Ready to learn how to volunteer with orangutans and swing in to make a difference? It might even be in your DNA—humans share 97% of it with these great apes!
Orangutans are the gardeners of the forest, dispersing seeds and opening spaces for sunlight as they move about, which regenerates the forest. But experts estimate that only around 115,000 orangutans are left in the world. So any help from volunteers is a step toward saving these species!
Your hands-on support will often contribute to research, restoration, and rehabilitation. The best part about most volunteer programs with orangutans? They balance out your volunteer tasks with free time for excursions! Outdoor lovers will rejoice in foliage-floundering for canopy walks, trekking, sightseeing, hiking, and wildlife tours.
Here we’ll answer your most common questions and provide steps from application to arrangements. Get ready for an adventure to remember!
Is it a good idea to volunteer with orangutans? Is it ethical?
You can’t beat volunteering with orangutans when you’re looking for a fulfilling and meaningful volunteer opportunity.
Yes, it’s a good idea to volunteer with orangutans! They’re a critically endangered species due to rainforest decimation (primarily for palm oil production), slow reproduction rates, and illegal hunting and pet trade. These great apes could even become extinct in the wild in the next 50 years. Volunteers play a vital role in helping to preserve and protect orangutans.
Ethical volunteer programs won’t allow any direct physical contact with orangutans because they’re highly susceptible to many illnesses from humans. Many orangutans have also suffered mistreatment and traumatic situations, and human contact is counterproductive to their future survival and development.
But take heart, with most programs, you’ll still be able to see them. Programs often need assistance with researching, cleaning, aiding reforestation efforts, educating locals on conservation and sustainability, preparing food and equipment, and providing enrichment, among many other tasks. Needless to say, you can help in a variety of ways!
There’s also strength in numbers—the presence and assistance of volunteers contribute to the effort of saving these cognitively advanced tree-dwelling beauties.
Are there requirements for volunteering with orangutans?
We’ve got you covered if you want to know how to volunteer with orangutans!
The top requirement for most volunteer programs? A positive attitude and a will to lend a helping hand! Onto the nitty gritty, the requirements for volunteering with orangutans will vary by provider, program, and country:
- Age: In most cases, you’ll need to be at least 18, but some programs allow 14- to 17-year-olds with the permission or attendance of a parent or guardian.
- Language: Most programs require English proficiency.
- Vaccinations: These will vary by program. As orangutans can pick up human diseases easily, some programs may require that you’re fully vaccinated against COVID-19 and show negative test results for HIV, hepatitis B/C, and tuberculosis.
- Extra skills: Research-related volunteer programs may require that volunteers are working toward a college degree in subjects like biology, ecology, conservation, or environmental science.
- Passport and visa: You’ll need a passport that’s valid for at least six months beyond your date of arrival for both Malaysia and Indonesia. You may also need a visa:
- Malaysia: Most nationalities can get a 90-day tourist visa upon arrival.
- Indonesia: Most nationalities can get a 30-day visa upon arrival. Some programs may require a Volunteer Visa (C6B), which allows a visit for up to 60 days for an extra cost.
Keep in mind that volunteer work may involve some intensive tasks in a humid environment, so it’s a good idea to have a fair level of fitness.
How to volunteer with orangutans
You’ll be contributing to the research, restoration, and rehabilitation of a beautiful but endangered species.
You may be feeling a combination of excitement and overwhelm! Not to worry, from selecting a program to making the arrangements, you’re in the right place to get a step-by-step breakdown of how to volunteer with orangutans! Plus, we’ll provide some pro tips along the way to help you cover all your bases.
1. Decide when and where to go
Coming up: warm tropical weather, sun-kissed beaches, and sensational rainforests! As orangutans live exclusively in Sumatra and Borneo, you’ll find the majority of programs take place in Indonesia and Malaysia, which have year-round tropical environments. Depending on the program, goals, and your availability, you could choose to volunteer for anywhere between a couple of weeks to six months!
2. Choose a program
Next, browse programs in Malaysia and Indonesia, and choose your duration. Be sure to check that the volunteer tasks, program price inclusions, and free time activities check your boxes. You could also fill out our Online Advisor form and get program matches sent right to your inbox!
3. Meet the requirements
Most programs will have specific age, language, and vaccination requirements you’ll need to meet. If you’re not looking to travel solo, some programs will allow a partner or kids too!
If you’re applying to a research-based program, be sure you meet the specific skills and experience they’re looking for. Providers are always happy to answer any questions you may have about qualifications.
4. Create a budget
Saving up and budgeting ahead of time will help streamline your experience volunteering.
Before you get sticker shock, most program fees include accommodation, food, and some excursions and transportation! Some programs are even as low as $500 a week, and part of the fee often contributes toward conservation.
As an idea, create a separate savings account with automatic deposits to help you save up for the program fee, flight, gear, and other costs in advance. Thankfully, your dollar will go pretty far in Malaysia and Indonesia!
5. Apply for programs
Applying to volunteer with orangutans usually involves meeting requirements and deadlines, uploading specific documentation, and making a deposit. Not to worry, you can often get more information before you apply, such as an itinerary/project guide and a quote.
Most providers have live chats on their site, so you can Q&A in real time. Then, apply and book with confidence!
6. Make the arrangements
You’re ready for the experience of a lifetime.
Once you’ve been accepted (congratulations!), the program provider will often have a timeline in place for your next steps for arrangements and any additional visa documentation. With some programs, you may need to get additional vaccines, medical check-ups, and travel insurance. Then book that flight, pack your suitcase, and gear up for a one-of-a-kind experience abroad!
Get custom program matches from our Online Advisor right now
3 volunteer programs with orangutans to consider
Not sure where to begin your search to help these critically endangered great apes? Whether you’re looking at programs for volunteering with orangutans in Indonesia or Malaysia, we’ve hand-selected three below to help you get started. Each will offer a unique one-of-a-kind experience that may just be calling your name!
1. Best Volunteer Programs in Indonesia
- Why? Volunteer World offers highly rated and in-demand programs with orangutans. You can choose to help with feeding, observation, rehabilitation, construction, and so much more. Most programs offer volunteers three meals a day and lodging right in the rainforest! You’ll also have opportunities for fun activities such as hiking, snorkeling, white water rafting, and immersing in hot springs.
- Where? Indonesia: Bali, Balikpapan, Denpasar, Medan, Rural Areas, Tabanan, Ubud, Yogyakarta
- Read Volunteer World reviews
2. Bali & Sumatra: Protecting Reefs & Rainforest | ARCC Program
- Why? Get the best of both worlds helping ecosystems on land and in water on two different islands! This program is specifically for high schoolers. On the island of Sumatra, you’ll trek the rainforest and help restore habitat for orangutans. Next, you’ll earn a scuba certification and help build artificial reef structures. The program closes out with exploring ancient temples and waterfalls!
- Where? Indonesia: Medan
- Read ARCC Programs reviews
3. Orangutan Conservation Project in Borneo
- Why? Discover orangutans, macaques, sun bears, and other astounding species in the heart of the rainforest in Borneo at the award-winning Matang Wildlife Center. They rely on the help and support of volunteers with enrichment and maintenance to provide a safe haven for orangutans. You can even explore beaches, parks, and the Sarawak cultural center on the weekends.
- Where? Malaysia: Kuching
- Read The Great Projects reviews
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Volunteering with orangutans will be life-changing!
Now you know how to volunteer with orangutans! Your kind acts abroad helping these golden apes will help contribute a brighter future for their survival. Not to mention extracurricular opportunities for oceanside sunbathing, cave exploring, noodle dish taste-testing, night market shopping, and more. From rolling up your sleeves to cruising along rivers in the rainforest, you’re also bound to have the trip of a lifetime!
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