The project

Explore your passion for coastal conservation and play a role in the protection of sea turtles in Malaysia. Situated in the Perhentian Islands off the northeastern coast of Peninsular Malaysia, this remote location offers the perfect escape from everyday routine. The crystal-clear waters are home to pristine coral reefs teeming with diverse marine life. Species commonly found include green turtles, rays, barracudas, clown fish and sharks. 

Lush tropical jungles cover the islands, enticing visitors with their rich vegetation and the promise of spectacular views. Trekking through, you may spot the mysterious coluga or other wildlife like monitor lizards and monkeys.

With this program, our aim is to ensure the conservation of the turtle population of the Perhentian Island marine parks while gaining a deeper understanding of marine conservation and the importance of protecting the ocean’s delicate ecosystem. 

The program

What sets this program apart is its immersive approach; as a participant, you will live among and collaborate with the local community as you contribute to the long-term conservation of endangered sea turtles. 

Since its establishment in 2015, the project has introduced a successful hatchery program, releasing thousands of turtle hatchlings into the sea while promoting sustainable tourism. As part of the program, you’ll travel to the seagrass feeding grounds of turtles to photograph them in their natural habitat. You’ll also take part in nighttime patrols on Tiga Ruang beach to collect nesting turtle information, relocate eggs to the hatchery and/or release hatchlings. Through scientific research, you will help educate and empower individuals on the threats facing the local turtle population.

Location

The Perhentian Islands are situated off the northeastern coast of Peninsular Malaysia. The closest city to this remote destination is Kuala Besut, a hub for island transfers. You’ll have the unique opportunity to immerse yourself in Malay culture as you live and work within the local community. Experience Malay hospitality, indulge in delicious local foods and witness stunning sunsets in this tropical paradise. 

Species

Explore the inviting waters of the Perhentian Islands and be captivated by the mesmerising scenery that lies beneath. Here, you will find vibrant coral reefs; a playground for colourful marine life. Observe green turtles, clown fish, rays, barracudas and sharks as they roam freely in their natural habitat. Turtle nesting beaches offer close encounters with sea turtles, while trekking through lush jungle trails gives you access to unique species like monitor lizards, monkeys and colugas. 

A typical day

Project activities vary during the week, largely split between daytime photographing of turtles and nighttime turtle beach patrol. Night patrols are allocated in shifts of three, followed by a rest day which you can spend exploring the island or reclining on the beach – the choice is yours! 

Participant activities include:

1. Turtle identification: Travel by kayak to the seagrass feeding grounds of turtles where you will snorkel or free dive to observe and photograph them in their natural habitat.

2. Data entry: Ensure the accuracy and integrity of the local turtle population database with recent observation and nesting activities. 

3. Beach night patrols: Spend nights patrolling Tiga Ruang beach to collect turtle nesting info, relocate turtle eggs to the hatchery and/or release hatchlings. 

4. Hatchery maintenance: Ensure a safe and conducive environment for the incubation and hatching of turtle eggs by contributing to the construction and upkeep of hatchery infrastructure.

5. Community engagement: Participate in awareness talks, beach cleanups and related community activities fostering a deeper understanding of marine conservation. 

A typical day starts with breakfast at the volunteer house, followed by your allocated project activity. At 1 PM you’ll break for lunch either back at the volunteer house or in the village. The afternoon is spent analysing data and updating the turtle database. Dinner is typically cooked and eaten together with all the volunteers, or you can enjoy the weekly experience of having dinner with a local Malay family. 

Free time

Make the most of your off days by relaxing in hammocks or visiting the pristine beaches around the island where white sands melt into blue waters. If you’re craving an adventure, then a day of snorkelling or diving may be exactly what you need. Once you’ve had your fill of the beach, why not go for a hike? Fall in love with nature all over again as you trek through the lush, green jungles of the Perhentian Islands. Enter a new world and allow the calming effects of nature to take over as you meander through the trees. Keep your eyes peeled as you may be lucky enough to get a glimpse of the local wildlife like monitor lizards, monkeys and the elusive colugas.