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Be the Heart of NIDO Nomad : Help Run a CozyLodge in Borneo

5.0
(5 reviews)5

The experience

Welcome to NIDO Nomad, your faraway home in the hills of Borneo. We’re a cozy, backpacker-run lodge where travelers connect, share stories, and help each other. Join us to welcome guests, keep the lodge tidy, and host fun nights. Enjoy free stay, Wi-Fi, breakfast, and days off to explore waterfalls, mountains, and beaches. Be part of our small team and help create a home for travelers.

What you offer

15 hours of help per week

Painting & Decorating: Help with painting or decorating the property facilities.

Building & Repairing: Help with a wide range of repairs or building.

Cleaning: Help clean the kitchen, bedrooms, bathrooms and common areas.

Housekeeping: Help with changing the bed linens and general housekeeping.

What you get

3 days off per week

Private Room: You will have a bed in a private room. In other words, a room just for you.

Discounts on Drinks: Get discounts for drinks and beverages from our bar.

Discounts on Tours: Get discounts for tours and excursions around town.

Free Tours: We’ll take you on tours and rides around town. For free!

Free Hiking Tours: We’ll take you on excursions and hikes around town. For free!

Get free drinks or beverages.: Drink up! Get free and tasty drinks for yourself.

Free Parties: Get free entrance for the best parties in town.

Pub Crawls: Be a part of our pub crawls at local bars!

Bikes at your disposal: You can use our bikes any time you want.

Language lessons: Take free language classes at our place.

Permaculture Course: Take part in our Permaculture course for free.

Use our equipped kitchen: Feel free to use our kitchen and make your own delicious food.

Basic Internet Access: Basic speed internet for you to work remotely

Dedicated Workspace: Specific space for you to work remotely

Requirements

Beginner English

Welcomes solo volunteers, couples, and partners of volunteers

What's not included

Flights, Travel Insurance, Internal Transportation and Visa

Program Details

Join our volunteer crew at NIDO Nomad Lodge in Borneo! Help with guest check-ins, light cleaning, and community activities that make travelers feel at home. In exchange, enjoy free stay, breakfast, Wi-Fi, and time off to explore Sabah’s nature. A perfect spot for friendly, creative backpackers who love people, culture, and adventure.

Activities & Shift

Volunteer Role – Cleaning & Housekeeping
At NIDO Nomad Lodge, we keep things simple — your main task is helping us maintain a clean, cozy, and welcoming space for fellow travelers. You’ll volunteer 4 days a week, from 11 AM – 2 PM, with the rest of the day free to explore.
Your duties include:

Tidying and cleaning guest rooms, dorms, and bathrooms

Sweeping, mopping, and keeping the lounge and kitchen fresh

Making beds, changing linens, and folding laundry

Light organizing in shared areas and garden corners

Checking that everything looks and feels inviting for guests

We don’t rush here — it’s more about keeping the lodge feeling like a real home. You’ll work alongside other travelers or staff, share music while cleaning, and enjoy free coffee or tea after your shift.

Things to Do in Your Free Time (Borneo Adventures)

When you’re not helping around the lodge, there’s a world to explore right outside our door.
Tamparuli is the peaceful gateway to many of Sabah’s best experiences — close enough to adventure, far enough to breathe.

Here are some ideas:

Climb or visit Mount Kinabalu National Park — just an hour away; trek the trails or relax in the cool mountain air.

Catch sunsets at the beaches around Tuaran, Karambunai, or Kota Kinabalu — perfect weekend chill spots.

Swim in rivers and waterfalls nearby, like Kiulu River, great for tubing or picnics.

Explore local food — try Tamparuli noodles, Hinava, or street snacks at night markets.

Day trips to Kundasang, Ranau, or the hot springs for mountain views and local farms.

Island-hopping around Jesselton (Sapi, Manukan, Gaya Islands) — just a short bus ride and ferry away.

Relax at the lodge — cook with other travelers, paint something, or join our “Cook Up Something Tamparuli” session.

Rules

WORK & SCHEDULE
Volunteers work 4 days per week, 11 AM – 2 PM (3 hours daily).
Be punctual and complete your assigned tasks with care.
If you need a day off or wish to switch shifts, inform us at least one day in advance.

HOUSEKEEPING DUTIES
Always handle guests’ belongings respectfully.
Keep cleaning tools, detergents, and linens organized.
Return all cleaning equipment to its proper place after use.
Avoid loud music or phone use during cleaning shifts.

LIVING AREAS
Keep your bed and dorm area tidy; no food or drinks in sleeping areas.
Clean up immediately after using the shared kitchen.
Keep the lounge, bathrooms, and kitchen neat and orderly.
Smoking is not allowed indoors; use the designated outdoor area only.

QUIET HOURS
Quiet time is from 10:30 PM to 7:00 AM.
Avoid loud conversations, music, or cooking during this time.

ALCOHOL & SOCIALIZING
Alcohol is allowed only in common areas and should be consumed responsibly.
Illegal substances or drugs are strictly prohibited.
Maintain a friendly and respectful environment at all times.

GUESTS & VISITORS
No unregistered overnight guests in staff or dorm areas.
Visitors are allowed only in common areas during daytime hours.

RESPECT & ATTITUDE
Be kind, inclusive, and mindful of all cultures and beliefs.
Respect local customs and neighbors in Tamparuli.
Treat all guests, volunteers, and staff with respect.
Zero tolerance for harassment, discrimination, or aggressive behavior.

SAFETY
Turn off lights, fans, and plugs when not in use.
Keep walkways clear and report any maintenance issues.
Follow all safety and emergency procedures provided by the staff.

DEPARTURE
Minimum stay is 2 weeks unless otherwise agreed.
Inform management at least 3 days before departure.
Leave your bed and space clean