Ready to get involved in something truly special? The Sumatra Orangutan Project is a hands-on conservation adventure that aims to protect the endangered orangutans and the unique wildlife and plants that thrive in this stunning part of North Sumatra. This isn’t just a project, it’s a chance to work with some of the world’s most incredible animals in one of the oldest rainforests on the planet!
What will you be doing?
You’ll be helping to monitor the habitat of orangutans, protect their environment, and restore forests so they can thrive. Not only will you get to observe these amazing creatures, but you’ll also be involved in some community outreach, working with local kids and educating them about wildlife and the importance of conservation.
Expect to get your hands dirty as you assist with wildlife tracking, forest restoration, and even running educational programs. You’ll be working in the lush jungle with orangutans, civet cats, slow lorises, macaques, gibbons, and plenty of birds, insects, and frogs! Your days will vary, but there’s never a dull moment.
You’ll also have the opportunity to work with local communities, teaching kids English, nature education, and the importance of protecting their environment. You’ll be part of the effort to build bridges between locals and the national park, making a real difference in the way people live alongside wildlife.
A typical day for volunteers is flexible and blends environmental and educational activities. Here’s an example of what a day could look like:
9:00 AM: Begin the morning conservation activities:
Nursery Activities:
Wildlife Corridors:
Participate in planting enrichment trees to create wildlife corridors, reconnecting habitats for animals like the Sumatran orangutan and other primates.
Monday to Wednesday:
Thursday and Saturday:
3:00 PM – 5:00 PM: Assist at another school, teaching nature, environment, and English lessons.
Friday:
This experience is a perfect mix of conservation, adventure, and community outreach, where you’ll work in an amazing natural environment while making a real difference. Whether you're passionate about wildlife, love working with kids, or want to get involved in meaningful eco-projects, this is your chance to contribute to preserving one of the most beautiful and threatened ecosystems on Earth.
Are you ready to join the fight to save orangutans and make a lasting impact? let’s go!
Boré
Wat een leuke, gezellige sfeer hangt daar zeg! En geloof me, orangutans zien verveeld nooit!
Indy vrijwilligerswerk Sumatra
Ik zou dit project dan ook zeker aanraden omdat je veel leert over de cultuur, echt het gevoel hebt dat je iets kan bereiken!
Manou
We werden hartelijk ontvangen en alles was in orde wanneer we toekwamen!
From 9:00am to 4:00pm. Volunteers can also join morning and night walks.
You’ll be working with the volunteer coordinator, volunteer assistant, and several other volunteers.
English is spoken at this project.
This project cares for animals and is open all year round. However, you can’t arrive on weekends, preferably arrive on a Monday.
You’ll be staying right in the jungle. Keep in mind it can get a bit humid, so it’s a good idea to bring your own pillow.
Volunteers stay on site, so you can get around on foot. The school is about a 30-minute walk away, but you can hire someone with a scooter if you don’t want to walk.
If you have some extra space in your bag and want to bring something for the project, they’d really appreciate it. Please check with us first about what useful items to bring.
The project is about five hours from the airport. The first part of the trip is by car, and the last part is on the back of a scooter because cars can’t reach the location.
Pickup and drop-off back to the airport after your placement are included in the first week’s cost.
Check out the extra trips to see what you can do in your free time! We have some great excursions lined up for you. Since you’ll be in such a beautiful location, it’s a fantastic chance to explore more of the country.
Sue is the contact person for the project. She’s originally from Australia and speaks fluent English.
For this project, we’re looking for volunteers who want to help protect endangered orangutans and their natural habitat. You’ll assist with research, monitoring, and environmental education.
This project is suitable for volunteers of all ages.
Passion for Conservation: A strong interest in wildlife protection and experience in conservation work is important.
Initiative and Proactivity: Being able to work independently and take initiative is essential. You’ll organise and carry out various tasks like GPS monitoring and developing rehabilitation programs.
Patience and Empathy: Understanding and patience are key when working with animals and the local community.
Cultural Sensitivity: Respect for local customs and traditions, and a willingness to learn from the local culture.
Flexibility and Adaptability: Working in different conditions in Sumatra requires flexibility and adaptability.
Communication Skills: Good communication is needed for working alongside local staff and fellow volunteers.
Team Spirit: Collaboration is vital. A positive attitude and willingness to work with locals and other volunteers are essential.
As a volunteer, you’ll assist with monitoring orangutans, restoring habitats, and delivering environmental education to the local community. Typical work hours are 9 am to 4 pm, with optional morning and night activities.
Staying in Sumatra offers great opportunities for personal and professional growth, cultural discovery, and unforgettable experiences.
If you have a passion for conservation and are ready to commit to a challenging yet rewarding environment, this Sumatra project is perfect for you. Together, we can make a lasting difference to the lives of orangutans and their habitat.
We completely understand that having your child volunteer overseas can feel like a big step. In fact, it’s often just as exciting for parents as it is for the young person themselves, and sometimes even a little more nerve-racking. That’s why we want to reassure you that your child is in good hands.
Since 2004, we’ve been supporting volunteers and have guided many young people through meaningful international experiences.
We take safety seriously. That begins with carefully selecting our partner organisations, volunteer projects, and host families. Every placement is thoroughly checked to make sure it meets our high standards for safety, support, and ethical practices.
Our experienced and caring local contacts are always there to support volunteers throughout their journey. From clear pre-departure preparation to personal assistance during the project, we’re available to help whenever needed.
We believe strongly in open communication. You're always welcome to contact us with any questions or concerns. We’re here not only for the volunteers, but for their families too.
You can feel confident knowing we are fully committed to creating a safe, supportive, and positive experience. Your child’s wellbeing, safety, and overall happiness are our top priorities.
If there's anything you’d like to ask or talk through, please don’t hesitate to reach out. We're here to support you every step of the way.
Warm regards,
The Volunteer Worldwide Team
1 week of volunteering: $1099
2 weeks of volunteering: $1769
3 weeks of volunteering: $2460
Each additional week: $515
*All prices are in AUD.
Before departure
Online introductory meeting
Information pack with details about the culture and customs in Sumatra, plus a checklist of everything you need to prepare, including info on insurance, money matters, and travel tips
Pre-departure training
Help with applying for a police check (VOG)
Access to our online community
Support with your visa application
Help booking your flight (on request)
During your trip
Airport transfer to the project
On-site orientation
Help with visa extensions (if needed)
Ongoing support throughout your stay
Accommodation in the volunteer house
Three meals a day
After your trip
Reflection session
Certificate of participation (on request)
Opportunity to stay connected via our WhatsApp community
Memories for life!
Flights
Vaccinations
Visa
Police check (VOG)
Travel insurance
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