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You’ll be matched with your personal volunteer travel expert who’ll guide you every step of the way.
Meet Your Travel Expert
Receive your welcome pack with everything you need: arrival info, contacts, visa and insurance help, packing tips, vaccines, language basics, and so much more.
Get Ready to Go!
Choose your dream project and apply for free—no commitment, just excitement!
Pick Your Destination & Apply
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Once your dates are confirmed, pay your program fee—choose to pay in full or in easy installments.
Secure Your Spot
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Want to volunteer as an eco-educator in Malaysia? Our Travel Roots Eco Education Project is your chance to live in a traditional island village while supporting environmental education in a truly meaningful way.
This volunteer program focuses on educating and empowering the younger generation of the Perhentian Islands through engaging lessons, creative activities, and hands-on eco-experiences. Working alongside passionate local educators, you’ll help run Eco Club classes, assist with Coral Watch reef health surveys, and support inspiring community projects like kayak patrols and plastic upcycling workshops.
Perfect for aspiring teachers, eco-warriors, families, or anyone looking to create real change, you’ll be welcomed into the local culture while helping to shape a sustainable future for this tropical paradise.
Key Activities:
Plan and lead educational Eco Club classes for local children
Support coral reef monitoring sessions through Coral Watch
Participate in kayak patrols to keep waters plastic-free
Collaborate with the Perhentian Islands Ladies Association (PILA)
Assist with awareness campaigns promoting sustainable tourism
Learn to use the Precious Plastic Machine and create recycled products
Contribute to beach clean-ups and eco-data collection
By volunteering on our Eco Education Program in Malaysia, you will:
Live and volunteer in a traditional Malaysian island village surrounded by turquoise waters and white-sand beaches
Teach and inspire local children through fun, eco-focused education
Participate in community-driven projects that directly support sustainability
Support women's empowerment by engaging with local associations and cultural exchanges
Snorkel vibrant reefs and monitor coral health through Coral Watch surveys
Join kayak patrols to reduce marine debris and protect wildlife
Create upcycled plastic products using the Precious Plastic Machine
Perfect for families, aspiring educators, or those passionate about conservation and cultural immersion
What to Expect: A Day in the Life of an Eco Educator Volunteer in Malaysia
Life on the island is rooted in community, culture, and conservation. You'll rise to the sound of waves lapping the shore, engage with curious young minds, and wind down under starlit skies with meaningful reflection. No two days are exactly alike, but each one is filled with purpose.
Example Day:
7:30 AM – Breakfast with the team at the volunteer house
8:30 AM – Planning session for Eco Club or educational activities
10:00 AM – Conducting Coral Watch snorkel surveys with local students
12:30 PM – Lunch at a local eatery with fellow volunteers
2:00 PM – Visit to the Perhentian Islands Ladies Association (PILA) for a traditional dessert session
3:30 PM – Community cleanup or kayak patrol to remove marine litter
5:00 PM – Free time to relax, swim, or journal
7:00 PM – Group dinner prepared with project staff
8:00 PM – Awareness session or movie night under the stars
Your Impact as a Volunteer
As a volunteer with the Eco Education Project, your presence goes far beyond a classroom. You’re planting the seeds of environmental awareness, inspiring future conservationists, and nurturing community pride in preserving Perhentian’s natural treasures.
By engaging local youth in fun, hands-on learning, you’re helping to build a generation that understands the value of coral reefs, clean oceans, and sustainable living. Your guidance in eco club classes, Coral Watch surveys, kayak patrols, and community workshops equips islanders with the tools and confidence to protect their home.
You’re also contributing directly to reducing marine waste through weekly clean-ups, supporting women-led businesses like PILA, and facilitating cultural exchanges that foster mutual respect and global understanding.
But the impact isn’t one-sided. You’ll leave with a deeper connection to the planet, new friendships, and experiences that will stay with you long after you’ve left the Perhentian sands.
You Home in the Perhentian Islands
During your time in the Perhentian Islands, you'll stay at the Fuze Ecoteer Volunteer House—a simple, social base that places you right at the heart of the conservation action. The house includes three sleeping areas with shared bathroom facilities, a communal kitchen space, and basic essentials like mosquito nets, bedding, safe drinking water, and fans to keep you comfortable in the tropical climate.
While modest, the house provides everything you need to recharge between survey dives, beach cleanups, and community outreach work. It’s a place where volunteers come together, share stories, and create friendships that often last well beyond the program.
Food
Meals are included throughout your stay. Breakfasts are typically light and local, featuring roti canai, toast, or fresh fruit. Lunch is usually enjoyed at a nearby local restaurant, giving you a chance to taste everyday Malaysian flavours.
In the evenings, dinner becomes a communal event—volunteers cook together with the project team or enjoy delicious local meals with villagers. One evening each week, you’ll be invited into a local family’s home for an authentic Malay dinner—an opportunity to learn about traditional recipes, local customs, and the warm hospitality of the island community.
History
Founded with a deep love for Malaysia’s natural ecosystems, this grassroots conservation group has grown into one of the country’s most recognised community-based NGOs. With its roots in education and sustainable tourism, the organisation expanded into full-scale environmental programming to protect the marine biodiversity of the Perhentian Islands.
Over the years, it has launched long-term projects in turtle protection, coral reef rehabilitation, waste management, and youth eco-education—becoming a vital force in local conservation.
Mission & Vision
Their mission is to inspire and empower communities and volunteers to live in harmony with nature through meaningful conservation action. By integrating scientific research, community development, and eco-tourism, they strive to protect Malaysia’s most vulnerable marine ecosystems while creating sustainable futures for local communities.
Their vision is a thriving Perhentian Islands archipelago where people and marine life flourish together—supported by informed, capable, and passionate stewards from all walks of life.
Program Fees & What’s Included
Program Fees:
Duration Fee (€) Per Day Equivalant
1 week €298 €42.57/day
2 weeks €495 €35.35/day
3 weeks €673 €32.05/day
4 weeks €831 €29.68/day
What’s Included:
✔️ Return boat transfers to/from Perhentian Islands
✔️ Three meals daily (mix of local and Malaysian-Western cuisine)✔️ Basic fan dormitory accommodation with shared bathroom
✔️ All program-related activities, workshops & field sessions
✔️ Welcome pack full of essential information
✔️ Expert guidance and training from experienced environmental educators
✔️ Full support before, during, and after your program
✔️ 100% Cancellation Money-Back Guarantee
✔️ Certificate of Completion
✔️ So much more!
Your Investment in Education, Culture & Personal Growth
Volunteering on our Eco Education Project in the Perhentian Islands is more than just time spent teaching—it’s an opportunity to make a lasting impact while gaining invaluable skills in community engagement, environmental education, and cross-cultural collaboration. Your contribution supports both the development of local children and the growth of your own personal and professional journey.
By investing in this program, you are helping to:
Empower village children through engaging environmental education
Support local women via cultural and eco-tourism initiatives
Provide essential materials and teaching support for weekly Eco Club classes
Promote sustainability awareness across the island
Enable vital waste management, conservation, and community outreach projects
This is a hands-on opportunity to become part of a solution that uplifts both people and planet. And along the way, you'll build transferable skills in teaching, leadership, and sustainability—skills that you can take into any future path..
Where You'll Be: The Perhentian Islands – Malaysia’s Marine Jewel
Your volunteering experience takes place on the stunning Perhentian Islands, a small archipelago located off the northeast coast of Peninsular Malaysia in the state of Terengganu. Surrounded by crystal-clear waters, vibrant coral reefs, and pristine beaches, the islands are a haven for divers, snorkelers, and conservationists alike.
The marine environment is part of a protected marine park and is home to a rich variety of marine species, including sea turtles, blacktip reef sharks, clownfish, cuttlefish, stingrays, and a dazzling spectrum of coral species. The conservation work here is vital to ensure the reefs and seagrass beds thrive for generations to come.
Volunteers are based on Perhentian Kecil, the smaller of the two main islands. It offers a laid-back vibe with a mix of local culture and low-impact tourism. Accommodation, meals, and project activities are all within walking distance from the beach.
About Malaysia
Malaysia is a cultural and ecological melting pot, blending modern cities, ancient traditions, and extraordinary biodiversity. From the skyscrapers of Kuala Lumpur to the rainforests of Borneo, it’s a country of contrasts and colour.
Language: Malay (Bahasa Malaysia) is the national language, but English is widely spoken.
Climate: Tropical and humid year-round. Expect daytime temperatures around 28–34°C (82–93°F), with cooling sea breezes.
People & Culture: Malaysia is known for its friendliness, multiculturalism, and incredible cuisine. The Perhentian region is predominantly Malay-Muslim, and volunteers are encouraged to dress modestly when visiting local villages.
Whether you’re passionate about marine ecosystems or just looking to connect with something meaningful, the Perhentian Islands offer an unforgettable base for conservation work and island life.
Volunteering on the Perhentian Islands offers not only meaningful conservation work but also the opportunity to immerse yourself in the natural beauty and vibrant culture of this tropical paradise during your free time.
Snorkelling and Diving
Explore the crystal-clear waters teeming with marine life, including coral reefs, tropical fish, and sea turtles. Local operators offer snorkelling and diving excursions suitable for all experience levels.
Kayaking Adventures
Paddle along the coastline to discover secluded beaches and hidden coves. Kayaking provides a unique perspective of the islands and a chance to encounter marine wildlife.
Jungle Trekking
Embark on guided hikes through lush rainforests, where you might spot monitor lizards, monkeys, and a variety of bird species. Trails lead to scenic viewpoints offering panoramic vistas of the islands.
Beach Relaxation
Unwind on the pristine white-sand beaches, perfect for sunbathing, reading, or simply enjoying the tranquil surroundings.
Cultural Experiences
Engage with the local community by participating in traditional Malay dinners, where you can savor authentic cuisine and learn about local customs.
These activities provide a well-rounded experience, allowing you to contribute to conservation efforts while enjoying the diverse offerings of the Perhentian Islands.
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