National Park Environmental Conservation in Kalimantan, Borneo

You should be in good physical condition and ready for hands-on work in a tropical climate and be prepared for comfortable yet basic accommodation.

We’re looking for volunteers who are motivated, open, and respectful — people who can adapt to new environments and work well with others. We ask everyone to help create a welcoming and inclusive space, free from any kind of discrimination.

• Accommodation
• Orientation
• In country 24/7 support & emergency assistance
• Fundraising support
• University course credits (where applicable)
• Certificate of Completion
• Conservation donation that directly supports our wildlife protection and community programs

• Airfares
• Travel Insurance
• Tours, Souvenirs & spending money
• Meals
• Transfer

• Tree planting
• Filling polybags
• Weeding
• Watering
• Collecting seeds and seedlings
• Garden
• Composting
• Collecting food for cattle
• Teaching English to staff
• Working in the nursery
• Building

Things to Do in and Around Kalimantan

Tanjung Puting National Park: Take a river cruise through this world-famous park, home to orangutans, proboscis monkeys, crocodiles, and hundreds of bird species. The peaceful jungle scenery and wildlife encounters are unforgettable.

Klotok River Journey: Spend a day or overnight on a traditional wooden boat, gliding through narrow waterways surrounded by dense rainforest and mangroves.

Sekonyer Village: Visit a nearby local village to experience Dayak and Malay culture, meet friendly residents, and learn about traditional crafts and lifestyles.

Night Jungle Walks: Join guided night walks to spot nocturnal animals such as civets, tarsiers, and tree frogs in their natural habitat.

Orangutan Conservation Centre: Learn about rehabilitation efforts and see firsthand how rescued orangutans are cared for before being released back into the wild.

Further afield in Kalimantan:

Sebangau National Park: Explore another important conservation area known for peat swamp forests, orangutans, and rare birdlife.

Meratus Mountains (South Kalimantan): Trek through jungle-covered hills, waterfalls, and Dayak villages for a more off-the-beaten-path adventure.

Derawan Islands: A stunning group of islands off East Kalimantan’s coast, famous for pristine beaches, diving, and swimming with sea turtles and manta rays.

Pontianak: Visit the capital of West Kalimantan, located on the equator line, and explore its mix of Malay, Chinese, and Dayak cultures.

Kutai National Park: One of the oldest protected areas in Indonesia, home to wild orangutans, gibbons, and tropical flora.

Whether you’re exploring the waterways, spotting wildlife, or engaging with local communities, Indonesian Borneo offers a truly wild and rewarding volunteering experience that connects you to nature like few places on Earth.

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Indonesia is an archipelago of over 17,000 islands stretching across Southeast Asia and the Pacific. It’s the fourth most populous country in the world and one of the most culturally diverse, with hundreds of ethnic groups and languages. The official language is Bahasa Indonesia, but many regional dialects are spoken across the islands.
In Kalimantan, life is shaped by the environment—rivers are the main transportation routes, and communities often live close to forests or plantations. Indonesia’s economy is growing steadily, though rural areas lag behind urban centres like Jakarta or Surabaya. In Kalimantan, sustainable development and environmental protection are key issues, and volunteers play a valuable role in supporting education, reforestation, and local livelihoods.

Kalimantan has a tropical rainforest climate, meaning it’s warm and humid throughout the year with plenty of rainfall. Temperatures typically range between 26°C and 33°C (79–91°F), and humidity can reach up to 90%. The rainy season runs roughly from November to April, bringing heavy but brief afternoon showers, while the dry season from May to October sees more sunshine and slightly cooler evenings. Despite the rainfall, outdoor activities are rarely disrupted, and the constant warmth supports lush jungles and diverse wildlife year-round. Lightweight, breathable clothing and good rain protection are recommended for volunteers.

The culture of Kalimantan is deeply influenced by its Dayak heritage, along with Malay and Javanese traditions. The Dayak people are known for their warm hospitality, strong community ties, and deep spiritual connection to the forest. Many traditional longhouses (rumah panjang) still serve as communal homes for extended families, reflecting the importance of togetherness and cooperation.

Music, dance, and woodcarving are central to local expression, with intricate patterns inspired by nature and folklore. Respect for elders, harmony within the group, and humility are core values. Religion also plays a big role—Islam is the majority faith, but Christianity and indigenous beliefs are also practiced peacefully side by side.

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IVI is an Australian charity & non profit organisation founded in 1989 and is one of the pioneers of overseas volunteering successfully placing over 20,000 volunteers globally.

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