara, Ange, Grace, Rika and Paola for bringing such great energy to the first group of 2026, and for capturing some fantastic moments with the orangutans along the way.
If this is how the year is starting at Samboja Lestari, we’re in for something special!
