Protect Malaysia’s Nesting Turtles

On Tioman Island, the arrival of nesting sea turtles brings a new rhythm to the beaches. You might be out on patrol after dark, waiting quietly for a turtle to come ashore. The next morning, you could be checking a hatchery nest, recording data, or heading into the water to monitor turtles and coral reefs.

Through this turtle conservation internship, you’ll get involved in the different parts of the project from turtle monitoring and hatchery work to beach cleanups, reef surveys, environmental education, and community activities. You’ll learn how to collect and use conservation data, understand the challenges facing marine wildlife, and see how the health of the beach, reef, and local community are all connected.

You’ll spend a season learning, contributing, and seeing the island from a very different perspective. It’s an opportunity to experience conservation from the field while becoming part of the community and daily life on Tioman!

Your Responsibilities & Learning Opportunities

• Sea Turtle Conservation: Conduct nightly beach patrols, monitor nesting turtles, record biometric and photo-ID data, and assist with nest relocation.
• Hatchery Management: Monitor nests, carry out hatchery checks, and participate in post-emergence excavations to assess hatching success.
• Marine Conservation: Snorkel to monitor and identify turtles, learn about local coral ecosystems, and assist with reef and coral health monitoring.
• Environmental Conservation: Support beach cleanups, recycling, waste management, and other activities that help protect Tioman’s coastal environment.
• Eco-Education & Community: Participate in school outreach, eco-awareness workshops, guided conservation tours, community events, and visitor engagement activities.
• Communication & Operations: Share conservation updates through social media, help maintain camp facilities, and support daily project routines and local events.
• Skill Development: Develop practical skills in wildlife monitoring, data collection, marine ecology, environmental education, sustainable tourism, and community-based conservation while following all project safety protocols and procedures.

This program runs from February to October.