Indonesia - Wallacea Marine Research Objectives

Indonesia - Wallacea Terrestrial Research Objectives

• Attend lectures/workshops about the Wallacea region and its ecology from published research
• Learn survey methods to sample birds, butterflies, large mammals, reptiles, amphibians, and bats
• Learn how to conduct habitat surveys and calculate the carbon biomass of an area of forest
• Learn skills to work and live safely in a remote rainforest research site
• Live and work with local people and learn about Indonesian culture, customs and language
• Work with a team of Indonesian and International scientists from around the world
• Gain an internationally recognized SCUBA qualification
• Option to undertake additional PADI dive qualifications above Open Water (additional cost)
• Diving and snorkelling within some of the most diverse reefs in the world
• Diving and snorkelling in the Wakatobi Marine National Park in the Coral Triangle
• Working alongside specialist marine scientists
• Attend evening lectures given by the science team on marine ecology
• Participation in the Reef Survey Techniques course
• Learn a variety of survey and monitoring techniques for both fisheries and in-water data collection
• Opportunity to interact with the local Bajau community

• Opwall fee
• Cost of international flights into and out of Makassar
• Cost of internal travel to and from the start and end point of the expedition, plus any hotels you might require. This costs around £270 or $340 on average. Extra nights’ accommodation can be quoted
• Visa costs of $35 for a VOA (31-60 days, with extension), £50 for a social visa (60+ days, with extension) plus £45(VOA) or £60 (Social Visa) for the extension. Please get in touch with someone from Opwall for more detailed advice.
• Dive equipment rental – £60 or $90 per week for a full dive kit. If you only wish to snorkel and want to hire snorkel equipment, the cost is £30 or $45 per week. Please note that wetsuits cannot be provided – you should bring your own.
• Park entrance fees – £20 or $29
• PADI manual and PIC card (if you are completing your Open Water qualification) – £69 or $87 approx.
• Vaccinations and prophylactic medicines – cost can vary depending on your healthcare provider.
• Spending money for snacks/drinks/laundry – Indonesian rupiah only.
• All prices in GBP or USD unless specified

Most of our volunteers fundraise for their expedition costs. Find out more.

Climate

In the tropical rainforests of Indonesia is is generally warm during the day (around 25 degrees Celsius), and humid, with up to 80% humidity. At night the temperatures drop lower, but not usually lower than around 15 degrees Celsius. It rains very frequently, and very heavily at times, but for short periods.

At the marine sites during the day, the weather is normally sunny and warm (around 30 degrees Celsius), and the night temperatures drop to around 20-25 degrees Celsius. Being on the coast means there is often a pleasant breeze so it does not always feel this hot. It rains rarely, but when it does it tends to be very heavy for short periods of time.

Fitness level required

High for the forest sites. You will need to hike for long periods, over steep and muddy terrain, at times with your large rucksack. At the marine sites some fitness is required for in water activities, but conditions are relatively easy.

Creature comforts

The Hoga Island Marine Station is an established facility that lies within the Wakatobi Marine Park of eastern Indonesia. The station was rebuilt in 2016 and supports a dive centre, lecture theatre, wet-lab as well as a large dining room and kitchen facility. Simple huts owned by members of the local fishing community surround the station and serve as guest accommodation. The island supports reliable phone signal that allows limited internet access.