For centuries the Iban, a tribe living near the rivers of Borneo, were feared because they practiced headhunting. Today the practice is banned and they now live peacefully as agriculturalists alongside their neighbours. But that doesn't mean they have abandoned all their customs. They are sticklers for etiquette, so never enter a longhouse without permission: always wait to be invited. However, they are generous, hospitable and placid people often keen to show off their traditional dance, music, textile-weaving, blow-piping, fishing and game-playing.
The Iban people live in longhouses which are long, one-story dwellings, covered by a single roof usually woven of fronds from the ubiquitous sago palm. A longhouse can stretch as long as a city block and have five hundred people living in it, or it can house a community as few as a dozen.
The tradition of headhunting has been replaced by berjelai or "journey", where a young man leave sthe community to prove himself in the outside world - returning to community with television sets, generators and outboard motors instead of heads!
Assist local members of staff in habitat restoration and community development within Malaysia. Get involved in husbandry, data collection as well as spending time in a local zoo and visiting an Orang-Utan rehabilitation centre.
A unique opportunity to interact with the only great ape outside of Africa, the orang-utan. Take part in volunteer work in Borneo to help protect this highly endangered species from extinction.
On an epic journey across Thailand, China, Malaysia, Africa and Australia, the ultimate wildlife experience gives you the chance to see some of the world’s rarest and most incredible animals and contribute to their preservation. Zimbabwe - Thailand - China - Malaysia - Australia - USA.
Work as a zookeeper and experience hands-on interaction with animals. This is a rewarding programme where you will be taking care of the animals and their daily maintenance in a choice of zoo either just outside of Kuala Lumpur or Taiping.
Located in the Borneo jungle, volunteers live and work alongside native communities, playing an integral part in aiding the development of the area whilst retaining traditional ways of life.
Make your round the world trip the voyage of a lifetime, blazing a trail through Africa, Asia, Australasia and Latin America on this action and culture packed programme! South Africa - India - Malaysia- Thailand - Australia - New Zealand - Argentina.
Janet Horsley had an incredible time on her tailor-made gap year, blazing a trail through Africa, Asia, Australia and Latin America, read her story here.
Gap Year for Grown Ups have many Career Break Voluntary Projects and adventure holiday options in Asia. If you are looking to take some life-changing time out on a grown up gap year, use the following links for essential information regarding volunteer travel to Asia:
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