Turtle Conservation in Malaysia

Wake up to your first morning in Malaysia and dive into expedition life, assign some team roles and meet the ground team to discuss your plans. You’ll also need to buy some food supplies and a SIM card for the team phone, so head to the market and get to grips with the local currency, the Malaysian Ringgit. Jobs done, it’s time to explore. As you stroll through the city, crane your neck to see the spectacular skyscrapers, and banyan trees with crazy web-like roots. Also known as ‘KL’, this multicultural city has some of the best food in Southeast Asia. You’re in for a treat when you hit the hawker centres, expect everything from Chinese dumplings to Indian curries. You’ll experience more of this epic city later in the trip.

Get ready to explore Malacca. Quaint, charming and full of culture, this tiny Malaysian state was once one of the biggest trading ports in Southeast Asia. A melting pot of Malay, Chinese, Indian and European heritage, it’s fascinating to explore. Visit the UNESCO-listed centre and learn about its history, then delve into the markets and see if you can spot the glitziest rickshaw in town. Malacca’s traditional Malay-Chinese ‘Nyonya’ food is fantastic, so chow down on dim sum for breakfast, noodle soup for lunch, and tandoori for dinner.

Travel up the coast, about an hour north of the city. You’ll spend the next two days contributing to marine conservation and learning about hawksbill turtles. With their striking patterned shells and long beaks, hawksbill sea turtles have been visiting Malacca’s beaches for centuries. Around 200-300 come to nest here every year but they are critically endangered because of poaching, pollution and habitat destruction. Learn about these threats and help out where you can. Join night patrols along the beach and lend a hand with collecting data. Help with beach cleanups and building turtle hatcheries. Dive deeper into community life by learning local handicrafts and practising your Malay with the villagers.

Explore Taman Negeri Rompin, a hidden gem of Malaysia’s rainforests. This lush, untamed wilderness is ideal for adventurers seeking a deeper connection with nature where ancient trees tower and rivers carve through dense jungle. Lead your team along jungle trails, across rivers, and up steep inclines, each step bringing you closer to breataking views. Trek to Sungai Kernam Forest, where the air is thick with the scent of earth and foliage. Be on the look out for gibbons calling, wild boars rustling, and brightly coloured birds darting through nature. As darkness falls, experience the magic of this trail with a night stroll through the rainforest and spot the nocturnal wildlife. Camp under the stars, surrounded by wildlife’s symphony and reflect on your journey. You’ll rest easy tonight, with the rainforest as your lullaby.

Travel back to Kuala Lumpur and dive deeper into the city and its incredible surroundings. There’s a massive choice of things to see and do, so chat to the ground team and make a plan. The Menara Tower should be at the top of your list. Gazing down from its viewing platform is a great way to get your bearings. Or you could head to Petronas Towers for a bird’s-eye view from the Skybridge. Check out Merdeka Square, where Malaysia proclaimed ‘merdeka’ (independence) in 1957. Or how about a day trip to the Batu Caves, a Hindu temple is built into limestone cliffs, and keep a look out for cheeky monkeys! Head to the night markets for your final taste of Malay curries, satay and ‘popiah’, similar to spring rolls, stuffed with jicama and nuts.

After the best two weeks of your life, it’s time to travel home, so cram everything into your backpack and head to the airport. Check in, sit back and let it all sink in, you’ve just experienced something incredible. Malaysia has opened your eyes and challenged you more than you ever imagined. You’ve fast-tracked your life skills and connected with the locals; you’ve led your team and made new friends for life. These experiences will shape who you are and put you on the path to becoming a true global citizen. Prepare to return home forever changed!