Gap Year for Grown Ups expands in South East Asia

Making jungle trails in Borneo, becoming a zookeeper in west coast Malaysia, and living with elephants in Thailand are just some of the new experiences on offer from Gap Year for Grown Ups.

Launched in April 2005, Gap year for Grown Ups (www.gapyearforgrownups.co.uk) has been delighted with the response. "There are a lot of people who missed out on the whole gap year thing first time around", says David Stitt, Managing Director. "We have put together a whole range of options from volunteering and learning new skills to simply exploring different areas, and appreciating the local culture. We understand that time may be limited so we can arrange trips for as short as 4 weeks, or as long as a year or more."

New options include the Tribal Life and Wildlife project. This project assists local tribes in Sarawak, Borneo, to make eco-friendly jungle trails through the forest, and also helps with Malaysian Orang Utan research. Here volunteers stay in a lodge, next to a tribal Long House and work and eat with the local people. 4 weeks costs £1395.

Researchers are also welcome in the Perhentian Islands just off the east coast of Malaysia, where volunteers will assist in the local dive shop in between recording turtle landings and have the opportunity of learning to dive in the beautiful crystal clear waters. 4 weeks costs from £1129 plus dive package.

For animal lovers there is a great opportunity to help with the care and maintenance at Malacca Zoo, learning about animal behaviour and assisting with educational programmes. 4 weeks £999. Or living and working with elephants at the Thaithong Elephant Camp in Thailand, where volunteers get a great understanding of the Thai domestic elephant and its place in the community. This project is part of the exciting Thai Explorer, which offers the ultimate Thai experience; culture, nature, wildlife, adventure, trekking, temples and a relaxing week on a beach. 4 weeks Thai Explorer costs £1199. 4 weeks Thai Explorer with 2 weeks Elephant Project £1559.

Ends.

For more information, individual case studies, photos etc please contact:

Jennette Baxter pr@baxter1.clara.net

Rachael Wood, 01892 701881, rachael@gapyearforgrownups.co.uk