Orangutan and Tribes in Borneo

Experience the beauty of wild orangutans as you explore the lush Borneo rainforests on a memorable jungle tour as a volunteer on this orangutan project. This volunteer program also features visits to the Matang Wildlife Centre and the Semenggoh Nature Reserve, as well as three breathtaking national parks – Bako, Kubah and Batang Ai. Both Bornean orangutan sanctuaries and all three national parks are managed by the Sarawak Forestry Corporation, who play an active role in the ongoing conservation of the area's orangutans.

This rainforest trip will involve meeting the descendants of the legendary Borneo head-hunters – the Iban tribe – who are now the custodians of the wild orangutans of Batang Ai. The orangutan project is a voyage of discovery for the volunteers who take part, giving them access to the rehabilitation efforts at Matang Wildlife Centre, the released, semi-wild orangutans of Semenggoh Nature Reserve, the seven different habitats of Borneo in the amazing Bako National Park and a one week trip into the lush rainforest. This 'voluntour' is designed to raise awareness of the conservation efforts made in Sarawak, to restore the harmony between people and orangutans that has become strained in recent years.

Organic Farming - Volunteers have helped develop an organic farm to grow food for the animals at the centre to enable this to become a more sustainable institution.

Meet the Iban Tribe - Interacting and building bonds with the indigenous people is essential in repairing the fractured human – orangutan relations in this region. The attitude of the orangutan volunteers towards the host community is paramount to the success of this project. When in Batang Ai there are a lot of different activities to get involved in including learning traditional handicrafts, cooking, fishing, picnics amidst breath-taking scenery, swimming in jungle rivers and waterfalls and interacting with the tribespeople.

Jungle Treks - During this voluntour there are numerous jungle treks with the chances of seeing wild proboscis monkeys and wild orangutans. There are also some night walks in Bako National Park and Batang Ai for the more adventurous volunteers.

Enrichment - A major part of the work at Matang Wildlife centre is creating enrichment. This promotes natural behaviours and will enhance the potential for rehabilitation to release as well as improve the lives of the animals at the centre.

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