Orientation
Upon arrival into Kuala Lumpur, you will be taken for a welcome meal and an orientation session, which will cover:
- An introduction to Malaysia culture and values
- Your health and safety whilst in Malaysia
- Workplace ethics and essentials information before starting your project
- Money and transportation in Malaysia
- An introduction to the area where you will be working
- Local food and practices
- Areas of Malaysia worth visiting in your free time
Accommodation
Zoo Section
You will be transferred to Zoo Negara in Kuala Lumpur or Taiping Zoo in Taiping to settle into your accommodation, meet the programme mentor and have your orientation at the zoo.
If you stay at Zoo Negara you will be based in a three-bedroom house in the grounds of the zoo. If you stay at Zoo Taiping you will be based in a three-bedroom house 1.5km walk from the zoo.
Meals cannot be provided due to the nature of the work but a weekly allowance will be given. Everyone stops for a large breakfast at 10.30am, lunch is not usually taken though the Zoo restaurants can provide food or visit food stalls. Dinner is usually taken out at the many eateries and food stalls. Food is good and inexpensive. A full meal can be obtained for £1. 80% of food contains chilli though strength varies according to personal taste.
Kuching
In Kuching where you will stay in a boutique hostel and visit the animal wildlife Centre. Here you will see Orang-utans before they are rehabilitated into the wild. (Breakfast only).
Batang Ai (North West coast of Borneo)
A guide will be appointed to you and you will travel to Batang Ai, before heading upriver to the Iban longhouses on the edge of the Indonesian Malaysian border. Here Orang-utans roam free and pristine rainforest still survives away from loggers and modern civilisation. You will settle into your wooden lodge accommodation next to a traditional Iban village in an idyllic spot.
Your accommodation is a basic longhouse – your room will consist of a mattress, clean bedding and a mosquito net on rattan raised mats. You will have western-style toilets.
The meals are prepared in the lodge and feature fresh jungle vegetables and other local delicacies. Food will contain chilli, fresh jungle produce and will be rice-based. There are no alternatives, no restaurants out in the jungle - volunteers must eat what they are given. Vegetarian food can be provided though prior warning must be given. Many vegetarians take to fish or meat during their stay to avoid health deterioration, especially given the physical nature of the experience. Be warned! (All meals – except on travel days).
Free Time
Your day will start at 8am and finish at 5pm. Your evenings and weekends are free so you will have plenty of time to explore Malaysia.
The zoos are within easy travelling distance from various destinations such as Penang, Cameron Highlands, Singapore and Kuala Lumpur so plenty of travelling is possible.
Project Support
You will have the support and guidance of our co-ordinator and team throughout your stay in Malaysia. You will be provided with competent assistance and help with and questions you may have, or advice you need during your stay.
Additionally you will have access to a 24-hour emergency contact number for one of our UK staff should you need to contact them at any time.
Project Age Limit
Minimum 18 years, maximum will be decided depending on potential participants health.
