To ensure that our migratory population of turtles are able to continue using the island as a breeding ground for generations to come, we need guardians to stop the poaching activities on Lang Tengah. Our operation can only function if we have a dedicated team of individuals willing to partake in our conservation practices, including our new marine research projects.
Volunteers are an essential part of our operation—in fact, we can’t do without them. By engaging in activities such as night time beach patrols, egg collection, and nest monitoring … volunteers enable us to help save the turtles and collate our scientific data throughout the season.
This is the main reason for joining our project. However, watching a turtle lay her eggs or hatchlings scampering down to the water’s edge—sights rarely seen by most, are priceless experiences and a real privilege to witness.
In the 2019 season, we undertook pioneering surveys of the reefs fringing the island—analysing the diversity and populations of corals, fish, and invertebrates that inhabit these waters. Although our operations were slightly disrupted due to the pandemic in 2020, we slowly resumed in-water conservation work in 2021.
Those looking to volunteer should be relatively fit, able to swim, and acquainted with the rigours of outdoor living. If you’re up for the adventure—get in touch!
The volunteer programme runs from April until early October, each year.
Note: Local volunteers include Malaysians & expats residing in Malaysia
International volunteers—GBP 280.00
Local volunteers—MYR 800.00
International volunteers—GBP 480.00
Local volunteers—MYR 1,400.00
International volunteers—GBP 720.00
Local volunteers—MYR 2,600.00
International volunteers—add GBP 360.00 for each additional 2 weeks
Local volunteers—add MYR 1,300.00 for each additional 2 weeks
Volunteers are given a rotating schedule, to ensure everyone gets the full LTTW experience! Typically, after breakfast, we conduct nest inspections to make sure that the eggs are developing well and haven’t succumbed to predator attacks. Depending on which research phase you are joining, you will also be split into groups to undertake the affiliated surveys. Lunch is then followed by free time (or surveys, if they were missed in the morning), which can range from jungle trekking to secluded snorkelling spots around the island, but volunteers are equally free to laze on Turtle Bay and enjoy the serenity. The main aspect of the volunteer’s responsibilities is to assist in nightly patrols along the beaches in search of nesting mothers. This is divided into shifts between the hours of 8pm to 7am.
Stripped-back and open-air, the camp lies slightly recessed behind the secluded beach on Turtle Bay. Think rustic, jungle living; bucket-showers, camp fires, and the lullabies of crickets, frogs, and waves.
You run the camp, making sure there’s enough water to drink and food to eat, still leaving yourselves time in which to relax and explore the island. Powered by the sun and the forest, our environmental impact is kept to a minimum. So when preparing for your trip, think biodegradable—for everything you are going to use.
Meals are simple but tasty—and, with the constant arrival of new faces, the menu is forever changing.