FAQs
To find out more go to
The project
Itinerary
Location
Costs
Volunteer duties
How to book
What is the accommodation like?
The first nights accommodation is at the Awi’s yellow house which is in a traditional Malaysian water-village style. The rooms will contain 4 single beds but they are spacious. The bathroom is open air with a special toilet a great introduction to the Malaysian culture. The second night will be in twin share tents but with toilet facilities close by. The third to sixth night will be spent at a local homestay which will be twin share rooms.
The picture shows your accommodation at Kg Mangkok
The second and seventh nights will be in tents. Whether you choose to volunteer or relax the accommodation on Perhentian will be based at Bubbles Dive Resort. You will be given triple-share fan accommodation. The golden sandy beach at Bubbles is isolated & virtually always empty. Coral grows along the shoreline and the water is clear blue so snorkelling is a must for all who stay. The backdrop to the beach is lush rainforest.
What support will I receive?
Throughout your time in Malaysia you will have the support and guidance of Daniel one of the founders of Help Our Penyu who will answer any questions and assist you with any problems during your stay. Before you go on the expedition we will give you our know before you go guide and you can ask us any more specific questions or get advice from our facebook group.
On arrival at the project you will be given a brief orientation by Daniel, giving you information on the project, cultural do’s and don’ts and necessary training.
Is there an age limit?
Volunteers must be a minimum of 16 years old, but our volunteers are all ages and there is no upper limit. If you are below 18 we need a written letter from your guardian stating the onsite staff can sign as your guardian if any medical problems should happen. Please inform your volunteer coordinator before you depart if this is the case. You can email daniel@helpourpenyu.com.
Is insurance needed?
Yes, insurance is compulsory and without it you will not be allowed to go on the expedition. We will ask for evidence of your insurance policy before departure – once there you will not be able to get any. We can help direct you to a recommended insurance provider.
Is a visa required?
British tourists are automatically issued with a 90 day holiday visa on arrival. Please contact us and the Malaysian embassy if you require further information.
Is a scuba dive course included?
A scuba dive course is not included as part of the official expedition, however a course can be bolted-on to the program in the second week.
I am already a diver, can I dive whilst on the program?
Yes, you can go diving during the second week whilst staying on the Perhentian islands. The course costs RM1050 for an Open Water and RM950 for an Advanced PADI Scuba dive certificate they both take between 3-4 days. Rescue and even Dive Master certification are available. Please enquire at Daniel@helpourpenyu.com
Are flights included in the prices?
Flights are not included in the price. If you wish to book flights you can contact our preferred travel agent www.rexair.co.uk or visit www.airasia.com.
Accommodation & Meals
While you are on the expedition you will have your food provided at local restaurants. The expedition will enable you to be able to taste traditional Malaysian food and it includes rice for breakfast in the form of Nasi Lamak. Whilst on the Perhentian island you will be given 3 meals a day at the open air restaurant. 1 breakfast which includes toast, cereal, eggs or fruit and tea or coffee, 1 western style lunch which includes dishes such as pasta or sandwiches or fries and a Malaysian style dinner which will normally consist of rice and two local dishes (one vegetable and one chicken dish). Seafood dishes are not included in the menu. Water is readily available throughout the day as well as bread at the refill point in the restaurant. Please bear in mind whilst you stay in Perhentian you will be staying on an isolated island with limited supplies so food choices can be repetitive.
What is there to do in free time?
During the first week you will not have much spare time to go to other places however the rest periods when doing surveys is when the sun is the hottest so you will be able to bathe in the sea, read your books, listen to music and just relax – but please remember this area follows strict Islamic rules and you will need to cover your shoulders most of the time so sun bathing with little clothing is not allowed. Whilst on Perhentian if you decide to relax you would be able to take taxi boats to other beaches and resorts around the islands but please bare in mind boat costs on the island can be expensive.
Malaysia as a Muslim country
As Malaysia is a Muslim country alcohol is not freely available. There will be no alcohol during the first week of the expedition and is limited during the second week at Bubbles Dive Resort on the Perhentian islands. The best place to go for a more party atmosphere is the backpacker region – long beach – which is a popular choice to unwind in your evenings off with flowing alcoholic drinks and beach parties
Please be warned the expedition sites are quiet at night and we highly recommend you bring along a good book or two, dvds, ipods and playing cards to help pass the long evenings
Can I combine this with another gapyear or careerbreak volunteer programme?
Of course you can, while you are in Malaysia you might as well make the most of it! After the Walk for Turtles Expedition you could extend your stay and start at week 2 for the Perhentian volunteer programme and only pay the Malaysian rate. Our partner travel agent can help you to book other excursions around Malaysia including Sipadan and orang-utan viewing in Borneo. Please go to www.ecoteerresponsibletravel.com or email Daniel@ecoteer.com for further information about trips or excursions.
