Experience/Volunteer
As a Participant in our Experiential Program, you will work directly alongside our dedicated Conservation Team, while learning more about the habitat around us at Bubbles (both in and out of the ocean!)
You will get hands-on experience and an in depth understanding of what it means to be a conservationist.
From our participants...
Details, Pricing & Availability
Early Season (March to Mid-June)
With fewer turtle activities, participants focus on habitat clean-up and project preparation. In this season, we introduct the Ocean & Conservation Experience in collaboration with Bubbles Dive Centre to include some mini underwater experiences to help everyone understand the marine environment. The experience is split into Snorkeler and and Certified Diver program.
Turtle Season (Mid-June to October)
As turtle activity increases, the program shifts to hands-on turtle conservation, giving participants the chance to engage directly with nesting and hatchling activities.
Includes
Return Speedboat Transfer
(between Besut Jetty and Bubbles Turtle Conservation)
5 Breakfast, Lunches & Dinners
5 Nights Accommodation
(quad share, unisex lodge) - get in touch for upgrade options!
Participation in Conservation Project
4 Environmental Education Workshops
(3 workshops for Diver's Experience)
E-Certificate of Participation
ADDITIONAL INCLUSION FOR OCEAN & CONSERVATION EXPERIENCE
Snorkeler's Experience
Water Confidence Session x 1
Standard Boat Snorkeling Trip x 1
Underwater Imaging Introduction
Certified Diver's Experience
Check Out Dive x 1 (Shore)
Mini Buoyancy Clinic Dive x 1 (Shore)
Underwater Clean-up Dive x 1 (March to April) or Coral Introduction Dive x 1 (May to Mid-June)
Underwater Imaging Introduction
Excludes
Marine Park Fee
Besut District Council Fee
8% Sales & Service Tax
Airport Transfer
Dive Equipment Rental
Imaging Equipment
Other expenses not mentioned
Who is eligible to participate?
Age & General Participation
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The program involves physically demanding outdoor activities and late-night patrols (21:00 - 02:00 and 03:00 - 07:00).
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Hence, participation is recommended for individuals aged 18 - 59.
Children & Minors
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Children aged 6 -17 may join only if accompanied by a parent or a legal guardian (appointed by the parent) who is present at the project site.
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For children aged 6 -12, the parent or legal guardian must also participate in the program.
Participants Aged 60 and Above
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Participants aged 60 and above must provide medical clearance from a doctor confirming they are fit to join.
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Participants must be 13 years old or above.
Diver's Package Requirement
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A minimum PADI Open Water certification (or equivalent) is required.
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Participants with existing medical conditions, or who believe they may have one, must provide a doctor’s statement confirming fitness to dive.
Turtle Conservation - Heart of the Program
As part of the Experiential Program, you’ll take part in a variety of hands-on activities and learning sessions. During the day, there will be a mix of workshops alongside daily conservation work. In the evenings, night patrol shifts will be scheduled as part of the experience.
Hatchery Maintenance
Our hatchery keeps our eggs safe from predation while they are incubating, as well as operating at a temperature regulator. We complete weekly hatchery maintenance to ensure the structure is stable and functioning.
Turtle Talk
As an active participant, you will familiarize yourself with the material for turtle talks, empowering yourself to spread the message of turtle conservation to tourist of Bubbles Dive Resort.
Nightly Beach Patrols
You will partake in four night patrols, occasionally under a starlit sky. This includes checking the hatchery and patrolling the beach every hour to monitor for any turtle activity between 21:00 - 02:00 or 02:00 - 03:00 - 07:00.
Turtle Work
You'll have the opportunity to assist our team with field data collection, whether it's gathering information on nesting mothers or hatchlings, depending on the season. You'll also help release hatchlings into the sea, setting up barriers for safe guest viewing as part of the process.
Beach Clean
Here at Bubbles, we’re super passionate about all areas of our environment. Each week we pick up any rubbish that has washed up on our beach, and catalog it into the Clean Swell app.
Turtle Conservation Season
What to expect?
Please note that depending on the time of your visit, you may have an upweight in either nesting mothers or hatchling releases. Turtle activity is not guaranteed at any time, however, peak season is between July and September based on past data.
Environmental Educational Workshops
As part of this immersive programme, the conservation team will take you through environmental workshops across the week that will give you a more in-depth understanding of green sea turtles and their habitat, and some of the wildlife around us here at Bubbles - both in and out of the ocean!
Workshop 2
Shoreline Ecology
The shoreline ecosystem is the nesting location for sea turtles. Trees impact the soil and sand, and their root network partially prevents beach erosion, providing suitable nesting ground. Many creatures call this habitat home, from small shoreline crabs to large monitor lizards.
Workshop 4
Jungle Trek
The trek takes approximately 60 minutes roundtrip. You will reach a stunning view point and have a chance to spot wildlife such monkeys and flying lemurs!
Jungle trek workshop not applicable to diver's package.
Workshop 1
Shore & Reef Life
You will learn about the coral reef and its inhabitants, ranging from small barnacles and sea stars to fish of different shapes and colours. The workshop offers an opportunity to explore and learn about the diverse marine life residing in the coral reef.
Workshop 3
Conservation
We will talk briefly about zoos, wildlife reserves, with their pros and cons. At the end you will also be able to plan out your own conservation project.
Workshop 3
Shore Reef Exploration
Using skills learned in Workshop 1, you will learn about the coral reef and its inhabitants, ranging from small barnacles and sea stars to fish of different shapes and colours. The workshop offers an opportunity to explore and learn about the diverse marine life residing in the coral reef.
Water Experience Workshops
(ONLY Available March - Mid June 2026)
During the low and mid season (March - Mid June), when turtle sightings are less common, we include mini water education sessions conducted by Bubbles Dive Centre to give participants a deeper understanding of the underwater world.
Water Confidence (Snorkeler's Experience)
A professional dive guide will provide structured guidance on essential water skills, including buoyancy control and the correct use of equipment such as masks and snorkels, helping participants build confidence and awareness in the water.
Mini Buoyancy Clinic (Certified Diver's Experience)
Through guided practice and clear explanations from dive professionals, participants will learn how proper buoyancy improves safety, protects marine life, and enhances overall comfort in the water.
Imaging Introduction (Snorkeler & Certified Diver's Experience)
A single session on basic introduction to underwater photography mainly emphasizing the difference between land and underwater photography - covering the aspects of technique, equipment and environment. No camera is required. The instructor will demonstrate the techniques in the water to help participants better understand how they work underwater.
Coral Introduction (Certified Diver's Experience April - Mid June)
A basic introduction to types of coral in Perhentian Island.
Workshop 3
Shore Reef Exploration
Using skills learned in Workshop 1, you will learn about the coral reef and its inhabitants, ranging from small barnacles and sea stars to fish of different shapes and colours. The workshop offers an opportunity to explore and learn about the diverse marine life residing in the coral reef.
Rest & Recreational Activities
We encourage participants to rest up whenever there’s free time in the schedule as conservation activities can be quite tiring due to nightly patrols.
If you are full of energy, there are recreational activities available such as paddleboarding, snorkel tours, scuba diving, hiking. Note that availability for snorkeling tours and scuba diving (outside of the program package) are subject to our dive center's availability.
Accommodation - Bubbles Lodge
Each room comes with two bunk beds, air-conditioner and an attached bathroom with hot water shower to ensure your basic comfort during your stay. It will be your responsibility to help maintain the cleanliness and tidiness of the room. As you will be sharing room with other participants, don't hesitate to socialize with your team mates and make new friends!
Get in touch with us at turtle@bubblesdc.com if you’d like more information on how to upgrade to a private room!
Meals
Breakfast - American Buffet
Lunch - Individual Meals/Buffet
(Depending on menu of the day)
Dinner - Buffet
(Includes vegetables, protein, fruits, dessert)
What do you get out of this programme?
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E-participate certificate
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Lifetime experience working in conservation
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Practical skills such as data collection, water safety, habitat assessment
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Opportunity to immerse yourself in nature and learn about local ecosystem
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Meeting like minded people
How would you be contributing?
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A portion of your participation fee (RM150 - RM450) will be donated to conservation efforts
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Providing manpower
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Raising awareness about turtle conservation
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Assisting with the maintenance of the turtle habitat to create optimal conditions for the well being of turtles
Experience with us!
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Check for available dates and price here
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Sign up by clicking the "Register" button
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Pay deposit to secure your spot
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Download and read the following documents before you embark on this lifetime experience!
Email us at turtle@bubblesdc.com if you have any questions!