This destination plans to open soon, schedule a call to find out more or check out our Programs Open Now page.
Special Grant: This Grant ended on June 30th, however, there are still a few spots available on this program to apply. The first few applicants accepted in July can still qualify to receive their 3rd week on the program for free! For more information, schedule a call with us.
Make an impact with this unique project designed to protect, conserve and rehabilitate the beautiful coral reefs of the Perhentian Islands! Assist in the building and maintenance of artificial coral reefs and monitoring the local shark populations.
Program Highlights:
Your Schedule at a Glance (Minimum one-week commitment):*
Arrival Day, Monday: Arrive into Kota Bharu Airport and take a boat to Pulau Perhentian Kecil. Partake in a village beach snorkel and water confidence session as well as a jetty-jump initiation.
Days 1-5, Tuesday-Saturday: Volunteers will spend their first five days becoming PADI Open Water, Advanced Open Water or Rescue Diver certified.( For Rescue Course divers: If you do not have a current First Aid certification, you must take an Emergency First Response (EFR) training course for an additional fee.
Day 6, Sunday: Sundays are free days.
Days 7, Monday: Volunteers learn about recycling on the island.
Days 8-11, Tuesday-Friday: Volunteers will partake in two marine conservation dives in the mornings. After lunch, volunteers wll have presentations to learn about marine ecosystems, marine organisms, and scientific diving skills. Evening activities vary, and may include snorkeling, a traditional Malay dinner, marine awareness discussion, beach cleans and more.
Day 12, Saturday: On this day, volunteers will assist at an eco-education booth on a popular tourist beach, and take part in a beach clean.
Day 13, Sunday: Volunteers staying for only two weeks depart on this day. Boats leave for the mainland at 8:00 AM, 12:00 PM and 4:00 PM.
*Please note: Volunteers who are already certified may join for just one week, at a discounted rate, or can choose to take an advanced or rescue course for a minimum stay of two weeks. All essential dive equipment is included. All activities are weather-dependent, and the schedule is subject to change.
Since its creation, volunteers on this program have:
Location of the Project: Kecil Island, Perhentian Islands, Malaysia
Project length: Min 1 week (for certified divers) – Max 8 weeks
Arrival Airport: Khota Baru Airport (KBR)
Volunteer Work: Photo identification dives, coral nursery dives, beach cleanups
Age: Minimum age of 18
Number of Volunteers: Up to 8 international volunteers
Important Note: Volunteers who are PADI certified can join the program for just one week, at a discounted rate. For those taking the Rescue Course diver course – If you do not have a current First Aid certification, you must take an Emergency First Response (EFR) training course for RM 1250 (approx. GBP 241).
What’s Included
Accommodations: Shared, volunteer house
Food: Three meals per day are provided
Airport Transfers: Airport pickup is not included. Boat transfer from jetty is included.
Support: Comprehensive and professional pre-departure travel guidance, 24/7 GoEco emergency hotline, experienced local field team.
What’s not Included
Flights, visas (if required), travel health insurance, airport transfers (taxi and boat transfers), personal expenses
The word “Perhentian” in Malay means “stopping point” and it is easy to understand why one would need to stop by once you have seen the islands for yourself. The islands are surrounded by bright, teal waters and white sandy beaches that are complemented by an electric green, tropical jungle. The Perhentian Islands of Malaysia are made up of the smaller island of Kecil and the larger Besar.
While Kecil is most popular with younger tourists, Besar has a more relaxed vibe. This marine conservation project takes place mostly on the Kecil island, where volunteers can usually find a beach party at Long Beach to attend in their free time. For the more relaxed volunteer, Coral Bay is a beautifully serene destination.
The goal of this project is to conduct research and participate in the conservation of coral reefs and other marine life populations, restoring life to the crystal waters of this popular destination.
Volunteers will take part in eight dives per week, the goals of which include Survey Skills and Scientific Dive Training, Artificial Reef Maintenance, Artificial Reef Building, Clean Up Dives, Shark Survey Dives and Fish and Marine Organism Identification.
Some of your tasks may include:
Internet: Free WiFi is available at the accommodations.
Laundry: There are laundry facilities at the accommodations.
Accommodations: Volunteers will stay in a shared, traditional volunteer Malay home with cold-water showers and a squat toilet.
Food: 3 meals per day are provided. Breakfast normally includes breads, cereals, coffee and tea. Lunches and dinners are cooked by volunteers; volunteers are expected to take turns preparing meals.
Please take note of this project’s minimum requirements:
Around Kecil Island, canoes and kayaks are readily available for rent. Another option during free time on Sundays is to explore the tropical jungle of the island!
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