OUR WORK
The key to safeguarding our nesting population of turtles - predominantly green sea turtles, as well as Hawksbill sea turtles - on Lang Tengah Island, Malaysia, relies on our constant and continued presence on the island, as this is the main deterrent to egg poachers. Living 24 hours a day in the camp, we regularly patrol the nesting beaches on the island by night, relocating any nests that are laid on other beaches back to the safety of Turtle Beach.
We are aiming to expand our operations from the shore up into the forest and right down into the ocean. Our first move has been compiling a species list for the island. As far as biological research on Lang Tengah is concerned, the records of the marine park and WWF up until we started our operations were described as ‘data deficient’.
In 2019 we aim to expand upon the work we did in 2018 from Turtle Bay and do more to understand the marine ecosystem around Lang Tengah. This will involve running research periods focused on learning more about the corals around Lang Tengah. This research at the beginning and end of the season will be separated by a period of community engagement focused around the continuation of our LEAP Together Programme.
YOUR ROLE
You will be the driving force of our operation, patrolling the nesting beaches by night with the rest of our young, dedicated and passionate team. You will also aid in the relocation of eggs, if necessary, and the gathering of data from pre & post hatch inspections, as well as nesting females.
The expansion of our research may require your assistance in undertaking terrestrial and/or marine transect surveys - for instance you will be directly involved with our shark monitoring programme and any other research projects that are going on alongside the turtle work. For this reason we strongly suggest that applicants be able to swim, so as not to be left out of these activities.
You will also assist in welcoming visitors from resorts and educating them about the turtles and the project, as well as helping with our school and recycling programmes.
You look after the camp, ensuring there is enough water to drink and food to eat, as well as partaking in other camp chores such as cleaning and stock-takes
Those looking to volunteer should be relatively fit and acquainted with the rigours of outdoor living.
FREE TIME
Turtles and research aside, we try to make your experience with us as fun and interactive as possible. Every afternoon, we aim to put on leisure activities to make sure you can experience all the island has to offer, these activities include: trekking through the jungle to secluded snorkelling spots, cliff jumping, volleyball, kayaking, playing games on camp and more! There is also the option to go scuba diving on the island but this is at an additional cost.
ACCOMMODATION
Stripped-back and open-air, the camp lies slightly recessed behind the secluded beach on Turtle Bay. Think rustic, jungle living - bucket-showers and camp fires.
Take a tour around our campsite with this video made by our volunteers
VOLUNTEERING
Please note that we cannot facilitate visa acquisitions for our volunteers.
We are looking to recruit volunteers throughout the season - from 3rd March until the 13th October 2019.
We are trying to encourage long-term volunteers, as we feel that staying for 1 month + gives you the best experience from what the project has to offer. Giving you time to properly settle in also means that you will be more comfortable with fellow volunteers and the islanders, boosting the productivity and quality of the work we do on Lang Tengah.
In 2019 there will be a minimum volunteering period of 2 weeks, increasing in 2 week increments thereafter.
International volunteer rates are:
2 weeks: £440
4 weeks: £660
6 weeks: £990
8 weeks: £1,320
This is inclusive of all food, accommodation, project training, equipment, orientation and all leisure activities (excl. scuba diving)
For April and May 2019, the start dates for volunteering are:
31st March
14th April
28th April
12th May
26th May
PREREQUISITE
We ask that you be relatively fit and prepared to participate in all our conservation activities, which can be fairly physically demanding.
Able to swim in order to participate in our marine surveys in 2019.
Sociable and looking to make new friends on the project.
Eager to learn about marine biology and conservation.
If you are interested in volunteering later in the season, please check with our team for availabilities.
To find out more about our project or to apply, please look at our website, facebook page, or contact our Project Coordinator Bella Jack: bella@langtengahturtlewatch.org
WEB: www.langtengahturtlewatch.org
FACEBOOK: Lang Tengah Turtle Watch
EMAIL: bella@langtengahturtlewatch.org
