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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.
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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 with sun bears and explore Borneo’s wild rivers?
Our Travel Roots Sun Bear Encounters program is a unique hybrid experience that combines direct animal care at the world-renowned sun bear centre in Sepilok with a deeper conservation immersion at the Kinabatangan Wildlife Sanctuary.Over 28 days, you’ll split your time between two iconic wildlife regions. First, you’ll work hands-on with rescued sun bears—preparing food, cleaning enclosures, building enrichment, and supporting forest rehabilitation.
Then, you’ll travel to the Lower Kinabatangan River, home to orangutans, pygmy elephants, hornbills, crocodiles, and proboscis monkeys, where you’ll assist with habitat restoration and wildlife monitoring.
This is an ideal program for those wanting to go deeper—into both wildlife conservation and the heart of Borneo’s tropical wilderness.
What You’ll Do:
🟤 At the Sun Bear Conservation Centre (16 Days)
Clean enclosures and prepare food for sun bears
Design and implement enrichment activities
Observe sun bear behaviour and contribute to research records
Support educational efforts and visitor engagement
Assist with habitat maintenance and light construction work
🟢 At the Lower Kinabatangan Wildlife Sanctuary (12 Days)
Assist with tree planting and corridor restoration
Conduct wildlife population surveys and river observations
Collect ecological data and contribute to research logs
Participate in environmental education for local youth
Experience traditional village life and cultural exchange
Project Site:
From the forest enclosures of Sepilok to the floodplains of Kinabatangan, you’ll be surrounded by nature, guided by professionals, and immersed in two of the most important conservation hubs in Southeast Asia.By joining our Sun Bear Encounters program, you will:
Work hands-on with rescued sun bears at the world’s only dedicated sun bear conservation centre
Spend 12 unforgettable days in the Kinabatangan rainforest, one of Borneo’s most biodiverse regions
Gain experience in animal husbandry, enrichment, behavioural observation, and habitat restoration
Participate in wildlife surveys and conservation activities alongside local experts
Witness orangutans, pygmy elephants, and proboscis monkeys in their natural habitat
Contribute to long-term reforestation efforts that reconnect fragmented forest corridors
Build valuable conservation skills and knowledge applicable to careers in environmental science
Immerse yourself in rural Bornean culture and experience the real, wild Malaysia
What to Expect: A Day in the Life of a Sun Bear Hybrid Volunteer
Your 28-day journey is split into two powerful phases: working with sun bears in Sepilok, and then heading deep into the Kinabatangan rainforest for a truly wild conservation adventure. Each part of the program has its own rhythm, purpose, and unforgettable impact.
Days 1–16: At the Sun Bear Conservation Centre – Sepilok
6:30 AM – Morning Briefing
Join keepers and fellow volunteers to review your daily assignments.7:00 AM – Enclosure Cleaning & Food Prep
Begin with feeding routines and thorough cleaning to maintain hygiene and animal health.10:00 AM – Enrichment Design or Bear Observation
Create activities to stimulate natural behaviours—climbing, foraging, nesting. Observe how the bears respond to your creations.12:00 PM – Lunch & Relaxation
Break for lunch and enjoy some time to rest in the jungle setting.1:00 PM – Facility Support, Education or Jungle Foraging
Assist with maintenance tasks, gather termite nests, support the visitor centre, or help update bear behavioural logs.5:00 PM – Free Time
Wind down at the guesthouse, surrounded by rainforest sounds.Days 17–28: At the Kinabatangan Wildlife Sanctuary
7:00 AM – River or Forest Surveys
Early morning boat or walking transects to monitor orangutans, hornbills, elephants, and more.9:30 AM – Tree Planting or Habitat Restoration
Help reconnect forest corridors by planting native trees in degraded areas.12:00 PM – Lunch in the Village or Jungle Camp
Eat with your host family or fellow volunteers in a remote but welcoming community.2:00 PM – Environmental Education or Data Entry
Assist with school sessions or record wildlife data collected earlier in the day.4:00 PM – Cultural Exchange or Free Time
Take part in community activities, explore the forest, or simply relax by the river.Each phase of your program offers something different—but both are united by impact, adventure, and purpose.
Your Impact as a Volunteer
Your contribution on this program is both immediate and long-lasting.
At the Sun Bear Conservation Centre, your work directly supports the daily wellbeing and emotional recovery of rescued sun bears—many of whom have lived through trauma, captivity, or the illegal wildlife trade. Through your care, enrichment efforts, and observations, you’ll be part of a professional team helping these incredible animals reclaim their natural instincts and, in some cases, prepare for release back into the wild.
In the Kinabatangan Wildlife Sanctuary, your impact takes root—literally. Every tree you plant helps rebuild critical forest corridors that connect isolated wildlife populations, allowing orangutans and pygmy elephants to thrive again. By collecting data and engaging in local education, you also contribute to scientific research and community awareness, both key to long-term conservation.
But the impact doesn’t end in Borneo. The knowledge, skills, and awareness you gain will stay with you—and you’ll return home empowered to become an ambassador for wildlife, rainforest protection, and responsible travel wherever life takes you.
Your Homes in Sepilok & Kinabatangan
Over the course of your 28-day journey, you'll stay in two contrasting yet equally memorable locations—each offering a chance to live close to the wild and truly connect with the environments you're helping to protect.
Sepilok: Near the Sun Bear Conservation Centre
During your first 16 days, you’ll stay in simple but comfortable shared accommodation near the sun bear centre in Sepilok.
Twin or triple rooms with fans or air-conditioning (subject to availability)
Shared bathrooms with western-style toilets and showers
Communal areas for relaxing, journaling, or wildlife watching
Limited but available Wi-Fi (depending on weather and location)
Meals may be provided or self-catered depending on the lodge setup
Expect a quiet, forested setting just minutes from the sun bears themselves—perfect for soaking in the rainforest atmosphere.
Kinabatangan River: Rural Jungle Camp or Village Stay
For the final 12 days, you’ll transfer to a riverside conservation project along the Lower Kinabatangan. Accommodation here is more rustic but deeply immersive.
Basic rooms in shared village guesthouses or wooden jungle lodges
Cold-water showers and traditional bucket toilets in some sites
All meals provided, often cooked by local families
Incredible access to the river, wildlife, and rural Bornean culture
While more remote, this stay is often described by past volunteers as the most rewarding part of the journey—living in harmony with nature and contributing directly to the frontline of conservation.
History
Our partners at the sun bear conservation centre in Sepilok, Sabah, Malaysia, founded the world’s first and only dedicated sanctuary for this endangered species. Since 2008, they’ve focused on two core missions: to rehabilitate rescued sun bears and to raise international awareness of their plight.
The centre is currently home to over 40 rescued sun bears, many of which arrived orphaned or kept illegally as pets. These bears often arrive malnourished, traumatised, and without the natural skills they need to survive. With access to the largest forest enclosures of any sun bear facility, each bear is given a new lease on life—supported by expert keepers, researchers, and rehabilitation specialists.
Mission & Vision
This centre’s work rests on five pillars:
Welfare
Rehabilitation
Education
Research
Eco-tourism.
Their goal is to honour the innate right of every sun bear to live freely in its natural forest habitat.
Through innovative enrichment activities, detailed behavioural monitoring, and one-of-a-kind forest release preparation, the centre gives each bear the best possible chance of returning to the wild. For those who cannot be released due to lasting trauma, the centre offers a permanent, safe, and respectful home.
Education and public engagement are at the heart of everything they do—from teaching school groups to hosting international volunteers, all in the name of protecting one of Southeast Asia’s most threatened and least understood species.
Program Fees & What’s Included
Sun Bear Encounters Program Fees (EUR)
Duration Total Fee (€) Daily Equivalent
28 Days €2,530 €90/day
What’s Included
✔️ Shared accommodation in Sepilok and Kinabatangan
✔️ All meals throughout your stay
✔️ Enrichment, observation, and animal care training at the sun bear centre
✔️ Tree planting, wildlife monitoring, and restoration work at Kinabatangan
✔️ Welcome pack full of necessary and useful info
✔️ Domestic airport 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
✔️ And so much more...Your Investment in Wildlife, Forests & Personal Growth
This 28-day program offers a rare chance to experience both sides of conservation: animal care and habitat restoration. Your fee directly supports the rescue and rehabilitation of sun bears, reforestation efforts in the Kinabatangan floodplain, and educational outreach that inspires long-term protection of Borneo’s unique wildlife.
Just as importantly, it’s an investment in your personal journey. You'll return home with new skills in conservation, a deep connection to one of the world's most biodiverse regions, and the confidence to turn your care for nature into real impact—wherever life takes you.
Where You’ll Be – In the Heart of Sepilok, Borneo
Your volunteer journey begins in Sepilok, a lush, forested region in Sabah, Malaysian Borneo. Nestled within the Sepilok-Kabili Forest Reserve, the Bornean Sun Bear Conservation Centre is surrounded by one of the most biologically rich and ecologically significant rainforests in the world.
Sepilok is also home to the famous Orangutan Rehabilitation Centre and Rainforest Discovery Centre, making it a global hub for conservation. While remote, the area is easily accessed via a 30-minute drive from Sandakan, a major town with an airport offering regular connections to Kota Kinabalu and Kuala Lumpur.
You’ll be living and working in a true jungle setting, where the air hums with the sounds of gibbons, hornbills, and cicadas. The surrounding forest is home to clouded leopards, civets, sun bears, and countless bird, insect, and reptile species.
Borneo – A Conservation Powerhouse
Borneo is one of the planet’s great biodiversity hotspots. Its ancient rainforests—some over 130 million years old—are home to species found nowhere else on Earth. Sadly, this incredible ecosystem faces ongoing threats from deforestation, palm oil expansion, and poaching.
Volunteering in Borneo gives you the rare chance to witness this wild beauty firsthand and be part of the urgent effort to protect it. Beyond the forest, you’ll discover a rich mix of cultures—from indigenous tribes and Malay Muslims to Chinese, Indian, and expat communities.
The climate is tropical year-round—expect hot, humid days with afternoon rain showers that keep the jungle alive and green. It’s wild, warm, and wonderfully alive—an unforgettable backdrop for a meaningful volunteer experience.
Free time Activities
& Tours
When your not looking after the sunbears you'll have the chance to contribute to wildlife conservation but also the opportunity to explore the rich biodiversity and culture of Sabah during your free time. Whether you're seeking adventure or relaxation, the surrounding area provides a variety of activities to enhance your experience.
Explore the Rainforest Discovery Centre (RDC)
Located nearby, the RDC features a 363-meter canopy walkway, offering panoramic views of the rainforest and opportunities to spot diverse bird species. It's an excellent place to learn about Borneo's unique flora and fauna.
Visit the Sepilok Orangutan Rehabilitation Centre
This renowned centre allows you to observe orangutans in their natural habitat and learn about ongoing rehabilitation efforts. It's a unique chance to see these primates up close and understand the challenges they face.
Relax in Nature
After a fulfilling day of volunteering, unwind by taking a leisurely walk through the surrounding forest trails, enjoying the serene environment, or simply relaxing at your accommodation while listening to the sounds of the jungle.
Cultural Experiences in Sandakan
A short drive away, the town of Sandakan offers cultural attractions, local markets, and a variety of dining options. Explore historical sites, sample traditional Malaysian cuisine, or shop for souvenirs to remember your trip.
Wildlife Watching
Embark on guided river cruises along the Kinabatangan River to spot wildlife such as proboscis monkeys, pygmy elephants, and a myriad of bird species in their natural habitats.
These activities provide a well-rounded experience, allowing you to immerse yourself in both the conservation efforts and the rich cultural tapestry of Borneo.
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