Meaningful Tour: The Malaysian Orang-utan Experience

  Malaysia

Rural

Dates: Multiple start dates year round

Description: Be part of it with i-to-i!
Our goal is to achieve 400yrs of combined volunteering all over the world by the end of 2008.

So far we have achieved 325yrs which when broken down means we achieved the following:

- Over 5500 children cared for on our community projects around the world
- A minimum of 13,000 children and adults taught English in schools and community centres
- Hundreds of animals protected including Turtles, Pandas, Elephants, Monkeys and more
- At least 80 homes and structures built for families and communities in need
- More than 8000 trees planted which are enough trees to offset the CO2 emissions of over 2,000 cars

Swing into action on this 14-day orangutan conservation tour on the mystical island of Borneo. By taking a walk on the wild side, animal lovers can observe these gentle giants and learn about them in their natural habitat. They can also enjoy exclusive "back stage passes" to the running of the orangutan rehabilitation centres of Sarawak, uncover the existing conservation problems and discover some of the solutions that are helping to sustain large and safe populations. The jungle is massive and you will have the opportunity to monkey around by hiking along the trails, exploring the rainforest's flora and fauna, and swimming in the jungle waters. So, if you fancy yourself as the next Tarzan or Jane then make the great escape, meet the descendants of the infamous head-hunters of Borneo and explore the Bako, Kubah and Batang Ai national parks. This tour requires a minimum of 5 people to run, please do not book your flights until the trip has been confirmed by The Asia Team.

Find out more about i-to-i, watch their short video here: http://video.i-to-i.com/site-videos/video.html

Highlights: What were the highlights of your trip that you couldn't wait to tell your friends about?

"The trekking in the jungle and meeting the Iban Longhouse people. The people were amazing and so generous to allow us to join them in their house. I had a fabulous time and feel in love with the people. I also really enjoyed getting to know the other volunteers on my trip and Francis, our guide, was a dream." (Michelle Holland)

Over 14 jam-packed days, you'll get to know orangutans, and Borneo, from a unique perspective. Based out of Kuching in Sarawak, you will have time to sight-see and experience all that the town has to offer before setting off on several treks through 3 different national parks - Bako, Kubah and Batang Ai.

Hike along the jungle trails and then swim in the crystal clear, warm sea in Bako National Park, where you can go bird-watching or searching for wildlife in the forest.

At Kubah National Park you will go on a 4-hour jungle trek past a waterfall, swim in the river, and end at the wildlife center, spending the night at the park hostel. In the morning visit an orangutan rehabilitation center and roll up your sleeves to help out.

Explore the rainforest along the river in Batang Ai where you'll enjoy a few days with the Iban tribes, supporting their native way of life. Hike to the scenic Enseluai Waterfall and relax with a swim in the river or try fishing Iban-style. Spend three days volunteering by teaching English in a remote jungle school or help the park researchers by trekking through the jungle, observing orangutans and counting nests.

Cost in US$: $1895.00 for 2 weeks

Before you depart we offer:
- detailed information on your project and country
- fundraising advice and support
- visa instructions
- vaccination recommendations
- advice on health, safety & culture shock
- contact details to pass along to your family
- i-to-i TEFL certification

When you arrive we provide:
- pick-up from the airport on the designated arrival date
- welcome orientation
- accommodation and food
- well-researched, quality placement
- support of in-country i-to-i team

You will always have:
- access to our emergency support team 24/7
- assistance of the global i-to-i staff
- guidance and advice from experienced i-to-i travelers

This Program is open to Worldwide Participants.

Participants Travel to Malaysia Independently Or in Groups

Typically Participants Work Independently Or in Groups

Application Process Involves:

• Phone Interview

Post Services Include:

• Alumni Network

i-to-i Meaningful Travel's Mission Statement: Founded in 1994, i-to-i is an award-winning organization providing unique opportunities for you to travel, work and live abroad. Thousands of travelers aged 18 to 80 have joined our volunteer vacations and over 15,000 have learned to Teach English as a Foreign Language through our tailor-made TEFL courses. With over 300 projects on 4 continents, you can join the worldwide i-to-i volunteer community on an extended adventure in areas such as teaching, community development, sports coaching, conservation, building or internships in tourism, marketing, journalism, or health.

Year Founded: 1994