from 1,345€

Brilliant 4.7rating (220)

Protection Of Sea Turtles

location
2 - 12 weeks  ·  Age 18 - 50+

rating  Brilliant 4.7  · 
  Verified by Volunteer World
  Very high response rate

Volunteer project with the highest quality. This project sets unprecedented standards in quality - an unparalleled level of excellence.

Highlights

  • 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.
  • Data entry: Ensure the accuracy and integrity of the local turtle population database with recent observation and nesting activities.
  • Beach night patrols: Spend nights patrolling Tiga Ruang beach to collect turtle nesting info, relocate turtle eggs to the hatchery and/or release hatchlings.
  • 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.
  • Community engagement: Participate in awareness talks, beach cleanups and related community activities fostering a deeper understanding of marine conservation.

Especially good for

Age 18+
Singles
Couples
50+

About the program

Explore your passion for coastal conservation and play a role in the protection of sea turtles in Malaysia.

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 ...

About the program

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.

 

Typical day

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 ...

Typical day

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! 

  • 8:00 AM: Breakfast at the house.
  • 9:00 AM: Start your allocated project activities e.g. Kayak to seagrass feeding grounds, where you will snorkel or free dive to spot and take pictures of feeding turtles.
  • 1:00 PM: Lunch break at the house or in the village.
  • 3:00 PM: In the afternoon, get involved with data analysis and updating the turtle database.
  • 7.00 PM: Dinner is typically cooked and eaten together with the team. Once a week you will get to enjoy a malay dinner with a local family.

Free-time activities

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 snorkeling or diving may be exactly what you need. Once you’ve had your fill of the beach, why not go ...

Free-time activities

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 snorkeling 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. 


Requirements

Requirements

Minimum Age: 18 years

In order to join the program you need to be at least 18 years old on the program start date. There might be exemptions if you can provide the permission of your legal guardian(s) or if your are accompanied by your parents.

Language Skills

You need to speak English (basic level)

Education Requirements

at High School level

Criminal Background Check

required

Nationality Restrictions

No restrictions. Helping hands from all over the world are welcome.

Time Commitment

Your helping hand will be required on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday from 08:00 - 19:00

What's Included

What's Included

Services by GVI

Program fees include:
  • Project work: Conserve and protect sea turtles of the Perhentian Islands.
  • Accommodation: Shared dorm-style accommodation in a volunteer house in the village.
  • Meals: Includes breakfast, lunch and dinner.
  • Airport transfer: You'll get collected from Kota Bharu airport (KBR) and catch a boat from Kuala Besut jetty to Perhentian Kecil.
  • Comprehensive pre-departure support: Includes a dedicated support coordinator to answer your questions, an Essential Info Pack, and a webinar to learn more about your program.
  • Comprehensive in-country support: Includes a welcome orientation, including safety, culture and environmental info. A Program Manager is there to support you.
  • 24/7 mental health support: Receive support services provided by licensed professionals.
  • Local transport: Transport to and from project work by boat.

Airport Pickup at Sultan Ismail Petra Airport

You'll get collected from Kota Bharu airport (KBR) and catch a boat from Kuala Besut jetty to Perhentian Kecil.

Accommodation

Live the island life at the volunteer house situated in the only village on the island of Perhentian Kecil. Here is where you will spend your nights enjoying home-cooked meals with fellow volunteers and unwinding before your next adventure. The house contains three dorm-style bedrooms with a communal toilet/bathroom. Bedding and mosquito nets are provided, along with safe drinking water and fans. 

Accommodation upgrades are available upon request. Enjoy a private room with air conditioning and en suite bathroom, suitable for individuals or couples.

Food & Beverages

Meals Provided
  • Breakfast
  • lunch
  • dinner
Dietary requirements can be tended to.

Internet Access

Limited access at the project site

What's NOT included?

What's NOT included?

Flight Tickets

The nearest airport is Sultan Ismail Petra Airport (KBR) in Kota Bharu. We assist you to find cheap flights to Malaysia. FIND CHEAP FLIGHTS

Travel Insurance

Going abroad is an adventure and it is always best to be prepared. Sudden illness or injury, cancellation or theft - a travel insurance for Malaysia provides security and is a plus to have. GET A QUOTE

Vaccines

If you are intending to volunteer in Malaysia you should seek medical advice before starting your social journey. Check your required vaccinations for Malaysia. VACCINE CHECKER

Details on arrival

2025 dates:

  • 14 Apr 2025
  • 28 Apr 2025
  • 12 May 2025
  • 26 May 2025
  • 09 Jun 2025
  • 23 Jun 2025
  • 07 Jul 2025
  • 21 Jul 2025
  • 04 Aug 2025
  • 18 Aug 2025
  • 01 Sep 2025
  • 15 Sep 2025
  • 13 Oct 2025
  • 27 Oct 2025
  • 10 Nov 2025
  • 24 Nov 2025
  • 08 Nov 2025
  • 22 Nov 2025

Availability
Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec

Program fees

2 weeks (min. stay) 1,345€
4 weeks 2,095€
6 weeks 2,795€
8 weeks 3,445€
10 weeks 4,295€
12 weeks (max. stay) 5,145€
Average fees 550€/week

Program fees

550€ per week 2 - 12 weeks Age 18 - 50+

Payment methods

Visa Master Card Maestro American Express PayPal

NO CREDIT CARD FEES


Duration

2 - 12 weeks

Deposit

The deposit is simply to reserve your volunteer placement. Payments are handled by PayPal, our trusted global payment provider. If you don't have a PayPal account, you can also pay using a credit card.


Final Payment

Your final payment will be agreed with GVI during the application process. Common solutions are either via bank transfer or a cash payment at the project site.


Meet your organization

GVI

Brilliant 4.7 rating (220 reviews)

Agency - founded in 1998

Verified by Volunteer World

  Very high response rate

Coordinated by

Bianca

Spoken languages: English

About the project

GVI tackles critical local and global issues by operating award-winning education and training programs on sustainable development projects around the world.

Meet your organization

Founded in 1998, GVI runs programs in 21 locations, in 13 countries around the world, each manned by our own staff and aligned to the 17 United Nations Sustainable Development Goals or UN SDGs as well as the objectives of local partners. We welcome participants from all around the world and help facilitate their development into global citizens. This is how we achieve our mission of building a global network of people united by their passion to make a difference.


We are truly a global family brought together by our dedication to long-term positive impact. At the root of our success is our commitment to investing in authentic, meaningful connections with one another, which is why mutual respect and trust are central to our operations. Although we respond with empathy to difficult situations, we believe that most circumstances can benefit from taking a light-hearted approach. By sharing stories of local achievement with our teams worldwide we build the momentum to catapult us toward our vision for the future.

220 reviews · rating4.7

I had the opportunity to do the virtual marine conservation internship with GVI, it was super good for my work experience and academic training as I learned a lot from the courses and I was able to explore my skills in data analysis which I had not explored so far, I highly recommend this internship ...
Pam Parkes rating5

2024 at Women's Empowerment Internship

I really enjoyed my recent trip to Siem Reap. The accommodation was very good, I upgraded to a single room with aircon and en-suite and had a fabulous room overlooking the pool. Food was excellent with plenty of choice, both in the guest house and local restaurants where we ate in the evenings ...
Olivia Babbage rating5

2024 at Teach English to locals

3 month English Teaching internship in Madagascar The most incredible time of my life. I feel so lucky to have experienced all that is Nosy Be, Madagascar. I chose GVI because they are so impact driven, and during my time in Madagascar that was the evident. Being able to immerse myself into such ...
Mary Christensen rating5

2024 at Community Development Internship

GVI is a passionate organization that works diligently to promote life long learners and explorers. As an intern with GVI, I was able to explore the culture of my country of choice, serve a purpose greater than myself, and meet friends all around the world. I highly recommend this program to anyone ...
GVI was one of the best experiences of my life, i was a participant on the U18 costa rica trip! This program allowed me to interact with new people and make lifelong friendships, but also i was able to experience a new culture and be up close to a wide range of wildlife. If you are reading this and ...
Tashanna Reid rating5

2024 at Marine Ecosystem Internship

I did the U18s Tenerife volunteering which was such a great experience and I will definitely do it again! It was lovely meeting new people and making friends and the staff are very welcoming and fun. It had the perfect mix of relaxing and having fun while also doing the work required and exploring ...

Location

Asia > South East Asia > Malaysia > Perhentian Islands

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