This was my first long distance trip outside of Europe, apart from a 5 day family trip to New York. I couldn’t wait to finally go!
Ever since I started my studies in 2018, all I really wanted to do was travel. But after finishing my degree and then having a pandemic interrupt overseas opportunities, suddenly four years had passed.
When I finally had a four week window to travel, volunteering seemed like the perfect solution. I could help local communities while learning about a new country, culture and environment. When I discovered the Sumatra Orangutan Project with DO MORE TRAVEL, I was instantly sold!
I was excited, but also nervous. I had no idea what to expect from Asia and was preparing myself for culture shock, difficult travel, poor infrastructure and even getting sick.
Looking back, I had the wrong idea.
The people are incredibly warm and friendly, the food is amazing, and I did not get sick once during my four weeks. Getting around was also much easier than expected, and the introduction provided by the project helped me feel prepared and comfortable.
After arriving in Medan, you travel to Bukit Lawang, a beautiful village surrounded by rainforest. From there, a scooter takes you the final 20 minutes to the project.
It might sound like you are heading into the middle of nowhere, but that is what makes the experience so special.
You are welcomed by the local staff members, coordinators and other volunteers straight away. Everyone is friendly, relaxed and there for the same reason.
The accommodation is simple, with everyone sleeping in a shared dorm style area with your own mattress, mosquito net and storage space. It is basic, but it is everything you need.
The restaurant and kitchen quickly become the heart of the project, where everyone shares meals, plays games and spends time together.
And trust me, you will never get bored seeing orangutans!
Every morning, you head into the rainforest with local staff members who guide the activities and share their incredible knowledge of the area.
You follow different routes through the jungle searching for wildlife, especially orangutans. When one is found, you spend time monitoring their behaviour, surroundings and movements as part of a research protocol.
Seeing an orangutan move through the trees is truly magical. The first encounter is something you will never forget.
The afternoon activities allow you to contribute in different ways.
You help local farmers with sustainable practices that support biodiversity and protect wildlife habitats. You also take part in jungle school, helping local children learn English through fun activities.
Other activities include exploring caves, collecting plastic from the river and International Cook Day, where volunteers prepare a traditional meal from their home country for the local staff.
The evenings were some of my favourite moments. From barbecue nights and rainforest walks to playing cards, making music and simply talking with other volunteers and locals.
The lack of constant technology was actually one of the best parts. The social media detox allows you to slow down, connect with people and enjoy the moment.
There is also plenty of time to explore outside the project.
During my weekends, I went on a jungle trek with an overnight stay in the rainforest, joined a wood carving workshop and climbed Mount Sibayak near Berastagi.
There are so many incredible experiences waiting beyond the project.
The wildlife was a huge reason I travelled to Sumatra, and it completely exceeded my expectations.
Orangutans, gibbons, silver leaf monkeys, reptiles, birds and countless other species make this place a paradise for anyone who loves nature.
One of the most inspiring things was seeing how connected the local people are with the environment. Where many of us see ourselves as separate from nature, they see themselves as part of it.
At the beginning, I was nervous about travelling to Sumatra and living in the middle of nowhere.
Looking back, it was one of the best decisions I have ever made.
Beautiful surroundings, incredible animals, amazing people, delicious food and memories that will last a lifetime.
Boré
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