Eco-Conservation School Trip: Sayfol International Students Help Save Turtles in Malaysia
- Conservation Bubbles
- Aug 4
- 3 min read
By Nuckchadee Gawtam, BTC Intern of 2025
Earlier this month, we had the pleasure of hosting Sayfol International School for a 4-day, 3-night eco-conservation program at Bubbles Turtle Conservation, located in the Perhentian Islands, Malaysia.
From snorkeling with reef fish to helping release baby turtles, the students were fully immersed in hands-on conservation work.
Day 1 – Arrival and Night Patrol
Orientation and Snorkeling
The trip began with the fresh sea breeze as Sayfol International students arrived at Bubbles Dive Resort, where Bubbles Turtle Conservation is stationed at.
After check-in, they were warmly welcomed and attended an orientation led by the resort team, which included dive instructors, conservationists, and passionate youth leaders.
Following a briefing on safety, the environment, and the upcoming days, the students headed out for their first major experience, which was snorkeling.
For many, it was their first time swimming above coral reefs and spotting marine creatures like parrotfish, sea cucumbers, and some baby sharks!
Night Patrol: A Conservation First
As night fell, students were divided into small groups for their first night patrol, accompanied by teachers.
These quiet walks introduced them to reading turtle tracks, listening to the beach, and feeling nature’s rhythm after dark, a highlight of the trip that became a nightly routine.
Day 2 – Learning Marine Biology and Coral Reef
Shoreline Ecology Workshop
Day two began with sandy toes and scientific minds. Students took part in a Shoreline Ecology Workshop and learned:
✅ Beach zones and intertidal species
✅ Ecosystem connections between land and sea
✅ Indicators of healthy vs. stressed beach environments
They used drawings and illustrations to express what they had observed, translating science into art with creativity and focus.
Coral Conversation with Wei Qi
In the afternoon, Wei Qi, Project Manager of Bubbles Turtle Conservation, delivered a dynamic session on coral reef ecosystems.
Students asked questions about bleaching, reef recovery, and turtles’ roles in coral health with Wei Qi’s passion leaving a lasting impression.
Night patrols continued, and while turtle nesting was spotted, students practiced tracking footprints and logging observations.
They even witnessed facial ID data collection of a mother turtle which is part of the resort’s conservation work.
Day 3 – Beach Clean Up and Baby Turtle Release
Beach Clean Up
The final day kicked off with an eco-action mission. Students removed plastic waste, driftwood, and ghost nets from the beach, realizing how even small debris can endanger marine life.
Creative T-Shirts & Hatchling Magic
In the afternoon, the students got creative with a fun T-shirt painting activity, turning their conservation experience into wearable memories.
Then something magical happened, a clutch of hatchlings began to stir beneath the sand.
Under the guidance of the conservation team, students watched and helped with the turtle hatchling release, ensuring they made their way safely to the sea.
With only 1 in 1,000 hatchlings surviving to adulthood, this moment left a powerful impact.
Reflections & Goodbyes
Before leaving, students held a heartfelt 'Turtle Talk' session where they shared reflections, funny memories, and lessons learned.
Many wrote postcards and thank-you notes filled with doodles and gratitude.
A final group photo captured their sandy feet, glowing smiles, and pride in being part of something meaningful.
💙 Thank You, Sayfol International School
To the students, teachers, and leaders of Sayfol:
Thank you for your enthusiasm, curiosity, and kindness. Whether helping hatchlings, picking up trash, or asking important questions, you made a real difference.
Want your school to experience a trip like Sayfol’s?
Email us at turtle@bubblesdc.com or even call us at +60 17-881 1981 to learn about our school programs and conservation tours.
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