• Life On Land

Orangutan and Wildlife Survey Assistant

location
4 - 26 weeks  ·  Age 18 - 50+
rating  Fantastic 4.5  · 
  Verified by Volunteer World
  Very high response rate

Highlights

  • This is an exciting opportunity for people with a conservation related degree to gain experience in the field for a career in conservation.
  • Immerse yourself in the jungle. Wake to the sounds of primates calling along the river in the morning!
  • Be amazed by the abundance of wildlife in this rare and beautiful Biolink area adjoining the Gunung Leuser national park.

Highlights

  • This is an exciting opportunity for people with a conservation related degree to gain experience in the field for a career in conservation.
  • Immerse yourself in the jungle. Wake to the sounds of primates calling along the river in the morning!
  • Be amazed by the abundance of wildlife in this rare and beautiful Biolink area adjoining the Gunung Leuser national park.
  • Immerse yourself in the local culture. Meet the locals, they will make you will feel like one of their family! Make memories and friendships that last a life time.
  • Explore the jungle, rivers, markets and surrounding villages in your free time.

    • Especially good for

    Age 18+
    Singles
    Couples
    50+

    About the program

    Join our hands-on community led conservation program protecting wild orangutan living in this wildlife corridor. You will provide vital technical support for the program

    We are a grass roots community based conservation program, run by a group of dedicated local people who are passionate about nature and the environment and who want to protect the animals and rain forest where they live. If you are looking for a  hands on conservation project where you can monitor ...

    About the program

    We are a grass roots community based conservation program, run by a group of dedicated local people who are passionate about nature and the environment and who want to protect the animals and rain forest where they live. If you are looking for a  hands on conservation project where you can monitor wild life, replant the rain forest, help with recycling and up-cycling educational projects to protect the jungle and really make a difference to the communities you will be working with, please come and join us! Please note we are a Citizen Science program, there is no university supervisor on site.

    Our aim is to protect and conserve the rare and endangered native fauna and flora that occurs in this important buffer zone and Wildlife Biolink occurring on private lands at Batu Kapal which adjoins the Gunung Leuser NP in North Sumatra. Our project site is located in the jungle, a 15-20 minute motorbike ride or a 50 minute walk from the village of  Bukit Lawang.

    Working at Batu Kapal Conservation, you will be contributing to the protection the endangered wild Orangutan population and other rare and endangered animals that occur in this critically important national park buffer zone and wildlife corridor occurring on these private landholdings in the area.

    We are surrounded by nature and geological formations, with frequent visits from the local population of wild orangutans and sightings of porcupines, slow loris and civet cats. We have resident wild populations of thomas leaf monkeys, silver monkeys, macaques, water monitors, geckos and slow loris in the project area as well as many different species of birds, reptiles, frogs, butterflies, dragonflies and insects.

    Sumatra represents the last remaining natural habitat for Orang-utans in Indonesia. the Sumatran Orangutan is now classified as critically endangered.

    Forest cover in Sumatra was reduced by 61% from 1985-1997 due to logging, infrastructure development, internal migration, and plantation development. The Sumatran Orang-utan population has decreased by 86% over the past 100 years.  The most recent estimate places the figure around 7,300 left in the wild, with steady losses occurring every year.

    The base for your volunteering placement is the Batu Kapal Conservation project site, just 20 minutes by motor bike into the jungle from the village of Bukit Lawang, the last settlement before entering the Gunung Leuser National Park. Gunung Leuser has one of the most concentrated population of Orangutan in the Southern hemisphere but deforestation and encroachment of their habitat has destroyed their environment and displaced them from the natural forest.

    Batu Kapal Conservation Program activities include
    1. Surveying, mapping and monitoring the wildlife corridor, its habitats, animals with GPS, identify adjacent landholdings and their primary land use and the extant native vegetation.
    2. Mapping orangutan and primate habitation and food forage areas. To map known orangutan and primate movement pathways with GPS.
    3. Developing a full species list for fauna and flora. To identify the ecosystem service provided by each subject. With a view to developing a better understanding of what is missing. To establish recovery programmes for threatened and vulnerable species.
    4. Protect the wildlife corridor by reconnecting the fragmented habitat for orangutans, primates and other animals between the national park and the nature buffer zone occurring on private lands as per the project plan.

    5. Conducting animal and bird monitoring and surveys and developing field guides

    • Locating, observing, identifying, monitoring, photographing and GPS recording areas with wild populations of orangutans and other animals and birds in the Batu Kapal conservation project area and at specified GPS points of interest in the program
    • Survey, GPS, photograph and collect data of sightings of Orangutan’s Nests and map them on GIS software
    • identifying, GPS recording and monitoring orangutans and other primates daily activity pattern, including migration paths and feeding, resting and travelling patterns
    • observe, map, monitor, survey, photograph and GPS record the significant flora and fauna in the Batu Kapal conservation project area, including orang-utans, silver monkeys, other animals and birds
    • dusk, dawn and night walks by spot light to gps, photograph and record sightings of slow loris, civet cat, leopard cat, sun bear, bats and porcupine
    • gps, record and map every significant tree  (eg ficus, trembesi and pakam trees) in the area and record when fruiting, as these are important trees for orangutans and other primates and map them on GIS software
    • identify individual orangutans to ascertain the population of orangutans living in the Batu Kapal biolink buffer zone, by taking photos of each individual orangutan face and identifying each orangutans unique features, and hence being able to track their range 
    • Innovative up-cycling plastic waste projects, including reusing single use plastics to make eco bricks, sleeping mats, bags and baskets
    • preparing, consolidating and analysing the monitoring data sheets on  the excel spreadsheet data base and recording data on the mapping software
    • GPS trail mapping, using garmin GPS and updating the  mapping software

    Conservation Projects

    We are looking for volunteers with qualifications, experience, skills and knowledge in a certain area of conservation, ecology or biology and would like to develop or assist with a project, in the following areas

    • Orangutan
    • Primates
    • Other mammals
    • Birds
    • Reptiles and amphibians
    • Butterflies, insects and spiders
    • Rainforest flora and fungi

    Requirements

    • Bachelors degree or higher in a relevant field
    • Fluency in the English language, excellent written skills
    • Computer skills in word, excel, power point and GIS software
    • Ability to work independently or in groups
    • Patience, flexibility and good problem solving skills

    Additional Responsibilities (desirable)

    • Grant writing
    • Editing materials
    • Developing presentations

    Other Skills

    We are looking for volunteers that have a passion for wildlife conservation, an ability to work as a team with other volunteers and by yourself, have an upbeat, positive attitude and are committed to achieving the projects goals. Tasks are not particularly physically strenuous, however a fair level of fitness is advised as the climate is hot and humid.

    To ensure you have a great volunteering experience with us, please take the opportunity every day to discuss the programmed activities with the program manager, as well as any specific activities you might like to undertake during your stay. If you have any particular concerns or need further advice or support, please discuss this with the volunteer coordinator so it can be addressed and resolved.

    Our Respect Jungle Guidelines are designed to help you understand and enjoy your time in the jungle in an environmentally sensitive and respectful way. We follow a strict no contact of wild animal policy.  Let's help protect this fragile ecosystem so your children and grandchildren can enjoy this natural wonder for many years to come!

    Respect Wildlife – Keep wild animals wild! Never feed wild animals or birds.
    • Feeding wildlife damages their health alters natural behaviours, and exposes them to predators and other dangers. Store food and rubbish securely. Wild animals have adapted over time to the food found in nature. Human food can make animals sick.
    • Feeding can also make animals reliant on humans for food, which may lead to aggressive behaviour.
    • Keep your food and wastes in a secure container. Plastic bags are not secure, animals can easily rip these open
    Observe wildlife from a distance.
    • Do not follow or approach wild animals. Keep a respectable distance (5 metres) and if the animal shows signs of fear or aggressiveness, back off immediately and give the animal plenty of space to move on.
    • Avoid chasing or following wildlife that is attempting to escape.
    • Keep watching times to a reasonable length to avoid stressing the animals.
    • Move slowly, quietly, and in full view to avoid scaring or stressing animals.
    Avoid touching wilds animals.
    • To minimise the spread of disease to wild animals, familiarisation with humans and for your own safety from injury and bites
    • Avoid wildlife during sensitive times: mating, nesting, and raising young. Touching nests or young animals may cause their parents to abandon them.
    • Report any injured animals to the local land managers. Do not attempt to handle the animal.
    Leave rocks, plants and other natural objects as you find them.

    All native plants, animals, geological features, historical and cultural remains are protected by law in national parks. Ensure that they remain undisturbed.

    Avoid activities with large groups

    Large groups have a greater impact and affect the natural experience for both the groups and other park users

    Stay on the track!

    Tracks are carefully designed to allow people to visit natural environments while minimising the impact on the environment. Staying on track minimises erosion, limits spreading of diseases and weeds, and helps you from getting lost

    Dispose of Waste Properly
    • “Pack it in, Pack it out.” Inspect your campsite and rest areas for rubbish and spilled food.
    • Pack and carry out all rubbish and leftover food including organics.
    • Do not burn or bury rubbish. Rubbish that is half-burned or buried will attract animals and make a site unattractive to other visitors
    • Be careful not to drop rubbish while walking on tracks.
    • When available use established toilet facilities.
    • In other situations, carry a trowel and deposit solid human waste in catholes dug in topsoil – usually 10-15cm deep and at least 100m from water, camp and tracks. Cover and disguise the hole when finished.
    • Pack out all hygiene products in a suitable container.
    • Be careful of improper cigarette butt disposal. Take all cigarette butts out with you.
    • Plan meals to avoid generating messy, smelly rubbish. It is critical to wildlife that we pack out kitchen waste and leftover food. Don’t count on a fire to dispose of it. Rubbish that is half-burned or buried will attract animals and make a site unattractive to other visitors. Overlooked rubbish is litter, and litter is not only ugly — it can also be deadly to the wildlife.
    • Animals scavenging a meal from a tasty smelling morsel can ingest bits of dropped food packaging damaging their digestive system. Plastic six-pack holders and plastic bags kill birds, fish and animals. Fishing lines, lures and nets ensnare, kill, injure and maim wildlife, so be careful not to leave any behind in rivers or streams. Pack in plastic bags to carry your rubbish out (and maybe someone else’s).
    • Before moving on from a camp or resting place, search the area for “micro-rubbish” such as bits of food and rubbish, including cigarette butts and organic litter such as fruit peel, egg and nut shells.

    Typical day

    The main daily tasks of the Orangutan and Wildlife Survey Assistant position are as follows.

    The main purpose is to conduct surveys, mapping and provide technical advice to support the local conservation team in protecting the orangutan and other wildlife that live in this wildlife corridor.

    This ...

    Typical day

    The main daily tasks of the Orangutan and Wildlife Survey Assistant position are as follows.

    The main purpose is to conduct surveys, mapping and provide technical advice to support the local conservation team in protecting the orangutan and other wildlife that live in this wildlife corridor.

    This position is suitable for people with a conservation degree and wanting to  to gain experience in the field for a career in conservation. 

    Please note we are a grass roots hands on community based conservation program. There is no university supervisor on site.

    If you do not have the required qualifications or experience in a related conservation field, please search and apply for our general conservation volunteer position -  ORANGUTAN AND WILDLIFE CONSERVATION VOLUNTEER

    Duties:

    Volunteer Program

    The position assists with animal surveys, technical data and mapping to the local conservation team to enable them to deliver this community led conservation program to protect the wildlife corridor that spans across private landholdings and farm lands.

    The role will also assist with the maintenance of the social media platforms (instagram, facebook etc) with professional current content and images on a regular basis relating to conservation activities (2 to 3 times a week as a minimum).

    Conservation Programs

    The position will provide technical support the conservation programs and objectives, including but not limited to

    • Assist with animal surveys and data analysis to achieve the objectives of the conservation programs
    • Assist with developing Reforestation and Wildlife Corridor Plan for conservation in the Region
    • Assist with the provision of technical advice on animal and plant species ID for the conservation, including preparing species lists and manage the data entry and analysis of these programs as required.
    • Assist with managing the data collection and observation records taken by volunteers and assure records are entered into the system in the approved method.
    • Go on educational monitoring walks with volunteers and/or staff daily
    • Assist with writing grant submissions and seeking grant funding support the conservation programs as required
    • Assist with community conservation education initiatives as required
    • Provide other technical advice, presentations, support and analysis as required

    THE MOST IMPORTANT DETAIL ABOUT THIS POSITION IS THAT THERE WILL BE ABSOLUTELY NO PHYSICAL CONTACT WITH ORANGUTANS, PRIMATES AND OTHER WILD ANIMALS. WE ARE PURELY A MONITORING AND OBSERVATION PROGRAM.

    OUR AIM IS TO KEEP WILD ANIMALS WILD AND TO PROTECT THE HABITAT THAT THEY DEPEND UPON FOR THEIR LONG TERM SURVIVAL

    Day 1 : Introduction Day!

    Arrive at the Batu Kapal conservation project site!  On arrival you will receive your induction and orientation

    A typical Day

    • 6.30am Group 1 Rise and shine for primate and animal monitoring. Monitoring at this time of the day gives you the best chance of spotting wild animals in the jungle, as it is when they are most active
    • 9am Group 1 breakfast followed by data entry, or seed collecting, nursery and reforestation activities. Group 2 head off for animal motoring
    • 10.30 mid morning activity - refer to the weekly program
    • 12pm lunch
    • 1 to 3 pm data entry and mapping or time to rest, relax and swim. Or do a optional activity, seedling collection, reforestation plantings, litter pickup and plastics upcycling projects (making eco bricks or plastic crafts from single use plastic bags)
    • 3 to 5pm afternoon wildlife monitoring or the option to participate in one of our community and education outreach programs
    • 6 pm help prepare dinner
    • 7pm dinner

    Evening optional activities include night walk, Indonesian English exchange, guitar and bonfire, cards and games, help with social media posts or just chillout and relax

    Free-time activities

    Batu Kapal is a beautiful jungle location in mountains adjacent to Gunung Leasur National Park on the Landak RIver and just 15-20 minutes by motorbike or a 50 minute walk from  the village of Bukit Lawang - prime wild Sumatran orangutan country.

    In your spare time on the weekends you will have the ...

    Free-time activities

    Batu Kapal is a beautiful jungle location in mountains adjacent to Gunung Leasur National Park on the Landak RIver and just 15-20 minutes by motorbike or a 50 minute walk from  the village of Bukit Lawang - prime wild Sumatran orangutan country.

    In your spare time on the weekends you will have the opportunity to visiting some nice places around Bukit Lawang. Or stay on afterwards to explore Sumatra and Indonesia.

    We are happy to arrange to take you on day activities (at your own cost) around Bukit Lawang, Batu Kapal, Batu Katak and Tangkahan on weekends or after your volunteering placement has finished at our special volunteer prices and you can also visit Lake Toba and Berestagi (volcano lands).

    Choose from any of the optional activities below

    1. ½ day, 1 day, 2 and 3 day jungle treks to Adi Back camp and Batu Gajah camp in the national park.
    2. Hot springs day trip by 4wd including lunch
    3. Nature and wildlife walk (3 hours) to look for birds, animals, monkeys and orangutans in the trees along the Landak River
    4. 3 hour motor bike tour of the villages and rice fields, visit cottage industries, rice hulling and drying, palm sugar, tofu, bamboo weaving
    5. Traditional massage
    6. Rock scrambling open caving adventure at the Bat Cave and Landak River Walk with lunch
    7. Relaxing, swimming and exploring the Landak River
    8. Optional Jungle art. Get your inspiration from the jungle, drawing landscapes, mountains, river, animals, jungle scenery. Pencils and art paper provided
    9. River stone sculptures. Stacking and making pebble towers along side the river.
    10. Learn some Indonesian language with our team

    Requirements

    Requirements

    Minimum Age: 18 years

    In order to join the program you need to be at least 18 years old on the program start date. There might be exemptions if you can provide the permission of your legal guardian(s) or if your are accompanied by your parents.

    Language Skills

    You need to speak English (fluently)

    Education Requirements

    Biology, ecology, primate, conservation, environmental science. Experience and knowledge of QGIS mapping software is essential. You will be highly motivated and able to work independently or as part of a small volunteer team. at University level

    Required Documents

    CV and university transcript

    Nationality Restrictions

    No restrictions. Helping hands from all over the world are welcome.

    Other Skills

    A degree and experience in biology, primate, conservation, environmental science or similar Experience and knowledge of QGIS mapping software We are looking for volunteers who are passionate about wildlife conservation and committed to supporting our local team to achieve our project goals This is a fabulous opportunity to help protect this fragile ecosystem

    Time Commitment

    Your helping hand will be required on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday from 09:00 - 17:00

    What's Included

    What's Included

    Services by Batu Kapal Conservation

    Includes onsite shared dormitory accommodation, three meals per day, tea, coffee and drinking water at the project site and all volunteer activities at the project site.

    Airport Pickup at Medan KNO Airport or hotel and motor bike transfers into the site are included (Note the conservation project site is located in the jungle, we are not situated on a road, its a 20 minute motor bike ride from the village of Bukit Lawang and not easy to find as it is not sign posted)

    TRAVEL INSURANCE

    Please ensure you have travel insurance to cover injury, accident, sickness, hospital and medical expenses, missed flights, cancellation and loss or damage to your personal belongings.

    CANCELLATION POLICY

    Please note if you plans change your volunteer fees are non refundable, however we are more than happy to change your start date. Please ensure you have travel insurance to cover cancellation.

    SAFETY

    Safety of our volunteers, guests and staff is our highest priority. Please respect each other and others property. Any person causing serious harm or putting others at risk will be asked to leave the site with forfeiture of your volunteer fees. This includes drunk and disorderly behaviour.

    ZERO DRUGS POLICY.

    Drug use in Indonesia is illegal and a jailable offence. For everyone’s safety, we are a drug free program. Please note the use of drugs will result in the immediate termination of your volunteering placement and removal from the program with forfeiture of your volunteer fees.

    RELATIONSHIPS WITH LOCAL PEOPLE

    We are responsible for the safety of volunteers and staff in our care. Please respect local culture and staff. Relationships with staff and local people will not be tolerated during your volunteer placement,  resulting in immediate termination of your volunteering placement and removal from your site with forfeiture of your volunteer fees.

    VALUABLES

    Volunteers are responsible for the safety of their valuables and personal items at all times.  Management will not be held responsible for the safety of volunteers valuables. If you are concerned, please bring a money belt for your money, passport and important documents.

    WIFI AND INTERNET ACCESS

    Please note we do not have WiFi on site as we are in a remote area. There is limited patchy mobile phone coverage available on parts of the base with the local mobile phone service. Data for Indonesian sim cards can be purchased for your phone and very affordable rates.  We recommend volunteers buy a local SIM card with data on it when they arrive. Telkomsel is one of the better choices. 

    Otherwise there is WiFi available in the village at some guest house cafes also. It is a 45 minute walk into the village, or a 20 minute motor bike ride

    Airport Pickup at Kuala Namu International Airport

    We provide pick up and drop back to Medan airport or your Medan hotel on arrival and departure

    This is a private car transfer to the nearest village and then a motor bike taxi into the project base as we are located in the jungle with no road access

    Accommodation

    Accommodation during your time will be tree house style dormitory shared accommodation and shared bathroom with cold water shower and a western-style toilet. Please don’t worry about being too cold in the shower - as it is hot and humid here all year round, you will probably welcome the respite!

    We provide a mattress, mosquito net, pillow and sleeping sheet for your stay. You will need to bring your towel and toiletries. 


    Food & Beverages

    You will have three meals per day provided for you whilst staying on site (this does not cover if you decide to eat in the village or off site, this is at your cost). Breakfast is usually a choice of pancake, omelette, eggs and rice/noodle dishes or fresh fruit. Lunches and dinners are delicious and typically consist of noodles or rice with either chicken, seafood, egg, tofu, soy bean  and vegetables. It is not a problem to be vegetarian, vegan, gluten free or dairy free. Each meal is buffet style. Free tea and water.

    Soft drink and alcohol is available at an extra cost.

    Please note we have refrigeration on site and all food is bought fresh daily to be cooked every day.  This is normal practice in rural areas in Sumatra.

    Water is also boiled on site for your safety every day.

    What's NOT included?

    What's NOT included?

    Internet Access

    Sorry, no access at the project site

    Flight Tickets

    The nearest airport is Kuala Namu International Airport (KNO) in Kuala Namu. We assist you to find cheap flights to Indonesia. FIND CHEAP FLIGHTS

    Travel Insurance

    Going abroad is an adventure and it is always best to be prepared. Sudden illness or injury, cancellation or theft - a travel insurance for Indonesia provides security and is a plus to have. GET A QUOTE

    Vaccines

    If you are intending to volunteer in Indonesia you should seek medical advice before starting your social journey. Check your required vaccinations for Indonesia. VACCINE CHECKER

    Details on arrival

    Volunteers are welcome to join are program throughout the year at times that suit you!

    You can arrive and depart at Batu Kapal base camp on Sunday through to Friday between 8am and 8pm. Please note there is no check in on Saturdays.

    If you arrive at the airport on Saturday, we suggest you stay Saturday night in Bukit Lawang the closest village and arrive at the project site on Sunday.


    Prior to Arrival

    Your passport must be valid for a minimum period of six months from the date of entry into Indonesia. Entry to Indonesia will be refused and airlines may not carry passengers holding passports with less than six months validity. You are required to retain your arrival card for presentation to Immigration upon your departure.

    In order to enter Indonesia you will need a visa. Most nationalities are eligible for an e-visa or a 30 day visa on arrival ($35US extendable for 30 days) or you can arrange a 60 day visa before you arrive (extendable twice). Please check the current visa requirements and your nationality's eligibility with your local Indonesian embassy before you arrive.

    You will fly to Medan airport (KNO) on the project start date, preferably between 9am - 5pm so you do not arrive too late at the project site, we are approximately 4 to 5 hours from the airport. 

    Please check with your doctor regarding the current vaccinations required to travel to Sumatra

    Availability
    Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec

    Program fees

    4 weeks (min. stay) 1,327€
    8 weeks 2,444€
    12 weeks 3,561€
    16 weeks 4,678€
    20 weeks 5,796€
    26 weeks (max. stay) 7,471€
    Average fees 309€/week

    Program fees

    309€ per week 4 - 26 weeks Age 18 - 50+

    Payment methods

    Visa Master Card Maestro American Express PayPal

    NO CREDIT CARD FEES

    Duration

    4 - 26 weeks

    Deposit

    The deposit is simply to reserve your volunteer placement. Payments are handled by PayPal, our trusted global payment provider. If you don't have a PayPal account, you can also pay using a credit card.

    Final Payment

    Your final payment will be agreed with Batu Kapal Conservation during the application process. Common solutions are either via bank transfer or a cash payment at the project site.

    Meet your organization

    Batu Kapal Conservation

    Fantastic 4.5 rating (58 reviews)

    Agency - founded in 2016

    Verified by Volunteer World

      Very high response rate

    Coordinated by

    Batu Kapal Conservation

    Spoken languages: English, Indonesian

    About the project

    We are a group of like minded landowners at Batu Kapal, passionate about protecting and conserving the fauna & flora near Bukit Lawang and Gunung Leuser NP North Sumatra

    Meet your organization

    The aim of the Batu Kapal Conservation Program is to conserve the diverse habitat of  the endangered Orangutan and other animals that live in this precious rainforest ecosystem in the Wildlife Biolink buffer zone at Batu Kapal, which adjoins the Gunung Leuser NP in North Sumatra.  Our project is 15 minutes by motor bike from Bukit Lawang

    The Conservation Project

    Our 45 hectare conservation project site is located in the heart of the jungle at Batu Kapal on the tranquil Landak River, overlooking the UNESCO World Heritage Listed Gunung Leuser National Park. The project is 15 minutes by motor bike or a 1 hour walk from the Bukit Lawang village. You will feel a world away from the hustle and bustle of village life, as soon as you arrive in this hidden Sumatran jungle paradise. 

    The site is surrounded by nature and geological formations, with frequent visits from the local population of wild orangutans and sightings of porcupines and civet cats. We have resident wild populations of  thomas leaf monkeys, dusky monkeys, macaques, water monitors, geckos and slow loris on the property as well as many birds, butterflies, dragon flies, frogs and insects.

    Sumatra represent the last remaining natural habitat for Orangutans in Indonesia. the Sumatran Orangutan is now classified as critically endangered.

    Forest cover in Sumatra was reduced by 61% from 1985-1997 due to logging, infrastructure development, internal migration, and plantation development. The Sumatran Orangutan population has decreased by 86% over the past 100 years.  The most recent estimate places the figure around 7,300 left in the wild, with steady losses occurring every year.

    Our Goals

    Our Goals are to conserve this important buffer zone and Wildlife Biolink that adjoins to the UNESCO World Heritage Listed Gunung Leuser National Park to

    1. provide sufficient food for the native animals in general and the orangutan in particular to maintain health and vitality. This will include the progressive replacement of palm oil and rubber plantations with indigenous tall tree species. The purchase and rental of existing mature fruit trees may be necessary. Developing income models at least as commercially attractive as palm oil need to be investigated.
    2. provide a tall tree canopy biolink reconnecting Batu Kapal to the park and therefore providing an opportunity for the movement of animals to aid in genetic diversity. Reversing  the ongoing intrusion into the park in key identified areas will be required. The revegetation of the Landak river is a priority.
    3. demonstrate best practice farming and ecotourism whereby human development does not impact the sustainability of natural ecosystem. This will require developing limits to land use, landholding minimum size and prohibiting some forms of land use and recreational activities. 

    Who we are looking for:

    Volunteers are welcome to join are program throughout the year at times that suit you! Our programme is open to all volunteers whether you are on a gap year, at university, retiree or on a holiday. We are looking for enthusiastic people who love nature and want to help make a difference! No specific skills or experience are required, just a commitment to the project and its aims, a passion for wildlife conservation, an ability to work as a team or by yourself and an upbeat, positive attitude.

    Prior to Arrival

    Please note you are traveling to a safe place in Sumatra and you will have friendly staff available to help you settle in on arrival.Your passport must be valid for a minimum period of six months from the date of entry into Indonesia. Entry to Indonesia will be refused and airlines may not carry passengers holding passports with less than six months validity. You are required to retain your arrival card for presentation to Immigration upon your departure.

    In order to join this project you will need a tourist visa. You will be able to get one of these on arrival into Indonesia, but please note you may have to pay for this on arrival, however it is now free for many countries. Please check with the Indonesian embassy  website for tourist passport information.

    If you plan to stay longer than 30 days in Indonesia, you will need to arrange a 60 day tourist visa in advance. The cost for the 60 day visa can vary depending on which Indonesian embassy you are applying through.

    You need to fly into Medan airport (KNO) on the project start date between 9am - 5pm. Please check with your doctor regarding the latest on the vaccinations required to travel to Sumatra

    58 reviews · rating4.5

    I joined Batu Kapal Conservation as an Orangutan & Wildlife Research Assistant for a month after graduating from a four year Zoology degree. After graduating I felt like I still had not gained enough field work experience to get a job in conservation, mostly due to disruptions caused by the pandemic ...
    I recommend this programme to anyone wanting to gain experience at a conservation project. During the two months I spent there, I managed to gain an array of new skills and have been able to significantly develop those I attained during my university course. I then managed to put these to good use, ...
    This is the 10th volunteer project abroad I've done and one of, if not the very best. The best thing about it is the cause- this project is making a huge difference for the orangutans and other wildlife. You don’t realise how much of an impact it’s making and how much you can help until you’re ...
    A very rewarding experience! The staff all seemed to really care about the project and were extremely helpful in ensuring volunteers were safe and well taken care of. The experience was rewarding, eye opening and ...
    We loved our time at Batu Kapal. This was our first volunteering experience and won’t be our last. The programme was well organised and not too demanding in the very hot environment. The accommodation and food were simple but great. Best of all, the people were all so lovely. We got to see wild ...
    Lea-Carol Glennon rating5

    2024 at Orangutan And Wildlife Corridor Conservation

    This was one of the most amazing trips I have ever done! I was honored to be a part of this program to maintain and protect the canopy corridors for the orangutans to move in and out of the national park. The activities were purposeful and great fun to do: clearing land for the tree nursery, ...

    Location

    Asia > South East Asia > Indonesia > Bukit Lawang

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