Sumatra Rainforest Eco Retreat

The future is in our hands

Come and volunteer in Sumatra!

Our projects have been significantly impacted by the coronavirus pandemic and travel disruption.


Please support our volunteering programs during this difficult time.

Get a hands on experience in conservation and community work

Want to give back to the local community?

We are a community based conservation program, run by a dedicated local team who are passionate about protecting the rainforest. We work to protect and conserve the rare and endangered fauna and flora that occurs in the Batu Kapal buffer zone adjoining the UNESCO listed Gunung Leuser National Park in North Sumatra. Our project site is located in the jungle, a 15-20 minute motorbike ride from the village of Bukit Lawang.

 

If you are looking for a hands on conservation project where you can monitor wildlife, replant the rainforest, help with recycling and up-cycling educational projects and really make a difference to the communities you will be working with, please come and join us! We are also looking for motivated individuals to help us with our education and community programs.

 

We follow a strict no contact wild animal policy. Let’s help protect this fragile ecosystem so your children and grandchildren can enjoy this natural wonder for many years to come! Explore our current community and conservation programs below.

A day in the life of a conservationist

Watch the video created by April Dwyer, one of our volunteer conservationists. In this video, she shows us what it’s like to be an orangutan conservationist in North Sumatra. 

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Conservation Programs

Wildlife Biolink and Conservation Volunteer

Join us on a 1 to 8 week jungle adventure to help protect the endangered wild Sumatran orangutan and other animals occurring in this biodiversity hotspot, which is one of the oldest and most beautiful rainforests in the world.

 

Working alongside Batu Kapal Conservation team, you will take part in a variety of conservation tasks to help protect this unique habitat, including mapping, surveying and monitoring the area and animals with GPS, collecting data and assisting with recycling and upcycling initiatives. 

Orangutan and Wildlife Research Assistant

Join us on a 1 to 6 month jungle adventure to help protect the habitat of the endangered wild Sumatran orangutan and other animals in one of the world’s oldest rainforests.

Gunung Leuser has one of the most concentrated population of orangutan in the Southern hemisphere but deforestation and encroachment of their habitat have destroyed their environment and displaced them from the natural forest.

 

The main purpose of this role is to assist the Conservation Manager with environmental research and provide technical advice for the conservation and ranger programs as required.

To learn more about this program please send us any questions at [email protected] or apply directly clicking the link below.

Orangutan Conservation Assistant

Join us on a 4 to 26 week jungle adventure to help protect the habitat of the endangered wild Sumatran orangutan and other animals in one of the worlds oldest rainforests.

Gunung Leuser has one of the most concentrated population of orangutan in the Southern hemisphere but deforestation and encroachment of their habitat have destroyed their environment and displaced them from the natural forest.

 

The Orangutan Conservation Assistant will assist the Conservation Manager with daily monitoring and conservation activities to help protect the wild population of orangutans in Batu Kapal.

To learn more about this program please send us any questions at [email protected] or apply directly clicking the link below.

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Community and Education Programs

Education Program Coordinator

We aim to provide the local children and families in the remote villages of North Sumatra with free English and environmental education.

The Education Program Coordinator will support and empower local teachers and students with improved English skills for a better future and employment opportunities.

We are looking for people with previous teaching experience. There are opportunities to plan and deliver multiple learning programs, which can be used by teachers for their personal portfolios.

To learn more about this program please send us any questions at [email protected] or apply directly clicking the link below.

English and Environment Teaching Assistant

Come to support our Education programs by volunteering to teach English to the local children at our jungle school.

Your role will consist of supporting our local teachers at a number of different classes to deliver free English and environmental lessons to children in the villages around our conservation project sites. 

To learn more about this program please send us any questions at [email protected] or apply directly clicking the link below.

Sustainable Farming and Agroforestry

Hutan Subur is a 2-acre property belonging to our Indonesian conservation partner. This property is an ex-rubber plantation which aims to become a showcase of sustainable farming to the local community, where the rights of native animals are at the forefront of what we do.

An opportunity exists for someone who is self-driven and self-managed to develop and begin implementing a sustainable farming program on this land. The role will involve collaborating with and engaging local farmers in sustainable farming practices, and seeking partnerships with local cooperatives.

To learn more about this program please send us any questions at [email protected] or apply directly clicking the link below.

Hear From Our Volunteers

 

We’ve had many talented and creative volunteers come and participate in our programs.

 

Check out what they have to say about their experiences in our blog.

Watch the video about what it is like to volunteer with

Batu Kapal Conservation.

A huge thank you to all our Volunteers

We Couldn't Do This Without You!

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