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Outstanding 4.94rating (28)

Sea Turtle Conservation Support

location
2 - 12 weeks  ·  Age 18 - 50+
Verified

Highlights

  • Walk under the stars to spot nesting turtles, retrieving and relocating their eggs, incubating them and finally watching hatchlings emerge and assist them in making their first journey to the ocean.
  • Experience the beauty of Tioman island and all that it has to offer while contributing and playing a role in marine conservation through snorkel survey's, beach cleans, and turtle work.
  • Experience the Malay culture and how it is to live amongst a village community.

Highlights

  • Walk under the stars to spot nesting turtles, retrieving and relocating their eggs, incubating them and finally watching hatchlings emerge and assist them in making their first journey to the ocean.
  • Experience the beauty of Tioman island and all that it has to offer while contributing and playing a role in marine conservation through snorkel survey's, beach cleans, and turtle work.
  • Experience the Malay culture and how it is to live amongst a village community.
  • Make lasting memories and experience some of the most meaningful moments you'll never forget with our team of biologists.
  • Get an insight and learn practical skills in marine biology by partaking in our survey work and receiving scientific training from our team of experts.

  • You don't have to pay anything yet

    Especially good for

    Age 18+
    Singles
    Couples
    Groups
    50+

    About the program

    Love sea turtles and want to help? Volunteer for a meaningful hands-on conservation experience in marine conservation, community outreach and environmental education!

    Juara Turtle Project's volunteer programme offers a meaningful, hands-on volunteer experience for anyone passionate about marine conservation. Volunteers become part of a small, dedicated team working to protect endangered sea turtles and preserve the island’s fragile coastal ecosystem.

    During the ...

    About the program

    Juara Turtle Project's volunteer programme offers a meaningful, hands-on volunteer experience for anyone passionate about marine conservation. Volunteers become part of a small, dedicated team working to protect endangered sea turtles and preserve the island’s fragile coastal ecosystem.

    During the programme, volunteers help conduct night beach patrols, watching for nesting female turtles and ensuring they can lay their eggs safely. When nests are at risk from tides or predators (crabs and monitor lizards), volunteers assist in carefully relocating eggs to the project’s protected hatchery, where they are monitored throughout incubation. As hatchlings emerge, volunteers help with hatchling care and responsible releases, guiding the tiny turtles safely to the sea.

    Daily tasks also include hatchery maintenance, data collection, snorkelling, recyclingbeach clean-ups, supporting environmental education for both local and international visitors and much more! The work is varied, rewarding, and deeply connected to the rhythms of island life.

    At JTP, volunteers will get a chance to work together with staff, interns, conservation assistants and fellow volunteers from all around the world towards bringing forward our conservation mission. You will have the chance to receive professional training in practical marine biology elements and par take in our snorkel and beach research work.  

    Set in the quiet, beautiful village of Juara, the 2-week (minimum) programme offers a balance of conservation work, community engagement, and the chance to explore Tioman’s rainforest, beaches, and reefs. Volunteers leave with practical conservation experience, new friendships, and the satisfaction of making a real contribution to protecting Malaysia’s sea turtles.

    We welcome volunteers who want to get their hands deep in the various aspects of conservation. It would be added advantage if you've had prior experience or skills in maintenance, wood-working/carpentry, social media and marketing ideas and conservation.


    Typical day

    A Typical Day at the Juara Turtle Project


    Morning
    Your day begins with the gentle sounds of waves rolling onto Juara’s beach. After breakfast at the centre, you get ready for the morning activity of the day. There is a different activity for each working day of the week which will be shared with ...

    Typical day

    A Typical Day at the Juara Turtle Project


    Morning
    Your day begins with the gentle sounds of waves rolling onto Juara’s beach. After breakfast at the centre, you get ready for the morning activity of the day. There is a different activity for each working day of the week which will be shared with you during your briefing and check-in. 

    Late Morning to Afternoon
    As the sun gets stronger, tasks shift to lighter activities. There’s often a few hours of personal downtime after lunch, giving you the chance to swim, snorkel, explore the village, or relax before evening duties begin.

    Late Afternoon to Evening
    After your break, activities resume and then it's followed by the daily 4pm Conservation Tour! This is when visitors gather to learn about sea turtles, JTP and the work that we do with sea turtles. Post-tour, the first part of turtle activities begin - possible nest checks, turtle releases and excavations.

    Late Evening to Night
    The most important conservation work begins: night beach patrols. Equipped with red-light torches, volunteers walk the coastline searching for nesting turtles. If a turtle comes ashore, the team quietly observes, records data, and helps relocate the eggs if needed. Patrols go on throughout the night in shifts—extra hands on deck may be needed especially during peak and super-peak nesting season.

    Night to Early Morning
    You return to your dormitories possibly tired but satisfied, knowing your work directly supports the survival of Tioman Island’s sea turtles. The day ends with the sounds of the sea (or maybe even a cock crowing at sunrise) and the sense of being part of something meaningful.

    *subject to change accordingly.


    Free-time activities

    During your free time you can relax on the beach, enjoy the lagoon, go looking for animals in the jungle, enjoy some different food in the restaurants, go hang out at the waterfall, take a boat trip to explore other parts of the island - there is never a dull moment!

    Free-time activities

    During your free time you can relax on the beach, enjoy the lagoon, go looking for animals in the jungle, enjoy some different food in the restaurants, go hang out at the waterfall, take a boat trip to explore other parts of the island - there is never a dull moment!


    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.

    Nationality Restrictions

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

    Other Skills

    Social media and marketing, web design, painting and art designs, maintenance, electrical, a handyperson in general. * Volunteers must be able to swim in order to participate in our snorkel activities, there will be a basic swim test at the beginning of the participants stay. If you can not swim, there is still plenty for you to get involved in on dry land!*

    Time Commitment

    Your helping hand will be required on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Saturday and Sunday from 09:30 - 06:00

    What's Included

    What's Included

    On-site Services

    Accommodation and main meals are included in the fees.

    Accommodation

    A large dormitory with three single bunk beds and two en-suite bathrooms.


    Fan and cold showers

    Maximum capacity per dorm: 6 pax

    Mixed dorms NOT available.

    Food & Beverages

    Main meals provided.


    Dietary restrictions:-

    We can cater for vegetarian (with egg) meals but are unfortunately unable to accommodate vegan meals due to the limited access and supply of groceries.

    Internet Access

    Good access at the project site
    You don't have to pay anything yet

    Add-ons & Experiences

    Private Airport Pick Up (Public Transport Options also Available at a Lower Cost)
    We can help you organise and book your transport to and from the project this will include -
    - Private airport pick up by taxi (picking you up at ...
    $875 / once

    What's NOT included?

    What's NOT included?

    Airport Pickup at Kuala Lumpur International Airport

    An airport pickup isn't included within the program fees either.

    Flight Tickets

    The nearest airport is Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KUL) in Kuala Lumpur. 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

    Volunteering Season:
    March to October 2026

    Arrival and Check-in Day:
    Sunday by 2pm 

    How to I get to Juara Turtle Project:
    • Ferry from either Mersing or Tanjung Gemok to Tioman island (either to Tekek or Juara jetty)
    • Taxi to Juara Turtle Project
    *important to be aware of ferry schedule as it changes according to the tide 
    * on booking, we can help advice you on booking your journey
    Availability
    Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec

    Program Fees

    $437 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

    Reserve your spot with just a few clicks and a small, secure deposit. You can pay by credit card, PayPal, or other convenient methods.


    Final Payment

    You’ll agree on the final payment method with your local organization during the application process. This final payment is only due closer to the start of your trip.

    You don't have to pay anything yet

    4.94
    28 reviews

    Location


    Meet your project coordinator

    Katrina
    28
    reviews
    4.94
    Outstanding
    2006
    Founded

    Verified

      Moderate response rate
    Spoken languages: Malay, English
    Travel safely by using Volunteer World for your communication and bookings. This way, you can benefit from the Flex Option, Refund Guarantee, and Resolution Support.

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    Contact Katrina
      Moderate response rate
    Malay, English

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    Travel dates

    1. - 1. Jan 1

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