BOSA Volunteer Enrichment Program

Borneo November 2017 – February 2018

Orangutans and a world class reforestation project. Beautiful Rainforest. Sun Bears.

Do you have two weeks spare to make a difference to the lives of orangutans?

Would you like to volunteer on a BOS Australia enrichment program in Borneo?

We are pleased to announce the dates for our Volunteer Enrichment Program later in the year and early 2018. These volunteer programs involve working on the ongoing behavioural enrichment project for the non-releasable orangutans in our care.

We will be running four 14-night programs from November 2017 to February 2018

• November trip: Monday 6 – Sunday 19 November 2017
• December trip: Monday 4 – Sunday 17 December 2017
• January trip: Monday 8 – Sunday 21 January 2018
• February trip: Monday 5 – Sunday 18 February 2018

Trip leaders to be advised.

The location

Samboja Lestari is an oasis just outside of the hustle and bustle of busy Balikpapan, set in a 2000 hectare reserve of unique, regenerating rainforest. It is relatively unknown as the centre doesn’t really encourage tourists. It however remains one of the best and most accessible places in the world to see Orangutans whilst respecting the fact that they are wild animals. It is the home of over 200 Orangutans most of whom are being prepared for release to the wild by BOSF (Borneo Orangutan Survival Foundation Indonesia). The sanctuary also houses over 50 sunbears.

Samboja Lodge is very comfortable and the rooms are clean and neat. Rooms are air conditioned, relaxing and homely. Quotes are based on the standard first floor rooms, with cold water, which have a lovely garden view.

Cost of program

For 14 nights, including transfers, single room accommodation, all food and tours/activities the cost is approximately A$2500 (excluding flights) per person, this includes a (tax deductible) donation to the orangutans. Twin share rooms cost a couple of hundred dollars less. Return flights to Balikpapan are additional and are approximately A$1000–$1300, depending on the choice of airline, dates and departing airport. You arrange your own flights and then advise us of the arrival and departure times to ensure airport transfers can be arranged.

Trip specifications

A good level of fitness and agility is required to manage the work, which can be quite manual at times. Also, you’re working in a humid jungle so be prepared to get dirty and sweaty. Think of it as a working holiday.

Rooms are comfortable and have a garden view. They have cold running water which is refreshing at the end of a hot day. Please note that the minimum age for volunteers is 18 due to volunteer insurance restrictions.

How to book

To secure your place, we ask each traveller for a A$1000 deposit (per person). This is a non-refundable donation to the enrichment program and you will be issued with a tax deductible gift receipt. This deposit is payable directly to BOS Australia’s bank account. The outstanding balance is paid at the lodge at the end of your stay, in Indonesian rupiah, so is subject to the exchange rate at the time.

Please email through a screenshot or receipt of your bank deposit to enrichment@orangutans.com.au as soon as possible, confirming the month of the program you wish to book. A receipt will be processed and sent to you in due course. Places are limited and will be offered to those who have paid their deposits first.

There will be further volunteer trips in November 2018 through to February 2019 for those who miss out this time (dates to be confirmed; we are not taking bookings for these trips yet, but you can request to be added to the wait list).

On receipt of deposit and confirmation of place/s, we will forward a volunteer information sheet, visitor guidelines and a contact form which should answer many of the detailed questions you will have regarding logistics, facilities, etc.

About the program

The story of a previous volunteer’s experience in July 2015 will give you some idea of what to expect from the enrichment program.

Most of the time you are making enrichment items for the keepers to feed out to the orangutans, which you get to observe. This may involve making larger items like hammocks. You will also get to spend a day with the sun bears. There is no hands on contact with the orangutans. There are also local activities/trips included in the itinerary, e.g. local markets, river cruises, etc,