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Permaculture and forestry

location
1 - 50 weeks  ·  Age 18 - 50+
rating  Outstanding 5  · 
  Verified by Volunteer World
  Good response rate

Highlights

  • Getting to know the local people and them getting to know you!
  • Become part of the community in a beautiful and remote part of North Sumatra.
  • Explore the pristine wild rainforests, mountains and rivers.
  • Explore the pristine wild rainforests, mountains and rivers.
  • Trek to see some of the fantastic wildlife of the area such as orangutans, gibbons, thomas leaf monkeys and more.

Especially good for

Age 18+
Singles
Couples
Groups
50+

About the program

Our goal is for Hutan Subur to become an example site where local people can come & learn about sustainable farming, supports wildlife and is profitable to help protect.

Hutan Subur is a 2-acre property belonging to the Indonesian conservation foundation Yayasan Penduli linkungan untuk anak and supported by Australian foundation CareSumatra. This property is an ex-rubber plantation based within the border area of the UNESCO world heritage site, Gunung Leuser ...

About the program

Hutan Subur is a 2-acre property belonging to the Indonesian conservation foundation Yayasan Penduli linkungan untuk anak and supported by Australian foundation CareSumatra. This property is an ex-rubber plantation based within the border area of the UNESCO world heritage site, Gunung Leuser National Park. This property aims to become a showcase of sustainable farming to the local community, where the rights of native animals are at the forefront of what we do.

Our goal is for Hutan Subur to become an example site where local people can come and learn about sustainable farming, supports wildlife and is profitable to help protect the border of the forest from encroaching palm oil.

An opportunity exists for someone who is self-driven and self-managed to develop and begin implementing a sustainable farming program on the land of Hutan Subur.

Tasks include but are not limited to:

  • Meeting with local farmers who are currently practising sustainable farming in our area to learn from their experiences and make connections
  • Developing a plan for the sustainable harvesting of rubber currently on Hutan Subur Land
  • Selection of crops appropriate to the climate and available markets
  • Development of a detailed landscape plan consistent with permaculture principles and Maintenance of wildlife habitats
  • Seek and apply where possible for grants or partnerships consistent with our plans
  • Locating markets for our products through the help of the local people (who can we sell to)
  • Identify cooperatives operating within our area or investigate the possibility of developing cooperatives.
  • Manage crops, including the vegetable gardens, to maintain optimal health for the plants and soils organically
  • Assist in the recruitment and training of local farm manager
  • Develop plans for the engagement of other local farmers in sustainable farming practices

Typical day

A typical day is decided by you and may include travelling to other farms in the area to learn from their management practises, or travelling with a local person to the markets to talk to the people who purchase and on-sell crops and timber products. You may also choose to spend the day on the ...

Typical day

A typical day is decided by you and may include travelling to other farms in the area to learn from their management practises, or travelling with a local person to the markets to talk to the people who purchase and on-sell crops and timber products. You may also choose to spend the day on the property managing the nursery, learning about the layout of the land and which plant will be most appropriate for the different sections of the land and creating the plan. 

A typical days volunteering activities (times are indicative): 

8.00 am Breakfast

9.00 – 11.00 am  Developing a plan for the sustainable harvesting of rubber currently on Hutan Subur Land

11.00 – 1.00  pm – Meeting with local farmers who are currently practising sustainable farming in our area to learn from their experiences and make connections

1.00 pm Lunch

2.00 - 4.30 pm – Development of a detailed landscape plan consistent with permaculture principles and Maintenance of wildlife habitats. Manage crops, including the vegetable gardens, to maintain optimal health for the plants and soils organically

4.30 - 6.30 Seek and apply where possible for grants or partnerships consistent with our plans. Locating markets for our products through the help of the local people (who can we sell to). Identify cooperatives operating within our area or investigate the possibility of developing cooperatives.

6.30 Dinner

In the evening, volunteers share their experiences of  their volunteer work during the day, play some cards or games or relax and read a book

Day 1, Day 2, Day 3, Day 4, Day 5, Day 6 etc

Free-time activities

Batu Kapal is a beautiful rural village in mountains adjacent to Gunung Leasur National Park - prime Sumatran orangutan country.

In your spare time on the weekends you will have the opportunity to visiting some nice places around Bukit Lawang and Batu Kapal with our team. Or stay on afterwards to ...

Free-time activities

Batu Kapal is a beautiful rural village in mountains adjacent to Gunung Leasur National Park - prime Sumatran orangutan country.

In your spare time on the weekends you will have the opportunity to visiting some nice places around Bukit Lawang and Batu Kapal with our team. Or stay on afterwards to explore Sumatra and Indonesia.

We can arrange to take you on day activities around Bukit Lawang, Batu Kapal, Batu Katak and Tangkahan on weekends or after your volunteering placement has finished and you can also arrange you to travel to  Lake Toba and Berestagi (volcano lands) after your volunteer placement has finished (please ask for a copy of additional activities if you would like one).

Adventure activities include orangutan and jungle trekking from 1/2 day to 6 days, where you get to camp in the jungle and may see macaques, thomas leaf monkey, gibbons, monitor lizards, sumatran peacock and much more; elephant washing, hot springs and waterfall day trips,  or tubing. Cultural activities include visits to the local rubber fruit and vegetable market and rural village tours, informal Indonesian cooking classes where you cook learn from the locals and  many other activities (tours and activities are arranged by local guides, at our reasonable volunteer prices).

Requirements

Requirements

Minimum Age: 18 years

In order to join the program you need to be at least 18 years old on the program start date. There might be exemptions if you can provide the permission of your legal guardian(s) or if your are accompanied by your parents.

Language Skills

You need to speak English (fluently)

Education Requirements

English and Environment at Any education related to the focus of this position level

Criminal Background Check

required

Required Documents

CV and Proof of Education

Nationality Restrictions

No restrictions. Helping hands from all over the world are welcome.

Other Skills

Ability to self-manage, work with Indonesian local people, present a positive view as part of CareSumatra to the community.

Time Commitment

Your helping hand will be required on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday from 09:00 - 17:00

What's Included

What's Included

Services by Care Sumatra

Meals included are Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, Water, Tea and Coffee and Fruit. Vegetarian, vegan, dairy free and gluten free options are available on request.

Please note the program fees do not include transport on arrival or departure but this can be arranged for you on request at additional cost.

Accommodation

Accommodation – Shared dorm accommodation in a beautiful traditional building.

The accommodation is at our Hutan Subur Conservation  project site near Bukit Lawang in North Sumatra. A bed and blankets are provided, volunteers just need to bring a mosquito net, sleeping bag or sleeping sheet and pillow if needed. The accommodation is shared dormitory style, with a shared western bathroom (flushing toilet and cold water shower). 

You can also hire a mosquito net, pillow and sleeping sheet if you do not have these items with you.

Please note there is no mains electricity in the jungle at Batu Kapal, we have a generator which operates for 2 to 3 hours in the evenings.

Food & Beverages

You will have three meals per day provided for you whilst on this project. Breakfast is usually pancake, omelette, eggs and rice/noodle dishes or fresh fruit. Lunches and dinners are delicious and typically consist of noodles or rice with either chicken, fish, egg and vegetables. Tofu and Soy bean dishes are also provided for vegetarians and vegans. Each meal is buffet style. Free tea, coffee and water. 

Soft drink and alcohol is available at an extra cost.

All food is bought fresh daily to be cooked every day.  This is normal practice in rural areas in Sumatra.

Water is also boiled on site for your safety every day.

Internet Access

Limited access at the project site

What's NOT included?

What's NOT included?

Airport Pickup at Kuala Namu International Airport

An airport pickup isn't included within the program fees either.

Flight Tickets

The nearest airport is Kuala Namu International Airport (KNO) in Kuala Namu. We assist you to find cheap flights to Indonesia. FIND CHEAP FLIGHTS

Travel Insurance

Going abroad is an adventure and it is always best to be prepared. Sudden illness or injury, cancellation or theft - a travel insurance for Indonesia provides security and is a plus to have. GET A QUOTE

Vaccines

If you are intending to volunteer in Indonesia you should seek medical advice before starting your social journey. Check your required vaccinations for Indonesia. VACCINE CHECKER

Details on arrival

START DATES

You can arrive any day of the week to suit your airflights

ARRIVAL

Airport Pickup at Medan KNO Airport can be arranged if required ( $70US per car one way)

Motor bike transfers into the site $6 US one way per motor bike (Note the conservation project site is located in the jungle, we are not situated on a road, its a 20 minute motor bike ride from the village of Bukit Lawang and not that easy to find as it is not sign posted)

TRAVEL INSURANCE

Please ensure you have travel insurance to cover injury, accident, sickness, hospital and medical expenses, missed flights, cancellation and loss or damage to your personal belongings.

CANCELLATION POLICY

Please note if you plans change your volunteer fees are non refundable, however we are more than happy to change your start date. Please ensure you have travel insurance to cover cancellation.

SAFETY

Safety of our volunteers, guests and staff is our highest priority. Please respect each other and others property. Any person causing serious harm or putting others at risk will be asked to leave the site with forfeiture of your volunteer fees. This includes drunk and disorderly behaviour.

ZERO DRUGS POLICY.

Drug use in Indonesia is illegal and a jailable offence. For everyone’s safety, we are a drug free program. Please note the use of drugs will result in the immediate termination of your volunteering placement and removal from the program with forfeiture of your volunteer fees.

RELATIONSHIPS WITH LOCAL PEOPLE

We are responsible for the safety of volunteers and staff in our care. Please respect local culture and staff. Relationships with staff and local people will not be tolerated during your volunteer placement,  resulting in immediate termination of your volunteering placement and removal from your site with forfeiture of your volunteer fees.

VALUABLES

Volunteers are responsible for the safety of their valuables and personal items at all times.  Management will not be held responsible for the safety of volunteers valuables. If you are concerned, please bring a money belt for your money, passport and important documents.

WIFI AND INTERNET ACCESS

Please note we do not have WiFi on site as we are in a remote area. There is limited patchy mobile phone coverage available on parts of the base with the local mobile phone service. Data for Indonesian sim cards can be purchased for your phone and very affordable rates.  We recommend volunteers buy a local SIM card with data on it when they arrive. Telkomsel is one of the better choices. 

Otherwise there is WiFi available in the village at some guest house cafes also. It is a 45 minute walk into the village, or a 20 minute motor bike ride

Availability
Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec

Program fees

1 week (min. stay) 517€
2 weeks 944€
4 weeks 1,988€
8 weeks 3,778€
16 weeks 4,752€
50 weeks (max. stay) 14,475€
Average fees 403€/week

Program fees

403€ per week 1 - 50 weeks Age 18 - 50+

Payment methods

Visa Master Card Maestro American Express PayPal

NO CREDIT CARD FEES

Duration

1 - 50 weeks

Deposit

The deposit is simply to reserve your volunteer placement. Payments are handled by PayPal, our trusted global payment provider. If you don't have a PayPal account, you can also pay using a credit card.

Final Payment

Your final payment will be agreed with Care Sumatra during the application process. Common solutions are either via bank transfer or a cash payment at the project site.

Meet your organization

Care Sumatra

Outstanding 5 rating (2 reviews)

Non-profit - founded in 9

Verified by Volunteer World

  Good response rate

Coordinated by

Jaka

Spoken languages: English

About the project

We aim to provide the local children and families in the remote villages in North Sumatra with a free informal english school to provide a better future for the children

Meet your organization

Our mission is to support development in North Sumatra by connecting dedicated volunteers with local community projects.

Our vision is for equal opportunities in North Sumatra for everyone to succeed and thrive.

Our goal at CareSumatra is to connect suitable community led projects with willing, capable volunteers in a way that benefits both parties. Together, we aim to offer life changing support to the children and adults at the community-led projects we partner, and also a life changing development opportunity for our selected volunteers.

Our ultimate objective, however, is to support our wide range of projects with suitable volunteers to help them improve the quality of people's lives in their local area.

2 reviews · rating5

Claire Yume rating5

2023 at Educational Coordinator

I discovered Hutan Subur, next to Bukit Lawang, to help as volunteer during one week. I can really say that this team is working with their heart to make things better for the environment : They help the local farmers, they clean the area all around by taking the trash in the nature and then ...
Andy Pieris rating5

2022 at Eco Tourism Coordinator

Volunteering here for 2 months, was a once in a lifetime experience. Every staff member makes you feel like family from day one in this unique and beautiful place. Even the wild orangutans make you feel welcome- waking up to them swinging through the trees around ‘home’ most days. The ...

Location

Asia > South East Asia > Indonesia > Bukit Lawang

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Contact Jaka
  Good response rate
English

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