The Malaysian Orangutan Experience

  Malaysia

• Other Cities in Malaysia: 
Rural

Dates: Multiple start dates year round

Description: Swing into action on this 14-day orangutan conservation tour on the magical 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 orangutan rehabilitation centres of Sarawak helping to sustain the orangutan population. 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, come meet the descendants of the infamous head-hunters of Borneo and explore the Bako, Kubah and Batang Ai national parks.

*Why the project needs visitors:
According to the World Wildlife Fund, fewer than 63,000 orangutans exist in the world today, and the majority of these call Borneo home. In the past 100 years, orangutan populations have fallen by over 90% due to destruction of their habitat, poachers, and illegal pet trading. Because orangutans give birth to a single offspring only every 8 years or so, concentrated efforts are needed to conserve current populations and to promote and protect breeding programmes to encourage orangutan population growth. This tour gives you the opportunity to see a number of different orangutan conservation organisations, focusing on education and raising awareness.

*Day 1: Arrive in Kuching, Sarawak, Borneo
Today you will be met at the airport and transferred to your guesthouse. Check in and settle into the guesthouse; a welcome dinner will be held at the local restaurant. Dinner is included.

*Day 2: Orangutan & Animal Wildlife Centre
Enjoy a relaxing morning and head to the Matang Wildlife Centre in the afternoon. This wildlife centre is located near the Kubah National Park and you will get back stage" passes to visit the Ape Centre. At the Ape Centre you will come face to face with the world famous Aman. On the 16th of May 2007, after ten long years in the dark, Aman became the first orangutan in the world to receive eye cataract surgery. You can also meet Aman's baby daughters. You will see first hand the efforts being made to rehabilitate orangutans back into the wild and to establish new populations in the Sarawak jungle. Breakfast, lunch and dinner are included.

*Day 3: Kubah National Park
After breakfast you will journey to the Kubah National Park. You will spend the day trekking and visiting the park's beautiful waterfalls and swimming in the waters of the jungle river. You will return to the wildlife centre for lunch and have the afternoon to visit with the resident orangutans. You will spend the night at the centre. Breakfast, lunch and dinner are included.

*Day 4: Kuching
After enjoying a tasty breakfast, you will travel back to Kuching. Spend the afternoon relaxing in town and doing some shopping. This is your last opportunity to purchase those last minute supplies before heading into the jungle! Breakfast, lunch and dinner are included.

*Day 5: Semenggoh Nature Reserve & Bako National Park
Indulge in a filling breakfast and then travel to the Semenggoh Nature Reserve, just a short drive from the centre of Kuching. You will arrive at the Semenggoh Nature Reserve just in time to see orangutans inhale their mid day meal. In the afternoon, you will depart for Bako National Park by boat. The ride from Kuching to the park is only 25 minutes. Bako is one of the best places in Sarawak to see wildlife including the amazing proboscis monkeys. You will stay overnight in park chalets. Breakfast, lunch and dinner are included.

*Day 6: Bako National Park
Welcome to the jungle! Today you will be hiking through jungle trails, enjoying the sunset, and swimming in the sea by secluded beaches. Be one with nature! Overnight accommodation is in the park chalets. Breakfast, lunch and dinner are included.

*Day 7: Bako National Park to Kuching
After a peaceful morning, you will return to the guesthouse in Kuching in the early afternoon (exact time of schedule will depend on the tide). Breakfast, lunch and dinner are included.

*Day 8 to 12: Batang Ai National Park - Orangutan Country
Welcome to orangutan country. Today you will arrive in Batang Ai National Park, passing through the rubber, cocoa and pepper plantations on the way. Stop en-route to sample some of the local delicacies and see the local wildlife. Visit the colourful native market in Serian town where you can buy a variety of jungle produce including edible ferns, bamboo shoots and unusual tropical fruit. Catch a boat through the valleys to see the Iban tribe longhouses. You will stay at the jungle lodge for the next few days. Here you can enjoy various activities including trekking through the jungle in search of wild orangutans and participating in orangutan nest counting. You will be working with the Iban tribe and truly experience the Iban way of life. If you find orangutans in the wild, do not approach them but appreciate them from a safe proximity. Breakfast, lunch and dinner are included. Note: Jungle trekking can be hard work and it is travellers do need a medium level of fitness in order to appreciate the treks.

*Day 13: Transfer back to Kuching
After breakfast you will make the journey back to Kuching. You will arrive in Kuching in the afternoon and enjoy a warm shower at the hostel. Breakfast, lunch and dinner are included.

*Day 14: Departure
Say your goodbyes and continue on to your next adventure. Breakfast is included.

NOTE: Please be advised that throughout the trip touching of the animals is strongly discouraged by the Borneo authorities.

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

Highlights:
* The chance to see Orangutans in the wild - a real privilege!
* Experience life in Borneo's fabled rainforest and see how the Iban tribespeople live
* Trekking through the rainforest
* 'Backstage passes' to the Ape Centre at the world leading Matang Widlife Centre
* See first hand the efforts being made to rehabilitate the seriously endangered Orangutan population

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$: USD 2,295.00 for 2 weeks

When you go on an i-to-i project we want you to have the best possible time abroad, so we include these important services.

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

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-Program Services Include:

• Alumni Network

Year Founded: 1994