Orientation
Volunteers will get intensive, hands on, one-on-one training by an experienced volunteer for the first several days after you arrive. You will follow the trainer on feeding rounds to learn how things are done at the volunteer centre. You will also be given a full information pack about procedures used at the centre. Gradually you will begin caring for the gibbons independently. You will eventually be responsible for feeding, water changing, cleaning enclosures, etc.
Accommodation
Throughout your time on the programme your accommodation will be on site at the centre in simple 2, 3 or 4-bedded rooms, most of which have non-flushing European style toilets and showers. You will be provided with three meals a day. You will be able to prepare your own breakfast and snacks, for which a variety of items are provided (bread, butter, jam, peanut butter, eggs and a large variety of fresh fruit and veg). Toasters and various cooking materials are also available for use.
Lunch and dinner will be served as a small buffet. This is typically Thai style food with rice (but less spicy than traditional Thai food!), although on some occasion’s western style food is offered (e.g. sandwiches, pasta, etc.). There will be a variety of dishes to suit all tastes including dishes suitable for vegetarians and vegans. Drinking water, tea and coffee are also provided.
Free Time
Kao-Look-Chang is a rural village in the district of Thayang and the province of Petchaburi, the nearest towns being Thayang and Cha-Am, each within 30 minutes reach by car. Thailand’s longest established beach resort, the city of Hua-Hin is approx. 45 minutes away.
At the end of the day, when you have finished feeding, watering and cleaning, you are free to spend your time as you wish. You are required to work a 6 day week at the centre but you may even find that you love the work so much you are even asking for extra work on your day off!
You will have free time throughout your programme where you can relax at the centre of spend some time exploring the local area. The most famous place in the Petchburi Province is Cha Am, which you will find 40 km south of Petchaburi city. There are many beautiful beaches in the Petchaburi province that you could visit in your free time where you can spend time relaxing, sitting on the beach.
You will have some free time throughout the working day to relax, read, observe the animals, explore the temple, go swimming in the lake, learn Thai and socialise with other volunteers.
In the evenings you will have free time. There will be a TV and DVD player available for use from 5pm to 10pm with a large selection of movies for you to watch. There are also a variety of games available for you and your fellow volunteers to play. In the nearby village which is about 10 minutes away you will find a couple of internet cafes open until about 8pm, a karaoke bar open until 11pm most nights and on Sundays there is a night market. There is also a night market mid-week in the nearby town of Cha-Am which is a 30 minute taxi ride and only 400 Baht each way, about £5), where there are also some bars and restaurants. A wider choice of nightlife is available in the city of Hua-Hin (45 minute taxi ride and only 700 Baht, about £10 each way). Volunteers usually club together for a night out, sharing the price per car between six people.
On your day off you could venture out to one of the nice beaches at Cha-Am and Hua-Hin, where guesthouses range from 350-700 Baht, about £5-10 per night and hotels from 700 to 2000 Baht, about £10-£29. Some volunteers choose to visit the temples in Petchaburi (45 minute taxi ride, 700 Baht each way) or go nature trekking in one of the nearby national parks (e.g. Kaeng Krachan, Thailand’s largest national park, 40km away from the rescue centre). There is also a resort within 15 minutes ride of the rescue centre, where volunteers can stay for a preferential rate including free transit. The resort is very luxurious, with a nice swimming pool and offers Thai massage.
Project Support
Throughout your stay in Thailand you will have the support and guidance of our volunteer coordinator and team. You will be provided with competent assistance and help with any questions or advice you may need during your stay.
In addition you will have access to a 24 hour emergency contact number so you can contact one of our UK staff at any time should you need to.
Project Age Limit
Minimum 18 years, maximum decided on potential participants health.
