Mornings at the centre often begin with the sounds of the rainforest — orangutans calling, birds moving through the trees and local wildlife waking around the lodge. Volunteers usually start the day with a fresh, locally prepared breakfast before heading out to begin work at around 8:00 am.
The first work session is often focused on the more physical tasks, such as cleaning, maintenance, building or habitat repairs. These activities are usually completed earlier in the day to avoid the strongest heat.
Depending on the needs of the animals and the local team, you may also head out with carers to assist with morning food supplements for orangutans on the islands. This can provide a valuable opportunity to observe their behaviour at close range, always under staff guidance and without direct contact.
After a two to three-hour work block, volunteers return to the lodge for lunch, usually featuring local Indonesian dishes. There is time after lunch to rest, cool down and enjoy the quiet of the surrounding forest before the afternoon session begins.
Afternoon activities often start between 2:00 and 3:00 pm and may include foraging in the rainforest for leaves and nesting materials, preparing enrichment for the following day, or helping provide enrichment to non-releasable orangutans and sun bears. These tasks support the animals’ daily stimulation, comfort and natural behaviours.
Work usually finishes between 4:00 and 5:00 pm, giving you time to wash off the dirt and sweat of the day, read, relax or take in the view from the observation deck. In the late afternoon, you may see monkeys moving through the trees and hear the orangutans calling as the forest settles.
Evenings are shared at the lodge, with dinner, conversation and time to unwind. Some nights may include games, a movie or a relaxed game of pool with other volunteers and local staff.
As with all conservation work, each day can change. The schedule depends on animal welfare priorities, weather, staff needs and what will be most useful at the centre.
