• Life Below Water

Environmental Educator & Kayak Patrol

location
2 - 12 weeks  ·  Age 18 - 50+
rating  Excellent 4.8  · 
  Verified by Volunteer World
  Very high response rate
Volunteer project with the highest quality. This project sets unprecedented standards in quality - an unparalleled level of excellence.

Highlights

  • Environmental initiative at the village school: Help design engaging lesson plans for both senior and junior members. Contribute to planning and carrying out activities that align with our goals.
  • Coral conservation: Explore Perhentian’s underwater world through snorkelling and freediving, learning about coral health.
  • Kayak patrols: Join Perhentian’s village rangers to kayak around the village, ensuring trash-free waters.
  • Precious Plastics machine: As part of our plastic waste education, we utilise this innovative tool to collect and transform tess ype 2 and type 5 plastics into new products.
  • Beach cleanups: We conduct weekly sessions to keep our shores and oceans safe for marine life. Participants assist in cleanup, sorting trash and collecting data.

Especially good for

Age 18+
Singles
Couples
50+

About the program

On this volunteer program in Malaysia, you’ll contribute to island conservation efforts through a combination of community engagement, snorkelling and kayaking.

On this volunteer program in Malaysia, you’ll contribute to island conservation efforts through a combination of community engagement, snorkelling and kayaking. We’re committed to education initiatives with a focus on healthy ecosystems and marine conservation. This ensures benefits for both the ...

About the program

On this volunteer program in Malaysia, you’ll contribute to island conservation efforts through a combination of community engagement, snorkelling and kayaking. We’re committed to education initiatives with a focus on healthy ecosystems and marine conservation. This ensures benefits for both the local community and the marine park through sustainable ecotourism.

In the short term, our goal is to offer environmental awareness classes and activities for the local community and visitors to the Perhentian Islands. Looking ahead, our goal is to spearhead marine conservation efforts by partnering with local community members and stakeholders. This collaboration ensures long-term benefits for both people and nature.

Location
Tucked away off the northeastern coast of Peninsular Malaysia, The Perhentian Islands promise a genuine tropical adventure. Kuala Besut, the closest city, serves as the gateway for island transfers, making it easy to reach this remote destination. 

Discover Perhentian Kecil Island through our volunteer program, where you’ll live in the island’s sole village. Dive into vibrant coral reefs, encounter diverse marine life and enjoy breathtaking underwater scenes while snorkeling or diving. Enjoy authentic local cuisine and immerse yourself in traditional Malay culture, all set against serene beaches perfect for relaxation and stunning sunsets over turquoise waters.

Your contribution
As a volunteer in Malaysia, you’ll play a vital role in these initiatives. You might be teaching environmental education, helping with coral conservation or joining kayak patrols to keep waters clean.

Typical day

A typical day kicks off with breakfast at 8:00 AM at the volunteer house. Starting at 9:00 AM, you’ll participate in project activities like lesson planning, gardening, mural painting, or coral snorkeling surveys. Lunch is at 1:00 PM, either back at the volunteer house or in the village.

In the ...

Typical day

A typical day kicks off with breakfast at 8:00 AM at the volunteer house. Starting at 9:00 AM, you’ll participate in project activities like lesson planning, gardening, mural painting, or coral snorkeling surveys. Lunch is at 1:00 PM, either back at the volunteer house or in the village.

In the afternoon, from 3:00 PM onwards, you’ll lead classes at the local school hall – think eco classes, English sessions or WWF eco school programs. From 5:00 PM, you’ll join eco club students for citizen science activities at the village beach, such as Coral Watch snorkeling or kayak plastic patrols. Alternatively, you can unwind with some free time.

At 7:00 PM, dinner is served with the team, usually cooked together. Once a week, you’ll enjoy an authentic Malay dinner with a local Malay family.

Free-time activities

During your free time, there’s plenty to keep you busy. Relax on the beach, snorkel around colourful reefs or kayak in the clear waters. If you’re feeling adventurous, take a hike through the jungle and explore the island’s natural beauty. 

Don’t forget to try the local cuisine and enjoy a ...

Free-time activities

During your free time, there’s plenty to keep you busy. Relax on the beach, snorkel around colourful reefs or kayak in the clear waters. If you’re feeling adventurous, take a hike through the jungle and explore the island’s natural beauty. 

Don’t forget to try the local cuisine and enjoy a drink at one of the bars. And make sure to catch the stunning sunsets – they’re absolutely breathtaking! 

In the village, we respectfully adhere to local customs that prohibit alcoholic drinks. However, participants can enjoy drinks on other beaches during their off days.

Requirements

Requirements

Minimum Age: 18 years

In order to join the program you need to be at least 18 years old on the program start date. There might be exemptions if you can provide the permission of your legal guardian(s) or if your are accompanied by your parents.

Language Skills

You need to speak English (basic level)

Education Requirements

at High School level

Criminal Background Check

required

Nationality Restrictions

No restrictions. Helping hands from all over the world are welcome.

Time Commitment

Your helping hand will be required on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday from 08:00 - 19:00

What's Included

What's Included

Services by GVI

Program fees include:

  • Project work: Assist with community activities to raise environmental awareness .
  • Accommodation: Shared dorm-style accommodation in a house in the village.
  • Meals: Includes breakfast, lunch and dinner.
  • Airport transfer: You'll get collected from Kota Bharu airport (KBR) and catch a boat from Kuala Besut jetty to Perhentian Kecil.
  • Comprehensive pre-departure support: Includes a dedicated support coordinator to answer your questions, an Essential Info Pack, and a webinar to learn more about your program.
  • Comprehensive in-country support: Includes a welcome orientation, including safety, culture and environmental info. A Program Manager is there to support you.
  • 24/7 mental health support: Receive support services provided by licensed professionals.
  • Local transport: Transport to and from project work by boat.

Airport Pickup at Sultan Ismail Petra Airport

You'll get collected from Kota Bharu airport (KBR) and catch a boat from Kuala Besut jetty to Perhentian Kecil.

Accommodation

Live the island life at the volunteer house situated in the only village on the island of Perhentian Kecil. Here is where you will spend your nights enjoying home-cooked meals with fellow volunteers and unwinding before your next adventure. The house contains three dorm-style bedrooms with a communal bathroom. Bedding and mosquito nets are provided, along with safe drinking water and fans. 

Accommodation upgrades are available upon request. Enjoy a private room with air conditioning and en suite bathroom, suitable for individuals or couples.

Wi-Fi is only available at the project team house, so we recommend purchasing a SIM card at the main airport upon arrival to stay connected with friends and family when you’re at the volunteer house.

Food & Beverages

Meals include
  • Breakfast
  • Lunch
  • Dinner
Dietary requirements can be accommodated

Internet Access

Limited access at the project site

What's NOT included?

What's NOT included?

Flight Tickets

The nearest airport is Sultan Ismail Petra Airport (KBR) in Kota Bharu. We assist you to find cheap flights to Malaysia. FIND CHEAP FLIGHTS

Travel Insurance

Going abroad is an adventure and it is always best to be prepared. Sudden illness or injury, cancellation or theft - a travel insurance for Malaysia provides security and is a plus to have. GET A QUOTE

Vaccines

If you are intending to volunteer in Malaysia you should seek medical advice before starting your social journey. Check your required vaccinations for Malaysia. VACCINE CHECKER

Details on arrival

2025 dates:

  • 14 Apr 2025
  • 25 Apr 2025
  • 12 May 2025
  • 26 May 2025
  • 09 Jun 2025
  • 23 Jun 2025
  • 07 Jul 2025
  • 21 Jul 2025
  • 04 Aug 2025
  • 18 Aug 2025
  • 01 Sep 2025
  • 15 Sep 2025
  • 13 Oct 2025
  • 27 Oct 2025
  • 10 Nov 2025
  • 24 Nov 2025
  • 08 Dec 2025
  • 22 Dec 2025

Availability
Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec

Program fees

2 weeks (min. stay) 1,095€
4 weeks 1,745€
6 weeks 2,345€
8 weeks 2,845€
10 weeks 3,545€
12 weeks (max. stay) 4,295€
Average fees 452€/week

Program fees

452€ per week 2 - 12 weeks Age 18 - 50+

Payment methods

Visa Master Card Maestro American Express PayPal

NO CREDIT CARD FEES

Duration

2 - 12 weeks

Deposit

The deposit is simply to reserve your volunteer placement. Payments are handled by PayPal, our trusted global payment provider. If you don't have a PayPal account, you can also pay using a credit card.

Final Payment

Your final payment will be agreed with GVI during the application process. Common solutions are either via bank transfer or a cash payment at the project site.

Meet your organization

GVI

Excellent 4.8 rating (221 reviews)

Agency - founded in 1998

Verified by Volunteer World

  Very high response rate

Coordinated by

Bianca

Spoken languages: English

About the project

GVI tackles critical local and global issues by operating award-winning education and training programs on sustainable development projects around the world.

Meet your organization

Founded in 1998, GVI runs programs in 21 locations, in 13 countries around the world, each manned by our own staff and aligned to the 17 United Nations Sustainable Development Goals or UN SDGs as well as the objectives of local partners. We welcome participants from all around the world and help facilitate their development into global citizens. This is how we achieve our mission of building a global network of people united by their passion to make a difference.


We are truly a global family brought together by our dedication to long-term positive impact. At the root of our success is our commitment to investing in authentic, meaningful connections with one another, which is why mutual respect and trust are central to our operations. Although we respond with empathy to difficult situations, we believe that most circumstances can benefit from taking a light-hearted approach. By sharing stories of local achievement with our teams worldwide we build the momentum to catapult us toward our vision for the future.

221 reviews · rating4.8

I had the opportunity to do the virtual marine conservation internship with GVI, it was super good for my work experience and academic training as I learned a lot from the courses and I was able to explore my skills in data analysis which I had not explored so far, I highly recommend this internship ...
Pam Parkes rating5

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I really enjoyed my recent trip to Siem Reap. The accommodation was very good, I upgraded to a single room with aircon and en-suite and had a fabulous room overlooking the pool. Food was excellent with plenty of choice, both in the guest house and local restaurants where we ate in the evenings ...
Olivia Babbage rating5

2024 at Teach English to locals

3 month English Teaching internship in Madagascar The most incredible time of my life. I feel so lucky to have experienced all that is Nosy Be, Madagascar. I chose GVI because they are so impact driven, and during my time in Madagascar that was the evident. Being able to immerse myself into such ...
Mary Christensen rating5

2024 at Community Development Internship

GVI is a passionate organization that works diligently to promote life long learners and explorers. As an intern with GVI, I was able to explore the culture of my country of choice, serve a purpose greater than myself, and meet friends all around the world. I highly recommend this program to anyone ...
GVI was one of the best experiences of my life, i was a participant on the U18 costa rica trip! This program allowed me to interact with new people and make lifelong friendships, but also i was able to experience a new culture and be up close to a wide range of wildlife. If you are reading this and ...
Tashanna Reid rating5

2024 at Marine Ecosystem Internship

I did the U18s Tenerife volunteering which was such a great experience and I will definitely do it again! It was lovely meeting new people and making friends and the staff are very welcoming and fun. It had the perfect mix of relaxing and having fun while also doing the work required and exploring ...

Location

Asia > South East Asia > Malaysia > Perhentian Kecil

You might also be interested in

Volunteer Abroad  >  Environment  >  Marine Conservation in Malaysia
Contact Bianca
  Very high response rate
English

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