KALAWEIT U.K.
Gibbons and Siamang Conservation Program
Volunteer at Kalaweit (Borneo)!
Come and take part in the largest Gibbon Rehabilitation Programme in the world!
PRINCIPLE
As a volunteer at Kalaweit, you will take part in the daily activities of the programme: feeding the animals, observation, aiding the medical team etc. You will enjoy a unique experience with the primates which you will never forget.
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You will get to know the primates while helping the Indonesian team, who have been working with the gibbons for a long time. |
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Your participation fee (which will cover food, local accommodation and transport) represents an essential financial contribution in an indispensable project.
ENVIRONNEMENT AND CLIMATE
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The Kalaweit Programme is located on an island of 25 hectares in Hampapak Lake (photo right). The site is 30km from the town of Palangka Raya. More than 80 cages are built on-site, isolated within secondary forest. The lake is the primary source of income for the local residents. |
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Two camps have been built. One is used by the Kalaweit team and the other is for the volunteers. It consists of 3 areas and one kitchen. The camp can receive about 6 volunteers at one time.
Surrounding the island, if you have the chance, you may see crocodiles, proboscis monkeys, macaques, hornbills and many other forms of life.
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Kalaweit enjoys a privileged relationship with the local villagers and your experience at Kalaweit will permit you to get to know the way of life of the Bornean people. |
Anyone can take you to Kalaweit but the project has 2 speedboats that can transport you to Palangka Raya in 45mins.
EQUIPEMENT
- Durable clothing for outdoor working e.g. strong trousers and tee-shirts
You must observe decent habits. One of the important aspects is to respect local customs and cultures when you pass through the villages. For women is especially important that shoulders are covered and trousers/skirts should cover below the knee.
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-Mosquito net - Good walking boots -Sandals -Cap/hat/sunglasses -Torch -Head-torch for night safaris -Sun protection (cream/block) -Mosquito repellant -Film and photo equipment |
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-Small day-sack for day and night trips.
- Medication to treat diarroeah. While the station has a First aid kit, it is important that you bring all personal medications and a basic First Aid kit.
-Bathing towel and toiletries>
OBLIGATORY: Anti-malarial medication. The area is within an endemic malaria zone and eco-volunteers cannot come if anti-malaria treatment is not taken according to medical recommendations. Kalaweit does not consider homeopathic treatments to be sufficient to protect you against malaria.
The eco-volunteer must inform Kalaweit of the type of medication they are taking. The majority of these treatments are taken for some time before the trip begins and for some time after you return to your home country.
CONDITIONS OF ADMISSION
Must be 18 or older
Be in good health
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Provide a signed waiver/ discharge of responsibility Present an agreement between the eco-volunteer and the Kalaweit Association (signed) Pay the total amount of the trip to the Kalaweit association before departing to Indonesia. |
Have a valid passport which must be valid for at least 6 months following your date of return from Indonesia.
Be capable of living in a communal environment.
Have a good command of English
FOOD
Food (cooked by the Kalaweit team) consists predominantly of rice, vegetable and fish. Do not worry about drinking water, it is all boiled. Sterilisation sachets can be brought to Kalaweit if you would prefer.
COST
110/week (included local transport, food, etc from the arrival at Palangka Raya)
PROCEDURE
1) In France, before departure:
The eco-volunteer must consult with the Kalaweit Association regarding preparations. They can also assist with obtaining visas if necessary. (Coordinator Kalaweit France)
2) In Indonesia before departure to Kalaweit:
The Association will reserve a hotel in Jakarta (transit time one or two nights) and a ticket for the flight from Jakarta to Palangka Raya. The addresses of travel agencies and hotels will be sent prior to travel.
3) Arrival in Indonesia/Transit in Jakarta
4) Arrival in Palangka Raya (Central Province of Kalimantan, Bornιo)
The Kalaweit team will meet eco-volunteers at the airport. From the time the eco-volunteer is met by the team, all hotels, transport etc will be paid for by Kalaweit (except souvenirs!)
More information contact the Coordinator UK: kalaweituk@yahoo.com
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