Malaysia Turtle Conservation

Malaysia is a paradise of lush forests, pristine beaches and tropical islands. World renowned for its diversity in wildlife and people, this incredible country offers visitors a wealth of activities and fascinating things to see and do. The result of this fantastic melting-pot of culture is a relaxed, open-minded way of life, and a world famously warming hospitality. If you can picture yourself living and working on a tropical island, contributing towards supporting local communities whilst sampling the fantastic Malay cuisine, then this beautiful country is the place for you!

With the Malaysia Turtle Conservation project you have the exciting opportunity to make significant contributions to turtle and marine conservation. You will live and work with other enthusiastic and energetic international volunteers to conserve and protect the turtles of the Perenthian islands. 

The project conducts surveys to identify individual animals for monitoring purposes in order to record nesting activity and help protect turtle nests against predation by mammals and poachers. There is also the opportunity to work throughout the community to raise public awareness of this species. Get involved with this exciting project all while enjoying a slice of life in Malaysia!

  

PROJECT HIGHLIGHTS

• Teach and engage with local communities about environmental issues
• Create an array of unforgettable memories
• Help conduct surveys to identify individual animals
• Help protect turtle nests & record nesting activity

FAST FACTS

Location	Perhentian Islands, Malaysia
Activities	Conduct surveys Identify animals Protect turtles and record nesting activity Raising awareness and out reach work in local communities
Transport	Airport pickup for RM80 each way
Accommodation	Shared dormitories in volunteer house

WHAT'S INCLUDED

Before you go	Pre-departure support & documentation Travel & medical advice & documentation Equipment advice Discounted medical kit Free Frontier t-shirt
In-country	Accommodation Daily food allowance Airport pickup for MYR50 each way Local orientation and training In-country emergency support 24-hour international HQ backup

QUALIFICATIONS

A variety of qualifications are available on many of our projects. For example, BTEC certificates and diplomas on our Group conservation projects and TEFL certificates and BTECs on most of our teaching projects. You may also be able to gain a CoPE to support your university application. For more information on these qualifications, please see the qualifications section of our website or ask your volunteer advisor.

WHAT DOES THE PROJECT DO?

The Malaysia Turtle Conservation Project aims to protect the endangered sea turtles that nest, breed and forage around the Perenthian islands. To achieve this, population data is being collected and individual turtles that swim around and nest on the islands are being identified and monitored. Your efforts will help protect these vulnerable turtles whilst on their nesting beaches. Furthermore, you will help to identify hotspots of sea turtle activity which can then be used by decision makers to develop a Sea Turtle Management Plan for the Perenthian Islands.

WHAT WILL I BE DOING? 

On this project you will be able to get involved with a range of activities to help protect and conserve the turtle population. These include, but are not limited to helping to collect photos of the sea turtles on nesting beaches and at sea whilst snorkeling. The information that this research gathers is vital for conservation measures as the project will be able to determine population numbers of male and female turtles, identify hotspots where conservation efforts need to be focused and also movement patterns of the turtles. There is no diving on this project.

WHAT HAPPENS WHEN I ARRIVE?

It is best to arrive Monday morning or the day before and stay in a hotel for the night. You can then get the boat Monday morning ready for an induction that afternoon. There will be more instructions on how to make your own way to the jetty in your field brief, available four weeks before your project commences.

Alternatively, a pickup can be arranged for RM80 and you will be met at the airport. Return to the airport is the same cost.

WHERE WILL I BE STAYING?

Throughout your project you will be based at our volunteer camp on the beautiful Perenthian Islands staying in a volunteer guesthouse located in the village. You will share a mixed-sex dormitory-style room with other volunteers, which will be fitted with a ceiling fan and a shared a bathroom. There is a fully equipped kitchen if you wanted to cook for yourself, and a basic but comfortable lounge for you to enjoy in the evenings.

WHAT WILL I BE EATING?

Malaysian food is heavily influenced from a variety of cultures from all over the world; the fusion of Malay, Chinese and Indian flavours create a symphony of aromas and exotic tastes. 

You will be provided with a daily food allowance when on the programme to cover 3 basic meals per day, which you can choose to spend at the local restaurant or shop. This is a great opportunity to sample the local delicacies, as well as supporting the local economy! 

Eat like the locals by trying a tasty Nasi Dagang for breakfast, or join the cult following in Kuala Lumpur addicted to Hokkiem Mee noodles. The multicultural community of Malaysia has many cultural differences however they are all passionate about their cuisine creating a unique, delicious culinary style.

ADDITIONAL OPPORTUNITIES

The beaches of the Perenthian Islands are spectacular – with their pure white sand set against clear turquoise water it is a beautiful setting to relax in with a book after a long day. If you want to see more of the islands there are opportunities to trek the jungle, where you have the chance of seeing a number of species of large reptile, bugs and maybe even some wild monkeys. Or alternatively, you may decide to view the islands from afar on a kayaking day trip. 

Malaysia is brimming over with exciting and unique world heritage sites and flourishing forests ready and waiting for you to discover. After you complete your project why not discover Kuala Lumpur’s spectacular landmarks by taking a hop on hop off bus tour around the city, learn how to cook like the locals with cooking lessons or take a stroll along the canopy skywalk in a nearby national park. Other opportunities include exploring the tea plantations and refreshing mossy forests of the Cameron Highlands, or taking an eco-bike tour through Melaka or discovering your inner peace with yoga lessons along Langkawi’s spectacular beaches.

COSTS

DEPARTURE DATES

Weekly start dates every Mondays.

DURATION

Minimum 2 weeks and longer

WHAT’S INCLUDED?

Before you go

• Pre-departure support & documentation
• Travel & medical advice
• Equipment advice
• Discounted medical kit
• Free Frontier t-shirt

In-country

• Accommodation
• Daily food allowance
• Local orientation and training
• Airport pickup for RM80 each way
• In-country emergency support
• 24-hour international HQ backup

WHAT'S NOT INCLUDED

• Flights
• Visas
• Insurance

For detailed information on flights, visas and insurance, click here.

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LEGAL STATEMENT

Please read our legal statement regarding the running of NGO projects.

To apply for this placement, click on "Apply Now" below. Fill in the short application form and one of our advisers will then call you back to answer any questions and make sure this is the perfect placement for you. Applying doesn't cost a penny and you won't pay anything until you're completely happy and you're ready to reserve your place.