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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 in marine conservation on the Perhentian Islands? Our Travel Roots Perhentian Marine Research Conservation program is a hands-on opportunity to dive into coral reef preservation, seagrass mapping, and sustainable tourism education—all while living in one of Malaysia’s most beautiful island environments.
This small-scale research project is designed for anyone passionate about ocean protection. Whether you're new to marine science or building a conservation career, you'll work alongside dedicated marine biologists, gaining real field experience and making an immediate impact on local ecosystems.
You’ll start with training in coral and marine life identification, dive safety, and research protocols before moving into data collection dives, habitat surveys, and environmental outreach. This is a program where your contributions directly inform conservation strategies used by local and national stakeholders.
Key Activities Include:
Coral reef health monitoring using Reef Check methodology
Seagrass bed mapping and data collection using Seagrass Watch protocols
Weekly beach clean-ups and marine debris analysis
Educational outreach with tourists on eco-snorkelling practices
Operation of the Precious Plastic machine to turn waste into useful products
Collaborating with the Marine Parks Department and Reef Check Malaysia
Dive training and underwater research dives (PADI Open Water and Advanced courses available)
By volunteering as a marine research conservationist, you will:
Become a certified diver and conduct meaningful underwater research dives
Contribute to real marine conservation by monitoring coral reefs and seagrass beds
Educate tourists and locals on sustainable snorkelling and waste reduction
Turn plastic waste into purpose with the Precious Plastic recycling machine
Support environmental policy by providing data to Marine Parks and Reef Check Malaysia
Live on the Perhentian Islands, surrounded by turquoise waters and tropical rainforest
Work alongside passionate marine biologists, learning valuable research and stakeholder engagement skills
Leave with a new skillset in marine research, community outreach, and eco-tourism
What to Expect: A Day in the Life a Marine Researcher in Malaysia
Life as a marine conservation volunteer in the Perhentian Islands is a rewarding blend of adventure, learning, and impact. Your days are spent both above and below the water—diving, collecting data, educating tourists, and helping care for this fragile ecosystem. Expect salty skin, coral sunrises, and a sense of purpose you’ll carry with you long after your time here.
Example Day:
7:00 AM – Wake up to sea breezes and enjoy a light self-prepared breakfast at the volunteer house.
8:00 AM – Team briefing and dive preparation. Receive your assignments and equipment for the day’s underwater research.
9:00 AM – 11:30 AM – Morning dive for coral or seagrass health surveys, reef mapping, or underwater clean-ups.
12:00 PM – Return to shore, rinse off gear, and enjoy a group lunch at the accommodation or local eatery.
1:30 PM – 3:00 PM – Data entry, reef health analysis, and preparation for awareness campaigns or tourist education booths.
3:30 PM – 5:00 PM – Beach clean-up or Precious Plastic machine demonstration, followed by stakeholder engagement or eco-snorkel briefings for visitors.
6:00 PM – Free time to relax, swim, or chat with fellow volunteers as the sun sets.
7:30 PM – Group dinner and evening debrief. Some nights may include documentary screenings, local cultural sessions, or turtle patrol briefings.
Days Off:
You’ll have at least one full day off per week to explore the islands, enjoy snorkelling trips, try local food, or simply rest. Optional weekend excursions to nearby bays or jungle treks can be arranged with the team.Your Impact as a Volunteer
As a volunteer with the Perhentian Marine Research Conservation team, your presence directly supports the survival of coral reefs, seagrass beds, and the rich marine life that depends on them. Every dive, survey, and conversation you take part in strengthens local and global conservation efforts.
Your contributions help gather crucial scientific data that guides decision-making at the Marine Parks Department and with conservation partners like Reef Check Malaysia. This data not only tracks the health of coral reefs and seagrass beds but also supports long-term restoration and protection initiatives in the Perhentian Islands.
You’ll also help shift behaviour. Through education booths, snorkel briefings, and hands-on clean-ups, you’ll raise awareness among tourists and locals about eco-conscious tourism and the urgent need to protect fragile marine ecosystems.
By volunteering, you’ll not only leave a positive impact on this remarkable ecosystem—you’ll gain transferable research, diving, communication, and stakeholder engagement skills that can be applied to future conservation work anywhere in the world.
You become part of something bigger: a passionate, growing community committed to protecting our oceans and building a more sustainable future—one reef, one dive, one action at a time.
Your 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
Qualified divers may join for a minimum of 1 week
Non-qualified divers must join for a minimum of 2 weeks, including time for their dive training
With Dive Course (Non-Divers)
Duration Price (€) Daily Equivalent
2 weeks €1,048 €75/day
3 weeks €1,325 €63/day
4 weeks €1,622 €58/day
Without Dive Course (Qualified Divers)
Duration Price (€) Daily Equivalent
1 week €594 €85/day
2 weeks €890 €64/day
3 weeks €1,187 €57/day
4 weeks €1,454 €52/day
2025/26 Start Dates:
Every Monday from 15th April to end of September 2025/26
What's Included:
✔️Return boat transfers from mainland to Perhentian Island
✔️3 locally-prepared meals per day
✔️Shared dormitory accommodation with fans and communal bathroom
✔️7 scuba dives + 1 snorkel trip per week
✔️All marine conservation activities, training, and research briefings
✔️Use of conservation and beach cleanup equipment
✔️Welcome pack full of useful info
✔️Expert guidance and training from experienced field professionals
✔️Full support before, during, and after your program
✔️ Certificate of Completion
✔️100% Cancellation Money-Back Guarantee
✔️So much more!
Your Investment in Conservation, Skills & Self-Growth
Joining this marine conservation program isn’t just about protecting coral reefs—it’s about investing in yourself too. You'll develop practical skills in marine ecology, underwater surveying, and community outreach, while earning dive experience that could shape a future in conservation. You'll gain transferable skills in teamwork, scientific research, public speaking, and environmental awareness—skills that can be used anywhere in the world.
Your contribution directly supports:
Marine biodiversity research and monitoring
Coral reef and seagrass restoration projects
Community outreach and eco-education on the islands
Marine waste reduction and Precious Plastic innovation
Local employment and sustainable eco-tourism
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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