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Orangutan Conservation in Sumatra

Protect the lives of farmers & orangutans
From Only €315 per week

Secure your place for only €25.00

  • Eco Conservation Bukit Lawangs ultimate aim is to Protect the farming community and it's wildlife in Landak River and Batu Kapal, situated near Bukit Lawang. Their goal is to create a harmonious environment where both the orangutan and farmers can thrive together.


    Tourists every year visit Bukit Lawang to experience jungle treks, where they can encounter semi wild, rehabilitated orangutan in Gunung Leuser National Park. However, the majority are completely unaware of the opportunity to visit the farmers land and experience fully wild orangutan.


    Furthermore, the world is aware of the struggle that wildlife faces due to habitat loss & land conversion due to palm oil. Yet most are unaware of the struggle the local farmers are facing. This struggle sometimes creates conflict with the orangutan as they eat the farmers produce / livelihood. Their mission is to raise the awareness of all that are affected by these horrific changes within the land.


    Palm oil plantations are having a devastating affect on the ecosystems throughout farmers land. They block the corridors orangutan use to move freely, leaving them isolated. Oil plantations destroy the biodiverse habitat Orangutans need to thrive. 


    Eco Conservation Project Bukit Lawang aims to tackle these issues in the following ways:


    PROTECT, EDUCATE, and RESTORE the farming community and it's wildlife.


    (1) Providing alternative working and income opportunities for the farming communities rather than palm oil plantations.


    (2) Farm land protection & Restoration. Ensuring the farmers land is managed and protected in a way which provides a biodiverse environment for both the farmers and orangutan.

    (3) To educate the local farmers to teach them the importance of protecting the a orangutan and promoting sustainable farming which creates a biodiverse environment for both the farmer and wildlife.

    (4) Encouraging tourism to the farming areas through eco-tours as well as volunteers who can help support the farmers with maintaining the land.



    • Volunteer on a traditional & local farm at Landak river, Bukit Lawang, North Sumatra.

    • Work and help protect completely wild orangutan and many other of Sumatra's charismatic species.

    • Live & work with the local farmers and learn about traditional farming techniques and current life struggles.

    • Diverse and hands on work with plenty to do and experience.

    • You will develop new transferable skills and gain industry experience that match your passion and interests.

    • Experience the breath-taking culture of Sumatra, through this authentic experience

    • Take day off adventures and embrace the Sumatra's local culture, sights & attractions, such as trekking, waterfalls, school visits, craft shops and so much more.

  • Their mission at Eco Conservation Bukit Lawang is to protect and restore the farming communities of Sumatra, educate local populations on sustainable practices, and ultimately safeguard the orangutan and their habitat. Through community engagement, education, and environmental stewardship, we aim to create a harmonious balance between human development and wildlife conservation, ensuring a thriving future for both the people and the orangutans of Sumatra.

  • Discover the transformative journey awaiting you as a volunteer with Eco-conservation Bukit Lawang in North Sumatra. Here, you'll not only contribute to meaningful initiatives but also immerse yourself in the authentic lives of local farmers. Through hands-on tasks and genuine interactions, you'll gain profound insights into the region's culture and environment.


    At Eco-conservation Bukit Lawang, we embrace creativity and new ideas, encouraging volunteers to initiate projects that leave a lasting impact. Whether you're passionate about fundraising, starting educational programs, or implementing innovative conservation strategies, your contributions are valued and supported.


    Our mission is clear: PROTECT, EDUCATE, and RESTORE. We aim to safeguard the farming community and its wildlife through proactive conservation efforts. From preserving endangered species like the wild orangutans to educating local communities on sustainable practices, every volunteer plays a crucial role in our holistic approach to conservation.


    As a volunteer, your activities are diverse and engaging:


    - Authentic Experience: Engage directly with local farmers to understand their daily lives and challenges.


    - Wild Orangutan Monitoring: Participate in monitoring and conservation efforts to protect the critically endangered orangutans.


    - Plant Nursery Maintenance: Help maintain nurseries that support reforestation and biodiversity conservation.


    - School Visits: Educate and inspire local students about environmental conservation and sustainability.


    - Community Education: Conduct workshops and activities to raise awareness about ecological issues.


    - Learn Traditional Techniques: Acquire traditional farming and conservation techniques from local experts.


    - Arts & Crafts: Use your creativity to develop crafts or educational materials that promote conservation awareness.


    - Tree Planting: Contribute to reforestation efforts by planting trees in degraded areas.


    - Farming Duties: Assist with agricultural tasks that promote sustainable farming practices.


    - Fundraising: Initiate and organize fundraising campaigns to support ongoing conservation projects.


    - Your Own Projects: Take the lead in developing and implementing your own initiatives to address local conservation needs.


    There's so much more to explore and contribute to at Eco-conservation Bukit Lawang. Join us today in making a positive difference in North Sumatra's natural and cultural heritage. Your adventure awaits—apply now and be part of something extraordinary.

  • Environment


    The accommodation is a traditional & authentic stay with with a local farming family. Live the way the locals do. Become fully integrated and become a North Sumatran farmer.


     Facilities and Amenities


    Single room or dormitory room includes a mattress, pillow, sheets and mosquito net.

    • Local toilets and shower (cold water).

    • Electrical Power to charge phones, etc.

    • Equipped Kitchen

    • Clean Drinking water

    • 4G signal Internet Telkomsel.


    *Please note not all sites, depending on where you are working have Signal/Internet Access*

  • 1 Day Volunteering Experience

    = €45


    2 Days / 1 Night

    = €90


    1 Week 

    = €315


    4 Weeks Ultimate Experience 

    = €1200


    4+ Weeks 

    = Contact Us For Prices


    Program Prices work on a 5 day working week with 2 days off to explore the amazing Bukit Lawang and surrounding areas


Location

Additional Info

Unique Aspects & Project Variety

Unique Aspects


This project is Unique to others in the area.

This conservation Projects focuses on both human and wildlife living sustainable.


Project Variety


There are a wide variety of volunteering activities to be part of with Eco-Conservation Bukit Lawang as projects fluctuate depending on the project priorities, weather conditions, and other factors. If there are any particular activities you are interested in, please do not hesitate to ask us.

If you have specific interests or possess certain skills you wish to use or develop, again please do not hesitate to ask we will be happy assist you.

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