Volunteer Experiences - Orangutan and Tribes Tour

Posted by Connor Whelan on 25th Jan 2016

The latest volunteer to help us out by telling us all about their experiences on one of our trips is Angela. She was fortunate enough to head over to Borneo to take part in the Orangutan and Tribes Tour, so without further ado I’ll let Angela take it from here!

What would you say was the highlight of your trip?

Everything!! It was my first visit to Borneo and my first time using The Great Projects and every part of my trip exceeded my expectations. The most exciting part was when we were trekking in the jungle and we were lucky enough to see a baby orangutan (see the below picture) and its mother, high up in the trees, Alvin (our amazing guide) had said that it had been the first time in over a year that a wild orangutan had been seen so we felt quite privileged. I still remember the moment that we saw them, everyone went silent and you could literally hear everyone's jaws drop!! The mother swung through the trees and her baby jumped onto her and within seconds they were gone. Being able to interact with the Iban Tribe was also a fantastic experience, they were so lovely and appreciative of the gifts we brought and they gave us a fabulous night of entertainment.

Would you go back or on any other projects?

I would love to go back however I try not to go back to the same place twice. I would hate for a second visit not to be as amazing as the first. I have booked up to go on the Great Gorilla Project with the Great Projects on 31st October this year and I am looking forward to it!

Have any tips for new travellers?

Pack very light and take clothes that dry quickly. For the particular trip I was on it was organised for our clothes to be laundered which was very helpful. Take a few waterproof bags, although we were given some we had to share and it would have been easier to have our own. Listen to the guides, they are the experts and they have your safety in mind. You should also follow the Facebook page and get tips from previous travellers.

Did this trip inspire you to help animal conservation in any other ways?

The trip highlighted different organisations that help to try and save the orangutans that I wasn't fully aware of before and have since donated and raised money for.

Why do you think people need to travel?

The world is such a large place that needs to be experienced, this is another reason I do not like to go back to the same place twice. I love learning about different countries, their cultures and their food. I also love meeting new people.

It sounds like Angela had an amazing time on her trip, and if you would like to find out more about the tour then you can do so here!

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