About
Juara Turtle Project
Juara Turtle Project (JTP) is a conservation initiative dedicated to sea turtle conservation in Tioman Island. It began from a Department of Fisheries initiative to protect sea turtle nesting sites and surrounding turtle habitat.
20 years later, with support from United World College Southeast Asia (UWCSEA) and the Royal Family of Pahang, it is now an independent marine conservation project.
Today, JTP also carries out coral rehabilitation, as well as waste management and school programmes on marine conservation.
Night beach patrol
We watch for nesting female turtles and ensure she can lay her eggs safely.
Nest relocation
When nests are at risk from tides or predators, we carefully relocate eggs to the project’s protected hatchery.
Monitoring & hatchling release
Volunteers help with hatchery maintenance, data collection, hatchling care and responsible releases.
Conservation training & networking
Volunteers get a chance to work together with staff, interns, conservation assistants and fellow volunteers from all around the world, and professional training in practical marine biology.
Volunteer with us
Set in the quiet, beautiful village of Juara, our programme offers a balance of conservation work, community engagement, and the chance to explore Tioman’s rainforest, beaches, and reefs. Volunteers leave with practical conservation experience, new friendships, and the satisfaction of making a real contribution to protecting Malaysia’s sea turtles. We welcome volunteers who want to get their hands deep in the various aspects of conservation.
Volunteering duration & rates
Volunteering durations are in one-week increments. Minimum duration for non-ASEAN international volunteers is 2 weeks.
Standard dorm
(up to 6 pax; three bunk beds, ensuite bathroom without water heater)
- International Volunteers: MYR 3000/ 2 weeks (+MYR 1250 for each additional week)
- ASEAN Volunteers: MYR 1500/ week
- Malaysian Volunteers: MYR 750/ week
Private room
(up to 2 pax; one double bed, ensuite bathroom with water heater)
- International Volunteers: MYR 3600/ 2 weeks (+MYR 1550 for each additional week)
- ASEAN Volunteers: MYR 1800/ week
- Malaysian Volunteers: MYR 1000/ week
Luxury dorm
(up to 8 pax; four bunk beds, ensuite bathroom with water heater)
- International Volunteers: MYR 4200/ 2 weeks (+MYR 1850 for each additional week)
- ASEAN Volunteers: MYR 2100/ week
Typical day at Juara Turtle Project
Morning
Your day begins with the gentle sounds of waves rolling onto Juara’s beach. After breakfast, you get ready for the morning activity of the day.
There is a different activity for each working day of the week which will be shared with you during briefing and check-in.
Late morning-afternoon
As the sun gets stronger, tasks shift to lighter activities.
There are often a few hours of personal downtime after lunch, giving you the chance to swim, snorkel, explore the village, or relax before evening duties begin.
Afternoon-evening
Activities resume, followed by the daily 4pm Conservation Tour! Visitors gather to learn about the work that we do with sea turtles.
Post-tour, the first part of turtle activities begin - possible nest checks, turtle releases and excavations.
Late evening-night
The most important conservation work begins: night beach patrols. Equipped with red-light torches, volunteers walk the coastline searching for nesting turtles. If a turtle comes ashore, the team quietly observes, records data, and helps relocate the eggs if needed.
Night-early morning
You return to your dormitories, possibly tired but satisfied, knowing your work directly supports the survival of Tioman Island’s sea turtles. The day ends with the sounds of the sea (or maybe even a cock crowing at sunrise) and the sense of being part of something meaningful.
Free time activities
During your free time you can relax on the beach, enjoy the lagoon, go looking for animals in the jungle, enjoy some different food in the restaurants, go hang out at the waterfall, take a boat trip to explore other parts of the island - there is never a dull moment!
Skills we are looking for
Added advantage: prior experience or skills in
- maintenance,
- wood-working/ carpentry,
- social media and marketing,
- conservation.
