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Borneo Wildlife
Experience
Volunteer
Destination
Borneo
Duration
7 to 12 days
113 others looking at this too. Next opening is Jun 2025, with limited spots.
$2,245
$495
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Book now, pay later. Cancel anytime.
Trip overview
The Bornean Rainforest – one of those mysteriously magical places straight out of your favourite fantasy novel.
Unfortunately, even the mighty jungle in wild places like Malaysian Borneo are under threat due to diminishing and fragmented habitats – threatening creatures like the orangutan and pygmy elephant in the process.
But with your help, you can help turn this situation around for the future of our planet.
This trip is all about contributing directly to the conservation of the diverse flora and fauna in the wild forests of Malaysia.
It’s also all about exploring the vast Bornean rainforest, getting to know the Malaysian culture, and using these experiences to become the best version of yourself.
On this trip, you’ll contribute to reforestation and collecting critical data while you live and volunteer in this tropical paradise.
Break out of your day-to-day routine and embark on an adventure that will make the world a better place and help you grow as a person.
On this volunteer trip, not only do you get to live and volunteer with a trusted partner organisation in Malaysia. When you go with Global, you get:
- Volunteer project placement – Guarantee your spot at our screened and vetted project partner in Malaysia. Start your volunteer journey without spending months searching for a reputable organisation on the other side of the world.
- Comfortable accommodation – You’ll stay in a comfortable shared room in a village-run B&B on the banks of the Kinabatangan River and within walking distance to the village centre.
- Meals – You’ll get 3 meals a day prepared for you by your hosts.
- And a whole lot more…
On this trip, you’ll get intimate with the vast Bornean Rainforest as you help the locals rehabilitate and learn more about this incredible ecosystem.
Your days will be spent clearing invasive vegetation, planting native trees, and watching rare and elusive wild jungle animals in the name of habitat restoration.
You’ll also get the chance to visit the Rainforest Discovery Centre to reinforce what you’ve learned about the forest. You’ll also get to visit the Sepilok Orangutan Rehabilitation Centre and the Bornean Sun Bear Conservation Centre to learn about the good work these local organisations are doing for these vulnerable animals.
When you’re not volunteering, you can explore the vast forest reserves and wildlife sanctuaries nearby. You could see singing gibbons, orangutans, proboscis monkeys, sun bears, hornbills, pygmy elephants, and a whole lot of rarely seen wildlife that call this area home.
The rainforest biome is shrinking around the world, and rare animals are just some of the innocent victims.
With your help – and the guidance of the local staff on the ground – we can mitigate these issues and contribute to a wilder world for all of us.
For a lot of people, getting a glimpse of an endangered orangutan or elusive sun bear is a bucket-list experience.
Although most people don’t get the chance to experience something like this – contributing directly to meaningful projects in the heart of the Malaysian wilderness.
And when you go with Global, you get the full experience for a fraction of the hassle. Your volunteer placement and accommodation is sorted before you leave, so you know exactly what you’re getting into.
Inclusions
Tap to expand
Volunteer project placement
Comfortable accommodation
Meals
Return airport transfer
Dedicated Trip Coordinator
Pre-Departure Guide
Personal Travel Concierge
Certificate of completion
Ongoing local team support
Global Emergency Line
gWorld access
Global Academy
Marketplace deals
Social
Qualification
To qualify for this trip you must meet the following requirements:
- Be between 0-0 years of age
- Be a citizen of an eligible country
- Have no criminal convictions in the past 5 years
Get more info!
Got questions or need to know more? Ask us here, we're online 24hrs Mo-Fr.
Requirements
You don’t need any wildlife experience for this trip. Just a good attitude, a willingness to learn, and motivation to get stuck in, plus general fitness since you’ll be on your feet a lot of the day.
1k+
Find your travel tribe
Book & get early access to your group, start planning meet-ups, and make new friends before your journey begins.
Purpose & impact
The main impact you’ll have on this trip involves habitat restoration and observation.
Which means if you’re not planting trees and clearing invasive plants, you’ll be watching cool animals do their thing and recording what you see.
The Lower Kinabatangan floodplain (where you’ll be working) is full of a diverse range of flora and fauna which is under threat due to the diminishing habitat.
This leads to fragmented ‘wild’ areas which are NOT conducive to the conservation of the critically endangered orangutan and pygmy elephant populations living in the area.
With your contribution, you’ll help restore and reconnect these fragmented forests through managing invasive weeds and planting native trees in their place.
The ‘observation’ part of your responsibilities is all about collecting data. The more we understand about how these wild animals behave in fragmented ecosystems, the better we can understand how to help them and conserve their environment in the most effective way.
So while it might feel like you’re on a game-viewing trip, the data you record is crucial to the conservation of this fast-disappearing corner of wilderness.
Accommodation & meals
Once you arrive, our partner will be waiting with their private van to take you straight to your included accommodation.
Your first night in Sepilok will be in a dormitory in a traditional style longhouse. The dorms have bunk beds with shared bathrooms with hot water showers. There are hammocks to relax in and a cafe for breakfast in the morning with a common sitting area above the cafe.
Once you’ve moved to the project site in Sukau, you’ll stay in a comfortable but basic village run B&B right in the middle of the village and within walking distance to the river jetty. You’ll share your room with other volunteers and the attached bathroom has western style toilets and warm water showers.
Breakfast is served in the common area overlooking the river.
Your last night will be in Sandakan where you’ll stay in a comfortable but basic hotel room in Sandakan. You’ll share your room with other volunteers and there are attached bathrooms with western style toilets and hot showers. You’ll be within walking distance of the Promenade with many quaint shops and restaurants. The town has internet cafes, supermarkets, restaurants, and plenty of restaurants serving local and Western dishes.
With your accommodation sorted, what will you do about food? Your hosts will prepare 3 meals a day for you everyday you’re in Sukau village. Which means you’ll get the chance to taste some real Malay food.
Trip itinerary
Before you leave
Your volunteer placement – including accommodation and meals – is confirmed and organised before you leave home.
Arrival
When you arrive at Sandakan Airport, a member of our partner team will be waiting for you. You’ll be taken straight to your accommodation where you’ll be sharing a dorm with the other volunteers.
Take some time to relax and settle in, get to know your new friends, or explore the area.
On your first night you’ll have a welcome dinner and briefing for your project. The meeting time is usually at 6PM, but make sure to check with reception at the dorm to make sure.
Day 2+
After breakfast on your second day you’ll be transferred to the project site in Sukau. After settling in to your accommodation you’ll be given a Health & Safety briefing as well as an orientation around the village.
You’ll then get stuck into your volunteer duties. This involves a lot of wildlife observation to understand the situation and animal behaviour better.
Habitat restoration work involves tree-planting and maintenance activities in high-priority areas. These are crucial for connecting fragmented forests in the area to encourage healthy orangutan and pygmy elephant populations.
You’ll also be involved with the community and interact with and learn from many local villagers.
Your schedule on these days is subject to change according to the needs of the project, so check with your project coordinator for more details.
Penultimate Day
At the end of your project (Day 6 or 11), you’ll take the scenic route back to the airport as you visit various sites and apply the knowledge you’ve learned during your time in Borneo.
After breakfast you’ll be transferred to Sepilok. You’ll take a walk through the Rainforest Discovery Centre to reinforce what you’ve learned about the rainforest.
After lunch you’ll visit the world-famous Sepilok Orangutan Rehabilitation Centre and the Bornean Sun Bear Conservation Centre where you’ll learn all about the challenges of orangutan and sun bear rehabilitation.
Next, you’ll head into Sandakan for your last night. You’ll stay in a hotel (included in the trip) and have the evening free to explore with your fellow participants. Dinner is not included on this night, which gives you an amazing opportunity to try the delicious food from the local restaurants or food stalls.
Departure
You’ll check out of your hotel and be transferred to the Sandakan Airport to catch your flight.
Once your placement is over, you can choose to stay in the area to explore what else Malaysia – and South East Asia – have to offer.
Whatever you choose to do, we can help make it easy.
We’ll be in touch with you throughout your stay. If you ever need advice or support our team is available to answer your questions. And our 24/7 emergency support line will help with urgent matters.
Don’t go alone. Go with Global.
Why choose us
We take care of pretty much everything so you don’t have to. You’ll arrive in Malaysia totally prepared with a plan of action and trusted people helping you along the way.
Our volunteer trips are designed to help you make a real change in critical causes around the world. All while experiencing off-the-beaten-path locations with passionate locals. Our goal is to save you time, money, and stress while eliminating the risk of returning home early. Here’s how we do it:
We’re on your side from the moment you get started.
You’ll be assigned a dedicated Trip Coordinator. They’ll guide you through the next steps and answer all your questions. They’ll also help you with the pesky visa. No guesswork – only the right paperwork, approved the first time, in your hands before you leave.
Your Personal Travel Concierge will help with flights, insurance, and any add-ons you’d like for your trip. These are real humans too – no robots here.
We maintain relationships with a huge network of screened and vetted partner organisations all over the world. We know they’re trustworthy and that you’re in good hands because of all the successful trips Global Travellers keep having with our partners.
Our team is well travelled so you can rely on our experience. We’re with you every step of the way.
Join 100,000+ travellers – giving us 10000+ 4 & 5 star reviews – by choosing Global to make your travel dreams come true.
Most travellers book their trip 6-12 months in advance. Dates are flexible, but spaces are limited. So if you’re serious about volunteering in Malaysia, don’t delay.
With our Book Now, Decide Later feature, you can get started with a small deposit today, and take a full year to choose your dates.
We’ll take over from there, helping you with visas, flights, accommodation, and setting you up with our partner in Malaysia.
This is the trip for you if you’re after the ultimate volunteering experience in Malaysia, complete with everything you need and 24/5 support.
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Frequently asked questions
Why are you the best company to choose?
As the world’s leading gap-year and "work & travel" company, we pride ourselves on providing a premium service for Global Travellers. Choose from a variety of awesome experiences worldwide, and let us assist you with visas, pre-departure preparations, flights, insurance, and tours. Throughout your journey, our cool tech features will support you every step of the way. As a Global Traveller, gain access to gWorld, our personalised app designed to enhance your travel experience. Keep important documents and trip details handy, and take advantage of exclusive Marketplace deals, a vibrant social network, language learning resources, side trips, meet-ups, and more. It's like having all your favorite travel apps merged into one, but even better! But our support doesn't end there. With four international offices, over 100 dedicated staff members, a 24/5 emergency team, and the backing of over 90,000 Global Travellers who have turned their travel dreams into reality with us, rest assured you're in good hands. We also proudly boast the most and best reviews in the biz, and maintain a massive following on our social channels including Instagram, TikTok, and Facebook. Embark on your next adventure with confidence and ease. Join us and discover the world in a meaningful way!
Are flights & insurance included?
While we would love to include flights and insurance in our trip packages, it is not feasible to have a fixed price due to the diverse destinations, trip durations, and individual coverage needs of our travellers from around the globe. However, once you register for the trip, we will assign you a dedicated Travel Concierge. They will work closely with you to arrange the ideal flights and insurance tailored to your specific adventure. Rest assured, our team is here to ensure you have a smooth and hassle-free travel experience from start to finish!
Why should I book now?
After the last unexpected disruption to travel caused by the..c word..people are now more eager than ever to venture out and explore the world, determined not to miss out on any experiences. Global Work & Travel works on a first-in-best-dressed basis. Booking earlier ensures that you don’t miss out on the best intake, season, placements and more! We recommend our travellers take 6-12+ months to plan their trip for a reason - to make sure you’ve got everything organised perfectly, stress-free. As a Global Traveller you’ll get exclusive access to gWorld, our personalised app where you can keep all of your important documents and trip details in one spot and gain insider access to everything Global. This is where you will find exclusive Marketplace Deals, a unique social network to connect you with other like-minded Global Travellers, access to our Academy with an ever-growing range of skills & languages, and so much more. Think all of your favourite apps merged into one, but like, better? Why not give yourself something to look forward to by booking that trip!
Can I travel with a friend or partner?
Yes you can! Simply tell your Trip Coordinator after booking that your friend is also going and they can link your profiles. For most of our trips we should be able to have you and your friends placed together or nearby. Meaning that you can live, work, play & travel together! But wait there's more! Not only can you travel the world with your besties at your side, you can also earn some extra cash towards your own trip just by referring your friends to Global Work & Travel. You can learn more about the great referral rewards program inside your gWorld account once you join. And for those who decide to go-it-solo, we’ve made it easier to meet other Global Travellers in the same region as you. Just like any other social platform, you’ll be able to interact, share, chat and meet with some really cool people who are doing trips just like you!
Can I bring my pet along?
At Global Work & Travel, we share a deep love for animals and fully understand the special bond you have with your pet. We recognise the challenges of embarking on a trip without them. Due to travel restrictions, requirements, and limited pet-friendly accommodations among our host organisations, we regretfully cannot facilitate their inclusion in the journey. However, many of our customers choose to entrust their pets to a family member or friend, embark on their adventure, and return home to wagging tails and furry cuddles.
What happens if I need to cancel my trip?
We know that life can get in the way of travel, so all our trips come with a great deal of flexibility. In most cases, if you cannot travel on your selected date, you can place your trip on hold to deal with whatever is holding you back, and continue in the future without incurring any penalty. You may also have the option of transferring to an entirely different trip and destination as well, or even transferring your trip to a friend or family member. In the event that you need to outright cancel your trip, if you give us 84* days notice you can do so with only a 50% cancellation fee. Your refund of the balance will come in the form of a Store Credit which you can put toward any other trip that we offer, including tours through third-party providers, as well as holidays through DealsAway.com, and is valid for 2 years from date of issue. As international travel can be complex, your options are based on the progress of your trip organisation and our support team can assist you in finding the best solution for your needs.
How it works
1. Choose a trip style
Find your dream experience & destination, then secure your spot with a flexible & low deposit. Activate your gWorld to unlock some cool perks. Well done! The hardest part’s over!
2. We become friends
Book a time to meet your dedicated Trip Coordinator who knows all the ins & outs of your trip. They’ll be by your side and working behind-the-scenes to pull everything together.
3. Time to go!
We’ll get your tickets, accommodation & transfers ready. Our in-country team or partner will have everything prepared & waiting for your arrival. Get on the plane with no worries!
4. Global support
Never stress, knowing we’re there with you when you need us with ongoing & unlimited local team support. And just in case, we’ve got an emergency team on stand-by, 24 hours, Mon-Fri.
How it works
1. Choose a trip style
Find your dream experience & destination, then secure your spot with a flexible & low deposit. Activate your gWorld to unlock some cool perks. Well done! The hardest part’s over!
2. We become friends
Book a time to meet your dedicated Trip Coordinator who knows all the ins & outs of your trip. They’ll be by your side and working behind-the-scenes to pull everything together.
3. Time to go!
We’ll get your tickets, accommodation & transfers ready. Our in-country team or partner will have everything prepared & waiting for your arrival. Get on the plane with no worries!
4. Global support
Never stress, knowing we’re there with you when you need us with ongoing & unlimited local team support. And just in case, we’ve got an emergency team on stand-by, 24 hours, Mon-Fri.
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Know that someone is always ready to assist throughout the journey & they’re only a call, tweet, comment, text or double tap away, 24/5.
We're the experts
With over 15 years in the industry and a team of over 90 passionate pros, you can bet we know our stuff better than anyone else.
Partner network
We have over 1,200 partners around the globe, so we have access to plenty of exclusive opportunities to make your trip the best it can be.
Flexible trips
The unexpected can happen sometimes. Can't travel right now? Swap your trip, gift it or save it for later with our Lifetime Deposit Guarantee.
Worldwide support
Know that someone is always ready to assist throughout the journey & they’re only a call, tweet, comment, text or double tap away, 24/5.
We're the experts
With over 15 years in the industry and a team of over 90 passionate pros, you can bet we know our stuff better than anyone else.
Partner network
We have over 1,200 partners around the globe, so we have access to plenty of exclusive opportunities to make your trip the best it can be.