Volunteering
Your commitment
Step out of everyday life and into adventure. Sumatra is calling!
OUR PROJECT
Here's how you can help!
Our project is located in Bukit Lawang, at the foot of Gunung Leuser National Park, one of the last refuges of wild orangutans. The landscape is breathtaking: dense forests, wild rivers, and diverse wildlife. Yet, waste, palm oil plantations, and environmental challenges shape the area. This is exactly where we step in and create solutions that have ecological, social, and economic impact.
At the heart of our initiative is the world’s largest recycling village, built from Ecobricks made of plastic waste. Around 40 employees from Bukit Lawang work every day to make sustainability visible. Our project includes the areas of waste management, environmental education, recycling village & nature conservation, forming a holistic approach. Here, volunteers can directly experience how local engagement makes a difference and how small steps can lead to big changes.
As a volunteer, you will be right in the middle of things, getting to know the project and its people, helping wherever support is needed, and experiencing culture and community up close. You will be part of a dedicated team, share inspiring experiences with other volunteers from around the world, and discover the beauty and diversity of the region. Your contribution truly makes a difference – for yourself, for the local community, and for the environment.
FIELDS OF ACTIVITY
Where you’ll make an impact
Immerse. Engage. Change.
Get hands-on with building, repairing, and designing – here, you will create something lasting with your own hands and help promote sustainable structures.
Support our farm, the botanical garden or the rangers – help plant trees, protect habitats, and restore nature.
Pass on your knowledge! Create workshops and activities with children from Bukit Lawang and inspire the next generation to protect the environment.
Become part of our Trash Bank and Cleanups – together, we will make Bukit Lawang cleaner and more sustainable.
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More InformationEXPERIENCE REPORT
Insights from Tom and Nina
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More InformationThe two are a travel-loving couple who document their journey around the world with a camera – and in 2024, they spent several weeks at Project Wings in Bukit Lawang. In their video, they share their honest experiences as volunteers: discussing their daily tasks, life at the camp, the costs and organization of their stay, as well as leisure activities related to the project.
Their report offers a comprehensive insight into the volunteer program and shows exactly what you can expect during your time with us.
Of course, a lot has changed at Project Wings since their visit – new tasks, expanded areas, and exciting developments in the recycling village make the experience even more diverse today. Our goals and values, however, remain the same.
THE RECYCLINGVILLAGE
Get a taste of Sumatra today
In our 360° tour, you can virtually explore the recycling village – now featuring six extraordinary buildings, built from natural materials and Ecobricks. Around 40 employees from Bukit Lawang work here every day to make sustainability tangible.
The tour was recorded in January 2024 – as you can see in the image on the right, the village has developed significantly since then. The posts that were still visible as foundations in the video have since become our new marketplace, which opened in December 2024.
In addition to the recycling village, the tour also allows you to explore all other areas of our project, including the volunteer camp, giving you an authentic impression of the surroundings and the work on site.
ACCOMODATION
Your home.
We are active all year round – and your participation in our volunteer program is just as flexible. You can decide how long you would like to stay: whether it’s for a week, a month, or even half a year – every bit of support counts and leaves a lasting impact.
During your stay, you will live in our volunteer camp, located right by the river and on the edge of the jungle. From here, you can listen to the sounds of the rainforest in the morning while still being just a few minutes’ walk from the village. At the camp, you’ll enjoy three freshly prepared meals a day and a warm, welcoming community of volunteers from around the world – a place where work, exchange, and nature come together in harmony.
Our volunteer brochure also provides all the essential information about travel, accommodation, packing lists, culture, language, and much more – so you can start your adventure fully prepared.
CONTACT
Have we sparked your interest?
Register now at:
Hi, I’m Paul – your Volunteer Coordinator.
My journey with Project Wings began in 2024, when I completed a two-month internship in Koblenz. Already back then, I got a behind-the-scenes look and realized just how much passion and teamwork fuel this project. I was amazed by the sense of purpose and structure behind everything – and by how much can be achieved together.
In March 2025, I experienced Bukit Lawang as a volunteer myself – and it was simply an incredible experience. I had the chance to explore all areas, get hands-on, and see firsthand how diverse the work really is. A highlight for me was talking to the team and feeling how warm and welcoming they are. At the same time, I met other volunteers from around the world, shared exciting experiences, and quickly realized how fast a small community can form. The accommodation was super comfortable, with everything I needed, allowing me to fully focus on the experience. I had an amazing time and took home memories I’ll never forget.
Since October 2025, I have been part of the team as Volunteer Coordinator. My role is to ensure that your time in Sumatra is fantastic, that everything runs smoothly, and that you always feel well supported. I’m here to help with any questions, uncertainties, or ideas.
If we have sparked your interest, just reach out! Together, we’ll explore what your volunteer adventure at Project Wings could look like – and I can give you a taste of the experience on site.
REVIEWS
Feedback Volunteers
Read here what our former volunteers have to say about their time at Project Wings.
You can also find more insights and experiences on Volunteer World.
As hard as it is to leave. The memories, friendships, and experiences here are some of the best of my life.
Terima kasih & sampai jumpa!
Kim – at the project 4 months ago
Thank you all for these three incredibly inspiring and unforgettable weeks!
I am so grateful to have been part of this project and wish you all nothing but the best!
Rike – at the project 6 months ago
The accommodation is in the heart of nature, and the family is very friendly. I particularly liked the fact that you can take on many different tasks as a volunteer.
Lilly Maria – at the project 3 months
Project Wings lets you become a true part of the community. The tasks are truly diverse, and Bukit Lawang impresses with its nature, food, and activities.
David – at the project 2 weeks ago
HOW ELSE CAN YOU HELP?
1.
Are you wearing our merchandise? Spread the word about our actions and projects when people ask you about it!
2.
Follow us on Instagram, Facebook and share your favorite posts from us!
3.
Visit wings-life.de and create your plastic-free starter kit! From high-quality personal care products to handmade bags, you’ll find everything you need for a plastic-free everyday life. With every purchase, 100% of the profits go to Project Wings – so you’re helping twice!
Member Benefits
As a supporter of Project Wings, you are not only an important part of environmental protection and our projects, but also a valued member of our community.
Since you support us and contribute to the growth and expansion of our environmental projects, we want to give something back to you:
1. You receive 25% off your entire shopping cart on every order in our Wings Life Shop.
2. We will keep you up to date on all new campaigns and initiatives.
3. You can volunteer in Sumatra and explore the rainforest on site.
4. You can contact us at any time regarding an internship, a bachelor’s, or a master’s thesis.
5. You will receive a hand-carved coconut bracelet from our project!