Education and cultural immersion in Malaysia. Take part in an eco-education program on the Perhentian Islands in Malaysia. This solidarity trip is a cross-cultural immersion where everyone learns from each other. Ideal for families with children. All programs in Malaysia here.
Eco education on the Perhentian Islands in Malaysia
Our partner Fuze Ecoteer has developed three conservation projects on the Perhentian Islands: sea turtle protection, marine ecosystem research and biodiversity protection education. The Perhentian eco-education project aims to raise awareness of biodiversity protection among the island's inhabitants, helping them to take care of their environment.
Towards resilient tourism
The Perhentian Islands in Malaysia have seen strong tourism-related development in recent years. While this has greatly improved the livelihoods of the local community, it has also brought with it the negative consequences of mass tourism. Informing, educating and encouraging local people to practice resilient tourism has become a priority. This project is ideal for families looking for a cultural experience where adults and children can learn from each other.
Environmental education and intercultural immersion
Perhentian's eco-education project aims to develop resilient tourism with the local community. You'll take part in a range of activities designed to raise awareness of environmental protection issues. This solidarity trip is based on inter-cultural exchange, with everyone contributing their knowledge. It is open to families with children, who will be able to play with local children.
The activities you'll take part in
- Eco Club courses. Participation in Eco Club educational activities. Village children are always ready to learn something new!
- Kuih-making. Every week, the women organize kuih (traditional Malay dessert) making sessions for visitors and tourists. Learn something new from the ladies and eat something new too! There's always room for dessert!
- Coral observation. Join Eco Club members as they assess the health of the corals they are charged with protecting. Snorkel the Perhentian seafloor while learning about the corals. Twice a week, help the children collect data on the corals to assess their state of health.
- Kayak patrol. Join Perhentian rangers kayaking around the village to make sure the waters are free of litter.
- Awareness campaigns. Every week, our partner informs tourists taking part in excursions so that they adopt the right reflexes, especially when swimming above the coral.
- Discover the plastic machine! As part of our education program on plastic waste, our partner is leading an initiative to collect certain types of waste before transforming them. You'll be part of the whole process!
- Beach clean-ups: you'll take part in beach clean-ups
Dates
- 1 to 4 weeks
- April 15 to September 15
- Arrival on Mondays
Rates
- 1 week: £283 (approx. €340)
- 2 weeks: £472 (approx. €566)
- 3 weeks: £642 (approx. €770)
- 4 weeks: £792 (approx. €950)
Prices in euros vary according to exchange rate
Included in price
- Round-trip boat transfer
- Three meals a day
- Dormitory with shared bathroom
- Supervision for activities
Not included in price
- The journey to Kuala Besut
- Travel insurance
- Personal expenses
- Visit the magnificent Perhentian Islands in Malaysia
- Take part in a project with a positive impact on biodiversity protection
- Enjoy a cross-cultural experience: you'll live in the village and work with the local community. Volunteers will have the opportunity to taste authentic Malay cuisine in the home of one of the PILA (Perhentian Ladies of Association) ladies. Perhentian Ladies of Association was established in 2012 by Fuze Ecoteer. It enables housewives to earn an income.
- 1 to 4 weeks
- From age 18
- Families with children welcome
- English: basic level
The location
You will live in a village (Kampung) with a Malay community. As this is a Muslim village, volunteers must adapt their dress and behavior when in the village. Pork and alcohol are strictly forbidden. The night is a time of rest for the hard-working islanders. It is frowned upon to party late into the night and to return home intoxicated. It's also inadvisable to make a lot of noise at night, as houses are very close together. For women, the dress code is a little more conservative. When swimming on the village beach, women must keep their shoulders and knees covered, i.e. wear shorts and a vest or T-shirt - bikinis are not appropriate.
Accommodation
Volunteers will stay in the Fuze Ecoteer Volunteer House, where you will sleep in shared rooms.
Families can request a private room, at an additional cost.
Food
Volunteers are not asked to cook, but to help clean up. However, you are welcome to bring your own ingredients.
Takeaway
- Long shorts or three-quarter length pants must be worn in the village.
- Shirts or tops covering the shoulders must be worn in the village.
- Water bottles and other reusable items (shopping bags, food containers, reusable cutlery, etc.)
- Swimsuit covering shoulders and knees.
- Bath towels.
- Mosquito repellent.
- Sandals or flip-flops.
- A small backpack.
- A hat to protect you from the sun.
- Personal medications.
- Hiking shoes if you want to go hiking.
- Mask and snorkel (shared with partner)
Arrival
Volunteers can either fly to Kota Bharu, then take a cab to the Kuala Besut pier, or arrive in Kula Lumpur and take the overnight bus from Terminal Bersepadu Selatan (TBS) to Kuala Besut.
Once in Kuala Besut, go to the Safe Park Holiday office at the pier (just 5 minutes from the main road). Important: please do not take the boat with other operators, as they may charge you excessive fees. The team will welcome volunteers on site.
All Fuze Ecoteer mission reviews
About the partner
Fuze Ecoteer is a Malaysian social enterprise co-founded by Daniel, who after studying ecological sciences at Plymouth University moved to Malaysia to develop biodiversity protection and ecotourism projects. Fuze Ecoteer has been working to promote biodiversity and environmental education since 2010. The organization has developed three conservation projects on the Perhentian Islands: sea turtle protection, marine ecosystem research and biodiversity protection education. All missions with Fuze Ecoteer