Situated with the Borneo tropical rainforest, this is one of the best volunteer placements in the world to see orangutans. The centre is home to 150 orangutans, 72 sun bears and other rescued animals..
As an Orangutan Program Volunteer, you are a key part of our enrichment and welfare program. Enrichment programs are vital for captive orangutans, teaching them how to forage for food, build, modify and use tools, increase agility, and develop skills to survive in the wild. Take this opportunity to leave a long-lasting impact on Indonesia’s wildlife, working hard to provide a meaningful future, not only for animals at the centre but also for the region’s wildlife for many years to come.
This program is operated at Samboja Lestari by the Borneo Orangutan Survival Foundation (BOSF) and promoted in Australia by BOS Australia (BOSA).
Oceans 2 Earth Volunteers (O2E) coordinates the BOSA Volunteer Program from October to March, managing all applications, payments, pre-departure support and volunteer preparation on behalf of BOSA and BOSF.
If you have reached this page from Experience Borneo, BOS Australia, BOS Foundation, or via social media, you are in the right place — this is the official booking and support pathway for the October–March program.
Who does what?
BOS Foundation (BOSF): Runs the Samboja Lestari centre and oversees animal welfare, conservation activities and daily operations.
BOS Australia (BOSA): Promotes and supports the BOSA Volunteer Program at Samboja Lestari.
Experience Borneo: Provides general program information on behalf of BOSF.
Oceans 2 Earth Volunteers (O2E): Coordinates volunteer placements, including applications, payments and pre-departure support.
Endorsed by BOSF and delivered in partnership with BOSA
This program forms part of BOS Australia’s commitment to supporting ethical, hands-on conservation at Samboja Lestari.
“An unforgettable experience. The enrichment work opened my eyes to how much thought and care goes into preparing these animals for release.”
— O2E Volunteer, Samboja Lestari
Each project on our website features an Ethical Score—a transparent rating from our EthicCheck tool. It’s based on evidence from our project partners and measured against key ethical criteria: animal welfare, community impact, environmental sustainability, and transparency.
Grounded in expert standards and the values of ethical travellers like you, this score shows how a project actually performs—not just what it claims.
Volunteers play a key role in the enrichment of the orangutans and sun bears who have been rescued due to injury, illness and habitat loss.
You are responsible for preparing food, cleaning enclosures, providing enrichments and recording observations.
You make a positive difference to the lives of the animals at the centre by caring for and enriching the lives of these unique animals.
This program does not involve handling infant orangutans or entering quarantine areas. All activities follow BOSF’s strict ethical guidelines.
You need to be flexible as activities or planned events can change at short notice depending on the needs of the animals. Activities include:
*Make enrichments for sick, non-releasable and rehabilitating orangutans and sun bears
*Observe orangutan and sun bear behaviour
*Assist the technicians in cleaning the yards
*Building feeding platforms or repairing animal habitats
*Forage and cut leaves and food for the bears and orangutans
*Take the boat out to orangutan island to watch feeding
*Assist carers with cleaning the orangutan islands
*Take night-time spotlight walks
Volunteers each get a day off each week to explore the area with activities such as the canopy walk, traiditional markets and the Black River Proboscis cruis
18 years of age.
Volunteers need to be flexible, full of enthusiasm and like a good day’s work!
It is important that volunteers are adaptable in terms of what work. they are involved in and the centre will do their best to ensure you are involved in the projects you are most interested in.
Proof of COVID and tetanus vaccination, blood test results for HIV, HEPB, HEPC and TB Test*.
Note: If you are coming from a Yellow Fever endemic country, you’ll need Yellow Fever Vaccine as well.
You spend your days in hot and humid conditions. The work can be physically challenging but extremely rewarding.
The centre operates on a strict hands off policy as the animals are kept away from human influence and risk of injury to yourself or others. They aim to live as naturally as possible without human contact. It can be difficult but you should refrain from touching or engaging the animals in human-like communications or interactions unless you are given instructions to do so (such as for orphan surrogacy).
Set programs starts on Sundays between October and March each year.
If you are not sure, we are here to help. Email us any time team@oceans2earth.org
Arrive Sunday. Depart Friday.
2 week program set start dates:
Seasonal Break
4 week program set start dates:
Seasonal Break
2 or 4 weeks.
8am – 4pm, 6 days a week.
The on-site accommodation is in a lodge with stunning views of the rainforest. Two volunteers of the same sex will usually share a self contained room with their own small bathroom (toilet and hot shower), however we offer individual accommodation where possible. You can enquire by email for accommodation upgrades.
Communal areas include a pool table, lounge chairs and a viewing deck.
There is free (but unreliable) Wi-Fi.
Meals are tasty with a variety of local food, all containing steamed rice plus 3 choices of local Indonesian dishes. Dietary needs can, in most cases, be met, so please advise us when you apply.
There are snack options, which cost extra, but are great to fill an empty stomach in the late afternoon.
Fresh, filtered water and tea and coffee are provided.
The lodge bar has beer, juices and soft drinks as well as a few snacks. At the end of the day, enjoy the sunset over the jungle hills with a cool drink.
| Duration | Cost (AUD) |
|---|---|
| 2 weeks | $2200 |
| 4 weeks | $4471 |
| Accommodation upgrades | are available, email us! |
*Please note some items are not included in the project fees listed above, such as flights, visas, vaccinations, travel insurance, snacks, spending money, local transport, in-country tours and return airport transfer (unless mentioned above). Please note that prices are subject to change without notice. Please ensure you have read the O2E Volunteers Terms and Conditions.
| Duration | Cost (AUD) |
|---|---|
| 2 weeks | $2200 |
| 4 weeks | $4471 |
| Accommodation upgrades | are available, email us! |
Searching Availability...
Important:
The booking calendar will show UNAVAILABLE on non-Sunday dates. This does not mean the program is full.
Select a Sunday to view available start dates.
Direct support for wildlife, marine conservation, or community initiatives.
Essential resources to keep our programs running smoothly and ethically.
Comfortable, eco-conscious lodging for your stay.
Locally sourced meals to fuel your experience.
Mandatory contributions to ensure compliance with local and international regulations.
Additional funds to amplify the long-term impact of conservation and ethical projects.
*Please note some items are not included in the project fees listed above, such as flights, visas, vaccinations, travel insurance, snacks, spending money, local transport, in-country tours and return airport transfer (unless mentioned above). Please note that prices are subject to change without notice. Please ensure you have read the O2E Volunteers Terms and Conditions.
Pick a project and apply for free
Receive your acceptance email
Pay your $495AUD deposit which confirms your placement
Receive your first email from your customer care coordinator
Save, pack, go!
This page represents the official booking pathway for the BOSA Volunteer Program at Samboja Lestari (October–March), coordinated by Oceans 2 Earth Volunteers in partnership with BOSF and BOSA.
