Sea Turtle Conservation Volunteer

OUR WORK

The key to safeguarding our nesting population of turtles - predominantly green sea turtles, as well as Hawksbill sea turtles - on Lang Tengah Island, Malaysia, relies on our constant and continued presence on the island, as this is the main deterrent to egg poachers. Living 24 hours a day in the camp, we regularly patrol the nesting beaches on the island by night, relocating any nests that are laid on other beaches back to the safety of Turtle Beach.

We are aiming to expand our operations from the shore up into the forest and right down into the ocean. Our first move has been compiling a species list for the island and embark upon coral reef restoration.  As far as biological research on Lang Tengah is concerned, the records of the marine park and WWF up until we started our operations were described as ‘data deficient’.

Watch our team in action here

YOUR ROLE 

You will be the driving force of our operation, patrolling the nesting beaches by night with the rest of our young, dedicated and passionate team. You will also aid in the relocation of eggs, if necessary, and the gathering of data from pre & post hatch inspections, as well as nesting females.

The expansion of our research may require your assistance in undertaking terrestrial and/or marine transect surveys - for instance, you may be directly involved with our reef monitoring programmes and any other research projects that are going on alongside the turtle work. For this reason we strongly suggest that applicants be able to swim, so as not to be left out of these activities.

You will also assist in welcoming visitors from resorts and educating them about the turtles and the project, as well as helping with our school and recycling programmes.

You look after the camp, ensuring there is enough water to drink and food to eat, as well as partaking in other camp chores such as cleaning and stock-takes.

Those looking to volunteer should be relatively fit and acquainted with the rigours of outdoor living.

FREE TIME

Turtles and research aside, we try to make your experience with us as fun and interactive as possible.  Every afternoon, we aim to put on leisure activities to make sure you can experience all the island has to offer, these activities include: trekking through the jungle to secluded snorkelling spots, cliff jumping, volleyball, kayaking, playing games on camp and more!  There is also the option to go scuba diving on the island but this is at an additional cost.

ACCOMMODATION 

Stripped-back and open-air, the camp lies slightly recessed behind the secluded beach on Turtle Bay. Think rustic, jungle living - bucket-showers and camp fires.

VOLUNTEERING

In 2023, our volunteer programme will run from 26th March to 8th October 2021.

Please note that we cannot facilitate visa acquisitions for international volunteers.

We are trying to encourage long-term volunteers, as we feel that staying for 1 month + gives you the best experience from what the project has to offer. Giving you time to properly settle in also means that you become more comfortable with your fellow volunteers and the islanders, boosting the productivity and quality of the work we do on Lang Tengah, and therefore the impact of your contribution!

RATES

This is mostly to cover your food, accommodation, project training and leisure activities.

1 week:

International volunteers – GBP 280.00

Local volunteers – MYR 800.00

2 weeks:

International volunteers – GBP 480.00

Local volunteers – MYR 1,400.00

4 weeks:

International volunteers – GBP 720.00

Local volunteers – RM 2,600.00

For longer stays:

International volunteers – add GBP 360.00 for each additional 2 weeks

Local volunteers – add MYR 1,300.00 for each additional 2 weeks

Note: Local volunteers include Malaysians & expats residing in Malaysia

This is inclusive of all food, accommodation, project training, equipment, orientation and all leisure activities (excl. scuba diving)

PRE-REQUISITE

We ask that you be relatively fit and prepared to participate in all our conservation activities, which can be fairly physically demanding.

Able to swim in order to participate in our marine surveys.

Sociable and looking to make new friends on the project.

Willinging to live in our rustic, communal accomodation on camp.

Eager to learn about marine biology and conservation.

To find out more about our project or to apply, please look at our website, facebook page, or contact our Operations Coordinator, Eileen: eileen@langtengahturtlewatch.org

WEB: www.langtengahturtlewatch.org

FACEBOOK: Lang Tengah Turtle Watch

Instagram: lang_tengah_turtle_watch

EMAIL: eileen@langtengahturtlewatch.org