It’s hard to capture the beauty of the Perhentian Islands in just one word. “Paradise” is a good place to start. Known for their pristine beaches, picture-perfect sunsets, clear waters teeming with colourful marine life and tropical jungles which are home to exotic animals, there’s no shortage of things to see and do in this popular destination.   

Immerse yourself in the local culture as you live among and work with members of the Malay community to protect endangered sea turtles. Here you will find our program partner’s successful hatchery project which has been instrumental in the safeguarding and release of thousands of turtle hatchlings. 

Visit the Fishing Village on Perhentian Kecil where you can indulge in traditional cuisine. Or take a hike to the wind turbines where you will see the islands from a whole new perspective atop a lush hill. 

The crystal clear waters of the Perhentian Islands  present the perfect opportunity for snorkelling and free diving. Jungle trekking is another activity that should be high up on your list – the islands offer several popular paths for visitors to explore.

The Perhentian Islands are a small group of islands situated in Besut District, Terengganu, Malaysia. There are two main islands, Perehentian Besar (big island) and Perhentian Kecil (small island), with smaller uninhabited islands nearby.  The closest city is Kuala Besut, a hub for island transfers.

The islands form part of the Pulau Redang National Marine Park, whose goal is to protect, conserve and manage the delicate ocean ecosystems and the animals who call it home. 

Beneath the surface of these protected waters lie pristine coral reefs – a playground for diverse marine species like sea turtles, barracudas, clown fish, rays and sharks. 

Stepping away from the beaches, visitors also have access to vast jungles that offer peaceful escapes with possible sightings of exotic animals like the elusive colugas, monitor lizards and monkeys. 

Travelling from one island to the other can easily be done by boat. Each location offers captivating scenery with an abundance of unique activities.

We offer two volunteer opportunities in Malaysia. 

Our community development program blends snorkelling, kayaking and community engagement. With a strong emphasis on education and marine conservation, we aim for mutual benefits for both the community and the marine park through sustainable ecotourism. You’ll have a pivotal role in this program, whether you’re teaching environmental education, assisting with coral conservation or joining kayak patrols to maintain clean waters.

If you’re passionate about marine conservation, our turtle conservation program offers an ideal opportunity. You’ll work closely with sea turtles, observing them and collecting data to support long-term conservation efforts.

What sets these volunteer programs in Malaysia apart is the opportunity for participants to deeply engage with local Malay culture. There’s plenty of time to connect with community members, visit nearby villages and enjoy traditional foods made with locally sourced ingredients.

What languages are spoken in Malaysia?

The official language in Malaysia is Malaysian Malay. Other languages spoken include English, Punjabi, Tamil, Telugu, Malayalam, Thai and various Chinese dialects.

What is the weather like?

Malaysia experiences hot and humid weather throughout the year. Warm seasons typically span from March to September, accompanied by occasional heavy rain in the evenings. Daytime temperatures hover around 30 °C, dropping to around 25 °C at night. 

The monsoon season typically occurs from late October to early February, bringing daily rainfall. Please note that our programs run from May until September due to the monsoon season.

How can I stay in touch with people back home?

Wi-Fi is only available at the turtle project house/office in the village where the project team is based. You can purchase a local SIM card at the main airport upon arrival or at one of the local outlets. CELCOM or MAXIS-Hotlink have the best coverage for the islands. 

Where can I do my laundry?

There is a washing machine at the project house or a paid laundry service in the village. 

What payment methods are available on the island?

Cash only. There are no ATMs or cards accepted on the island.