VAST Program Concerns
Why vast?
VAST offers a one of a kind opportunity to participants to perform critical conservation work in one of the most naturally beautiful regions in the world. A unique and ancient act to behold, sea turtles make their way to the beach to lay their eggs under stars stretching from horizon to horizon. The jungle is waiting to be explored and who knows, you may find yourself assisting a university researcher and discovering a new species, or pulling down illegal poaching huts in amongst the jungle.
Do i need to be qualified?
No, as long as you are enthusiastic, ready to learn, and willing to participate in activities and then you are more than qualified for this program!
Do I need to be fit and able?
There will be quite a lot of walking and trekking on this program. You will need to be able to hike 25 minutes one way through dense jungle, and then back, twice a day for the time you are on Bangkaru Island. However, we can adapt the program to fit your ability as we want to share this place with everyone!
I'm not 18, can i still volunteer?
Yes, You will need to be at least 16 to attend by yourself, but as long as you have a parent or guardian accompanying you, any age can join!
Can i bring my son/daughter?
Yes, but please remember how remote we are when considering very young children.
Can i touch the turtles?
Not unless your asked by a HAkA ranger to help measure a turtle’s carapace (top shell) while they are laying their eggs. If you touch a turtle or are seen by them when they are not laying, they may have a false crawl and head back to the ocean.
How many people can join the program? are mixed gender groups okay?
We will have a maximum of 6 people on Bangkaru at any one time. Often groups are smaller than this and we can offer a more personal experience. Depending on who applies for the program there will be mixed gender groups, with female and male dorms available on both Simeulue and Bangkaru.
What facilities are on Bangkaru island and simeulue island?
Bangkaru - The sleeping arrangements are simple yet clean dorm rooms, with one or two bunk beds in each room. The bathroom consists of an Indonesia style toilet and shower that is regularly cleaned. Bins are provided for waste items.
Simeulue - Mahi-Mahi Surf Resort houses the VAST program in very comfortable volunteer bungalows with fans, beds, and a shared outdoor and open-roofed bathroom.
Simeulue - Mahi-Mahi Surf Resort houses the VAST program in very comfortable volunteer bungalows with fans, beds, and a shared outdoor and open-roofed bathroom.
I want to raise money to volunteer, do you have any resources?
Currently we are working on a PDF to help you raise funds. For now, GoFundMe or Kickstarter web pages are good options to help you raise money and share about the program and why you want to volunteer.
i have to cancel, can i get my money back?
We are sorry to hear that! We can refund everything but your 25% deposit.
Regional Concerns
Is indonesia/simeulue/bangkaru safe?
We think so! And some of us have lived here for 10 years! Just like anywhere, however, one needs to take precautions. The moment you land on Simeulue Island you will be greeted by VAST's staff conservationist who will be with you during your entire trip.
what is the culture like?
Simeulue is under sharia law with the majority of the population being Muslim. This means that your chest, shoulders and knees will need to be covered. Bangkaru is more relaxed as you have the entire island almost to yourself. This is an alcohol and drug free region and program.
What is the weather like?
The weather on Simeulue and Bankgkaru is quite hot, averaging 30 degrees most days. It can get cool at night though, and tropical storms do occur. Best to bring a light sweater if you get cold easily. Please look at our packing list if you decide to come!
Health, Travel, & Preparation
Is there malaria?
Simeulue - Since the Tsunami in 2005, NGO’s installed proper drainage and performed a fogging program to eradicate malaria carrying mosquitos. Since then, the threat of malaria has been reduced to virtually none. However, it is a matter of personal choice whether to take or bring anti- malarial medication.
Bangkaru - Bangkaru has not had the same rebuilding that Simeulue received. While Malaria is ucommon in Aceh, Malaria does exist in Indonesia. Again, it is a personal choice. Please consult your doctor.
Bangkaru - Bangkaru has not had the same rebuilding that Simeulue received. While Malaria is ucommon in Aceh, Malaria does exist in Indonesia. Again, it is a personal choice. Please consult your doctor.
should i get vaccinations before coming?
This is also a personal choice and is a question best answered by you, your doctor, and the CDC (Center for Disease Control), which gives suggestions based country and what kind of travel you are doing.
is there a hospital nearby?
Simeulue Island - The nearest hospital is in Sinabang, a 30-minute drive from the VAST volunteer headquarters. It is limited in the services it can provide.
Bangkaru Island - Bangkaru is an uninhabited island with no medical facilities. Your program coordinator will have a first aid kit and a satellite phone for emergencies.
For the reasons above, traveler's insurance is MANDATORY and a precaution for extreme medical emergency.
Bangkaru Island - Bangkaru is an uninhabited island with no medical facilities. Your program coordinator will have a first aid kit and a satellite phone for emergencies.
For the reasons above, traveler's insurance is MANDATORY and a precaution for extreme medical emergency.
I have food restrictions, can i still come?
We cater to your dietary requirements, including vegetarians. If you have a specific concern, please contact us.
how do i get to bangkaru island from simeulue island?
Traveling to Bangkaru, you will be in a cabin on an overnight ferry from Simeulue to Sinkil. The ferry takes 10-12 hours. Upon arrival in Sinkil, you will be picked up by a VAST program coordinator to catch a ferry to Bangkaru, taking another 4-6 hours.
how do i get to simeulue island?
You will need to fly to Medan Airport (KNO), and catch the daily flight to Simeulue at 1:30pm, that we will have already booked for you. You may need to spend 1 night in Medan depending on when your arrival to Medan is.
I have to stay a night in medan, where do you recommend?
The Soechi International Hotel, they have a free and reliable shuttle bus service to and from the Kuala Namu airport in Medan. Breakfast is also included. We can help you make arrangements.
Do i need insurance?
YES! This is very important! It is MANDATORY that you have your own travel-insurance! A good all-encompassing travel insurance (including flight cancellations) is recommended. Be sure to investigate whether using a motor-bike is included in your plan.
what should i bring?
Pack LIGHT!
You will need:
You will need:
- a towel,
- toiletries,
- enclosed walking shoes
- reef shoes
- pair of thongs or sandals when walking around the camp
- pen and paper for making notes
- clothing that covers knees and shoulders
- appropriate swimwear (bikini, rashie, boardshorts),
- hat
- sun protection
- alarm clock/phone (SIM can be purchased for about 100,000IDR)
- camera
- head-torch with red light
- raincoat
- t-shirts
- shorts
Are there special weight limits for the flight to simeulue?
YES! The weight limit from Medan’s Kuala Namu airport to Simuelue is 10kg, although, you can pay for excess baggage which isn't too expensive. When traveling to Bangkaru island it is best to travel light and only bring enough clothes for the time you are staying there and you can always wash your clothes if need be. Suitcases can be left at Mahi-Mahi Surf Resort for safe keeping during the Bangkaru portion of the program.
How much money should i bring?
The program fees include accommodation and food. Otherwise, you will only need spending money for snacks and sundries. However, if a medical emergency was to occur, sometimes you will not be seen until you pay up-front, so it is a good idea to have cash AND TRAVEL INSURANCE.
Additionally, you need to bring IDR cash to Simeulue. There is one ATM on the island that is unreliable with foreign cards and only accepts MasterCards.
If you will need to stay in Medan before or after your program, you will need to purchase your own food and accommodation. Food is roughly $7 AUD a meal in Medan. If you decide to catch the train from Medan airport to the centre of town that is $10 AUD one way. Soechi International Hotel is our recommended Medan accommodation.
Additionally, you need to bring IDR cash to Simeulue. There is one ATM on the island that is unreliable with foreign cards and only accepts MasterCards.
If you will need to stay in Medan before or after your program, you will need to purchase your own food and accommodation. Food is roughly $7 AUD a meal in Medan. If you decide to catch the train from Medan airport to the centre of town that is $10 AUD one way. Soechi International Hotel is our recommended Medan accommodation.
can i use an atm on simeulue island or bangkaru island?
Not Really. There is one ATM on Simeulue, but it is unreliable with foreign cards and only accepts MasterCards. For this reason, please bring enough IDR cash before your program begins.
There are no ATM's on Bangkaru.
There are no ATM's on Bangkaru.