Asia
Volunteer in Asia
Volunteering in Asia offers an extraordinary opportunity to protect some of the world’s most iconic and endangered species, from orangutans in Borneo to elephants in Sri Lanka, tigers in India, and marine life in the Coral Triangle. With a wide range of volunteer opportunities in Asia, you’ll work alongside passionate conservationists in hands-on projects like animal rehabilitation, wildlife tracking, habitat restoration, and community education, addressing critical threats such as habitat loss, poaching, and climate change.
As you volunteer in Asia, each day will bring unique experiences - from caring for rescued animals in sanctuaries to collecting data on wild populations in remote national parks. These volunteer holidays in Asia allow you to fully immerse yourself in breathtaking natural settings while engaging in cultural exchange with local communities. With every effort, you’ll contribute to the preservation of Asia’s rich biodiversity, making a lasting impact on both local ecosystems and the diverse species that call this region home.
Projects Do More
7 - 28 Nights from $994.00
Volunteer with orangutans on this award-winning orangutan project at Matang Wildlife Centre in beautiful Borneo!
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12 - 26 Nights from $1,869.00
Work on enrichment for 112 orangutans and 72 sun bears at the world-renowned Samboja Lestari Rescue Centre
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6 Nights from $1,094.00
Travel with your family to Borneo, and see how you can aid orangutan conservation whilst meeting indigenous tribes-people on this exciting wildlife safari!
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11 Nights from $1,807.00
Help to restore Borneo’s rainforest and provide a safe home for wild orangutans and pygmy elephants.
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12 - 26 Nights from $1,494.00
Help 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!
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12 Nights from $2,994.00
Visit the fabled Kanha National Park: home to a stunning array of wildlife, including leopards, wild dogs, and of course the famous Bengal tiger.
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14 - 84 Nights from $1,369.00
Dive unexplored reefs and partake in marine conservation projects amongst the islands of the beautiful Raja Ampat archipelago.
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7 - 84 Nights from $1,057.00
Help to rescue, rehabilitate and release animals rescued from the illegal wildlife trade in mystical Laos!
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6 - 55 Nights from $869.00
Dive into the incredible waters of the Perhentian Islands and aid marine conservation by volunteering in Malaysia!
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7 - 84 Nights from $869.00
Take 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.
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8 - 85 Nights from $1,119.00
Encounter the beautiful Asiatic elephant deep within the heart of the vast and verdant Sri Lankan jungle!
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15 - 85 Nights from $1,994.00
Experience 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!
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Who Volunteers in Asia
It's common to picture the typical Asia volunteer as a gap-year backpacker, but in reality, people from all walks of life volunteer in Asia, motivated by a desire to make an impact while exploring the region's cultural and ecological richness. College students and recent graduates join volunteer work in Asia to gain hands-on experience, especially in conservation. Professionals on career breaks or on leave seek meaningful ways to give back, applying their relevant skills to aid wildlife projects or potentially learning new skills. Retirees find purpose and adventure in these programs, sharing expertise in teaching and conservation. Family volunteering in Asia is also popular, allowing families to bond while participating in a unique, hands-on wildlife holiday. Conservation enthusiasts, animal lovers, and adventure seekers contribute to impactful work, gaining valuable skills and unforgettable memories.
Why Volunteer in Asia
Many people volunteer abroad in Asia specifically for wildlife conservation, drawn by the chance to protect its rich biodiversity and iconic species, such as orangutans, elephants, and tigers. Wildlife projects in Asia provide unique opportunities for volunteers to contribute directly to habitat preservation, species rehabilitation, and anti-poaching efforts. These wildlife volunteer programs often occur in breathtaking natural environments, from dense rainforests to coastal sanctuaries, where volunteers work alongside animal care, research, and conservation experts. Beyond hands-on animal care, these projects allow volunteers to immerse themselves in local communities, engaging with traditional practices and learning about the cultural significance of Asia's wildlife. Volunteering in these programs offers an adventurous, impactful way to experience Asia's ecosystems and make a lasting difference for endangered species.
Things To Avoid
When travelling to or volunteering in Asia, it's important to be mindful of wildlife exploitation, which sadly is rife throughout the continent, particularly in Southeast Asia. Elephant tourism is particularly harmful - a practice known as "Phajaan" or "The Crush" involves brutalising young elephants to break their spirit, making them fearful and submissive to trainers for interactive tourism purposes. To avoid supporting animal cruelty, refrain from riding and washing elephants or attending street performances or attractions that use animals in unnatural ways. When buying products and souvenirs, it's also advisable to check that they do not contain wildlife derivatives, especially from endangered species. Avoid wildlife interaction experiences, both free and ticketed - anywhere offering experiences such as tiger cub petting or cuddling baby orangutans is not considered ethical and can be extremely damaging to the animal and even their species.
Destination Information
Volunteering in Asia is generally very safe, especially when you take basic precautions and make informed choices. Our projects prioritise volunteer safety, providing thorough orientation on local customs and safety protocols to ensure a smooth experience. We encourage volunteers to follow local guidelines and take coordinators' advice to minimise risks. Researching the regions you are travelling to before you go can also help you understand any unique safety considerations. With these preparations, volunteering can be a rewarding and secure experience.
Visa requirements differ across countries. Many Asian countries allow volunteers to use a tourist visa, while others require a specific volunteer or work visa. You can find more about visa requirements on each project page or by contacting our expert travel team.
Our most popular wildlife volunteer projects in Asia are our orangutan-focused programs.
