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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.
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Want to volunteer as a family in Malaysian Borneo? Our Travel Roots Family Volunteering Adventure program is a unique 7-day experience designed for parents and children to bond, learn, and take part in conservation together. This hands-on journey places your family at the heart of the rainforest, helping protect wildlife while gaining a deeper appreciation for nature and culture.
Set along the beautiful Kinabatangan River, this immersive program combines meaningful fieldwork with cultural exchange and child-friendly exploration. You’ll plant trees, observe wildlife, engage with the local village community, and visit inspiring conservation centres—all while showing your children the joy of making a positive impact.
Key Activities:
Restore rainforest habitat through tree planting and maintenance
Participate in wildlife monitoring and data collection with guidance from local experts
Spend time with local students in environmental education activities
Explore nature trails and canopy walks at the Rainforest Discovery Centre
Visit the Sepilok Orangutan Rehabilitation Centre and Sun Bear Conservation Centre
Experience life in a traditional riverside village with your family
Project Site:
This adventure takes place in a friendly community along the Kinabatangan River, one of Southeast Asia’s most vital ecological corridors. You’ll stay in a village homestay, share meals with local families, and wake each morning to the sounds of the rainforest. The nearest town, Sandakan, is just a short drive away and easily reached by flights from Kota Kinabalu or Kuala Lumpur.By joining our Family Volunteering Adventure, you will:
Share a once-in-a-lifetime conservation experience with your children
Help restore Borneo’s rainforest habitat for orangutans and pygmy elephants
Participate in fun and educational activities designed for all ages
Live in a traditional riverside village and connect with local families
Visit iconic conservation centres and walk canopy trails in the jungle
Inspire your family to live more sustainably through real-world impact
Create lasting memories while making a tangible difference together
What to Expect: A Day in the Life of a Habitat Restoration Volunteer
Every day in the rainforest brings something new—whether it’s the call of a hornbill overhead, the muddy work of planting saplings, or an evening river cruise to spot wildlife.
This program is thoughtfully designed to balance meaningful conservation work with fun, family-friendly experiences that are safe, educational, and deeply rewarding.
7:00 AM – Family Breakfast in the Village
Wake to the sounds of the rainforest and enjoy a home-cooked breakfast with your host family or fellow volunteers.8:30 AM – Habitat Restoration or Wildlife Monitoring
Join in planting native trees, maintaining saplings, or observing wildlife along the riverbanks. Tasks are adjusted to suit all ages and energy levels.11:30 AM – Break & Nature Walk
Explore the surrounding rainforest trails, learn about native plants and animals, or enjoy free time in the village with your children.1:00 PM – Shared Lunch
Meals are a chance to connect with locals and other families, often featuring traditional dishes and seasonal ingredients.2:00 PM – Education & Cultural Activities
Visit the local school for interactive games, environmental talks, or cultural exchanges like music, crafts, and traditional storytelling.4:00 PM – River Safari or Family Free Time
Take a guided wildlife cruise or simply relax at your accommodation with a book, board game, or hammock nap.6:30 PM – Dinner & Reflection
End the day with a relaxed dinner and family debrief. Some evenings include conservation workshops or wildlife documentaries under the stars.Your Impact as a Volunteer
Volunteering as a family isn’t just meaningful—it’s powerful. Every tree you plant together helps rebuild a rainforest. Every wildlife observation contributes to research that protects endangered species. Every interaction with the local community strengthens a global network of care and respect.
Children learn best through experience—and here, they’ll see first-hand how their actions impact the planet. From planting roots in the jungle to bonding with students in a village school, your family becomes part of a greater mission: protecting nature, empowering people, and creating a more compassionate world.
This program is more than a trip—it’s a legacy of shared purpose and planet-positive memories.
Your Home in the Heart of the Rainforest:
A Comfortable Jungle Stay for the Whole Family
You’ll stay in a welcoming village homestay along the Kinabatangan River, offering a safe and authentic base for your rainforest adventure. Accommodation is simple yet family-friendly, with shared or private rooms depending on group size and availability.
Each home is equipped with essential amenities and surrounded by nature—perfect for reconnecting with each other and the world around you.
What’s Included:
Private or shared family rooms with mosquito nets and basic bedding
Bathroom access with cold or bucket showers (refreshing after a jungle day!)
Three hearty meals per day prepared with local ingredients
Filtered water, tea, and coffee
Opportunities to help with cooking, crafts, or farming alongside your hosts
This is not a resort—it’s better. It’s real, warm, and full of meaningful connection.
History
Our trusted partner in Malaysian Borneo has been at the forefront of conservation and environmental education for over a decade. Founded on the belief that real change happens when people are directly involved in protecting the natural world, this dedicated organisation was established to connect everyday individuals with long-term, meaningful conservation efforts.
Born out of a need to bridge the gap between science and community action, their early projects focused on habitat restoration and species protection in key wildlife corridors. Over time, their work expanded into education, sustainable tourism, and corporate responsibility initiatives—always rooted in collaboration with local communities and the Malaysian government.
Today, they’re widely recognised for their leadership in reforestation, orangutan habitat recovery, and their holistic approach to people, planet, and purpose.
Mission & Vision
The mission is clear: to protect biodiversity by combining science, education, and community-driven action. Through hands-on conservation work, wildlife monitoring, and awareness-raising programs, their aim is to empower individuals and organisations to take real responsibility for the environment.
Their vision is a future where ecosystems thrive, communities are empowered, and sustainability is woven into every action. They believe conservation should not exist in isolation—it should be integrated with education, local livelihoods, and everyday decisions. By involving volunteers, schools, businesses, and families, they create powerful, lasting change that benefits both people and planet.
Program Fees & What’s Included
Program Fee
Family Size Fee (EUR)
1 Adult & 1 Child €1,725
1 Adult & 2 Children €2,545
2 Adults & 1 Child €2,620
2 Adults & 2 Children €3,445
2 Adults & 3 Children €4,265
Discounted rates apply for children aged 5–12
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.
What’s Included
✔️ All accommodation in a village homestay or volunteer lodge
✔️ Three freshly prepared meals per day✔️ Airport pick-up & drop-off
✔️ Daily conservation and fieldwork activities
✔️ Wildlife education, species talks, and excursions
✔️ Airport transfers to and from Sandakan
✔️ Orientation and project briefings
✔️ Expert guidance and training from experienced field professionals✔️ Welcome pack with all the essential and helpful information
✔️ Certificate of completion at the end of your placement
✔️ Full support before, during, and after your program
✔️ 100% Cancellation Money-Back Guarantee
✔️ And so much more...
Your Investment in Nature, Family & Shared Purpose
This program is about planting seeds—both in the rainforest and in the hearts of your children. Your family’s fees directly support reforestation, wildlife protection, and the village community that welcomes you into their lives.
Your program fees help directly support:
Restoration of rainforest corridors vital to orangutan and elephant movement
Community education programs and school engagement activities
Wildlife monitoring and data collection for conservation authorities
Sustainable village income through local partnerships and homestays
Resources, materials, and long-term support for environmental action
Where You'll Be - The Heart of Borneo’s Rainforest
Your conservation journey unfolds in the lush landscapes of Sabah, Malaysian Borneo. This region is renowned for its rich biodiversity, including orangutans, pygmy elephants, and proboscis monkeys. The Kinabatangan River, Malaysia's second-longest river, winds through this area, offering a unique ecosystem of mangroves, swamp forests, and oxbow lakes.
Kinabatangan River & Sukau Village
The program is based near Sukau, a village along the Kinabatangan River. This area is part of the Kinabatangan Wildlife Sanctuary, a protected region that serves as a critical habitat for numerous endangered species. The sanctuary's diverse environments support a wide array of wildlife, making it a prime location for conservation efforts.
Sandakan: Gateway to the Wild
Your adventure begins in Sandakan, a coastal city in Sabah. Sandakan is known for its historical significance and proximity to natural attractions. The city provides access to the Sepilok Orangutan Rehabilitation Centre and the Bornean Sun Bear Conservation Centre, both of which play vital roles in wildlife conservation.
Malaysia – A Land of Biodiversity, Culture & Contrasts
Malaysia is a vibrant Southeast Asian nation where modern cities, ancient rainforests, and a deep cultural heritage come together. Split across Peninsular Malaysia and the island of Borneo, the country is a treasure trove of natural wonders and warm-hearted communities.
On the island of Borneo—where your program is based—you’ll find some of the world’s oldest rainforests, home to endangered orangutans, sun bears, hornbills, and pygmy elephants. Towering trees, winding rivers, and rich biodiversity make this region one of Earth’s most important ecological hotspots.
Beyond its wildlife, Malaysia offers a unique blend of Malay, Chinese, Indian, and Indigenous cultures. From colourful festivals to flavorful cuisine and traditional music, each day is a chance to explore a living mosaic of heritage and hospitality.
Why You’ll Love It Here:
Rich biodiversity and rare wildlife found nowhere else on Earth
Warm, welcoming communities with deep connections to nature
Delicious local food, from spicy laksa to fresh tropical fruit
Diverse cultural influences that shape language, art, and daily life
Incredible adventure opportunities, from jungle trekking to river safaris
Whether you're planting trees under a rainforest canopy or watching a wild orangutan swing overhead, volunteering in Malaysia connects you to something bigger—nature, people, and purpose.
When your not saving the world, you'll have the opportunity to immerse yourself in the rich natural and cultural heritage of Borneo during your free time. Depending on your program location—such as the Bornean Sun Bear Conservation Centre in Sepilok or tree-planting initiatives along the Kinabatangan floodplains—your off-duty hours can be filled with a variety of enriching experiences.
Explore the Rainforest Discovery Centre
Located near Sepilok, this centre features a 363-meter canopy walkway, providing a unique perspective of the rainforest's treetops. It's an excellent spot for birdwatching and learning about Borneo's diverse flora and fauna.
Visit the Sepilok Orangutan Rehabilitation Centre
Adjacent to the Sun Bear Centre, this renowned facility offers insights into orangutan conservation efforts. Observing semi-wild orangutans in their natural habitat is both educational and inspiring.
Cultural Immersion with Local Communities
Engage with indigenous communities to learn about traditional practices and lifestyles. Such interactions deepen your understanding of local cultures and the human dimensions of conservation.
River Cruises on the Kinabatangan
Embark on guided boat tours along the Kinabatangan River to spot wildlife such as proboscis monkeys, pygmy elephants, and a variety of bird species in their natural environment.
Relaxation and Reflection
After a fulfilling day of volunteer work, unwind in the serene surroundings of your accommodation. Whether it's reading, journaling, or simply enjoying the natural beauty around you, these moments offer a chance to reflect on your experiences.
These activities not only enhance your volunteer experience but also contribute to a deeper appreciation of Borneo's unique ecosystems and cultures.
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