
Dive in and get involved with vital marine conservation efforts in the Perhentian Archipelago.
Here, among the rainbow-like reefs and colourful corals, the Perhentian Islands Marine Project operates with the purpose of preserving the marine life in the area. If you are keen on marine biology and conservation, then this is certainly the project for you! You will participate in the vital scientific research conducted here in the midst of the Perhentian waters, in order to understand how to conserve the habitats and wildlife that exist both beneath the waves and on the surrounding beaches.
There is very little knowledge regarding marine ecology in the area, with particular reference to shark and turtle species, yet the ecosystem here faces huge pressures from increasing tourism, climate change and so much more. As a result, the project is in dire need of adequate research to understand the current state of the marine life which resides on their doorstep, and that’s where you come in!
This project is a pioneer in conservation efforts in the area, as the research conducted here on a daily basis has not been done before. This research helps the project manage conservation strategies in conjunction with the government and local dive shops. Your role within this program will involve collecting data on marine life such as blacktip reef sharks and hawksbill turtles using photo identification, maintaining and deploying coral nurseries being used to increase coral beds in the area, as well as taking part in reef and beach cleans to combat the sheer amount of litter choking the coastlines. You will also take part in the various community initiatives the project has in place, all of which are massive contributors in creating an eco-friendly island.
Whether you are a qualified diver or not, this is the project for you if you have an interest in marine biology and want to play a part in shaping the future of conservation on the idyllic Perhentian Islands.
Here, among the rainbow-like reefs and colourful corals, the Perhentian Islands Marine Project operates with the purpose of preserving the marine life in the area. If you are keen on marine biology and conservation, then this is certainly the project for you! You will participate in the vital scientific research conducted here in the midst of the Perhentian waters, in order to understand how to conserve the habitats and wildlife that exist both beneath the waves and on the surrounding beaches.
There is very little knowledge regarding marine ecology in the area, with particular reference to shark and turtle species, yet the ecosystem here faces huge pressures from increasing tourism, climate change and so much more. As a result, the project is in dire need of adequate research to understand the current state of the marine life which resides on their doorstep, and that’s where you come in!
This project is a pioneer in conservation efforts in the area, as the research conducted here on a daily basis has not been done before. This research helps the project manage conservation strategies in conjunction with the government and local dive shops. Your role within this program will involve collecting data on marine life such as blacktip reef sharks and hawksbill turtles using photo identification, maintaining and deploying coral nurseries being used to increase coral beds in the area, as well as taking part in reef and beach cleans to combat the sheer amount of litter choking the coastlines. You will also take part in the various community initiatives the project has in place, all of which are massive contributors in creating an eco-friendly island.
Whether you are a qualified diver or not, this is the project for you if you have an interest in marine biology and want to play a part in shaping the future of conservation on the idyllic Perhentian Islands.
Please note, itineraries are subject to change, and what follows is simply a guideline.
If you do not have any diving qualifications or plan to complete any additional courses, you must join for a minimum of two weeks. If, however, you are already Open Water qualified or above and do not want to complete any courses, you are able to take part for a minimum of one week.
To secure a place on this project a deposit of $245 is required at the time of booking, with the remaining balance due any time up to 60 days prior to your start date.
If you are not at least PADI Open Water Qualified, you must include a PADI dive course in your booking.
Select a duration below to see the available start dates. All dates shown are currently available for you to join this project!
Volunteers will stay in dorm-style accommodation at the volunteer house, with up to four volunteers sharing each dorm on a mixed-gender basis. The volunteer house also features a shared bathroom, complete with cold showers and traditional squat toilets.
For those seeking an added sense of privacy, you may be able to upgrade to a private room at an added cost. This would be in a converted chalet, located 5 minutes’ walk away in the local fishing village. Here, you will have the choice of either a double or twin-share room, with either option featuring air conditioning and an en-suite bathroom. Please enquire for more information.
You will be provided with three meals per day during your time on the project, except for Sundays, when you will prepare your own meals. Vegetarians and vegans can be catered for but do please let us know of any dietary requirements in advance. Drinking water is also provided, but snacks and soft or alcoholic beverages must be purchased at your own expense from one of the village shops.
Due to the monsoon season falling between October and February, this project only runs between the months of April and September. These are the driest months of the year in this part of Malaysia, with underwater visibility ranging from 5-20 metres. This is also the best time to see turtles and blacktip reef sharks.
You will need to meet at the Kuala Besut jetty by 8am on your project start date, as this is where you will board a boat to the Perhentian Islands. There are multiple ways to get to Kuala Besut, including a flight or bus from Kuala Lumpur but we do recommend arriving the day before your project start to ensure you reach the jetty in time.
Most nationalities do not need to obtain a visa in advance of travelling to Malaysia, as a 90-day tourist visa is issued on arrival. We do, however, recommend checking with your local embassy regarding visa requirements prior to travelling.
Due to the nature of this project, you must be a strong and confident swimmer. No additional skills or experience are required, only a positive attitude and the ability and willingness to work well in a team.
There are no specific vaccination or medical requirements needed to join this project and as such, the vaccinations you require will depend on your medical history. We, therefore, recommend that you consult your GP/Doctor regarding your own vaccination needs.