Tropical Marine Conservation Camp in Malaysia
Calling all ocean enthusiasts and aspiring conservationists! Embark on an unforgettable adventure with our Tropical Marine Conservation Camp on Lang Tengah Island, Malaysia. This hidden gem, nestled between Perhentian and Redang Islands, offers a unique opportunity to combine exploration, education, and environmental protection.
Dive Deep into Ocean Conservation
Target Your Inner Marine Biologist!
Learn from experts and collaborate with passionate marine biologists on vital research projects, including sea turtle nest monitoring, where you will patrol pristine beaches to track nesting activity and safeguard endangered species.
No experience required so don’t worry if you’re new to marine conservation! Scuba diving skills are an advantage, but good swimmers are also very welcome. We provide training and equipment to ensure everyone can participate safely and effectively.
Experience Paradise with a Purpose
Island Paradise Awaits: Imagine waking up to turquoise waters lapping at your doorstep on Lang Tengah’s pristine shores. This captivating island boasts stunning beaches and diverse marine life, offering an unforgettable escape.
Make a Real Difference: Your contribution is invaluable! The data you collect with our team directly impacts vital conservation efforts, helping to protect this precious ecosystem.
This is more than a vacation; it’s an opportunity to leave a lasting impact on our oceans. Apply today and get ready for an experience that will transform you while protecting a breathtaking marine paradise!
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INCLUDES ACCOMMODATION, FOOD AND ALL ACTIVITIES WITH EXPERT CAMP LEADERS
MINIMUM AGE: 18 years and above
MINIMUM STAY: 1 week
MINIMUM NUMBER: ONE
VOLUNTEERING ACTIVITIES:
♥ MARINE CONSERVATION ON A PARADISE ISLAND
♥ TURTLE PATROLS
♥ OCEAN CLEAN UP
Local rate: Rm 850 for 1 week
International rate: Rm 2,200 or $450 for 1 week
Best turtle conservation volunteering out there!
Emily, 27, United Kingdom
Lang Tengah Turtle Watch is an incredible turtle conservation organisation, where you get to be involved in exciting and effective conservation projects that have helped the recovery of species across the east coast of Malaysia for the last 10 years. The work is fun, the people are lovely, the food is great and it allows you to experience true island life.
Once in a lifetime!!
Mollie, 33, United Kingdom
WOW the island is breath taking some of the most beautiful untouched beaches in the world with hardly any tourists. Camp life is very rustic but is all part of the charm and should never change !!
Wow WOW WOW!!
We were so lucky to witness lots of mothers coming up on multiple beaches to lay eggs. Our job was then to make sure the eggs were in a safe place so hatchlings have the best chance of survival and away from tourists etc. The hatchlings…. we were so lucky to see two mass emerges of 122 and 72 hatchlings going in to the sea to start their journey in life!! It’s absolutely breath taking to see the little guys running into the sea!!
ACTIVITIES AND ITINERARY
Mornings
Mornings are slow and easy. Unless conservation priorities require an early start, this is the time to rest, recharge, and enjoy island living. Swim, read, journal, or simply take in the view.
Afternoons
Afternoons are typically dedicated to ocean time and learning. You’ll spend one to two hours snorkeling or free-diving, exploring reef ecosystems, and building confidence in the water. Conservation talks, species identification sessions, or occasional guest presentations may also take place during this time. Snorkeling is a big part of camp life, so let us know if you have any concerns about spending one to two hours a day in the water.
Evenings & Nighttime
As the sun sets, island life shifts focus to one of our most important conservation missions: nighttime turtle patrols. Green sea turtles come ashore under the cover of darkness to lay their eggs, and our team patrols the beaches to protect these mother turtles and their nests from poachers. Swapping a standard bedtime routine for starry night beach walks, you’ll play a direct role in keeping the next generation of turtles safe.
Beyond Fieldwork
In your free time, island life offers space to explore and connect:
Free-diving skill development
Guided hikes across the island’s trails and viewpoints
Traditional brick-oven bread making
Shared meals and community time
PROJECT DETAILS AND IMPACTS
Saving Sea Turtles & Protecting Our Oceans
Since 2013, our team has been dedicated to protecting sea turtles and their fragile marine habitats on Lang Tengah. What started as Lang Tengah Turtle Watch (LTTW)—focused on halting illegal egg poaching—has grown into a comprehensive mission including beach patrols, marine debris clean-ups, and scientific research.
Thanks to these long-term efforts, local green sea turtle nesting numbers are steadily rising. Combined with global conservation progress, the species’ IUCN status was successfully reclassified from Endangered to Least Concern. It is a powerful sign that protection works.
Today, we continue to safeguard these ocean wanderers and the ecosystems they depend on. If you love sea turtles and thriving oceans, this mission is calling for you!
HOW TO BOOK
PRICING FOR MALAYSIAN BOOKINGS
PRICING FOR INTERNATIONAL BOOKINGS
Our prices are in MYR, Malaysian Ringgit. Please use a currency converter to calculate in your own currency at the daily rate.
Ask us about rates for any bookings of more than 3 weeks!
START DATES:
All arrivals are on Sunday, and departures are on Saturday.
Volunteers are accepted between May and September.
MINIMUM AGE FOR THIS PROJECT: 18 years
Requirements
What are the requirements to join this program?
Volunteers must be over 18. You will need to have a positive attitude, participate in all volunteer activities and respect the local culture and traditions. You must be willing to help out with team chores such as cooking and cleaning.
Do I need any turtle or conservation experience/knowledge?
No experience is necessary, just an enthusiasm for turtles and marine conservation is enough. The camp leaders will teach you all the necessary techniques and tell you everything you need to know about marine conservation!
Is this program suitable for families with children?
Families with children of 16 years old and above are welcomed to join.
Project Information
What is the mission and vision of the project?
We aim to create a future where sea turtles and their habitats are sustainably managed and protected through our marine conservation efforts.
PULIHARA is a non-profit organisation duly registered with the Registrar of Societies on 13 December 2023 under the name Persatuan Pemuliharaan dan Kajian Marin Malaysia (Marine Conservation and Research Organisation Malaysia)
What is a typical day at the project like?
Night patrols for nesting turtles will run every night between 8pm-7am. This is usually divided into shifts, depending on volunteer numbers.
As the majority of our monitoring takes place at night, mornings are usually a leisurely affair and it is only in exceptional circumstances you will be asked to begin tasks before 10am. Afternoons are spent snorkeling, conducting in-water research and exploring the island.
Is diving included?
No, but you can do it in your free time at an additional cost.
Insurance, Visa and Vaccinations
Do I need insurance?
We highly recommend travel insurance to safeguard against accident, sickness, loss of money, flight delay/cancellation or lost baggage.
Feel free to message us for further advice.
Do I need a visa?
Visitors from the following countries will receive a 90 day free tourist visa upon arrival in Malaysia:
Albania, Algeria, Argentina, Australia, Austria, Bahrain, Belgium, Bosnia-Herzegovina, Brazil, Canada, Croatia, Cuba, Czech Republic, Denmark, Egypt, Finland, France, Germany, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Japan, Jordan, Kyrgyzstan, Kuwait, Kyrgyz Republic, Lebanon, Liechtenstein, Luxembourg, Morocco, Netherland, Norway, Oman, Peru, Poland, Qatar, Romania, St Marino, Saudi Arabia, Slovakia, South Korea, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Tunisia, Turkey, Turkmenistan, United Arab Emirates, United Kingdom, United States, Uruguay, Yemen.
Do I need vaccinations?
You may need some vaccinations depending on your previous vaccination history. Please refer to your GP or a travel clinic for further vaccination advice.
Project services
Is there internet access?
There is limited internet access on the island. The signal is usually quite weak, so it is recommended to purchase an affordable local sim if needed.
Are there ATMs nearby?
There are no ATMs in the village. We advise you to bring cash from the mainland, at least Rm 100 per week for small purchases such as local snacks, drinks or for diving equipment rental.
What should volunteers bring?
Volunteers can refer to the project’s volunteer guide which includes a list of island kit that they should bring. Volunteer guides are provided at the time of enquiring or booking your volunteer placement.
Will I get support and guidance during my stay?
Of course! We are very proud of our friendly and talented team, who are happy to help throughout your stay. All of the project staff have amazing local knowledge and skill-sets, making them the perfect leaders and teachers.
Any further queries you have before booking can be resolved by contacting us directly.
Travel arrangement
How do I get to Lang Tengah Island from Kuala Lumpur?
From Kuala Lumpur, the easiest way to get to Lang Tengah is by overnight bus or morning flight to Terengganu. From the bus stop or airport, you will need to catch another bus or taxi to Al Ameen Jetty in Merang.
Please note: This is not to be mistaken with Marang.
The boat to Lang Tengah leaves the Merang Jetty at 10am daily. We suggest using the Ameen Boat Service.
Below are estimated transportation fee and travel time from Kuala Lumpur to Lang Tengah Island:
Kuala Lumpur to Kuala Terengganu
FLIGHT: (1 hour): Kuala Lumpur International Airport 2 (KLIA2) – Sultan Mahmud Airport RM150 – RM250
BUS: Via bus (6-7 hours): Kuala Lumpur Bus Terminal (Terminal Bersepadu Selatan) – Kuala Terengganu Bus Terminal (Hentian Bas MBKT)
Or Kuala Lumpur Sentral – Merang Jetty (please note this service is often a minibus) RM36-RM50
-Kuala Terengganu to Al Ameen Jetty From Sultan Mahmud Airport (40 minutes): Grab RM35 – RM45, Taxi RM50 – RM60
-From Kuala Terengganu Bus Terminal (MBKT) (1 hour): Grab RM50 – RM70, Taxi RM60 – RM80, Hourly shuttle (Mara Liner MyBas No. 102) RM4.70
-Al Ameen Jetty to Lang Tengah Island Ameen Boat Services (40-50 minutes): RM60
Other Information
I have some specific question about the project.
We are always happy to help you with any enquiries. Feel free to contact us.