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You’ll be matched with your personal volunteer travel expert who’ll guide you every step of the way.
Meet Your Travel Expert
Receive your welcome pack with everything you need: arrival info, contacts, visa and insurance help, packing tips, vaccines, language basics, and so much more.
Get Ready to Go!
Choose your dream project and apply for free—no commitment, just excitement!
Pick Your Destination & Apply
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Once your dates are confirmed, pay your program fee—choose to pay in full or in easy installments.
Secure Your Spot
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Want to volunteer with wildlife and reforest Borneo’s rainforests?
Our Travel Roots: A Path to Recovery programis an immersive 2-week experience that combines everything from Program 1—The Adventure with a Purpose (HERE) — with a second week focused entirely on rewilding the land.
Week one places you at the pioneering Long Sam Wildlife Rescue Centre, where you’ll care for rescued animals and support the day-to-day operations of Borneo’s first multi-species sanctuary.
Then, you’ll switch gears and dive into fieldwork with the Forest Protection & Restoration team, helping restore critical habitat across threatened rainforest zones near Merabu or Merasa Village.
This journey bridges the gap between species recovery and ecosystem healing—giving you a front-row role in Borneo’s conservation revolution.
Week 1 – Wildlife Rescue Work (as per Program 1 Here):
Assist with daily animal husbandry (feeding, cleaning, enrichment)
Support ongoing maintenance projects around the rescue centre
Help staff with behavioural observations and educational initiatives
Experience jungle trekking, the White Rock Face, Dayak culture, and more
Week 2 – Forest Protection & Restoration:
Trek remote forest trails to plant and protect native tree species
Maintain wildlife corridors and support reforestation sites
Collect ecological data and map biodiversity hotspots
Identify medicinal plants and animal tracks with local guides
Swim in jungle rivers, visit Nyadeng Lake, and summit Borneo’s forested peaks
This program is ideal for volunteers who want to explore the connection between healing animals and healing the land—and who are ready to trade luxury for purpose and impact.
By volunteering on our A Path to Recovery program, you will:
Support the daily care and enrichment of rescued wildlife at Borneo’s only multi-species rescue centre
Work directly in rainforest restoration, helping to replant and protect critical habitats
Gain hands-on experience in both animal husbandry and tropical field ecology
Trek through jungle trails, climb to scenic viewpoints, and explore hidden forest lakes
Learn traditional forest skills—like identifying wildlife tracks and medicinal plants—from Dayak guides
Immerse yourself in both the culture and ecology of East Kalimantan
Witness how species protection and reforestation go hand-in-hand to support long-term conservation
Return home with knowledge, friendships, and a renewed sense of purpose
What to Expect: A Day in the Life of a Path To Recovery Volunteer
Over the course of two immersive weeks, you’ll experience two very different but deeply connected conservation environments. Week one is centred at the Long Sam Wildlife Rescue Centre; week two moves into the heart of the forest with the restoration team. Each day is purposeful, physically engaging, and packed with learning, culture, and wild beauty.
Week 1: Wildlife Rescue at Long Sam
This week follows the rhythm of the animals—early mornings, active days, and evenings spent immersed in nature and culture.
6:30 AM – Wake-Up Call
Rise with the forest and get ready for the day. The sounds of gibbons or hornbills will likely replace your usual alarm clock.7:00 AM – Morning Wildlife Duties
Start with feeding routines and enclosure cleaning. This might include preparing fruit or special diets, scrubbing dens, and noting animal behaviours.9:00 AM – Enrichment Sessions
Work with the team to craft enrichment tools that replicate wild behaviour—think puzzle feeders, climbing structures, or leaf nests.11:00 AM – Observation or Centre Maintenance
Join keepers for behavioural monitoring or assist with small projects around the centre like trail upkeep, signage, or repairs.12:30 PM – Communal Lunch
Enjoy home-cooked local food with staff and fellow volunteers. Meals are often vegetarian and sourced locally.2:00 PM – Educational or Cultural Activity
Take part in conservation talks, assist with local outreach, or head into the forest for medicinal plant walks and wildlife track identification.4:00 PM – Free Time
Cool off with a swim in the river, relax in a hammock, or join a football match with locals in Merasa Village.Evenings
Reflect around the fire, share stories with your team, or stargaze under one of the clearest night skies in Southeast Asia.Week 2: Forest Protection & Reforestation
In week two, you'll transfer to a different site near Merabu or Merasa Village. Expect more hiking, fieldwork, and nature-based learning.
6:00 AM – Early Breakfast & Packing
Fuel up and get your gear ready for the day—water, field tools, and eco-soap for river bathing later!7:00 AM – Trek into Reforestation Zone
Depending on the site, you may hike 30–90 minutes to reach your assigned work zone. Terrain varies from lowland forest to limestone cliffs.8:00 AM – Fieldwork Begins
Tasks rotate daily: planting native tree saplings, weeding invasive species, reinforcing forest trails, or collecting growth data for tree survival analysis.11:00 AM – Break & Wildlife Spotting
Snack on fruit under the canopy and watch for signs of orangutans, hornbills, or macaques.12:00 PM – Return to Base & Lunch
Hike back to camp or a forest shelter for a cooked meal, followed by rest time in the shade.2:00 PM – Education or Cultural Workshop
Learn about Indigenous forest practices, make natural rope, or take part in language exchange sessions with local youth.4:00 PM – Jungle Swim or Lake Visit
Cool off at Nyadeng Lake, explore small waterfalls, or enjoy a gentle float down the river.Evenings
Play guitar by firelight, swap stories from the forest, or journal your experiences under the stars.No two days are the same, but every one will challenge and inspire you in ways that stay with you forever.
Your Impact as a Volunteer
Your two-week journey is a catalyst for healing—both for rescued wildlife and the forests they depend on.
In Week 1, your hands-on support helps rescued animals recover from trauma, captivity, and habitat loss. From preparing enrichment tools to assisting with feeding and cleaning routines, every action you take improves the daily welfare of animals that might never survive without the care provided at the Long Sam Wildlife Rescue Centre.
In Week 2, you shift focus to the land itself—joining reforestation teams to protect and rebuild critical rainforest corridors. Your work planting trees, maintaining forest trails, and collecting ecological data contributes directly to reversing deforestation and giving endangered species like orangutans and sun bears a fighting chance.
But this isn’t just about impact in Borneo. The knowledge you gain—about sustainable land management, biodiversity, and local wisdom—becomes transferable. You’ll leave with the confidence and tools to support conservation efforts anywhere in the world.
This is your opportunity to be part of a conservation model that sees the bigger picture: animals, forests, and people—all thriving together.
Live Deep in the Heart of Borneo—Twice
Over two unforgettable weeks, you’ll stay in two vastly different yet equally powerful settings: the Long Sam Wildlife Rescue Centre and a forest conservation base near Merabu or Merasa. Both are built not for luxury—but for experience, immersion, and purpose.
Week 1 – Long Sam Wildlife Rescue Centre
Nestled at the edge of protected rainforest, your first base is the operational heart of the rescue centre. Here, your neighbours are hornbills, macaques, and a chorus of cicadas.Rooms: Private or Shared wooden huts or dorm-style sleeping quarters
Beds: Simple bunk or mattress arrangements with mosquito nets
Facilities: Shared bathrooms with running water (cold showers), western-style toilets
Extras: Dining shelter, social area, hammocks, filtered drinking water, limited electricity via solar or generator
Days are filled with wildlife routines; evenings often bring quiet reflection, jungle walks, or communal chats around the fire under a sky full of stars.
Week 2 – Forest Conservation Base in Merabu or Merasa
Your second week takes you deeper into Borneo’s interior—either to a mobile forest camp or a traditional Dayak village near your reforestation site.Accommodation Types:
• In-field shelters with raised platforms and tarps, or
• Village guesthouses with wooden walls, communal verandas, and woven matsSleeping Setup: Mattresses or sleeping bags on wooden floors; mosquito nets provided
Facilities:
• Eco-bucket showers or bathing in freshwater streams
• Compost or squat toilets (cleaned and maintained by staff)
• Limited solar-powered lighting in some locationsMeals: Prepared by local hosts or forest cooks using fresh, locally sourced ingredients. Meals are often plant-based, with occasional fish or chicken depending on availability.
This week brings the raw beauty of the forest to your doorstep—along with river swims, natural pools, and the unforgettable feeling of waking to birdsong and sleeping to the hush of the canopy above.
It’s not about five-star accommodation—it’s about a million-star experience.
History
Our trusted partner in Borneo is a grassroots conservation initiative built from the heart of the forest. The founders—indigenous leaders Parsianus, Paulinus, and Susilawati—combined their traditional wisdom with modern ecological practices to form a bold new movement. Their work began with defending ancestral land rights and has grown into one of the most dynamic conservation networks in Indonesia.
At the centre of their operations is the Long Sam Wildlife Rescue Centre—Borneo’s first and only multi-species wildlife sanctuary. But their mission doesn’t stop there. With thousands of supporters and the establishment of ecotourism villages, forest patrol units, and youth education programs, their impact spans land, sea, and community.
What started as a local movement has become a global call to action.
Mission & Vision
The mission is clear: to restore balance between humans, forests, and wildlife. Through a three-pronged approach—wildlife rescue, forest protection and reforestation, and community empowerment—they are building a future where conservation is led by those who live closest to nature.
Their vision is a world where everyone becomes a guardian of the Earth—whether you’re planting a tree, rehabilitating an animal, or simply choosing to live more consciously. Volunteers like you help bring this vision to life—one species, one forest, one story at a time.
Program Fees & What’s Included
Path To Recovery Program Fees
Duration Total Fee (€) Daily Equivalent
2 Weeks €938 €67/day
Looking to stay longer or experience more?
You can build on this journey by joining:The Ultimate Borneo Guardian (4 weeks): Combines the rescue centre, reforestation, and marine turtle conservation on a remote island paradise. (Further details can be found HERE)
Each extended program includes additional training, adventures, and contributions to even wider areas of conservation.
What’s Included
✔️ Shared jungle accommodation at the wildlife rescue centre
✔️ All meals and filtered drinking water
✔️ Hands-on wildlife experience alongside trained professionals
✔️ Cultural exchange with the Dayak community
✔️ Adventure activities: trekking, traditional fishing, and sightseeing
✔️ Welcome pack full of necessary and useful info
✔️ Domestic airport or project site transfers
✔️ Expert guidance and training from experienced field professionals
✔️ Full support before, during, and after your program
✔️ Certificate of completion
✔️ 100% Cancellation Money-Back Guarantee
✔️ So much more...Payment Terms
Fees are due 30 days before your start date.
If applying within 30 days of arrival, full payment is due within 48 hours of confirmation.
Your Investment in Wildlife, Culture & Yourself
Volunteering at the Long Sam Wildlife Rescue Centre is more than just a journey—it’s a meaningful investment in ethical animal care, community-driven conservation, and your own personal growth.
Your contribution enables round-the-clock care for rescued wildlife and supports a centre that is one-of-a-kind in Borneo.
It also fuels your own development—helping you gain valuable field experience in animal husbandry, conservation, teamwork, and cultural immersion.
The skills, insight, and friendships you build will travel with you long after the jungle fades into memory.
Where You’ll Be – Long Sam, Heart of Borneo’s Interior
Tucked inside the lush lowland rainforests of East Kalimantan (Indonesian Borneo), Long Sam Wildlife Rescue Centre sits beside the Sekonyer River, a tributary that threads through emerald jungle and limestone outcrops.
The nearest sizeable town is Tanjung Redeb, reached by a half-day overland journey followed by a boat ride that winds past giant dipterocarp trees and aquamarine forest pools. Nights are serenaded by cicadas and gibbons; mornings begin with mist rising from the canopy right outside your door.
The centre lies on Dayak ancestral land, and nearby Merasa Village welcomes you into its long-house traditions, blow-pipe stories, and forest-foraging wisdom. Trails lead from camp to panoramic look-out points, hidden waterfalls, and the striking white-limestone rock face that towers above the green.
Borneo – One Island, Three Nations, Infinite Life
Shared by Indonesia, Malaysia, and Brunei, Borneo is one of Earth’s oldest and most biodiverse islands. Its rainforests—some over 130 million years old—harbour orangutans, clouded leopards, sun bears, and thousands of plant species found nowhere else.
These forests also store vast carbon reserves and regulate regional climate, making their protection critical far beyond Southeast Asia.
Deforestation for timber and oil-palm, along with illegal wildlife trade, threatens this ecological jewel. By volunteering here, you become part of a frontline movement that blends Indigenous knowledge with modern conservation to safeguard both culture and wilderness.
Expect tropical heat (28-32 °C), afternoon showers that keep the forest vibrant, and star-filled nights unmarred by city lights—a remote, raw, and rewarding backdrop for purposeful adventure.
Free time Activities
& Tours
Your week in the forest isn’t just about giving—it’s about experiencing the adventure of a lifetime. In between your wildlife duties and cultural immersion, you’ll have time to explore one of Borneo’s most spectacular and untouched regions.
White Rock Face Discovery
Hike to the foot of a towering limestone cliff that rises from the rainforest canopy. Climb to the viewing platform for panoramic jungle views that stretch as far as the eye can see.
Jungle Trekking & Wildlife Tracking
Go on guided forest treks in search of animal tracks, medicinal plants, and hidden natural wonders. You’ll learn how to read the jungle the way the locals do.
Traditional Fishing Experience
Learn to fish with handmade nets and local methods passed down through generations. A peaceful and immersive moment with Merasa’s riverside traditions.
Merasa Dayak Village Visit
Spend time with the Dayak people of Merasa, one of Borneo’s most welcoming Indigenous communities. You’ll share meals, stories, and music, and experience life inside a traditional longhouse.
River Swimming & Forest Walks
Cool off in pristine jungle streams or take an evening walk to spot fireflies and listen for the echoing calls of hornbills and gibbons.
Evenings at Camp
Unwind with your fellow volunteers, swap stories around the dinner table, or gaze at a sky glittering with stars completely free of light pollution.
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