Volunteering
Your commitment
Out of the daily grind and into the adventure. Sumatra is calling!
OUR PROJECT
This is 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 free-living orangutans. The nature is breathtaking: dense forests, wild rivers and a diverse animal world. But garbage, palm plantations and environmental problems characterize the landscape. This is precisely where we come in and create solutions that have an ecological, social and economic impact.
The focus is on the world’s largest recycling village, built from Ecobricks made from plastic waste. Around 40 employees from Bukit Lawang work every day to make sustainability visible. Our project encompasses the areas of waste management, environmental education, recycling village & nature conservation and thus forms a holistic approach. Here, volunteers can directly experience how commitment works on the ground and how small steps can bring about big changes.
As a volunteer, you will be right in the middle of things, get to know the project and the people, lend a hand where support is needed and experience culture and community first-hand. You will be part of a committed group, share exciting experiences with other volunteers from all over the world and discover the beauty and diversity of the region. Your commitment really makes a difference – for you, the local people and the environment.
AREAS OF RESPONSIBILITY
Immerse yourself. Tackle. Change.
Get involved in building, repairing and designing – here you create something lasting with your hands and help to promote sustainable structures.
Support our farm, the botanical garden or the rangers – help plant trees, protect habitats and bring nature back.
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 ensure that Bukit Lawang becomes 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 accompany their trip around the world with their camera – and spent several weeks at Project Wings in Bukit Lawang in 2024. In their video, they share their honest experiences as volunteers: they talk about their daily tasks, life in the camp, the costs and organization of their stay as well as leisure activities related to the project.
Her report gives a comprehensive insight into the volunteer program and shows you what you can expect during your stay with us.
Of course, a lot has changed at Project Wings since her visit – new tasks, expanded areas and exciting progress in the recycling village make the experience even more diverse today. However, our goals and values remained the same.
EXPERIENCE REPORT
THE RECYCLING VILLAGE
Experience Sumatra as if you were already there
In our 360° tour, you can virtually explore the recycling village – with its now six extraordinary buildings, built from natural materials and Ecobricks. Around 40 employees from Bukit Lawang work here every day to bring sustainability to life.
The tour was recorded in January 2024 – as you can see in the picture on the right, the village has developed considerably. The posts, which can still be seen as foundations in the video, have since become our new market square, which was opened in December 2024.
In addition to the recycling village, you can also discover all other areas of our project and the volunteer camp on the tour and get an authentic impression of the surroundings and the work on site.
ACCOMMODATION
Your home.
We are active all year round and your participation in our volunteer program is just as flexible. You can decide for yourself how long you would like to stay: whether for a week, a month or even half a year – every support counts and leaves its mark.
During your stay, you will live in our volunteer camp, which is located directly on the river and on the edge of the jungle. From here, you can listen to the sounds of the rainforest in the morning and are only a few minutes’ walk from the village. At the camp, you can expect three freshly prepared meals a day and a warm community of volunteers from all over the world – a place where work, exchange and nature come together in harmony.
In our volunteer brochure you will also find all the important information about travel, accommodation, packing list, culture, language and much more – so that you can start your adventure well prepared.
CONTACT
Have we piqued your interest?
Register now at:
Hi, I’m Paul – your Volunteer Coordinator
My journey to Project Wings began in 2024, when I did a two-month internship in Koblenz. Even back then, I took a look behind the scenes and realized how much passion and team spirit goes into this project. I was amazed at how much purpose and structure there is behind everything and how you can make a difference together.
In March 2025, I volunteered in Bukit Lawang myself and it was simply an incredible experience. I was able to get to know all areas, lend a hand myself and experience how varied the work here is. It was particularly great to talk to the employees and feel their warmth. At the same time, I met other volunteers from all over the world, experienced exciting things together and realized how quickly you grow into a small community. The accommodation was super comfortable, everything you need was there – so you could concentrate fully on the experience. I had an incredible amount of fun and took home memories that I will never forget.
I have been part of the team as Volunteer Coordinator since October 2025. My job is to ensure that you have a great time on Sumatra, that everything runs smoothly and that you feel well looked after at all times. If you have any questions, uncertainties or ideas, I am always there to help.
If we have piqued your interest, just write to me! We’ll see together what your volunteer adventure at Project Wings could look like and I can give you a taste of the feeling on site.
REVIEWS
Feedback Volunteers
Read here what our former volunteers have to say about their time at Project Wings.
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 – 4 months ago in project
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!
Fabian – 6 months ago in project
The accommodation is in the middle 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 – 3 months ago in project
Project Wings lets you become a real part of the community. The tasks are really varied and Bukit Lawang impresses with its nature, food and activities.
David – 2 weeks ago in the project
HOW ELSE CAN YOU HELP?
1.
Are you wearing our merchandise? Tell those around you about our campaigns and projects if
they ask you about them!
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 care products to handmade bags. Here you will find everything you need for a plastic-free everyday life! With every purchase, 100% of the profits go to Project Wings – so you help 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 part of our community.
As you help us and contribute to the environmental projects becoming bigger and bigger, we want to do something good for you too.
1. we will also keep you up to date on all new promotions.
2. you can volunteer in Sumatra and explore the rainforest on site.
3. you can contact us at any time about an internship or a Bachelor’s or Master’s thesis.
4. you will receive a hand-carved coconut bracelet from our project!