Intern­ship Abroad Malaysia: Turtle Conser­va­tion on Tioman Island

Our programme includes a wide range of services, allowing you to focus fully on your experience. The fee covers accommodation, all meals (except Saturdays), on-site orientation, and support from experienced English-speaking staff throughout your stay.

You will also receive your Open Water and Advanced Open Water diving certifications, including the Eco Diver qualification. Before departure, we assist with travel planning and provide a detailed information pack.

Flights, visa costs, travel insurance, diving insurance, snacks, and alcoholic or non-alcoholic drinks are not included and must be arranged independently.

Before travelling to Malaysia, you should consult your doctor regarding potential health risks, recommended vaccinations, and precautionary measures. You should be physically fit enough to undertake fieldwork in tropical conditions, including diving activities. Comprehensive travel insurance is also required.

Yes. All participants are required to have appropriate international medical insurance covering the duration of their stay abroad. Certain medical preparations may also be necessary before travelling.

In addition, you must arrange your own diving insurance, as diving forms part of the internship. If you need support, please get in touch, and we can connect you with our local partner.

Yes. Essential items include a torch with both white and red light settings (red light is used to avoid disturbing turtles at night), travel documents and copies, sufficient cash, a rain jacket, insect repellent, reef-safe sunscreen, a rash guard, long trousers, a reusable water bottle, snorkel mask, a Type G plug adapter, and your own towels.

You will receive a detailed packing list before departure.

The internship begins with six weeks of core training. You may then extend your stay to 8, 10, or 12 weeks, taking on increasing levels of responsibility.

Yes. Participants must be at least 18 years old. The internship runs from early March until mid-October, coinciding with the turtle nesting season.

Yes. Upon arrival, project staff will provide a safety briefing and explain all project regulations. Many of these rules are designed to protect the turtles, such as avoiding the use of white light during night patrols and treating nests and wildlife with care and respect. The team will explain all guidelines during your introduction.

Yes. You are responsible for arranging your flights and onward travel. You will fly to Singapore on a Saturday and arrange your own overnight accommodation. On Sunday, you will continue to Mersing or Tanjung Gemok by bus (approximately four hours from Singapore) or by car, before taking a boat to Tioman Island. From Singapore, our local partner will support you with the transfer.

After the boat crossing, the team in Juara will meet you, show you to your accommodation, and provide an introduction to the project, safety procedures, and your initial responsibilities.

A maximum of ten interns can take part in the project. But there will also be other staff and volunteers around, creating a friendly and personal working environment with a mix of international and Malaysian participants.

Accommodation consists of air-conditioned dormitories for up to eight people, separated by gender, with shared bathrooms and hot water. Bed linen is provided, but towels are not.

Accommodation is provided in shared, gender-separated dormitories. If you are travelling with friends of the same gender, you can usually be accommodated together. Due to the room arrangements, couples must request a private room in advance. Please note that these rooms do not have air conditioning. Feel free to contact us to arrange this.

Breakfast is self-service, while lunch and dinner are prepared for you. The only exception is Saturdays, when the kitchen is closed and meals are at your own expense in one of the village restaurants.

Yes. A vegetarian option and a meat-based option are available every day.

English is the working language within the project team, while Malay is the primary language spoken in the village of Juara.

The project focuses on Green Sea Turtles and Hawksbill Turtles, both of which nest on Tioman Island’s beaches.

Yes. The local team will support you throughout your internship and will be available to answer any questions you may have.

During your internship, you will receive a range of certifications, references, and practical skills gained through hands-on conservation and diving work. You will be awarded a completion/participation certificate as well as a personalised professional reference outlining your strengths, achievements, and fieldwork performance. In addition, you will receive documentation of your competencies, highlighting the conservation skills you have been trained in.

On the diving side, you will obtain an Open Water certification and an Advanced Open Water certification.

You will also take part in JTP research dives, gaining valuable real-world experience in marine research and conservation work.

A key highlight of the programme is the Eco Diver Qualification, a unique certification that cannot be obtained elsewhere. It is delivered by trained instructors and reflects specialised skills in eco-focused diving and marine conservation practices.

Your main personal expenses will be meals on Saturdays (approximately RM 20–25 per meal in the village) and snacks purchased from the three small shops in Juara.
Payments are made in Malaysian Ringgit (MYR). There is only one ATM on the island, located in Tekek, and none in Juara. You should therefore bring sufficient cash with you.

Wi-Fi is available at the accommodation, and mobile coverage is generally reliable in Juara. Local SIM cards can be purchased near the jetty in Mersing.

The climate is tropical and humid. Turtle nesting season runs from March to October, peaking during the summer months, while the monsoon season generally lasts from late December until March.

The local team is trained to respond to emergencies and will assist you in accessing medical care, contacting your insurance provider, and reaching your embassy if required.