Perhentian Islands Marine Project
Dive in and get involved with vital marine conservation efforts in the Perhentian Archipelago.
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Activities
Itinerary
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.
Day 1 - The Adventure Begins:
You will arrive at the Kuala Besut jetty by 8am on your project start date, and from here, will transfer by boat to your accommodation on the Perhentian Islands. After settling in, you will enjoy lunch before taking a tour of the village and joining a water confidence session. You will then have the evening at leisure after enjoying dinner with the rest of your group.
Day 2 - Buoyancy Dive:
After breakfast, you will prepare to take part in your first buoyancy dive! Here, you will put your diving skills to the test to ensure that you are ready to take part in the research dives. You will also be taught how to use underwater camera equipment during this time. After lunch, you will have your first lecture at the dive base, with a focus on fish and photo identification. Your evening will be spent at leisure.
Day 3 - Survey Training:
Enjoy breakfast before undertaking a reef survey training dive, where you will implement the skills learnt the day before. Later, you will engage in a lecture which focuses on corals and coral nurseries with the aim of teaching you the skills you will need whilst on the project.
Day 4 - Survey Dives:
Today, you'll continue with reef survey dives, followed by a debriefing and data processing session. Then, after dinner, enjoy an evening at your leisure with your fellow volunteers.
Day 5 - Coral Nursery & Reef Clean:
Today’s dive will focus on the coral nurseries where you may be involved in assessing and monitoring the health of current corals or deploying them! Following this, you may take part in a reef clean before heading into the local village for a traditional evening meal and cooking class alongside the locals.
Day 6 - Beach Clean & Snorkel:
Kick the day off with a competitive beach clean, collecting as much debris and rubbish as you can find. Following this, you'll sort through and document your findings, ensuring everything that can be recycled is! Then enjoy an afternoon beach picnic and snorkelling.
Day 7 - Final Day Or Day Off:
Depending on the length of your stay, today will either be your departure day or your day off. If departing, you will check out of your accommodation and bid a fond farewell to your team before boarding a boat back to Kuala Besut. If you’re staying for another week, this is a great opportunity to discover a range of beautiful beach areas or simply relax after a busy week!
Durations & Prices
Accommodation
Accommodation
Volunteers will stay in dorm-style accommodation at the volunteer house, with up to eight volunteers sharing a dorm on a mixed-gender basis. The volunteer house also features a shared bathroom, complete with cold showers and Western-style 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.
Meals & Beverages
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.
Project Details
When Is The Best Time To Volunteer?
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.
Getting There
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.
Visa Requirements
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.
Fitness & Skills
Due to the nature of this project, you must be a strong and confident swimmer. Additionally, to take part in the activities you must be at least PADI Open Water qualified, therefore, if you are joining without a dive qualification, you will complete this course within your first week. No additional skills or experience are required, only a positive attitude and the ability and willingness to work well in a team.
Vaccinations
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.
Videos
Discover The Perhentian Islands Marine Project!
If you are keen on marine biology and conservation then click to see how you can join in vital scientific research to aid marine conservation in Malaysia!
Gallery
Reviews
The organisation have a great reputation among the local population. They're very well integrated into the community. It's a great project.
It was fascinating watching the monsoon rains start with a beautiful thunderstorm passing between the two islands. An excellent overall experience!
I learnt so much about coral, habitat and marine conservation. The guys on the dive project were so knowledgeable and passionate. I like the way all the projects on the Perhentian Islands work together, the dive team, the turtle conservation team and the community project. I hope one day they will achieve their goals by educating the tourists and locals alike to conserve what is a beautiful marine park. With the great work of the leaders, interns and the volunteers they do, I am sure they will.
Download Project Guide
What's Included
- Return boat transfers from Kuala Besut
- Accommodation and meals
- All dive equipment and diving whilst on the project
- Full orientation and support from the project managers
- A minimum of 6 dives per week
- A monetary contribution to the project
What's Not Included
- Flights
- Travel insurance (which is a requirement and must cover scuba diving)
- Visas (if required)
From
$1,460.00€834.00£695.00$939.00
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Up to 8 Persons
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All Meals Included
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6 - 55 Nights
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Every Monday between April and September
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Minimum Age 18
