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Receive your welcome pack with everything you need: arrival info, contacts, visa and insurance help, packing tips, vaccines, language basics, and so much more.
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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 nature conservationist in Malaysian Borneo? Our Travel Roots Habitat Restoration program is a short-term but high-impact adventure designed to reconnect people with nature through hands-on conservation and cultural immersion.
Set within a stunning wildlife sanctuary along the Kinabatangan River, this program invites you to help protect one of the world’s richest ecosystems.
Spend your days restoring critical rainforest habitat, collecting data on endangered species like orangutans and pygmy elephants, and connecting with local communities to support environmental education. Whether you're planting trees, recording wildlife sightings, or helping students learn about sustainability, your presence directly contributes to safeguarding Borneo’s precious biodiversity.
Key Activities:
Carry out habitat restoration through tree planting and maintenance
Collect wildlife population data for local research and conservation planning
Observe orangutans, pygmy elephants, hornbills, and more in their natural habitat
Support conservation education in local schools and villages
Visit rehabilitation centres for orangutans and sun bears
Project Site:
This immersive program takes place in a small riverside village deep within Borneo’s rainforest. You’ll live among the Orang Sungai—or “People of the River”—and experience life at the pace of the jungle. The nearest town, Sandakan, is easily reached by air from Kota Kinabalu or Kuala Lumpur.
Volunteer in the tropical rainforests on the in Island of Borneo, Malaysia
Help restore the habitats amongst the most biodiverse ecosystems in the world.
Chances to encounter iconic species such as the orangutan, elephants & proboscis.
Diverse and hands on work with plenty to do and experience.
You will develop new transferable skills and gain industry experience that match your passion and interests.
Meet & help the locals fight for their forests in this cultural immersion.
Experience day off adventures and embrace the Borneo local culture, sights & attractions.
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.
Example
6:30 AM – Wake Up to the Jungle
Start your day with the sounds of nature as the rainforest comes alive. Enjoy a local breakfast prepared by your hosts.8:00 AM – Habitat Restoration Work
Head into the field to carry out essential restoration work—this may include tree planting, clearing invasive species, or maintaining forest corridors used by elephants and orangutans.11:00 AM – Break & Wildlife Observation
Take a breather and join a guided session of wildlife spotting or data collection. You may log sightings of macaques, hornbills, or even wild orangutans.1:00 PM – Lunch & Cultural Interaction
Return to the village for a group lunch and connect with the local community. You may also help prepare meals or learn traditional skills.2:30 PM – Education & Engagement
Support environmental education efforts with local children or assist in preparing materials for awareness campaigns and student workshops.5:00 PM – Afternoon River Safari or Free Time
Take a guided boat trip to observe wildlife from the water or relax at your base surrounded by forest.7:00 PM – Dinner & Reflection
Enjoy a shared meal and reflect on the day’s efforts. Some evenings include conservation talks, games, or cultural exchange activities.Days Off
Depending on your program length, your itinerary may include a visit to the Sepilok Orangutan Rehabilitation Centre and Bornean Sun Bear Conservation Centre, or a rainforest walk at the Rainforest Discovery Centre.Your Impact as a Volunteer
Volunteering in the Borneo rainforest isn’t just about lending a hand—it’s about being part of a long-term solution. Every tree you plant helps reconnect fragmented habitats and gives orangutans and pygmy elephants a safe path to roam. Every data point you log contributes to real conservation decisions. Every conversation you have in a classroom helps inspire the next generation of nature guardians.
Your work directly strengthens local ecosystems and empowers the people who live alongside them. By showing up and contributing, you’re sending a message—that wild places matter, and that ordinary people can do extraordinary things when they care enough to act.
This isn’t just a trip. It’s a legacy you’ll help leave behind in one of the world’s most vital ecosystems.
Your Home in the Heart of the Rainforest
During your stay, you’ll be hosted by a local village community along the Kinabatangan River—immersed in the rhythms of nature and the culture of the Orang Sungai, or “People of the River.”
Accommodation is simple yet comfortable, offering everything you need to rest and recharge after a day in the jungle. Rooms are shared with fellow volunteers and include mosquito nets, fans, and basic bedding. Meals are home-cooked and locally inspired, with fresh ingredients often sourced from the surrounding area.
What’s Included:
Shared room with bunk or single beds
Mosquito netting and basic bedding
Access to bathroom and shower facilities
Daily meals (local Malaysian cuisine)
Filtered water, tea, and coffee
This is slow, purposeful living—where the sounds of frogs and cicadas lull you to sleep, and every sunrise reminds you why you’re here.
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
Duration Fee (EUR) Daily Equivalent Avg
7 Days €810 €114
12 Days €1365 €114
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 Wildlife, Forests & the Future
This immersive short-term program makes a long-term difference. Your fees directly support habitat restoration, wildlife monitoring, local education, and the community that hosts you. Every contribution goes toward conservation that lasts.
Your program fees help directly support:
Reforestation and habitat restoration in key orangutan corridors
Wildlife research and data collection in partnership with local authorities
Environmental education sessions in local schools
Employment and training of local conservation staff
Sustainable infrastructure and tools for long-term impact
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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