Borneo Pygmy Elephant and Orangutan Conservation Tour

Take a guided tour to a world famous orang-utan rehabilitation centre, stand at the foot of the highest peak in South East Asia, and absorb the culture of Kota Kinabalu, the capital city of Sabah, Malaysian Borneo.

This experience is ideal for those who want to enjoy observing the conservation of orang-utans, proboscis monkeys and the rare and loveable pygmy elephant of Borneo, whilst having the luxury of homely creature comforts.

Volunteer Role

Your experience will begin when you enter into the breathtaking lower Kinabatangan rainforest, home to orang-utans, proboscis monkeys, sunbears, hornbills and the pygmy elephant. The primary threat to these elephants is the loss of continuous forests. Mammals of their size require large feeding grounds and viable breeding populations with sizeable male to female ratios.

You will observe orang-utans in the wild and help to monitor elephant migration patterns along the river exploring human conflicts and elephant behaviour towards local villages and making locals aware that pygmy elephants are an important natural heritage to the location.

Note: Monitoring pygmy elephants is through the river safari. This involves speedboat cruises along the river to sight pygmy elephants on the riverbank.

Location

The project is based in the Lower Kinabatangan, Sabah, Borneo.

Accommodation and Meals

For your first night you will be staying in dorm style accommodation in Kota Kinabalu. For the last two nights you will be staying in dorm style accommodation in Sandakan.

While volunteering, your accommodation will be at a tranquil eco-lodge, alongside the river of Lower Kinabatangan, Sabah. There are very comfortable rooms and modern facilities. While at the eco-lodge you will enjoy buffet meals, mainly consisting of delicious Malay cuisine.

Programme Overview

Prices & Durations: 2 weeks £999

How to book & pay:
£195 deposit to secure place, balance due 12 weeks before departure.

What is included?
Airport meet and greet
1 night stay on arrival
3 nights hostel accommodation
All overland transfers
All meals
Orangutan rehab sanctuary visit
Visit World Heritage Site
English speaking guides
9 nights luxury eco lodge
Talks and presentation

What is not included?
International flights
Local flights
Travel insurance
Alcohol beverages
Personal expenditure
Optional beach week

Programme Summary:
Ideal for those who want to enjoy observing the conservation of orang-utans, proboscis monkeys and the rare pygmy elephants.
Other Malaysia gap year programmes

Arrival dates: Please contact us for programme dates.

Malaysia Travel Advice:
Visit our Malaysia Travel Advice page for useful travel information.

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