saving wildlife through volunteering and education DONATE
MARINE CONSERVATION INTERNSHIP
PADI Conservation Diving
perhentian turtle volunteering
Perhentian Turtle Volunteering
marine conservation internship

A truly versatile marine biology experience

Spend 3 months in some of Malaysia’s most beautiful coastal and island locations, gaining real hands-on experience in marine conservation. This internship is more than just learning; it’s an immersive experience where you’ll be directly involved in meaningful conservation work.

You can choose from three different locations, each with its own focus, so you can pick the experience that best matches your interests and goals.

Depending on where you’re based, you might be involved in reef work, hatchery support, or marine conservation awareness through ecotourism and guest engagement. Each role offers a slightly different perspective, but all contribute to the same goal: protecting our marine ecosystems.

Join a team of passionate conservationists, where your dedication fuels real change, and their expertise ignites your own. Become an integral part of our mission, where your contributions truly matter.

Marine Conservation Internship Responsibilities

Tropical Marine Conservation Camp

Gain hands-on experience in fieldwork, social media, outreach, and fundraising as part of a team, including:

Sea Turtle Monitoring & Marine Research
  • Night patrols to record nesting activity and collect biometric/photo ID data
  • Nest relocation, marking, and hatchery support (checks and hatchling releases)
  • Coral reef research dives, coral rehabilitation, and underwater clean-ups (diving experience required; dive costs covered for qualified participants)
Education & Public Engagement
  • Deliver talks on sea turtle conservation and marine conservation
  • Create social media content (posts, stories, visuals)
  • Engage with guests at visitor centres or huts
  • Support outreach and community programmes
Project Support & Daily Operations
  • Assist with beach cleanups and environmental activities
  • Research station upkeep, including cleaning and basic daily tasks
  • Following safety procedures and supporting general project needs
  • Volunteer coordination, training, and leadership during activities

Applicants should be physically fit and prepared for outdoor living and demanding activities.

APPLY HERE

Please get in touch if you have any questions
[email protected]

♥ FULL-TIME, VOLUNTEER BASIS
♥ DURATION: min 3 MONTHS
♥ SEASON: APRIL to OCTOBER
♥ LOCATION: LANG TENGAH ISLAND / CHAKAR HUTAN / TANJONG JARA RESORT, MALAYSIA
♥ TRAINING PROVIDED
♥ US$1,200/ 3 MONTHS (ACCOMMODATION/FOOD)
♥ PADI DIVING COURSE OPTIONAL

Eye-opening experience, really got to experience living with the bare essentials. Got to see some really beautiful reefs and learnt a lot about the conservation work that is being done ”
Zhi Wei (Malaysia)

Conservation Internship
tropical marine camp

A Tropical Island Paradise

Chakar Hutan

Chakar Hutan is a coastal forest area where casuarina trees line a quiet, natural shoreline. The landscape is shaped by the meeting of land and sea, with largely undisturbed coastal habitats. It is also known as a nesting site for green sea turtles in a peaceful, nature-rich setting.

Pulau Lang Tengah

Pulau Lang Tengah is a tranquil island off Malaysia’s east coast, known for its clear waters and coral reef ecosystems. The surrounding sea supports rich marine life, including sea turtles, reef fish, and small pelagic species. Its calm, well-preserved environment makes it ideal for experiencing healthy tropical reef systems.

Tanjong Jara

Tanjong Jara is a mainland coastal area along the Terengganu shoreline with sandy beaches and nearby marine ecosystems. The site offers access to both coastal and nearshore environments influenced by the South China Sea. It provides a broader mainland perspective than island-based locations.

 

guide to conservation internships

GET THE GUIDE!

Complete the form to get the download link for
the Essential Guide to Conservation Internships

Ignite your passion for conservation! Your definitive guide to Malaysian wildlife internships is here. We’ve answered all your questions, so you can focus on the adventure and impact. Discover incredible opportunities and make a real difference!”

WHAT YOU CAN OFFER:

  • Bachelor’s degree (or studying towards one) in a marine-related field
  • Strong interest in marine conservation and turtle protection
  • Good ability for outdoor and water-related activities
  • Competence in data collection and research monitoring
  • Self-motivated with a positive attitude
  • Time management and organisational skills
  • Flexibility to live in basic conditions and adapt to a different culture
  • Fluent in English; Bahasa Malaysia is useful but not necessary

WHAT YOU CAN GAIN:

  • Gain a holistic understanding of sea turtle and marine conservation
  • Develop your knowledge of research techniques and data
  • A varied workload: from beach patrols to community sessions and diving
  • Immersion into a wonderfully different culture
  • The chance to stay on a paradise island and explore the region
  • CV skills and a reference
  • The chance to develop your network

ACCOMMODATION & DAILY LIFE

Your island accommodation is a rustic, open-air camp. Expect cozy nights in tents or screened sleeping huts, each equipped with tent beds and mosquito nets, offering a unique blend of camping and tropical living. Our camp operates on solar power, allowing you to charge your devices and capture the magic of the underwater world.

Wi-Fi internet access is available nearby, but SIM cards are recommended.

Mornings are relaxed, and afternoons are when most of the activities happen, with snorkeling in crystal-clear waters, exploring the island’s hidden gems, and learning about the incredible marine life that calls Lang Tengah home. As snorkeling is a key part of our program, expect to spend one to two hours daily exploring the vibrant underwater ecosystem.

YOUR FOOD & FACILITIES

Our camp fosters a communal atmosphere, particularly during mealtimes. We enjoy delicious, shared meals, typically featuring rice, pasta, or potatoes, complemented by fresh fruits and vegetables. Meat is a rarity, but halal options are welcome. Please inform our camp leaders of any dietary requirements or allergies so we can ensure everyone is well-catered for.

We encourage all participants to help maintain the camp’s cleanliness by contributing to simple daily tasks such as sweeping, washing dishes, and assisting with meal preparation. This shared responsibility helps keep the camp tidy and fosters a strong sense of community. In the evenings, volunteers and interns are also encouraged to socialise and exchange knowledge about conservation and animal welfare.

START DATES:

The project season runs from April to October due to the monsoon.

MINIMUM AGE FOR THIS PROJECT: 18 years

Includes:

  • Accommodation in the open-air camp
  • A boat transfer to the islands and the marine park fee
  • Together cooked meals—breakfast, lunch, and dinner
  • On-site mentoring for any academic credits or projects
  • 24-hour in-country support
  • Certificate of completion

Excludes: 

  • Flights
  • Personal insurance
  • Visa costs (most foreign visitors, depending on your nationality, Malaysia grants a 90 day single entry visa)
  • Additional snacks or drinks

Wildlife volunteering and internships

Help us save wildlife and their habitats!

Malaysian Wildlife is a programme by Biodiversity Business, a non-profit organisation. We’re working to protect endangered animals in Asia. We do this by supporting local conservation projects through eco-tourism, volunteer opportunities, and education.

APPLY HERE

Back To Top