#GempakSpot: Holiday For The Soul - Top Volunteer Holidaying Destinations In Malaysia

Although not really popular here, volunteering holiday is so much fun and returning home with a new perspective about people, cultures and mother nature, as well as building friendships over a good cause is even more rewarding than your regular travel itinerary.

Do and experience things that most people don't at these spots in Malaysia:

#1 Help protect orangutans in Borneo

If you do know a little about animal volunteering in Malaysia, it could be because of the award-winning OrangUtan Project at Matang Wildlife Centre.

The orangutans here, alongside other rare animals such as clouded leopards and bearcats, are either rescued, left injured or orphaned, and as a whole are under constant threat due to deforestation, mining and forest fires.

For two to four weeks, work with the staffs to help these amiable animals, with no physical contact since it would halt their rehabilitation. During your time here, scout through the dense forest, check out what daily life is to the Borneo’s indigenous people and get involved in organic farming.

Just remember to stock up some insect repellents and sturdy boots.

#2 Repair coral reefs at a secluded island in Sabah

Volunteering in one of the most beautiful islands in Malaysia? Yes, please! Work with TRACC (Tropical Research and Conservation Centre) at Pom Pom Island as an underwater gardener. Yes, you read that right.

Colourful corals contribute to the beauty of the ocean underneath and as a volunteer, you’ll dive in, clean the corals, plant new ones on those damaged and complete surveys that will help researchers. Novice divers need not worry as they provide training and you’ll begin at the shallow stage.

On your downtime, spend time with kind-hearted locals and swim with turtles, or if you're solely committed to being a beach bum, opportunities are ripe for the taking.

#3 Join hands with Perhentian Islands Marine Project & Sea Turtle Conservation

You may have stopped by these postcard-perfect islands as a visitor but they do need the volunteer side of you as well. The goals are to prevent the plummeting turtle population and preserve the surrounds.

Collect data for researchers by snorkelling into the turquoise water and snapping photos of the turtles for identification purpose, plus monitor the health of coral reefs and seagrass beds.

At night, under the star-lit sky, blown by the soothing sea breeze, patrol the beach to keep turtle egg poachers at bay. You can also spend time teaching English to the local community, whom in return share delicious home-cooked meals and engaging stories with you. Volunteering hasn’t sound so soothing.

#4 Be fascinated by farm life in Pahang

Snap out of farm games on your smartphone and step into reality at Bentong Happy Farm. The volunteering tasks and outdoor activities mirror the blissful backdrop - wake up to the call of roosters, chow down unpretentious organic meals and take on the day.

Assist in vegetable plantations, fish and prawn farms, gardening and play with friendly farm animals. The produces are sold to wholesale markets to bring income to poor families.

Make full use of your stay, hike up the neighbouring mountain to witness the rising sun gently break through layers of mist, go jungle trekking and SUP (Stand Up Paddling).

#5 A peaceful escape with purpose at Lang Tengah Turtle Watch

Tucked in between the islands of Perhentian and Redang, Lang Tengah is a tropical isle where turtles are governed with much-needed care and affection. Fishing activities, water pollution and egg poachers have been contributing to the serious decline of these humble creatures.

Similar to other turtle conservation centres in Terengganu, your duties are to monitor their landing, protect their nests, and night patrol to save their eggs. At times, volunteers gather at night to watch the hatchlings crawl their way into the South China Sea for a new beginning.