Mind The Gap

Two weeks at a Malaysian Zoo gives you an excellent opportunity to have an in-depth understanding of the orang-utans and other Malaysian wildlife. Working alongside zoo keepers who have been the caregivers for decades, you will learn the ins and outs of zoo life, the differing characteristics and habits of each animal. You will have a chance to help improve the lives of these animals and make a lasting impression at the zoo through mini construction projects.

You are then whisked off to Borneo for a wild adventure. After a visit to the rehabilitation centre in Kuching, you will journey into the jungles and live with the tribal people of Sarawak, the Ibans. Share stories and join them on their walks into the pristine jungle to sight the elusive wild orang-utans.

Prices start from £1600 for 4 weeks

• Improve conditions of various animals in captivity through creating environment and food enrichment;
• Work alongside zookeepers to raise the quality of current enrichment and protocol standards in Malaysian zoos;
• Understand and compare situation of captive animals and those with threatened habitats;
• Learn about orangutans in the stage of rehabilitation and process of releasing them back to the wild.
• Observe and appreciate the orang-utans, understand their life cycles and the intricate biodiversity roles;
• Understand the threats to the habitat and the wildlife and to make a personal impact, bringing positive change;
• Raise awareness on responsible living and travelling among tourists, local community and students.

Day 1 

Arrive Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KUL) and transfer to city centre twin share accommodation. Welcome dinner and introduction to programme. (Volunteer arrivals suggested being before 1500)

Day 2 (meal allowance provided)

Transfer to Zoo accommodation and introduction to Zoo environment and job scopes

Day 3 - 16 (meal allowance provided)

PROJECT DAYS - Work at the zoo alongside zoo keepers to do husbandry and enrichment work to improve the living conditions and stimulate natural behaviours in captive animals.  

N.B Changes to the activities will occur subject to weather conditions, school calendar, community and project requirements. Some or all of the above activities may or may not be included on your itinerary. Other activities not mentioned above may also be included on your itinerary subject to weather conditions, community and project requirements.

Day 17

Transfer from Zoo to airport for departure flight to Kuching, Sarawak. Pick up from Kkuching Airport by WOX representative. Dinner and briefing. Overnight in Kuching.

Day 18 - 19

Visit to Matang Wildlife Centre and Semenggoh Rehabilitation Centre.

Day 20 - 27

PROJECT DAYS - Batang Ai Longhouse for interaction with the community and sighting of Orangutans in the rainforest. Carry out nest counts and record insects.

Day 28

Transfer to airport for departure flight.

What skills do you need on this placement?

You do not need to have specific skills. You should love animals though, especially orangutans, and be willing to work hard. The work is physical and the temperature high so volunteers should have a decent level of fitness. Please note that the terrain in the National Park is hilly and you will be expected to be able to jungle in hot and humid environments, if you cannot you will be left behind so it is worth undertaking a fitness regime beforehand. All participants should be able to speak good English and be able to work as part of a team. Previous experience with animals or veterinary knowledge is especially welcomed.

What are conditions and the accommodation like?

The accommodation is based in a jungle lodge which is basic but clean. This is jungle living at its best and you should not expect luxury. The shower runs cold water from the nearby waterfall. Electricity is produced by a generator and is not switched on all the time. There is always the alternative of bathing in the river. A mosquito net is provided - you will need it! The geckos tend to help keep the insect population down for you!

What is the food like?

During the zoo element you willhave access to supermarkets and local restaurants. You will find familiar and less familiar foods here. When in the rainforest the option to pop down to the local takeaway is not available, though you are always welcome to cook up some grubs and crickets! You will have food cooked for you and it will be rice based, and tend to be mildly spicey, with meat or fish and vegetables and fruit - though not always foods you will recognise. You will be fed jungle produce, organic and fresh. Vegetarians will find that they can survive fairly comfortably though the scope of food may be limited. On our favourites' list are baby ferns, sago and dragon fruits.

What are the working hours?

8am to 4/5pm, Monday to Friday, possibly working some Saturdays or Sundays if required by the Zoos. Your time in the rainforest will no longer run by days of the week and time, but by sunrise and sunset. It's best to go with the flow here as people do what needs doing, when it needs doing.

Is insurance needed?

Yes, insurance is compulsory and without it you will not be allowed to work with the animals or go jungle trekking. You should specifically mention to your insurance company that you will be working in close proximity to semi wild animals and ensure you are also covered for jungle trekking. We can recommend insurance if needed.

Can I talk to previous volunteers?

Yes, and we encourage you to do so. If you have a Facebook account you can join The Great Orangutan Project group where many of our previous volunteers post photos and talk about their experiences. You can also find out more by visiting our testimonials section.

Is a visa required?

As a British or Irish passport holder, you will automatically receive a 3 month entry visa to Malaysia and Sarawak once you have landed so no need to go to the embassy beforehand. Sarawak is a Malaysian state on the island of Borneo. It has its own immigration department separate from the rest of Malaysia. You will therefore require two visas, one when you land in Malaysia, and a second when you land in Kuching, the capital of Sarawak. If you require a longer stay you should consult your advisor.

Is there an age limit?

Volunteers should be aged 18 or over, though there is not upper age restriction. The only proviso is that you are healthy, fit and compos mentis (latin for 'sane').

How much spending money will I need?

For one month's travel it is advisable to take on average £100 - £200  as spending money but you can get away with less. This is used if you wish to do independent excursions on the weekends, shop for souvenirs for friends and family, and eat like an orangutan!

Ever since a very young age I have loved orangutans and to be able to have close contact with several orangutans over a period of two weeks was an absolutely amazing experience. I got to know each of the orangutans really well, such as their own personalities. The second part of the programme where we travelled into the jungle in Borneo was definitely a once in a lifetime experience. Although at first it was a bit of a shock, when you realise you are actually in the middle of nowhere with no communication with the outside world, our guide was very reassuring  and the tribe were extremely welcoming.

Anna Gidlow, June 2008

DO IT. It was the best thing I have ever ever done. There were times when it was tough, especially trekking in the rainforest, but I wouldn't change a minute of it. The memories I have, I will treasure forever.

Caroline Aldred, April 2007

A real highlight for me was being able to get close to orangutans and learn so much more about them, for example, their behaviour. The other highlight was staying in the jungle and living near the iban tribe and getting to know a very different way of living. Also, I just want to say that our facilitators out in Malaysia and Borneo were fantastic and couldn't do enough for us.

Shay Evans, August 2008

Making your reservation

Our team would be more than happy to answer any questions you may have. Please contact us at volunteer@mindthegaptravel.co.uk and we will get back to you.

Book Now

Step 1

You can register your interest by clicking the apply now button on the page above

Step 2

Once you have expressed firm interest, we will hold your tentative booking for 7 days and your placement will be secured once we have received a deposit of £195 per person.  You can pay by cheque (made payable to mindthegap travel ltd), bank transfer (we will send you details of our bank account) or credit/debit card (this will incur a 3% admin fee).

If you wish to pay in any other currency, you can pay by transfer through our local Travelex banking partner. We will send you full details.

Step 3

On confirmation of your placement we will send you by email a Travel Voucher, a full itinerary on payment of deposit and Know Before Your Go document on payment of balance (2 months prior to departure on chosen placement date).

Between the time you secure your placement to the time of departure we are here to assist in your travel preparations and to answer your queries.

Welcome onboard!

Once you have paid your deposit, the most frequently asked question is what happens now?

You will receive your receipt and travel itinerary via E mail along with a document which gives you further information on the project that you have selected. It also contains details on the local area, the religion and culture and gives you everything you should need to know to prepare you for your arrival at site.

If you have any questions or concerns before your departure you should contact our volunteer coordinator at volunteer@mindthegaptravel.co.uk

Approximately 2 months before departure you will receive an e mail detailing the names and e mail addresses of other participants on your project. It often helps to break the ice and get to know each other before your journey begins. Other volunteers may have useful information to share and as we have a lot of returning volunteers they are often very keen to share their knowledge and previous adventures with you.

Emergency contact details are kept on our site and updated when necessary. These details exist for your use and also for your families should unexpected problems occur at home. Please make sure you are aware of your projects emergency contacts prior to starting your journey.

All that is left for you to do now is pack your bags. We send you a site specific kit list to help you prepare for your adventures. So every step of your way we are there to help and support you.

Data Protection Policy

mindthegap travel ltd is committed to meeting its obligations under the UK Data Protection Act 1998. We will take due care in the collection, processing and storage of all personal data, including any sensitive data. We will only use your personal data in ways relevant to carrying out our legitimate purposes and functions and in a way that is not prejudicial to your interests. Our staff will do their best to keep all your personal data current, accurate and secure.

As an international company, we may share your personal data with our staff, partners and suppliers overseas in order to arrange your safari or placement. We will work to ensure that our staff understand they are required to observe UK data protection laws when handling personal data transferred overseas from the UK.

You should be aware that the country or countries we may need to transfer your personal data to may not afford the same level of protection to your personal data as your home country.

In the UK, we will hold and store all personal data you give us in connection with your booking for the same reason. Other reasons why we may hold and store your personal data are for our own marketing purposes, as well as for purposes relating to potential legal proceedings (the period of time determined by reference to statutory limitation periods). We will not hold or store your personal data for longer than necessary. By no means will we use your personal details for third party marketing purposes.

By completing our Application Form, you are giving your explicit consent to all transfers and the holding or storing of your personal data. We will meet any request for access to personal data in compliance with the law.

Borneo

Asia