Groups of up to 20 are welcome in Borneo’s rainforest as you embark on an unforgettable adventure to make a meaningful impact. You’ll help regenerate vital habitats and monitor diverse local wildlife, including orangutans, pygmy elephants, various primates, and crocodiles. Your efforts will play a crucial role in preserving these incredible creatures and their ecosystems for generations to come.
This unique opportunity allows you to live in a small remnant of paradise, immersing yourself in a way of life that has nearly vanished. Experience the beauty and complexity of one of the world’s most biodiverse regions while actively contributing to essential conservation efforts.
Duration: 4 nights
Group size: up to 20 people
Eligibility: General level of fitness required. The work can be physical and the humidity is high
Age: 15+ with teachers
Highlights
- Drift down the river, where you’ll encounter breathtaking wildlife at every bend.
- Experience the unforgettable thrill of spotting your first wild orangutan—a moment that will stay with you forever.
- Be warmly welcomed into local homes, sharing delicious meals and enriching cultural exchanges with families.
- Embrace a simpler way of life, free from the distractions of modern living.
- Explore a world-renowned orangutan rehabilitation centre and get an up-close look at these rare and magnificent primates.
Description
Join us in Borneo’s Sandakan region for an extraordinary adventure, where your group will be contributing to reforestation efforts and may have the chance to observe wild orangutans and other amazing native creatures in their natural habitat. Whether you’re planning a school trip, research expedition, or conservation-focused journey, we are ready to offer your group an immersive and impactful experience.
Group Accommodation
- Maximum group size is 20 students with 2 accompanying adults. The project requires a minimum of 10 students with 1 accompanying adult to run.
Age Flexibility
- Our preference is for students aged 15 years and above, as they will be handling tools on our tree-planting sites.
Teacher-to-Student Ratio
- We prefer a ratio of 10 students to 1 teacher, ensuring proper supervision and support throughout the experience.
Seasonal Availability
- Our project is available during January, February, March, April, May, October, and November.
- Availability is heavily dependent on accommodation
Travel Arrangements
• Other groups have previously engaged local travel agents for transfers to and from Sukau, as well as to add extra days for exploring other parts of Sabah.
Project Site
The Wild Orangutan Adventure takes place within the Corridor of Life and Wildlife Sanctuary along the Kinabatangan River, Borneo. The base is in a picturesque village on the riverbank, about 2 hours from Sandakan and 228km east of Kota Kinabalu.
Kinabatangan Project Summary
- Location: Lower Kinabatangan, Sabah, Borneo, Malaysia
- Duration: 4 days, 3 nights
About the Project
This program is part of the Corridor of Life project, a collaboration between the Sabah government and WWF to replant 26,000 hectares of forest, creating an unbroken stretch from the Heart of Borneo to the east coast. Students participate in tree planting, wildlife spotting, and nursery work, combining fun and experiential learning with real conservation efforts.
Accommodation
Students stay in a cosy village B&B with 2-3 per room, all with en-suite facilities. Larger groups (10+) have access to private dorms, and accompanying adults stay in single rooms.
Food
Breakfast is provided at the accommodation, with some meals hosted by local families. Dietary needs must be communicated early due to the remote location.
Transportation
River transportation by licensed boats with lifejackets is included. Flights to Sandakan and transfers to Sukau are not included and should be arranged through a travel agent.
Health and Safety
Student safety is our priority, with briefings before every activity. Students may be exposed to unfamiliar environments and wildlife, so a nurse or qualified first-aider should accompany the group.
Itinerary
A sample itinerary includes river cruises, reforestation work, village tours, and tree planting, with flexibility based on weather and group needs.
Other Activities & Extensions
Additional activities in Sabah, such as visiting Sepilok Orangutan Rehabilitation Centre or Mount Kinabalu, can be arranged through local travel agencies.
Logistical Considerations
There are no direct international flights to Sandakan. We recommend flying into Kuala Lumpur or Kota Kinabalu and taking a connecting flight.
Programme Inclusions
- Meet and greet at Sukau Greenview B&B
- 3 breakfasts, 3 lunches, 3 dinners
- 3 nights shared accommodation
- Boat transfers
- Environmental conservation activities
Looking to start a career in conservation?
Are you looking for paid work in the conservation sector after volunteering or interning? Oyster have teamed up with our friends at Conservation Careers who support people to find paid work in conservation following study or a career change. You can add their fantastic and flexible course to your volunteering trip with Oyster. Your Oyster experience will help add interest to your conservation resume as an eye catching addition to your job applications in future!
Food
- Enjoy three nutritious meals daily at the project site, ensuring you stay energized for your activities.
- Breakfast typically includes a hearty selection of eggs, rice, toast, spreads, teas, and coffees to kick-start your day.
- Lunch and dinner are mainly prepared by the local community, allowing you to experience authentic local flavors.
- A standout feature of this project is dining in the homes of local villagers, where you’ll savor delicious, home-cooked meals.
- While varying dietary requirements can be accommodated, please note that village life is quite simple, making it challenging to cater to “picky” eaters.
- On your final night in Sandakan, dinner will be at your own expense, giving you the freedom to choose your preferred cuisine from the diverse options available.
Travel arrangements
Airport: Sandakan (SDK)
Included
- Access to your own personal ‘My Oyster’ account – our online portal where you can find out much more about the program and manage your booking
- Dedicated contact time with an experienced destination manager to discuss the project, answer any of your questions and for us to find out more about you
- Help and advice from our UK office before arrival and whilst you are away
- In-country support
- Pre-departure information covering medical, safety and project advice
- Gold level, 24/7 Pharos crisis management and incident support cover
- Financial protection: ATOL (if we book your flights); IPP (if we don’t book your flights)
- Thorough orientation on arrival
- Accommodation (see the ‘accommodation’ section above for details)
- Advice on visa requirements
- Oyster plants a tree in Africa with TreeAid to help reduce the impact of global carbon emissions
- Entrance fees to Sepilok Orangutan Rehabilitation Center, Borneo Sun Bear Conservation Center and Rainforest Discovery Centre
On your return:
- Welcome home pack
- Certificate of Recognition (on request)
- References (on request)
Not Included
- Flights – as an ATOL bonded company, Oyster can book flights for you
- You need a valid passport that meets the requirements of the country you will be travelling to
- Insurance (covering your time with Oyster and any planned independent travel)
- Any costs associated with changing your return flight date if you need to
- Independent travel costs
- Home country travel costs
- Spending money for additional trips, food and entertainment
- Camera fees
- Drinks
- Last night meal
More Information
The Corridor of Life is an essential conservation area situated in Sabah, Malaysia. It includes the Kinabatangan River, which is the longest river in the region and winds through the heart of Borneo before joining the Sulu-Sulawesi Sea. Spanning an impressive 26,000 hectares, this unique area is rich in biodiversity, providing a habitat for a diverse array of wildlife and plant species.
However, the ecosystem is under significant threat from logging activities, which jeopardize the delicate balance of this environment. Restoration efforts are vital to protect the native flora and fauna that inhabit the Corridor of Life. By focusing on conservation initiatives in this region, we can help ensure the survival of the extraordinary wildlife that relies on this habitat, preserving it for future generations.
When preparing for your adventure in Borneo, be ready for rain! Many regions experience over 2,500 mm of annual rainfall, making wet weather a common occurrence. Additionally, humidity levels can reach up to 90%, contributing to a tropical climate that feels warm and sticky.
Borneo has two primary seasons:
- Wet Season: November to March, characterized by frequent rain and higher humidity levels.
- Drier Season: April to September/October, which generally sees less rainfall but can still experience occasional showers.
Regardless of the season, it’s wise to pack waterproof gear to stay comfortable while exploring this lush, biodiverse paradise!
No visa is necessary for trips under 90 days from UK and most western European and western countries.
You need to make sure your passport is valid for a minimum of 6 months from your date of entry into Borneo/Malaysia.
You should visit your doctor or travel nurse to find out what vaccinations you will need. Your routine vaccinations will need to be up to date, it is likely you will need Hepatitis A and Typhoid, and possibly Hepatitis B, Malaria and Rabies. Please follow your doctor’s advice.
Please check below for where the closest hospital to the project is – your doctor may ask to know this so that they can provide information on rabies.
For any more information, including entry requirements related to Covid-19, please see the Fit for Travel website or the UK government’s travel advice page for Malaysia.
Medical facilties are closeby, just 20 minutes from the project and accommodation. There is a larger hospital 3 hours drive away.
Malaysia is a progressive country that has become increasingly popular among travelers worldwide, especially Malaysian Borneo, which is easily accessible and welcomes numerous visitors each year.
Upon your arrival, you’ll be greeted at the airport and transported to your accommodation, ensuring a seamless transition to your adventure. Your first night will be spent in a beautiful, leafy guest house located on the outskirts of town, providing a safe and tranquil environment.
During your project, you’ll be under the guidance of an experienced volunteer coordinator, who will provide comprehensive health and safety briefings to ensure a smooth and secure experience. Your accommodation will be situated in a friendly village, where the local community actively supports the project, fostering a welcoming atmosphere.
While Sandakan Town is a charming tourist destination, it’s essential to remain vigilant with your belongings while exploring the area. Embrace the adventure, and enjoy the rich culture and breath taking landscapes of Borneo!
The village where the project is based is 3 hours from the town of Sandakan.
Internet access is limited during your time on the project, apart from your first and last night.
Please bear in mind that you are in Asia, and signal and speed are unlikely to be as reliable as you might be used to back at home.
There is good phone reception in the village and in the guest houses where you spend your first and last night on the project.
Malaysia Standard Time is 8 hours ahead of Greenwich Mean Time (GMT+8).
In Malaysia, the British 3 pin plug is used.
Supervision will be fairly intensive during the first few days, when you will receive a thorough induction and work-related training. Once you are comfortable with things, you might not always have a supervisor working alongside you, but there will always be staff and other volunteers around to help, and you will always be accompanied for any high risk activities.
Staff at Oyster’s head office and in-country will be responsible for your safety and welfare while you are at the project. This will start from the moment you are picked up from the airport until the time you are dropped back there. Before and after these times, you will be outside Oyster’s responsibility and should make sure that you act safely and avoid risk. This is also true if you choose to leave the project during your time off. We will give you plenty of guidance and advice about this.
Oyster assesses projects carefully to ensure that they offer high standards of animal welfare and environmental practice. We also check that volunteers understand key points of good practice before working with animals. To find out more, see our animal welfare policy.
Got a question or want to chat to Project Manager Kate who has first-hand experience of the project? Call +44 (0) 1892 771 973or email: – [email protected].
