BORNEO CONSERVATION INTERNSHIP

Gain Practical Conservation Skills in Borneo

Set foot in the middle of the tropical rainforests of Borneo on a life-changing Borneo conservation internship in Tawau Hills, East Sabah. This action-packed experience places you at the heart of a passionate local non-governmental organisation, where you will contribute to real conservation work through our specialised “4 E’s” framework: Education, Enforcement to reduce hunting, Enrichment of Habitat, and a sustainable Economy. You will gain valuable conservation skills by restoring habitats, engaging communities, supporting eco-tourism, and assisting in wildlife rescue efforts, all while working alongside experienced conservationists and other experts. Moreover, you will live in one of the world’s most biodiverse ecosystems. Ultimately, this is a unique opportunity to work where your efforts directly protect and restore endangered species and their home.

Your responsibilities & learning opportunities

As a Borneo conservation internship participant, you will take part in diverse local projects and initiatives, including:

Tree planting: Supporting the forest restoration project, which aims to connect fragmented areas in Tawau Hills.
Education: Assisting in workshops and helping educate future generations about local wildlife, environmental threats, and how to make a positive impact.
Conservation Tourism: Supporting the team in promoting sustainable tourism that benefits both wildlife and local communities.
Wildlife Rescue Efforts: Playing a role in animal rescue efforts under supervision, protecting species from threats such as illegal trade and habitat destruction.
Academic Support: We support your academic assignments with qualified on-site mentors who will guide your learning.

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♥ FULL-TIME, VOLUNTEER BASIS
♥ DURATION: 4+ WEEKS
♥ LOCATION: TAWAU HILLS, SABAH, BORNEO
♥ STUDY SUPERVISION available
♥ RM 2500/4 weeks (ACCOMMODATION)
♥ RM 5000 / 8 weeks (ACCOMMODATION)
♥ RM 7000/12 weeks (ACCOMMODATION)
♥ ADDITIONAL SIDE VISITS TO BELURAN, KINABALU PARK SAYAP, AND/OR BRUNEI

Please get in touch if you have any questions
[email protected]

Uncover the Magic of Tawau Hills, Borneo

Deep in the lush rainforests of East Sabah, Borneo, lies Tawau Hills Park – a biodiversity hotspot and a conservation sanctuary. Imagine towering dipterocarp trees, hidden waterfalls, and steamy volcanic hot springs that create a home for an astonishing range of wildlife, from hornbills and orangutans to clouded leopards and colugos.

Tawau Hills Park is a model for preservation, maintaining thousands of hectares of pristine rainforest, ensuring the ecosystems stay whole for many generations to come. Furthermore, conservation initiatives, such as habitat restoration and anti-poaching monitoring, have a key role in the future of this delicate ecosystem.

As a result, Tawau Hills offers you a unique opportunity to contribute meaningfully to the protection of one of the most vibrant and irreplaceable rainforests on Earth!

Additional Conservation Locations

Take your internship further by exploring different locations and conservation projects across Borneo. Each destination offers a different perspective on the island’s incredible biodiversity, from lowland rainforests and mountain ecosystems to some of its most important wildlife habitats.

Beluran

Bordering the Deramakot Forest Reserve, Beluran is part of one of Sabah’s important lowland rainforest landscapes. Its connected forests and rivers provide habitat for iconic species such as orangutans and elephants, while its diverse terrain supports an extraordinary range of wildlife, making it a remarkable destination for discovering Borneo’s biodiversity after dark.

Kinabalu Park (Sayap)

Located at the lesser-known back entrance to Mount Kinabalu, Sayap offers a rare glimpse into Borneo’s sub-montane primary rainforest. With pristine rivers, forest trails, and extraordinary plant diversity, this hidden landscape is a haven for biodiversity, from unique flora to reptiles, amphibians, and the often-overlooked smaller species that play an essential role in the ecosystem.

Brunei

With extensive areas of protected rainforest, Brunei is one of Borneo’s remaining strongholds for biodiversity. Its forests, rivers, and natural landscapes support a remarkable variety of wildlife, from elusive mammals to fascinating reptiles, amphibians, and insects, highlighting the importance of protecting Borneo’s remaining wilderness.

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WHAT YOU CAN OFFER:

A real passion for conservation and the outdoors
Flexibility to adapt to working in a different culture and work environment
Good organisation and project management skills with confident computer literacy
Excellent interpersonal and communication skills
Enjoy outdoor activities at a good level of fitness (e.g., hiking, climbing, water sports)
Creative flair and any experience in content creation or social media is an advantage
Fluent in English; Malay language skills are helpful but not essential
A bachelor’s degree is not required

WHAT YOU CAN GAIN:

Master real conservation skills such as forest rehabilitation, leading educational workshops, and assisting with wildlife rescue operations
Understand integrated conservation strategies in real-world action
Sharpen critical thinking by tackling genuine conservation challenges in the rainforest
Develop hands-on project management and teamwork skills
Cultural immersion by experiencing daily life in East Sabah, connecting with local communities and their traditions
Boost your CV, skills, and credibility to make you stand out in your career
Expand your professional network with like-minded experts
Earn academic credits with support from qualified on-site mentors

ACCOMMODATION AND LOGISTICS

You will stay in a lodge and research centre located near the project site. Accommodation is simple but comfortable, with air-conditioned rooms and shared facilities including a bathroom, cold-water shower, and Western-style toilet. Basic amenities such as blankets, pillows, towels, and power sockets are provided. Based on availability, a private room may be available for an additional RM 1000 per 4 weeks

Transfers to and from Tawau Airport are included in your programme fee. However, you will need to arrange and book your own international and domestic flights to Tawau.

A communal kitchen is available for participants to prepare their own meals during their stay.

Please note that flights, personal insurance, visas, and food are not included in the programme fee.

INTERNSHIP CONDITIONS

This wildlife rescue internship is offered on a voluntary basis.

Due to the nature of the work, which includes long hikes and jungle treks, there are no fixed working hours. Instead, you will follow the daily schedule of the local team, allowing you to fully experience the realities of field-based conservation work.

You will also have the opportunity to earn academic credits by completing assignments supported by qualified on-site mentors, with guidance tailored to your field of study and academic level.

For interns staying eight weeks or longer, there is the opportunity to spend several nights at other project sites for an additional fee. During this time, you may take part in activities such as mammal watching, herping, and nocturnal wildlife tracking, offering a broader insight into conservation efforts in the region.

START DATES:

This project accepts interns throughout the year.

MINIMUM AGE FOR THIS PROJECT: 18 years

Includes:

Accommodation in the dormitory
Transfer from and to Tawau airport
Entrance fees to Tawau Hills Park
24-hour in-country support
On-site mentoring for any academic credits or projects
Certificate of completion

Excludes:

Food (cooking facilities on-site for the use of volunteers and interns)
Flights
Personal insurance
Visa
Additional snacks or drinks
Overnight visits to different locations

Wildlife volunteering and internships

Help us save wildlife and their habitats!

Malaysian Wildlife is a programme by Biodiversity Business, a non-profit organisation. We’re working to protect endangered animals in Asia. We do this by supporting local conservation projects through eco-tourism, volunteer opportunities, and education.