Program Photos
Environmental Conservation and Community Empowerment
Location: Malaysia: Borneo
Program Duration: 1-2 weeks, 2-4 weeks, 5-8 weeks, 9-12 weeks
Typical Duration of Program: 2-4 weeks
Dates: All year round.
The Arches North Campus Incubator Sackville St Manchester, M60 1QD England
Call Us
Phone: 0161 870 6212
Description
This volunteer project in Borneo is based on the banks of the stunning Kinabatangan River; an extremely biologically diverse area where orangutans, gibbons, proboscis monkeys, langur monkeys, Borneo pygmy elephants, crocodiles and a whole host of wild and wonderful bird species live. This project is a unique initiative that is run for the community by the community. It was set up to protect the forest habitat, wildlife and biodiversity of the local area while preserving the livelihood of the local population. Volunteers get involved with conservation and community work during their stay meaning that everyone who lives in the area benefits from the work being done, from the orangutans to their slightly less hairy cousins - humans!
Highlights
The area you will be staying in is quite rural. Once you finished your project you can head down to the small shopping area where you can snack on scrumptious Indian roti and dahl and drink chai (Indian tea). There's plenty of children in the local area so you can join them for a game of volleyball or football, or you can just hang out in your homestay. The majority of the time you will be sharing your homestay (and sometimes your room) with other volunteers and the homestays are fairly close together so you will never be far from other volunteers to spend your evening with. All volunteers also get the opportunity to spend 2 nights in the eco-camp that is run by the project.
There are a number of national parks within a few hours of the project including Sepilok, Danum Vally, Sipadan Island and the Tabin Nature Reserve the largest wildlife reserve in Sabah. Here you can see rhinos, elephants and orangutans in their natural environment.
Mount Kinabalu
At 4095 metres high, Mount Kinabalu is South East Asia's highest peak. A UNESCO World Heritage site, Mount Kinabalu and it's surrounding areas are one of the most popular biological sites in the world with over 4500 species of plant, 326 species of birds, and 100 mammalian species identified, including orangutans and many varieties of monkeys. If you choose to climb Kinabalu you'll spend a night in sleeping in basic rooms on the mountain and then get up at 4am in order to reach the summit at sunrise a truly spectacular experience!
Tabin Wildlife Reserve
The Tabin Wildlife Reserve is the largest wildlife reserve in Malaysia. It was created in 1984 primarily because of the large number of animals that inhabited it's forests many of which are highly endangered. Among the species that reside within the reserve are: the Borneon Pygmy Elephant, Sumatran Rhinoceros and Tembadau; nine species of primate including orangutans, as well as three species of cats all of which are on the protected wildlife list. The reserve is thought of as one of best areas for wildlife viewing. Another highlight of a visit to Tabin are it's active and mineral-rich mud volcanoes, which attract frequent visits from wildlife for their mineral intake and present an ideal platform for wildlife observation and bird-watching.
Turtle Islands
This idyllic little cluster of islands straddles the Malaysian and Philippine boundaries lying within the Sulu Seas. Turtle Islands are generally regarded one of the best destinations in Malaysia for their unique marine wildlife and also, most importantly, as the primary breeding ground for Green turtles in all of South East Asia. On most evenings, masses of turtles make their journey to the beach to lay their eggs.
Qualifications
Experience and passion for working in the community and interacting with the people are needed. Participants must also possess enthusiasm and a willingness to learn about the environment and the place's culture.
Languages
- English
Cost in US$:
Please see website.
Cost Include Description:
* Accommodation: Single or shared room in a homestay
* Food: 3 meals per day
* Airport pick up and drop off
* Training: Pre-departure information pack, on-site Orientation and project induction provided
* Daily transfers to and from your project.
* Support: 24 hour support from on-site coordinator
* Activities: All volunteers get the chance to learn local cooking and dancing. Staff can help you to plan your weekend activities.
Credit Available
no
Volunteer Types
- Building Maintenance
- Community Development
- Environment
- Natural Resources
- Planting
- Teaching
- Wildlife Surveying
Typical Volunteer
A Kaya volunteer shows enthusiasm, spirit and life to stimulate and bring something new to the residents; love, patience and a listening ear for the people; and a good motivator with a positive and optimistic attitude.Age Range
Must be at least 18 years old.This Program is open to
Worldwide Participant. This Program is also open to Families, Couples and Individuals.
Typical Living Arrangements
- Home-stays
Participants Travel to Malaysia
Independently or in Groups
Application Process Involves
- Online Application plus Application Assessment
Post Services Include
- Alumni Network
Kaya Responsible Travel's Mission Statement
Kaya's mission is to promote sustainable social, environmental and economic development, empower communities and cultivate educated, compassionate global citizens through responsible travel.
Year Founded
2008
