Love the ocean and want your time abroad to count? At Juara Turtle Project (JTP) you join a working conservation station on the quiet east coast of Tioman Island, Malaysia, where green turtles and critically endangered hawksbill turtles have been protected since 2001.
Sea turtle conservation
From March to October, volunteers join the team on night beach patrols. When a turtle nests in a risky spot, trained staff relocate the eggs to JTP's protected hatchery, and volunteers help record data, monitor nests and support hatchling releases. Every nest is excavated and its success recorded. In 2025 the project protected 211 nests, released 16,217 hatchlings and achieved 82% hatching success.
Coral reef monitoring and restoration
Three fringing reefs lie within walking distance of the station. Volunteers learn to identify corals and reef fish, then help with snorkel surveys of coral health, bleaching and reef life. You will also help make restoration blocks from crushed recycled glass and support coral restoration.
Community and sustainability
JTP runs the village recycling programme, beach clean-ups and environmental education for local and visiting groups. Volunteers help at the recycling station and lead conservation tours for visitors.
Who you will work with
You will work alongside JTP staff, interns and volunteers from around the world, in a small team of no more than 20 volunteers a week. You leave with practical field skills, a deeper understanding of marine conservation and the knowledge that your fee directly funds JTP's work.
Skills in carpentry, maintenance, art, photography or social media are especially welcome.
