Volunteer in Borneo

30 Years Experience

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.  We accept volunteers from all over the world and place them in meaningful overseas missions.  

Affordable Volunteer Travel

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.

Most volunteer programs take place near Tanjung Puting National Park in Central Kalimantan, one of Borneo’s most important conservation areas. The park is famous for its orangutan rehabilitation efforts and pristine rainforest, accessible mainly by riverboat.

Accommodation is comfortable but basic. Please see program page for more information. 

Food in Kalimantan is simple, hearty, and full of flavour, often using local ingredients like rice, fish, vegetables, and tropical fruits. One of the most common dishes is nasi campur, a mixed rice plate served with vegetables, eggs, and spicy sambal. Ikan bakar (grilled fish) and ayam penyet (smashed fried chicken with chili sauce) are also popular everyday meals.

Traditional Dayak dishes feature forest ingredients such as bamboo shoots, rattan shoots, and wild ferns, often cooked in bamboo tubes over an open fire. Coconut milk and spices are used generously, and meals are commonly shared in a family-style setting.

Sweet snacks made from sticky rice, palm sugar, and banana are typical desserts, while fresh tropical fruits like mango, pineapple, and rambutan are abundant. Drinking tea or coffee while chatting with neighbours is a cherished daily ritual.

After you arrive, you will join an onboarding orientation. Each centre will give a presentation to introduce the program, schedule, survival tips, and team members to help you get familiar with everything.

Travel in Kalimantan is an adventure in itself, as much of the island’s infrastructure revolves around its vast network of rivers. In rural areas near Tanjung Puting National Park, boats known as klotoks are the main mode of transport, gliding along jungle waterways that connect small villages. For longer journeys, buses and shared minivans operate between major towns, while motorcycles are commonly used for local travel.

Flights connect the main cities—such as Pangkalan Bun (Central Kalimantan) or Balikpapan (East Kalimantan)—with Jakarta and other Indonesian hubs. From the airport, volunteers typically travel by car and then by boat to reach the project site. Roads in rural areas can be bumpy, especially during the rainy season, but getting around is all part of the authentic Bornean experience.

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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