Volunteer in the Malaysian Perhentian Islands on this Community & Conservation Volunteer Project

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Volunteer in Malaysia on the Perhentian Islands, which are well renowned as the most beautiful islands in Peninsular Malaysia, and consequently have become a haven for backpackers and travellers alike, they are the best place to spend your gap year in Asia. The increase of tourists has seen a decline in the health of the coral reefs fringing the islands and the dilution of the villagers Malay culture. Volunteer at this project and help the islands take small but tangible steps towards increasing the sustainability of the islands.

Volunteering in this project gives volunteers a chance to know more about the Malay culture, an experience of living in a coastal village, learn about sustainable living, teaching & interacting with children and local villagers and enjoy the local hospitality. It is a chance to get to know one of side Malaysia and Southeast Asia which has to offer.

AIM
to increase environmental and cultural awareness amongst the villagers, community and tourists.

OBJECTIVES
1) To assist the economy of the village through encouraging cultural services offered by the villagers and community.
2) To provide relevant after-school clubs and activities for the children of Perhentian with the help of volunteers.
3) To act as an example of responsible living to the Perhentian villagers.
4) To initiate environmental and cultural events in the village, for villagers and tourists to join together during ’Gotong Royong’ events.
5) To help the people in need in the village.
6) To act in harmony with the village and to act on the wishes of the villagehead and headmaster.

The Ecoteer House Volunteer Malaysia Project is increasing environmental awareness of the villagers where by volunteers host a weekly Environmental club for the school children and starting in 2012 a weekly village clean up where the villagers and tourists are encouraged to join in.

In 2012 an English club will be run at the primary school to help improve the creative writing of the children. We are also proposing a weekly Eco-Snorkel club for the school children as well but this has not been confirmed. Volunteers will be involved in all three of these clubs sharing their knowledge and creativity with the children.

Perhentian literately means a stopover and has been home to fishermen folk for over a century with tourists only visiting in significant numbers since 2000. Many of the fishermen now work as water taxi boatmen and snorkel guides whereas the women work as maids. The villagers have lots to share with us about island life and they are keen to learn from us too. The project is being guided by the village head and headmaster to ensure mutually beneficial outcomes and that we work hand-in-hand with the villagers.

This project is trully unique in Malaysia as you get to experience the beach and sea of the islands as well as the culture of the villagers this is a true island experience that shouldn’t be missed. It is the chance for volunteers to experience a volunteering project which is focused on community work and sustainable living in a coastal village, a unique experience for gap years and green holiday travelers looking to travel in Asia.

How is this trip responsible?

1. Clear aim

To increase environmental and cultural awareness amongst the villagers and tourists.

2. Low tourist impact

The Ecoteer House holds a maximum of 4 volunteers at any one time and all visiting are given a thorough briefing regarding cultural sensitivities.  At the Ecoteer House we have started recyclin & composting and some of the villagers are starting to take note;

3. Contribution to local community

Half of your weekly fee goes direct to the village.  We use all local boatmen and restaurants;

4. Environmental and cultural conservation

Each week we host a Environmental, English and Eco Snorkel clubs for the school children going to the primary school in the Perhentian Islands.  The volunteers are given a thorough briefing regarding Malay culture and are encouraged to take part in extra cultural experiences like learning to speak Arabic or learning the basics to the Malaysian martial art silat.

Make the most of your time in the Perhentian Islands and learn to scuba dive, help protect a turtle nesting beach and learn about the Reef Check survey. The Bubbles Dive, Turtle and Coral project is the perfect complement to the Ecoteer House Project.