Rewarding conservation work with Orang-Utans, the Sepilok Orang-Utan Rehabilitation Centre is located near Sandakan, in Malaysian Borneo. This centre was set up as a means of housing injured or orphaned Orang-Utans, caring for them and nursing 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.
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.
What will I do
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).
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!
Additional activities you can add on to this project
Add to your travel experience in Brazil by doing some additional exciting activities - you never know, you could develop a passion for Latin American dance, or learn a new skill!
- PADI Open Water Diving Courses
- Scuba Diving on Mabul Island
- Climb Mount Kinabalu Excursion
- Day Tours around Borneo
- Turtle Islands Park
- Turtles and Primates Excursion
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 to apply for this project. Visit 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.