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Frequently Asked Questions
Got questions? Check out our Frequently Asked Questions to find your answer.
How much does it cost?
Our Volunteer Placements are full of exciting activities and training too. We ask volunteers coming for a full cycle to raise a minimum of £1000 or equivalent in a different currency before coming out to Sumatra. This money helps to keep our programs running on the ground and allows us to continue to protect the severely endangered Leuser Ecosystem and the magnificent animal species that call it home!
What additional expenses should I expect?
Whilst your placement fees cover a lot, you will need to arrange your own flights, pay for visa costs and personal travel Insurance. Volunteer Visa costs are typically around £180 and we manage the process for you using an agent in Indonesia. While you're here you'll need many for food when eating out in the local guest houses and some money for transport if you want to get around using becaks (like tuk-tuks).
Can I choose the dates I want to volunteer?
Our placement dates are fixed, however we offer a wide range of placement opportunities and up to 5 different cycles to choose from each year. We also offer full flexibility with your bookings. With free cancellation and rescheduling until 30 days before your arranged placement start date.
What's the acommodation like?
During your placement you will be staying at our Hub in the village of Gotong Royong near Bukit Lawang, in North Sumatra Indonesia. You will be staying in one of our two single sex volunteer dorm rooms, which are fitted with bunk beds and single beds, with maximum occupancy of three people per room.
You will likely be sharing your room with volunteers on other programs so you will get to meet lots of lovely people during your stay. You can find a full description of the volunteer accommodation on any of the program pages by selecting a program from our 'Get Involved' section.
Do I need a VISA & whats the application process?
To legally volunteer in Indonesia, you will need a 60 day Volunteer Visa.
After you have been accepted onto your chosen placement and you have sent us your fundraising money our Volunteer Coordinator will guide you through the visa application process and provide you with visa sponsorship.
Do I need to be a qualified teacher to volunteer with the Trust?
In short... no. Here at the Trust we value experience equally to qualification as we understand that not everyone has equal access to qualifications. That's why we accept applicants with relevant experience, Qualifications or both. We also provide Comprehensive in country training for all of our volunteers when they arrive at the start of the placement, so no need to worry if its been a while since you've taught a class. You can find a detailed requirements section on each of the program pages for more info.
How long will it take to get there?
Naturally, this depends on where you are coming from. However, typically flights from most European countries range from 14 - 21 hours. This may also depend upon your layovers, stops and departure airport.
Once you arrive at Medan airport there will be a 4 hour drive that we will arrange for you to get to Bukit Lawang.
Do you have WIFI?
Yes! we have WIFI at our Hub in Bukit Lawang. There is also WIFI available at many of the guest houses and restaurants around the village, so you won't have any trouble staying connected.
What is the current information regarding COVID-19
We are constantly updating our COVID-19 information to keep you informed. Make sure you check the Corona Virus updates section on the home page for up to date information. Prior to joining us in Indonesia you will need to be fully vaccinated for COVID-19 and share your vaccination certificate with us. Additionally during your placement we have many procedures in place to keep you safe, These are continually changing in response to the most up to date information from the WHO and the Indonesian Government.
What kind of time commitment should I expect?
All of our volunteers typically work 08:00 - 17:00, Monday to Friday but with some later starts and the odd late finish. You will have weekends free to go out and explore! However we have arranged some activities for your weekends that are so amazing we know you won't mind giving up your weekend for. Including a 2 day expedition into the Tropical Rainforest, tubing, craft workshops and more!
Can I pay the fundraising target myself?
Yes! A lot of applicants are working full time in the lead up to their placement with us and don't have time to organise a fundraising event. If this sounds like you then don't worry, you can also pay the fundraising target yourself to save your placement!
Can I continue travelling in Asia after the placement finishes?
Yes! Lots of our volunteers catch the travel bug after their time with us in Indonesia and go on to travel all over South East Asia. If this applies to you, let your Programme Manager know before the end of your placement. You may need to leave Indonesia in order to return under a Tourist Visa on arrival. You can do this by taking a short flight to Penang in Malaysia or Kuala Lumpur then returning.
Can't find what you're looking for?
Not a problem! Email us at info@bukitlawangtrust.org or chat with us live using the chat icon in the bottom right of your screen.
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We're always happy to hear from you, and one of our dedicated team of team will respond as quickly as possible.
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