A varied and flexible volunteering experience in North Sumatra
Uniquely, this project offers the chance to observe the elusive Sumatran orangutan in the wild! The location is a conservation sanctuary in the north of the Indonesian island of Sumatra, on the edge of the UNESCO-listed Gunung Leuser National Park. You can volunteer for a range of activities to help protect this vital wildlife buffer zone: mapping the environment and surveys of the local animal species that include orangutans and tigers. Additionally, you can participate in tree planting in this biodiversity hotspot and community recycling.
Apart from the wide choice of activities, you can also pick your duration from 1 to 8 weeks for maximum flexibility.
Immerse yourself in the rainforest and its wildlife
Reassuringly, this volunteering project is rooted in the local community and run by passionate local people. You have the chance for genuine hands-on conservation by helping with monitoring the wildlife and forest, tree-planting, and recycling activities. You will be based close to a local village, allowing you to experience the local culture and village life. Moreover, you will be surrounded by the sights and sounds of the jungle. Get to know the local wild orangutans. Often, you will see different types of wild monkeys, such as Thomas leaf monkeys, silver monkeys, and macaques. Plus an abundance of other animals, from slow lorises to big lizards, and many beautiful tropical birds, insects, and butterflies.
Most importantly, by volunteering at this conservation project in North Sumatra, you will definitely make an impact to protect the critically endangered Sumatran orangutans. The island has suffered significant forest cover loss in the past decades. Consequently, the amazing ecosystem of Gunung Leuser is under threat. It represents the last remaining habitat where you can see tigers, orangutans, elephants, and rhinos together. At present, as the population continues to decrease, an estimated 7,000 Sumatran orangutans are left in this wild place.
INCLUDES ACCOMMODATION, FOOD, AND ALL ACTIVITIES WITH AN EXPERT GUIDE
MINIMUM AGE: 18 years and above
MINIMUM STAY: 1 week
MINIMUM NUMBER: ONE
VOLUNTEERING ACTIVITIES:
♥ OBSERVE WILD ORANGUTANS
♥ ENVIRONMENTAL MAPPING
♥ TREE PLANTING IN THE FOREST
US$ 490 for 1 week
US$ 770 for 2 weeks
This was the best ever. From the welcoming to the local mood, everything was very warm! This travel has for sure changed my perception of the world, especially of the way people can live in wild places ”
Eugene, from France.
ITINERARY AND ACTIVITIES
Day 1: Introduction Day
You will fly into Medan (Kuala Namu (KNO)) airport, Sumatra, to begin your jungle adventure at the conservation project site! It is a 4-hour drive to the project site from the Medan Airport. We will arrange a private car transfer from the airport to the project site. Plus a motorbike ride for you and your luggage to transport you for the last 20 minutes to reach the jungle volunteer base. On arrival at the project site, you will be given an introduction and orientation to the programme and the intended daily schedule.
Day 2 – 6: A Typical Day
A typical day’s volunteering activities are made up of a combination of our environmental and educational volunteer activities:
6.30 am – Early morning wildlife monitoring: GPS, photograph, and record sightings. This is often the time of day when the animals are most active!
8.00 am – Help with the preparation of your breakfast
10.00 am – Start morning activities with volunteer conservation wildlife monitoring
12.00 pm Help with the preparation of lunch.
1.00 pm to 3.00 pm – rest time or optional activities for you to choose from, such as conservation talks, data entry of the monitoring sheets, plastics recycling, plant nursery, and language lessons
3.00 pm to 5.00 pm – Afternoon activities
Afternoon wildlife monitoring.
If not monitoring, continue with the conservation program’s environmental monitoring, surveying, and establishing wildlife corridor activities (see detailed conservation program).
5.30 pm – Help with the preparation of dinner.
6.30 pm – Dinner
7.30-10.30 pm – Evening Activities and Free Time.
Optional night walk to spot slow loris, civet cat, leopard cat, or porcupine; GPS; photograph and record sightings on some evenings, once or twice a week.
Other optional evening activities can include relaxing and playing cards and games, guitar and campfire on some evenings, and our Indonesian/English exchange with the team and neighbours.
Each evening, volunteers have an opportunity to share their experiences for that day and plan for the next day’s activities.
11 pm Sunday to Friday—Lights out! Volunteers retire for the night. We ask you to please respect the other volunteers and the staff.
Day 7: A Day Off
Choose from a wide range of activities in your free time on weekends (cost extra), ranging from
- Traditional massage ($20 pp)
Rock scrambling, open caving adventure (2-3 hours). $45 pp with guide
3-hour motorbike tour of the villages and rice fields, visit cottage industries, rice hulling and drying, palm sugar, tofu, bamboo weaving (price $55 pp)
Full-day activity. Walking to the Selang Pangeran Waterfall (easy 2–2.5 hour walk one way, Fitness average), returning at 5 pm by motorbike (price $95 pp includes lunch)
Hot springs day trip by 4wd including lunch ($120 pp, min. 2) - More activities available; ask our coordinator
Please note that this schedule shows a typical week but can be subject to change due to bad weather or other unforeseen circumstances.
HOW TO BOOK
PRICING FOR INTERNATIONAL BOOKINGS
START DATES:
This project accepts volunteers throughout the year, but restrictions may apply for holidays such as Ramadan and the New Year.
MINIMUM AGE FOR THIS PROJECT: 18 years
MINIMUM NUMBER: One, suitable for singles, couples, families, and groups