Volunteer in Malaysia

A Malaysia volunteer experience is a truly unforgettable way to explore the rich and diverse local culture as well as travelling with a difference. Whether volunteering abroad for the first time or as a returning VolSol alumnus, we can help kickstart your volunteering journey in Malaysia today! If you’re looking to make a lasting impact on our volunteer programs in Malaysia and truly become a global citizen, our teams are ready for you to get in touch and help find the perfect volunteering opportunity for you. 

The ‘how’ in how to volunteer abroad in Malaysia is a pretty simple process that our team can guide you through. The hard part is choosing a program that you want to get involved in! Our Malaysia volunteer programs offer a breadth of opportunities to work with those in need of the support and contributions you can offer. Our volunteer organisations are based in Borneo. 

If animal care volunteer work in Malaysia is the trip you’ve been looking for, we have the project for you. Sun bear conservation is critical for protecting one of the world’s smallest bear species, native to the tropical forests of Southeast Asia. Known for their distinctive short, sleek fur and a unique chest patch that resembles a rising sun, sun bears face numerous threats, including habitat loss due to deforestation, poaching, and the illegal wildlife trade. 

Our Sun Bear Conservation volunteering program helps tackle these risks and work toward rehabilitating and maintaining the number of sun bears in the wild. You can expect to work in enriching the sun bears’ lives, constructing and maintaining their enclosures, and educating the locals on the importance of conservation and sustainability. 

Malaysia is renowned for its rich biodiversity and is home to a wide array of wildlife, including many endemic species. The country's unique ecosystems range from tropical rainforests to coastal mangroves, supporting a variety of flora and fauna. If you’re interested in more varied wildlife and environmental conservation in Malaysia, our Borneo Wildlife Volunteering Experience could be the perfect project for you. 

You’ll be based in Sukau village and live with the Orang Sungai - People of the River. You will learn their way of life and join them in their homes for meals. You’ll work in habitat restoration and community outreach, working with the local community to ensure your conservation efforts are met with enthusiasm by all involved! 

Our volunteering experiences in Malaysia are wonderful adventures for solo travellers, group travellers, duos, gap year travellers, and everything in between! Family volunteer groups are also welcome on our programs, and we have a project specifically designed for you and your family! 

You and your family will be able to enjoy a wholesome and sustainable trip abroad, learning more about the local people and their way of life, as well as making an impact on conservation efforts in the community. This is an eye-opening experience for children, and brings the family closer together. You will learn so much about the project, as well as each other, and prove to be an invaluable bonding experience. 

Have we piqued your interest? Good! Are you ready to get started? Even better! Volunteering in Malaysia is only a few clicks away; choose your program, click ‘Apply Now’, complete the registration process, and let us take care of the rest. Get in touch with us today for more information on how we can make your volunteering experience in Malaysia unforgettable. 

Volunteering Solutions offers a wide range of programs in over 25 destinations worldwide. In the last 17 years, we have placed over 21,000 international volunteers across various projects and internships, helping them grow personally and professionally while making a difference to the world at large. We’ve hosted teen volunteering groups as well as gap year travellers, youth volunteers as well as family volunteering groups across various destinations.

Not only do we have our experience, but we have many accreditations that attest to our excellence in the field as well as our legitimacy as a volunteering experience coordinator. We are approved by WYSE Work Abroad, Go Overseas, and many other accreditors for volunteering abroad organisations. 

We have a dedicated team that ensures that volunteers have a smooth and memorable experience, learning from their peers along the way. From the moment you inquire, through the process of clearing doubts, filling out the application, making payments, accessing the Pre-Departure Guidebook, and reaching the volunteering location followed by Program Orientation – our team supports you every step of the way. We have in-country coordinators and representatives to assist you at the project sites.

Additionally, Volunteering Solutions offers various support services, including:

• Medical and travel insurance at a nominal extra cost
• Fundraising assistance for volunteers facing financial challenges
• Weekend excursions and hikes in Malaysia 
• Local transportation and airport drop-offs for a minimal extra cost

Upon completing your project, you’ll receive a Certificate of Completion, which will significantly enhance your career prospects. This experience will boost your CV/resume and expand your social network. It’s a journey you’ll cherish forever.

Volunteering Solutions also provides tailor-made projects for group volunteering (students, colleagues, or families) where people can work together and explore Malaysia most uniquely.

Looking for volunteer work in Malaysia? Look no further than the ecologically diverse and stunning Borneo! Borneo, the third-largest island in the world, is a treasure trove of biodiversity and culture. Shared by Malaysia, Indonesia, and Brunei, it boasts some of the planet's oldest rainforests, home to unique wildlife like orangutans, proboscis monkeys, and the rare Bornean pygmy elephant.

The island is also rich in indigenous cultures, with various ethnic groups, each with their own languages, traditions, and customs. Places like the Kelabit Highlands and the longhouses of the Iban people offer glimpses into the vibrant heritage of Borneo.

Ecotourism is growing in popularity as visitors seek to explore its lush jungles, pristine beaches, and vibrant coral reefs. However, Borneo faces challenges like deforestation and habitat loss, prompting efforts to balance conservation with development. Whether trekking through the lush jungles of Sabah or diving in the crystal-clear waters of Sipadan, Borneo captivates with its natural beauty and cultural richness.

We have three different volunteering opportunities in Malaysia to pick from! All are fantastic opportunities to give back to the local community and see your work in action. Take a look here:

• Sun Bear Conservation Project, Borneo
• Borneo Wildlife Volunteering Experience 
• Family Volunteer Adventure, Borneo

No matter which program you choose to be a part of, you’ll definitely have an enriching experience.

Think you could be a great addition to our team? Let us know if you fulfil the following requirements! 

- Be at least 18 years or older at the time of joining the project.

- Have an open mind and flexible attitude for working in a new and different environment.

- Should also be proactive and can take initiative.

- Should bring energy and enthusiasm to make a difference.

- Should be open to learning, and be friendly with everyone.

Apart from that, a Criminal Background Check Report is essential for volunteers who are joining Childcare, or Teaching programs. And you should be empathic towards the animals if you want to volunteer for wildlife conservation programs.

Our project prices start from as little as £829 in Borneo! Here’s what’s included in the price: 

• Pre Departure Information and Support
• All facilities and equipment for work at the zoo
• Conservation contribution to the project
• 4 work T-shirts
• All activities, tools & materials included in “Project Days"
• Induction & orientation at Bornean Sun Bear Conservation Centre
• 13 nights at designated shared accommodation
• Meet & greet at Sandakan Airport (SDK), Malaysia
• Arrival transfer from Sandakan Airport to project accommodation
• Transfer from dormitory to project site accommodation
• Departure transfer to Sandakan Airport in Sabah, Malaysia
• Welcome dinner on arrival day in Sepilok
• Meal allowance for all Project Days as indicated on itinerary / self-catering with basic cooking facilities provided
• Certificate Of Completion (Upon Request)

Like everywhere else around the world, volunteering in Malaysia comes for a minimal fee, which also covers your airport pickup, accommodation, and pre-departure booklet that contains all the information to get you started on your volunteering journey! Other than that, you'll also be provided with meals, pick up and drop from the project site to your accommodation, and most importantly, there will be 24/7 in-country support.

However, you can always fundraise to pay for your meaningful volunteer trip and experience the goodness of travelling abroad to make a difference.

Since our inception in 2007, we have sent over 21,000 volunteers to over 25 destinations across the world! We have much experience in providing unforgettable volunteering experiences across the world, and our excellence in the field is a testament to that!

We know what volunteers look for regarding safety and security during their stay. All of our accommodation is located in safe areas, with 24/7 support from VolSol staff. You will be provided with a full orientation about the country, the city, and the local area to ensure you are as best informed as you can be! 

Our pre-departure booklet provides comprehensive information about the do’s and don’ts of the area, and how best to respect the cultures and traditions of your destination of choice! 

Borneo is a little off the beaten track, so items you have readily available at home may be harder to come across when volunteering there! Here’s some basics that we suggest taking along with you:

• A first aid kit with all the essentials you usually use, as well as emergency back ups! 
• Sun cream! The equatorial sun is strong and can really damage your skin, especially when you’re out volunteering all day.
• A small bum bag to keep your valuables close by and handy when you’re walking around town and on the project! Nothing worse than having to hold your phone all the time. 

Like many equatorial locations, Borneo has a wet and a dry season. The dry season runs from March to October, and the rainy season is from November to February. This doesn’t mean that the dry season is completely without rain though! There will be rain, just not for such prolonged periods of time. 

The dry season provides the perfect conditions for watching wildlife and volunteering in the rainforest, as orangutans, monkeys, and other animals are more active during this time! 

We welcome volunteers from all over the world and different walks of life! We firmly believe that diversity and inclusion can only make the world a better place. We want to champion global citizens with an international vision and a deep commitment to the betterment of our society. Our volunteers should be compassionate, enthusiastic about change, diligent, and open-minded. 

Our projects cater to group volunteering in Malaysia , as well as family volunteering groups, student volunteering, gap year travellers, as well as teenage travellers looking to expand their horizons. 

You can easily apply to volunteer in Malaysia and be a part of our mission trips by following a few simple steps. Once you have decided which program you wish to join, and in which destination, you can go ahead and fill out the application form here.

You will receive a welcome email from the team, acknowledging your application. We will then send your Booking Confirmation in 7-10 working days. Once you receive your Booking Confirmation you can log into your account to view your trip details and make your final payments.

If you can’t decide which program to join, or where to travel, you can always write to us at [email protected] - and our Program Advisors will assist you.

Before travelling to Malaysia, please ensure that you meet the following general requirements: 

• Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your expected return date.
• Ensure your passport has at least two blank pages for your visa and other necessary stamps upon arrival and departure.

You will need to apply for a visa through the Malaysian diplomatic mission. You can click here for more info. 

If you’re looking for short-term volunteer travel abroad in Malaysia, we have the perfect programs for you! If you only have one or two weeks to dedicate to volunteering projects with us, we can help provide an unforgettable experience. 

Finding the family package holidays unfulfilling and disappointing? Our Family Volunteer Adventure project promises to shake up the old routine, and open up a new world of sustainable travel to you! Let us take care of the logistics, and prepare yourself and your little ones to dive into meaningful and impactful work with local communities and wildlife! After a week, you’ll return home with a fresh perspective, completely revitalised. 

For those travelling without children, Our 12 day Borneo Wildlife Volunteering Experience will take you on a whirlwind journey through different conservation projects that we work with. You’ll be participating in coral reef restoration, forest conservation, and education projects! No two days are alike, and you’ll truly be immersed in Bornean life! 

If you have a little more time on your hands, the 2-week long Sun Bear Conservation project would be a perfect fit for you. You’ll be working to care for and rehabilitate previously captive sun bears and help educate local communities on their importance to the environment.

Our Malaysia projects are catered for short-term visits, but many volunteers choose to use our projects as a springboard for their backpacking journeys around the world! 

Of course, when you are travelling to a new country, it’s obvious that you’d want to explore and experience the area, making the most of your journey. 

Borneo is a beautiful destination with many hidden treasures and awe-inspiring landscapes to explore. Our Sun Bear Conservation project will give you weekends off, and on other projects you will have the evening to do some exploring and get to know the local culture! 

This tropical location has many hiking routes to explore and provide unforgettable adventures! You can hike up Mt. Kinabalu, the highest point on both Borneo and Malaysia! If you reach the top, stunning views are to be had with vistas spanning the luscious island and beyond. If you don’t fancy going the full 4095 metres up, you can hike to base camp and enjoy the sights and sounds of the Malaysian rainforest. 

Haven’t had your fill of stunning wildlife yet? Get yourself on the Kinabatangan River Cruise! SIt back and revel in awe of the varied animal species present on the island - perhaps you may even spot the elusive pygmy elephant!