Family Volunteering Adventure
Project Objectives
- Volunteer with your family;
- Carry out habitat restoration at the Lower Kinabatangan floodplains where flora and fauna are abundant but threatened by diminishing habitat;
- Conduct wildlife population density data gathering under the auspices of the Sabah Government;
- Observe and appreciate the orang-utans, pygmy elephants and other endangered species. Understand their life cycles and the intricate biodiversity roles;
- Work with the local community and students in conservation;
- Raise awareness on responsible living and travelling among tourists, the local community and students;
- Understand the threats to habitat and wildlife and make a personal impact, bringing positive change.
Project Description and Project Site
This project takes place in a little village within a beautiful wildlife sanctuary along the Kinabatangan River at Sabah, Malaysian Borneo.
You will live with the community of the village, dine with the gentle Orang Sungai (Malay for “People of the River”) and wake up to the sounds of the Bornean rainforest. You will help restore Bornean wildlife habitat and contribute towards the environmental education of the local schoolchildren while on this programme.
The entry point to the Lower Kinabatangan is the quaint town of Sandakan, approximately 30 minutes by flight and 6-8 hours overland from Kota Kinabalu, Sabah’s state capital. You can also get direct flights to Sandakan from Kuala Lumpur.
Project Highlights
Sukau: The project involves observing Bornean wildlife in order to collect important wildlife population data. Habitat restoration work involves tree-planting and maintenance activities at high priority areas. These are crucial in connecting fragmented forests in the area to encourage healthy orangutan and pygmy elephant populations. Community and education programmes involve interaction with the villagers and the students of the village school.
Sepilok: Walk through the Rainforest Discovery Centre to reinforce what you have learned about the Borneo rainforest in the last few days. Before lunch, visit Sepilok Orangutan Rehabilitation Centre and the Bornean Sun Bear Conservation Centre where you’ll learn about the challenges of orangutan and sun bear rehabilitation.
Note: Programmes are subject to change depending on the community and/or school calendar.