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MARINE CONSERVATION INTERNSHIP
PADI Conservation Diving
perhentian turtle volunteering
Perhentian Turtle Volunteering
marine conservation internship

A truly versatile marine biology experience

Embark on a transformative 3-month journey on the pristine shores of Lang Tengah Island. This internship is more than just learning; it’s an immersive experience where you’ll contribute directly to safeguarding our planet. Dive into the heart of conservation, mastering vital skills from hands-on fieldwork to impactful outreach and strategic communication. 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 conservation experience, including fieldwork, social media, outreach, and fundraising. You’ll join a team of conservationists, participating in:

  • Nightly turtle patrols, nest monitoring, relocation (if needed), and nest marking
  • Collecting biometric data and photo-ID records of nesting turtles
  • Data entry from nest monitoring and hatching results
  • Post-emergence nest excavations to assess hatching success
  • Coral reef research dives, coral rehabilitation, and underwater clean-ups (diving experience required; dive costs covered for qualified participants)
  • Guest presentations on sea turtles and marine conservation
  • Beach clean-ups and outreach programmes with schools and groups
  • Social media updates and digital communication support
  • Volunteer coordination, training, and leadership during activities
  • Research station upkeep, including cleaning and basic daily tasks
  • Following safety procedures and supporting general project needs

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, 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)

tropical marine camp

A Tropical Island Paradise

Lang Tengah, a tranquil jewel off Malaysia’s east coast, offers a haven for both marine conservationists and divers.

Its crystal-clear waters teem with vibrant coral reefs, providing crucial habitats for diverse marine life, including nesting sea turtles. 2 The island’s relative isolation fosters a pristine environment, ideal for research and conservation efforts. Divers are drawn to its rich biodiversity, encountering colorful reef fish, playful blacktip sharks, and the occasional elusive seahorse. The gentle currents and excellent visibility make it perfect for both novice and experienced divers.

Conservation initiatives, such as turtle monitoring and coral restoration projects, provide opportunities for hands-on involvement, making Lang Tengah a rewarding destination for those passionate about protecting our oceans

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

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