5 independent reviews for Orangutan sanctuary volunteering in Borneo
Reviews for Orangutan sanctuary volunteering in Borneo
Graham Pither review 19 Aug 2026
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
I enjoyed it all - making hammocks, creating food enrichment, planting trees and working on the raised platform on the new island for the orangutans that can't be released. It was good to feed the orangutans that can't be released and to see the 4-7 year olds return from jungle school and play in the playground whilst enjoying the food that we had made. The 2 boat trips to see the orangutans on the pre-release islands were great and we got to see the rescue of an orangutan and her baby that had crossed the low water from the pre-release island to the mainland. It was wonderful to see the trust she had in the technician who tempted her onto his boat, took her to mid-river where she and her baby ate from a big bunch of bananas he had and then transferred with him to a larger boat with a vet. I also enjoyed playing volleyball with the locals and meeting so many families, chatting with them and posing with them for photos.2. What tips would you give other travellers booking this holiday?
Get fully involved - there will be a job for everyone. Relax and interact with the friendly local people'3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
We planted trees and I think that the work that we did was of benefit to the orangutans. A local lady cooked for us and we purchased some coconuts and snacks from the stalls nearby. Other than for the flights, I don't think that we had a significant negative environmental impact. And hopefully the local people enjoyed meeting us - we played volleyball with them a couple of times, and and a large number wanted selfies with us!4. Finally, how would you rate your holiday overall?
We had a wonderful time (despite my partner being in bed with a stomach upset for 4 days!) and both of us really enjoyed all that we did. It did feel like we made a contribution towards the welfare of the orangutans and I enjoyed meeting the locals. So overall we would give it a 5 star rating.Lisa Lam review 11 Jul 2025
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
Interactions with the Orangutans when we offer them the enrichment we made for them. Also, the ability to observe the Orangutans on the pre-release islands, knowing that there is a “future” for these majestic beings.2. What tips would you give other travellers booking this holiday?
The facility is in transition as the operator will be relocating to a new site. As priority is given to building the future site for the Orangutans, the accommodation for the volunteers is a bit rundown. So, expect a more rustic environment until the new site is fully operational.3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
I feel that I have contributed to improving the well being of the Orangutans, and helped contributed a little to the local economy.4. Finally, how would you rate your holiday overall?
A must for Orangutans lovers! The rich and varied activities, whether it’s direct interactions with the Orangutans or indirect experience such as a visit to the vet clinic, greatly enhanced my understanding of the Orangutans.Mina Ullah review 31 Jul 2023
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
The second week of a 2 week volunteer project2. What tips would you give other travellers booking this holiday?
Light clothing. 2 changes a day. The humidity is high.3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
The role as a volunteer is to help with time consuming jobs that the full time staff do not have the time to do looking the welfare of orangutans in their care.4. Finally, how would you rate your holiday overall?
Truly memorable.Song Yang review 19 Jul 2023
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
Working in close proximity with the animals and being able to help create comfort for them2. What tips would you give other travellers booking this holiday?
Have a good work ethic and be ready to do some work that you may not have done before. Be open minded and listen to the experts.3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
I hope so, especially for the animals4. Finally, how would you rate your holiday overall?
Incredible time with good people who also want to do betterJennifer Chatwin review 28 Apr 2023
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
Tricky to name one thing - probably seeing the orangutans returning from Forest School and playing before bef2. What tips would you give other travellers booking this holiday?
Be prepared to get hot and sweaty and having no air con. However, it is worth it just to have the experience of seeing the orangutans3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
Yes4. Finally, how would you rate your holiday overall?
10 out of 10. I would do this trip again in a heartbeat.Holiday Reviews
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