Description

This ecotour is crafted to raise awareness of the conservation efforts made in Sarawak, Borneo, to bring harmony between people and orangutans. The 14-days/13-night ecotour is a voyage of discovery, giving you one-day "back stage passes" to see captive orangutans being rehabilitated at Matang Wildlife Centre, the released semi-wild orangutans of Semenggoh Nature Reserve, the seven different habitats of Borneo in the amazing National Park at Bako and then one week into the rainforest to meet the descendents of the legendary headhunters of Borneo, the Iban tribes, now the custodians of the wild orangutans of Batang Ai National Park.

You will discover more about the positive conservation efforts being made, uncovering some of the existing problems and some of the solutions, to sustain safe orangutan populations in the safe havens of Malaysia.

With the extinction of orangutans being predicted in 20 years, you can help be part of the solution. Your money goes directly into supporting our projects. In particular, you will be helping to support the Iban tribes with ecotourism money, to give them the means to protect their native jungle where wild orangutans live in peace and harmony, to help them afford education and healthcare for their children, to live in a traditional manner within their longhouse communities whilst still meeting their modern aspirations.

1) Your tour employs local guides, supports local communities wishing to live in harmony with their rainforest home, and demonstrates that orangutans and forests are worth more alive than chopped down. This is a virtuous circle, generating interest within the local community and authorities to place value on their natural heritage and virtually guarantees the protection of orangutan populations in this area.

2) You will gain an insight into the world of the orangutan and learn more about conservation. You will experience a meaningful holiday that you will be able to share with others, increasing the awareness of this amazing great ape.

3) Know that you are travelling with a company that is run by environmentalists, not big business. Your values are shared by us and your holiday we be run responsibly and environmentally.

Please note, this is considered moderately difficult tour. This is because there are a couple of treks that will take you up and down hillsides through the rainforest.

Highlights

Sample Detailed 4 Week Itinerary:

Day 1 - On arrival at Kuala Lumpur airport you will be met by one of our representatives. They will be holding a placard with your name on it. You will be taken by private car to a Kuala Lumpur Guesthouse, which is about 1 hour drive away in the centre of Kuala Lumpur (commonly known as KL). Our volunteer coordinator will meet you at the guesthouse. They will take you to lunch or dinner for a short orientation. You will then be your point of contact throughout your trip. You will stay in the hotel in Kuala Lumpur for 1 night. You are free to explore the city.

Day 2 until Day 17 - you will check out of the guest house. You will be transferred to the Zoo. You will be shown around the Zoo and taken to your accommodation. From here on you will volunteer at the Ape Centre and work with orang-utans and other animals in improving their quality of life through enrichment and husbandry.

Day 17 - You will be transferred to KL airport for your internal flight to Kuching, Sarawak. Upon arrival in Kuching you will be met at the airport, again by a representative holding a placard with your name on it. You will be taken to your boutique hostel where you will stay for 2 nights.

Days 18 & 19 - You will visit the Orangutan Rehabilitation Centre at Matang and the former rehabilitation centre at Semenggoh Nature Reserve respectively.

Day 20 - A guide will be appointed to you. You will travel to Batang Ai and then upriver to the Iban longhouses on the edge of the Indonesian Malaysian border. You will be shown your accommodation and have time to settle in.

Day 27 - You will make your way from Batang Ai to the same hotel in Kuching for a 1 night stay.

Day 28 - You will head back to KL airport for onward travel.

*Please note itineraries are subject to change

Travel Types

• Eco Tours
• Environmental Studies
• Homestay
• Native Culture Studies
• Nature Tours
• Overland Tours
• RainForest Tours
• Tours
• Trekking

Cost in US$:

1,709

This Program is open to

Worldwide Participants.

Participants Travel

Independently

Typically Participants Work

in Groups

Application Process Involves

• Other

Typically The Application Process Time is

2 weeks

The Great Projects's Mission Statement

The Great Projects is a responsible tourism company designed to connect everyday people with endangered animals through a meaningful travel experience. The Great Projects are a fantastic way to support conservation work and get up close to incredible wildlife in destinations throughout the world. The Great Projects aims to promote the importance of setting standards in endangered animal welfare and conservation in the tourism sector.

Year Founded

2003