Home > Volunteer in the Asia-Pacific > Volunteer in Indonesia > Orangutan,-Sun-Bear-and-Wildlife-Rescue-Centre-in-Indonesia

Orangutan, Sun Bear and Wildlife Rescue Centre in Indonesia

Location Indonesia
Start Date Every Monday
Duration
Book now for

The Project

Volunteer in Indonesia and help care for orangutans, sun bears, monkeys, crocodiles, and a wide range of birds at this wildlife rescue centre in Indonesia. The project is located on the island of Sulawesi which, being the closest Indonesian island to the Philippines, is a common consolidation point for illegal shipments of animals being trafficked from Java, Sumatra, and Borneo across to the Philippines and onwards to China, Taiwan, and Japan. Without a sustainable rescue facility the authorities are not able to enforce, raid and confiscate live animals as there would be no options for the subsequent care and rehabilitation of the rescued animals. This centre was set up to help combat the illegal wildlife trade and provide rescued animals with a place to receive the care they need so that they can be rehabilitated and released back into the wild.
Why the project needs you

The main objective of the centre is for the animals and birds to be released into the wild. If the animals are to be released, it is essential that their natural instincts of searching and foraging for their own food are kept in tact so that they are able to survive once they are released. To achieve this the feeding of the animals must be spread out throughout the day as it would be in their natural environment. Additionally, food must be given to the animals in a way that emulates how it would naturally be. Part of the volunteer work includes finding new ways of giving the animals food in a way that is similar to how it might be found in their natural environment. Taking care of the animals in this way is vital for their mental health and rehabilitation, however, it takes time, and with over 200 animals and birds at the centre and only a handful of local staff to care for them, volunteer help is essential to ensure that the animals are taken care of in a way that nurtures their eventual release.

Project Location

The centre is situated in a beautiful mangrove forest on the coast in Northern Sulawesi and is located just 200 metres from the rescue centre’s own black sand beach where a coral reef lies under the ocean. In the distance, the source of the exotic black sand can be seen by way of several of the island’s active volcanoes. The area is ecologically diverse and many native species are still able to be seen in the wild.
Project Facts

•Duration: 2 weeks to 1 year
•Cost: £875 ($1531) for 2 weeks, £155 ($271) for each week after that*
•Requirements: age 18+
•Location: Northern Sulawesi, Indonesia
•Project activities: Feeding animals, cleaning enclosures, repairing enclosures and generally taking care of the animals and birds at the centre
•Working hours: 8 hours per day 6 days a week. Days off are decided on a weekly basis in agreement with your project coordinator
• Project availability: Project starts every Monday all year round

*to encourage longer term sign ups week 8 is free, therefore, the cost for 7 and 8 weeks is the same
What is included

• Accommodation: Shared room in a single sex dorm
• Food: 3 Vegetarian meals per day (plus occasional fish sustainably harvested from local sources)
• Airport pick up
• Training: Pre-departure preparation pack, On-site Orientation and Project induction provided
• Support: On-site coordinator providing 24 hour support
• Activities: Staff can help organise activities during your free time (activity costs may be extra)
What is not included

• Flights
• Insurance
• Visas
• Airport drop-off: Taxi's can be arranged from the project to the airport for IDR 150,000 (approx £15)

Your life outside the project

The volunteer day ends around 4pm so most volunteers tend to head down to the beach in the evening to snorkel and watch the sunset. There are plenty of DVDs at the house so evenings are often spent chilling out and watching movies. The nearest town Bitung is around 15kms away so volunteers can also head out for the evening if they wish to. We do ask however that all volunteers are back by 11pm so that getting up bright and early for work the next morning is not a problem!

The rescue centre is situated on a volcanic black sand beach next to a coral reef so many volunteers choose to spend their days off relaxing and snorkelling. There are also some great dive spots nearby in the Lembeh Strait and Bunaken.

Sulawesi is a beautiful island with plenty of places to explore including temples, volcanoes and lakes. It is also possible to hike up the local Klabat volcano in the evening to camp there over night and see the sunrise from the summit.

If you want to trade the natural jungle for the concrete jungle, you can head into the nearby capital city of North Sulawesi, Manado which is around 1 hour away from the centre. It’s a small city but there are plenty of hotels, restaurants, bars and a number of shopping malls to keep you entertained.
Ideas for Independent Travel

Siau Island

This idyllic island with lush jungle off the northern tip of Sulawesi is part of a chain of volcanic islands that connect Indonesia with the Philippines. It is home to one of Indonesia’s most active volcanoes, Karangetang volcano, whose crater can be seen glowing at night. Diving around the island is good with Eddy Point being one of the more impressive sites. Black laval rock drops to over 60 metres and slight rumbles can often be heard from the volcano. There is a wide variety of interesting marine life at various spots around the island which includes a wall dive. Alternatively, just hang out around the hot spring on the beach.

Climb a Volcano

Sulawesi has an abundance of volcanoes with 11 active in total so if you’re feeling energetic and up for an adventure there’s plenty of options for you. A variety of climbs are available with different grades of difficulty. Mahawu, Lokon, Klabat, Duasudara are the most popular. Climbing any one of these volcanoes will give you a stunning view of the surrounding areas.

Visit a Turtle Nesting Beach

This can be arranged directly by your volunteer coordinator at the wildlife centre. Departure from the centre by 4pm latest in order to be able to see the beach before sunset. You will get an explanation about the project and eat dinner with the locals (watch out – the sambal is not the same “tame” version as at the centre!). After dinner, you will follow the local turtle conservationist on a patrol of the beach to see if there is any nesting activity. Return to the centre is at approximately 12 midnight.

Project Quality

Kaya evaluates every project we offer to ensure that we only commit to programmes with genuine need for volunteer aid, not just financial assistance. We develop relationships with the projects and help shape initiatives to ensure in the long run that we do not encourage dependence on outside help, but rather establish foundations on which the people can build and develop themselves. We also ensure that the members of those communities are open and eager to learn and discover our culture, as we become a part of theirs. The quality and sustainability of our programmes are very important to us. We want you to have the most fulfilling and memorable time as possible, and be part of something that is going to last into future generations.

Accommodation & Meals

Volunteers stay in a volunteer house, where, in most cases, they share their room with other volunteers. Shared rooms are usually single-sex. For most placements two to three meals a day are provided, all included in the placement fees. In most houses there will be a cook to prepare your food for you and a cleaner to ensure the house is clean and tidy, though in some of our locations volunteers will be expected to assist with these chores. For more information about the amenities at the house see accommodation summary or please contact one of our advisors.

In-Country Coordinators

Each country coordinator is there to make sure your time in your programme runs smoothly. They will pick you up from the airport and take you on your orientation. All in-country coordinators are English speaking and are there to ensure you have all the information and resources for the best placement.

24/7 Emergency Support

As well as support from your in-country coordinators, you'll be given access to a 24/7 emergency phone line managed by Kaya staff, in case any problem should arise while you're overseas.

Kaya Help-desk

Each member of Kaya staff have worked, travelled, studied or volunteered abroad, and many staff have visited and volunteered in our projects knowing firsthand the country and nature of the programme placements. Their knowledge of international travel and volunteering is invaluable, and they can give you good advice and tips to make the most of your international placement.

Briefing Pack & Materials

Once you have booked a programme, an information pack will be sent out detailing everything you need to know - from specific project details and vaccinations required to the visa application process.

Airport Pickup

When you arrive at your destination a member of Kaya staff will meet you with a warm welcome at the airport and take you to your accommodation to get you set up for your stay.

Cultural Excursions

Kaya staff are at hand to help organise weekend excursions and activities, which can include visiting cultural places of significance and visiting various projects around the area. This way you can learn firsthand about each project and take part in local cultural and adventure activities.

Arrival Orientation

Shortly after you arrive you will be given your orientation by one of our in-country coordinators. They will show you your placement, local transport, take you into the local town, and show you things you can do in your spare time. Information regarding safety and security will be given along with some much needed lingo when moving and travelling around the area.

Funding for Individual Projects

If on your placement you wish to start up your own sub-project, a reasonable amount of funding will be provided. An example is: one volunteer arranged a basketball tournament for the street children where funding was provided for team shirts and trophies. This is a good chance to make your own lasting mark on a project and the people of your chosen country.

Local Community Benefits

Not only is your participation on your project of great help to the local communities, but so is the boost to the local economy that volunteers create while they are visiting.