It’s hard to capture the beauty of the Perhentian Islands in just one word. “Paradise” is a good place to start. These islands are renowned for their pristine beaches, breathtaking sunsets, diverse marine life and lush tropical jungles teeming with exotic animals. There’s an abundance of attractions to explore in this incredible destination!

From this idyllic location, our volunteer programs prioritise community activities to raise environmental awareness. When you volunteer in Malaysia, you’ll work with local partners to offer environmental classes and lead community-driven efforts to protect our oceans.

The crystal-clear waters of the Perhentian Islands are ideal for snorkelling, kayaking and freediving. Jungle trekking is also a must-do activity, with plenty of popular paths for visitors to explore.

During your downtime, you can visit the Fishing Village on Perhentian Kecil for a taste of traditional cuisine. Or, you can take a hike to the wind turbines for a fresh view of the islands from a lush hilltop.

Located off the northeastern coast of Peninsular Malaysia, the Perhentian Islands offer a serene escape away from the bustle of everyday life. The two main islands, Perhentian Besar and Perhentian Kecil, are surrounded by smaller uninhabited islets, all boasting soft sandy beaches, crystal-clear waters and lush greenery.

The islands are part of the Pulau Redang National Marine Park, which is pretty spectacular. Our volunteer programs here are all about conserving and managing diverse ocean ecosystems and their inhabitants. Below the surface, you’ll find vibrant coral reefs bustling with marine life, from turtles to barracudas to sharks.

What’s more, the islands are conveniently close to other stunning spots like Redang Island and Lang Tengah Island in Malaysia, as well as the southern Thai provinces of Narathiwat and Satun. Kuala Lumpur, the bustling capital city of Malaysia, serves as a gateway to these beautiful islands.

Travel between the islands is easily done by boat, with each location offering breathtaking views and a host of unique activities to enjoy. You can hop between islands by boat, soaking in the relaxed vibes and enjoying a variety of laid-back activities along the way. Ready to join us?

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 play 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 projects 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 commonly 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 project house/office in the village where the project team is based. Upon arrival, you can buy a local SIM card either at the main airport or from local outlets. For optimal coverage on the islands, consider CELCOM or MAXIS-Hotlink providers.

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?

Only cash payments are accepted on the island. There are no ATMs or card payment options available.