Volunteering in Asia is the perfect way to travel and to gain life-changing experiences, whilst working towards the long-term conservation of Asia’s wildlife. If you are charmed by colourful diverse cultures, exquisite wildlife and alluring destinations, then this is for you.
Asia is home to some of the world’s most majestic animals and marine life, from the Asian elephant to the giant panda, with volunteers travelling far and wide for the chance to get up close with them. With lush rainforests, vibrant landscapes and iconic wildlife, it’s no wonder why people are so drawn to the beauty of Asia. However, the destruction of rainforests, animal exploitation and illegal wildlife trade are all contributing factors to the decrease in animal population in Asia.
As a volunteer in Asia, you can help to put an end to this by joining a conservation project to aid in the protection of these extraordinary animals and to work towards securing a safer future for them. With these projects in place, you will work alongside other wildlife volunteers and assist in saving endangered species together. You will meet friendly people who share a passion for wildlife with the desire to help others. Whether you are looking to volunteer for 2 weeks or 3 months, there is something for everyone.
So, if you are thinking of volunteering for the first time or you’re a regular participant to the projects, join as a volunteer in Asia to support the animals.
Volunteer with orangutans on this award-winning orangutan project at Matang Wildlife Centre in beautiful Borneo!
View projectWork on enrichment for 112 orangutans and 72 sun bears at the world-renowned Samboja Lestari Rescue Centre
View projectTravel with your family to Borneo, and see how you can aid orangutan conservation whilst meeting indigenous tribes-people on this exciting wildlife safari!
View projectHelp to restore Borneo’s rainforest and provide a safe home for wild orangutans and pygmy elephants.
View projectHelp to rehabilitate the largest number of rescued orangutans in the world by volunteering at this orangutan sanctuary – made famous by the TV show Orangutan Jungle School!
View projectVisit the fabled Kanha National Park: home to a stunning array of wildlife, including leopards, wild dogs, and of course the famous Bengal tiger.
View projectDive unexplored reefs and partake in marine conservation projects amongst the islands of the beautiful Raja Ampat archipelago.
View projectHelp to rescue, rehabilitate and release animals rescued from the illegal wildlife trade in mystical Laos!
View projectDive into the incredible waters of the Perhentian Islands and aid marine conservation by volunteering in Malaysia!
View projectTake part on The Great Turtle Project in Sri Lanka as a volunteer in a turtle sanctuary and have an impact on the conservation of the country's beautiful sea turtles.
View projectEncounter the beautiful Asiatic elephant deep within the heart of the vast and verdant Sri Lankan jungle!
View projectExperience real field research, coming face-to-face with a multitude of marine life while helping to protect a biodiverse marine paradise, including a coastal complex and wetland of international importance, home to The Bar Reef!
View projectWildlife opportunities in Asia have become increasingly popular over the years with people from all walks of life looking to join projects in the hope of making a difference.
From first time to seasoned travellers and even groups or families, no matter which category you fall into, our award-winning wildlife volunteer projects cater to everyone.
Agreeably, the one similarity every volunteer in Asia has is that they share the same interest and passion for animal welfare as they look to ensure a future for all of Asia’s endemic species.
With an impressive array of wild animals, marine life, and diverse cultures, it’s easy to see why Asia is one of the most popular travel destinations for those looking to volunteer. Well-known for its rich heritage and cultural history, Asia hosts some the world’s most famous landmarks, from the Great Wall of China to the Taj Mahal.
Aside from its flourishing culture, the biggest draw for anyone looking to volunteer in Asia is the incredible wildlife that you cannot see anywhere else in the world. From the orangutans of Indonesia and Malaysia to the Bengal tiger, Asia really does have it all.
Sadly, these extraordinary animals are all in danger and at risk of becoming extinct due to many factors such as deforestation and the illegal wildlife trade, which is why we need your help to support animal conservation across Asia today.
When travelling to Asia, you will need to be wary of anyone exploiting wild animals including elephants for entertainment value.
There is a process called ‘Phajaan’ – translated ‘The Crush’ – whereby people brutally torture young elephants to break their will and make them fearful of their trainers so that they can be used in the tourism trade.
To be sure you are not encouraging animal exploitation, we recommend you do not ride the elephants or visit any street-performances or attractions that involve animal manipulation.
Another way you can help is to identify these issues by the noticeable and physical scarring on the animals. Ultimately, it’s up to us to ensure this doesn’t continue, so join us in making a stand against animal cruelty.