Connecting People with Nature
Perhentian Marine Research Station (PMRS) is a small scale research station in the Perhentian Islands.
Our primary aim is to collect vital marine data through the mapping and health assessments of seagrass beds and coral reefs. We collaborate with dive centres and local resorts for environmental conservation.
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 marine research in Perhentian by collecting data on coral reefs, seagrass beds, and marine life whilst also experiencing the local culture on the islands.
Volunteers will focus on 'Conservation in Action’, which will include reef cleans, ‘diving against debris’, fish surveys, coral reef surveys and maintaining our coral nursery. You will also be aiding the PMRS team at their education booth at Long Beach to educate the public on how to better manage their waste.
Why choose this project?
This project is perfect if you want to improve your diving skills or are interested in coral reef restoration and conservation. You will also learn valuable conservation and stakeholder engagement skills, which are a must for any future conservationist.
Volunteer with us
Learn to scuba dive and then help restore marine ecosystems in Perhentian. Join our research team on seagrass or reef surveys – depending on what needs doing.
Expected requirements
Minimum age 18 years old.
Certified divers can start with the survey dive programme straight away. Non-divers must sign up for at least two weeks. Volunteers will complete PADI certification in the first week before joining the survey dives.
Volunteering duration & 2025 rates
The minimum volunteering period is two weeks (one week for certified divers).
Additional weeks beyond 4 weeks is RM1000 per week.
- Certified divers only: MYR 1750
- Certified divers only: MYR 3000
- No dive course: MYR 3000
- With dive course: MYR 3900
- No dive course: MYR 4500
- With dive course: MYR 5300
- No dive course: MYR 4250
- With dive course: MYR 5000
- No dive course: MYR 6000
- With dive course: MYR 6700
- No dive course: MYR 5500
- With dive course: MYR 6250
- No dive course: MYR 7350
- With dive course: MYR 8200
Project timing
The project week starts every Monday from April to September.
Arrivals on Mondays, departures on Sundays.
Contribute to our iNaturalist project!
Coral reef ecosystems provide homes for much of the coastal marine life around the Perhentians. Knowing exactly where these reefs are, their composition, and the type of marine life they host can help us to understand them better and continually monitor their health.
You can help us build a biodiversity database by submitting your marine life photos in Perhentian to our iNaturalist Citizen Science Project, while identifying what you saw at the same time!
Contact us about our research
We carry out research on marine habitats in the Perhentian Islands, with peer-reviewed papers published on coral reef and anemone habitats, and ongoing study on the seagrass fields. We also aim to offer a Marine Scholar placement for Malaysian youth every year. Contact us for opportunities to support our research.
