Program Photos

Unique Orang-Utan Projects in Malaysia.. Baby Orang-Utans!!

Location: Malaysia: Sandakan

Program Duration: 5-8 weeks

Dates: Available all year round.

Travellers Worldwide

http://www.travellersworldwide.com

Suite 2A, Caravelle House 17/19 Goring Road Worthing, West Sussex BN12 4AP England

Call Us

Phone: 0044 (0)1903 502 595 / 0845 3 447 585

Fax: 0044 (0)1903 708179

Description

Volunteer in the flamboyance of Malaysia is breathtaking - this is a country where the sun shines, the sea is crystal clear and there are endless coconut, banana and palm trees! The Orang-Utan is one of the most endangered of Malaysian wildlife species. Found only in Borneo and Sumatra, the Orang-Utans' survival is constantly threatened by forest fires, felling of trees, poaching and illegal hunting. Be a part of the plan to save these amazing creatures and be appreciated by local staff at the center and the orang-utans! They know that you are there to help them!

PROJECT OVERVIEW:
The Sepilok Orang-Utan Rehabilitation Centre Project is located near Sandakan, in Malaysian Borneo and was set up as a means of housing injured or orphaned Orang-Utans. The aim is to care for them and nurse them back to health before they can be released into the forest.

Many Orang-Utans that end up here have strayed into logging camps or been rescued from captivity. Many are orphaned babies that cannot survive in the forest alone. When the rescued Orang-Utans first arrive at the centre, they are often in a sorry state and riddled with diseases. They are put into cages while they're treated for their ailments and nursed back to health. The wardens then teach them how to forage for fruit, climb trees and generally fend for themselves.

When they are mid-way through the rehabilitation process they are released into the surrounding forest reserve. The animals then spend most of their time in the forest but often return to one of the Centre's five feeding platforms for a "free" meal. When the wardens feel that that an Orang-Utan is fully rehabilitated, it is caught and returned to the wild - usually deep in the forest or to one of the National Parks or Wildlife Sanctuaries.

YOUR WORK AT SEPILOK
Your duties may vary depending on what is required at the time. During your placement it is likely that you will:
--> Learn about Orang-Utan Husbandry Management by working in both the Indoor and Outdoor Nursery.
--> Learn about Orang-Utan Paediatric and Veterinary Care.
--> Conduct a Field Survey on the Orang-utan population in Sepilok Reserve.
--> Conduct a Nocturnal Animal survey.

Work will be done on a rotational basis, with different groups of volunteers working within each of the different departments outlined above. You'll spend about 50% of your time working in direct hands-on contact with the Orang-Utans and about 50% of your time will involve helping support the conservation efforts of the centre (e.g conducting surveys, trekking in the jungle etc).

Highlights

OUR PARTICIPANTS SAY...
"For me, the relationships we developed with the orang utans made each day a special one whether it was giving Anne a bath; watching Rosalinda sleeping in her hammock; giving Joey a cuddle; trying to stop Amoi from running underneath the buildings; taking the babies out on the ropes; watching those orang utans who have already been rehabilitated swinging in the trees; or hundreds of other experiences we had each day that made us realise how lucky we were to be there." Michelle Hatfield

ACCOMMODATION
Accommodation at Sepilok will be in the nearby Sepilok Rest House. This is a privately run Bed and Breakfast which comprises basic but clean facilities. The Sepilok Rest House is located at the entrance to the Orang-Utan centre and just a few minutes walk from here takes you to the edge of the tropical virgin rainforest and a wide expanse of lush jungle.
Volunteers are required to share rooms (usually two or three to a room) and food will be provided at the rest house. The owner (Mr Chong) and his staff are very friendly and will ensure that you are made to feel at home!

During your time spent at the Nature Interpretation Centre you will stay in accommodation in the nearby town of Tuaran, around 15 minutes away from the centre.

Malaysia has lovely weather all year round with lots of sunshine and you will have some time during your free days to explore the local region and visit some of the tourist attractions.

WHAT TO DO NEXT
-> Talk to us - We're there to help you. Most of our team are ex Travellers volunteers and are ideally qualified to offer advice and guidance because they know what you're looking for. They'll help you find your perfect project - and then make it all happen!
--> If you'd like more information about this or any of our projects, please email or call us! If you'd like to apply for this project, please go to our website and complete the application form. As soon as we receive it, we'll liaise with you and then start making your travel adventure happen.
--> It's as easy as that.

Travel Types
  • Volunteering
Degree Level

Bachelors Degree (Undergraduate)

Qualifications

No qualifications or previous experience are necessary, just a good dose of enthusiasm! Everyone is welcome on a Travellers programme, whether gap year, undergraduate, on a career break - or even retired! From 17 years old upwards, and all nationalities. This placement would suit anyone who wants to make a real difference, wants first-hand experience of a different culture and has initiative.

Languages
  • English

Cost in US$:

Cost is 4,495 for the 8 week project

Cost Include Description:

Full support from the moment of booking and throughout your placement to your return home. There are support staff 24/7 in all our destinations worldwide and a 24 hour emergency international telephone line direct to the Head Office. All meals are provided, unless otherwise stated. Accommodation is provided (whether a rented house, a hotel/hostel, homestay, apartment or flat).

You'll be met at the nearest airport on your arrival by our in-country manager who will take you to your accommodation and give you a full induction into the area. He/she will also be on call 24/7 and you'll see them frequently.

Pre-departure you'll receive comprehensive information about every aspect of your placement and necessary preparations, ranging from what to pack, to visa information, to what to do on your weekend travel in the country. Your safety, well being and happiness throughout your placement are our primary concerns and we will keep in touch with you throughout. International flights not included.

Credit Available

no

Volunteer Types
  • animal welfare
  • anthropology
  • conservation
  • education
  • reforestation
  • volunteering
Typical Volunteer
This placement would suit people who want to make a real difference, want first-hand experience of a different culture and who have initiative. No qualifications or previous experience are necessary, just a good dose of enthusiasm and a love of children! Everyone is welcome on a Travellers programme, whether gap year, undergraduate, on a career break - or even retired! From 17 years old upwards, and all nationalities.
Age Range
Everyone welcome from 17 years old up to 70+
This Program is open to

American, Asian, Australian, Canadian, European, Kiwi, South African, Worldwide Participant. This Program is also open to Families, Couples and Individuals.

Typical Living Arrangements
  • Apartment/Flat
  • Dormitory
  • Group living

Application Process Involves
  • Letters of Reference
  • Online Application plus Application Assessment
  • Resume
Typically The Application Process Time is
within 5 working days
Post Services Include
  • Exit Debriefing Abroad
  • Re-Entry Debriefing at Home
Travellers Worldwide's Mission Statement

Travellers Worldwide organises all types of worthwhile and beneficial voluntary placements in local communities. We also provide Work Experience & Internship opportunities, as well as different types of Courses and study abroad options. We have many diverse projects, from teaching underprivileged or refugee children in schools, orphanages and care homes, to conservation and rehabilitation of endangered animals, such as orangutans, lion cubs, dolphins, elephants. Our aim is to make a difference to the communities we work in and to facilitate personal and professional growth in our volunteers. We employ local people in our destination countries and local providers of goods and services, thus ensuring we have a positive impact on the community. Our ethos encompasses mutual respect, cultural exchange, responsible travel and a beneficial outcome for all. Travellers also arranges work experience placements in Journalism, Law, Veterinary, Medicine, Tourism, Architecture, and many more. There are also opportunities to learn languages and other skills such as Capoeira in Brazil, Tango in Argentina or Flying in South Africa. These projects are unique - and tailored to suit you! Our placements are flexible (2 weeks to 1 year) and on most you can choose your own start and finish dates. No qualifications are required, just an enthusiasm to experience a new culture! Full support is provided within the country, with friendly and conscientious staff, ensuring a safe and exciting way to experience a brand new culture! Placements are also very sociable: you'll make friends with the other international volunteers and often volunteers travel together after their placement and during their free weekends. We help you to Make a Difference and have an exciting adventure travel experience!

Year Founded

1995

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