VOLUNTEER WITH US
Our mission to conserve and protect the Perhentians Islands' marine ecosystem would not be complete without your help!
You will become part of the PMRS team and help our dedicated staff to collect data on coral reefs, and marine life whilst also experiencing the local culture on the islands.
This volunteer programme is perfect if you are keen on improving your scientific diving skills or interested in learning conservation and stakeholder engagement. We are delighted to welcome volunteers from all backgrounds and cultures and can't wait to have you on the team!
PROJECT AIMS AND CONCEPT
The volunteer program is built around the idea of diving with purpose, where every activity contributes to meaningful marine conservation awareness and work. Rather than diving solely for recreation, participants actively support ongoing research and reef protection efforts in the Perhentian Islands.
Throughout the program, volunteers develop a deeper understanding of coral reef ecology and are introduced to a wide range of marine life, including reef fishes, corals, and more. Guided training helps participants build confidence in identifying species and understanding how reef ecosystems function.
Volunteers are also introduced to basic scientific methods, gaining hands-on experience in data collection, reef surveys, and monitoring techniques. Through a combination of citizen science and scientific diving training, participants contribute valuable data to real conservation projects while developing practical field skills.
This program is designed for those seeking a more meaningful, educational, and hands-on experience in marine conservation.
“In the end, we will conserve only what we love; we will love only what we understand, and we will understand only what we are taught.”
Baba Dioum
WHAT TO EXPECT
Program Overview
VOLUNTEER PROGRAM (With Dive Course)
WEEK 0
Complete your dive certification, with our partner dive centers, including safety skills, buoyancy control, and open water dives.
VOLUNTEER PROGRAM: 1 WEEK AND BEYOND
Week 1
Introduction
'Diving with Purpose'
Introducing you to key marine ecosystems in the Perhentians, reef ecology, basic fish, coral, and invertebrate identification. Take part in weekly reef and beach clean-ups, gain basic data collection experience, and are introduced to village life, including a traditional Malay dinner. By the end of the week, you are prepared for further scientific diving and survey work.
EXAMPLE OF WEEK 1
MONDAY
Introduction to the project, a tour of the village where we are based, and lunch by the jetty. Free and easy for you to get settled in!
TUESDAY
Eco snorkel tour introducing reef habitats and marine life identification. Followed by survey skills and buoyancy dive. An introductory dive to the marine ecosystem at Perhentian, and the work we do.
WEDNESDAY
Coral and substrate identification point-out dives, with guided instruction on key reef features.
THURSDAY
Fish identification point-out dives, focusing on recognising common reef species, followed by a debrief session.
FRIDAY
Your last day of diving with us. We will be cleaning up our reefs! You're also invited to have a Kuih Making session and a delicious Malay Dinner prepared by locals.
SATURDAY
Beach clean-up with other volunteers and project staff, followed by free time to picnic on the beach or go snorkeling.
SUNDAY
Its time to say goodbye to Perhentian. If you're volunteering for a longer period, enjoy Sunday off!
From WEEK 2 & Beyond:
Scientific Diving & Survey Training
Week 2 and following weeks focuses on developing scientific diving and reef survey skills. Volunteers are trained in survey methods such as transects, fish counts, and substrate identification, while continuing to improve species identification. Participants contribute to data collection for ongoing research. You could begin working on a volunteer individual project. By the end of the week, volunteers gain practical experience in marine fieldwork and reef monitoring.
CULTURE IN THE VILLAGE
PMRS is based in Kampung Nelayan, meaning 'Fishing Village'. The village has strong ties to the ocean, relying it for recreational activties, food, and income through tourism and fishing.
Kampung Nelayan is a friendly and welcoming village with a strong local culture and community spirit. At PMRS, we work closely with the local community with the mindset of learning from them, sharing knowledge, and appreciating the island as their home.
As a devout Muslim community, please be respectful of local customs while staying in the village. We expect volunteers to dress modestly in the village by covering shoulders and knees and appropriately in the project house and accomodation.
ACCOMODATION AND MEALS
Volunteers will stay in a shared village house with basic living conditions. The accommodation is not luxurious, but it offers an authentic experience of village life equipped with several bunk beds, and a small communal area for relaxing.
Please come prepared with essentials such as suitable clothing, toiletries, and mosquito repellent.
Three meals are provided a day. Breakfast will be available in the PMRS house with ingredients available for volunteers to prepare their own breakfast. Lunch and dinner are typically covered through a food allowance or arranged meals. Occasionally, you will be invited for dinner at PMRS house where one of the staff will cook!
While meals are provided daily, food options in the village can be limited. Vegetarian options are available but may be limited, as local restaurants and village meals may not always cater to a wide variety diets.
