Orang-utans are found on the islands of Borneo and Sumatra in South East Asia and are the only great Apes found outside of Africa. The populations on the two islands have been separate for more than one million years and scientists now consider them as distinct sub-species.
The word "orang-utan" means person of the forest and they have been given this name because they spend most of their time in the treetops of the rainforests. The apes are active during the day, and at night the females and young sleep in nests which they build in the trees each evening. Adult males sleep on the floor due to them being too heavy for the nests. Orang-utans have a life span of 30 years.
Due to the orang-utans spending most of their time alone in the trees, calculating population numbers is extremely difficult. It is estimated that there are only 30,000 left in the world. Most serious threat to orang-utans deforestation of their natural habitat. Only 2 per cent of their habitat is now legally protected. Deforestation occurs due to commercial logging, clearance for agriculture and conversion to plantation.
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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