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	Volunteer Program This program was developed to provide volunteer assistance to the long-term tagging and in-situ egg incubation research and conservation project for marine turtles located in Chagar Hutang Beach, Redang Island. It has become very popular, especially among college and university students. Since its inception in 1998, a total of 1,403 volunteers have come through the program, 10% of which comprise foreigners. Male to female ratio is about 2 males to every 3 female volunteers. The volunteer program runs annually from April to October each year. Slots are of one week duration (Saturdays to Saturdays), but starting 2008, volunteers are given the option to leave on Thursdays. Costs remain unchanged for those who choose this option. Eligibility There is no screening process for the volunteer program. As a guideline, would-be volunteers should be: genuinely interested in wildlife conservation and a love for nature physically fit and be of age 18 or above able to live under simple conditions willing to work with others able to swim (preferably) possess at least a SPM / GCE qualification or its equivalent How to book To book a slot, check its availability by clicking here, then send an email to turtle@umt.edu.my to book the slot. Once you see your name appear on the pre-registration column on the Volunteer Program schedule, you will be given 2 weeks to confirm your booking by making a pre-payment of RM200 and returning the completed Registration Form (PDF) to us. Foreigners are required to pay the full amount of USD250 (USD150 for students) as their pre-payment. If you fail to confirm your booking within 2 weeks, your name will be removed to give others the chance to come. If you have made your pre-payment but are unable to come, please make it a point to let us know in advance. Please note that the pre-payment made is not refundable. Cost Malaysian students : RM 300 Malaysian non-students : RM 500 Foreign students : USD 150 Foreign non-students : USD 250 The costs are inclusive of the following: Briefing and supervision Boat transfers to and from Redang Island and within the island Food and accommodation at Chagar Hutang for one week Not included in the cost: Food and accommodation in Kuala Terengganu / UMT Transportation to and from Kuala Terengganu / UMT Taxi transfer from the airport / bus station to the UMT campus Personal insurance Personal expenses Activities As a volunteer, you are part of our team whose mission is to monitor every turtle that lands on the beach to nest, ensure that the turtles nest undisturbed, all nests are protected and hatchling production is maximized. The work involved is very similar to work carried out in many sea turtle conservation programs throughout the world. You will be assisted and supervised by a research assistant and three experienced field workers from Kampung Redang. Night Duties Hourly beach patrols at night to locate and record all turtle arrivals Monitoring nesting activities and timing the various stages of nesting Tagging and measuring turtles after they have completed the egg laying process Marking of nests Recording all necessary data Monitoring of hatchling emergence Morning / Day Duties Marking and measuring the location of nests deposited the night before Covering nests with protective netlon mesh and maintaining them Hourly patrols throughout the beach to inspect nests, detect predation by ants and crabs (for remedial action) and to keep monitor lizards at bay. Excavation of hatched nests and analysis of nest contents Beach clean-ups Ensure tourists do not land on Chagar Hutang Ensure all snorkelers and divers leave Turtle Bay by 3:00 PM Assist in cooking, housekeeping and other chores Assist in other research, education and conservation activities undertaken Other activities Round island trip with stops at appropriate snorkeling sites Turtle Rock Hike (guided) Upriver hike (unguided) Jungle tracking (unguided) Creating artwork using available materials Although the activity list appears rather long, you will have plenty of free time to relax, play games, sun-bathe, snorkel and swim at Turtle Bay, climb rocks, explore, read, meditate, do yoga or rediscover yourself in the magic of Chagar Hutang Beach. Our workers are fun to be with and you will have plenty of laughs to fill the week. What to bring Due to limited boat and vehicle space and several transfers, you are required to put all your belongings into ONE piece of rugged luggage (waterproof is good). You will have to carry your own luggage as well as help us carry grocery supplies to the island. Items that you should bring are: sun-block lotion and insect repellent sunglasses, cap (if you use eyeglasses, please bring along an extra pair) field clothes —T-shirts (you will be given one volunteer T-shirt), shorts, quick drying long trousers, sweater. Dark T-shirts and pants are required for monitoring work at night, as turtles can be distracted by white or bright colours sleeping bag or light blanket and inflatable pillow if you wish. Camp beds will be provided. swimwear (mask and snorkels are available). Fins are not permitted. sport shoes for hiking penlight and AA batteries (use will be kept to a minimum) camera digital watch (with backlight) personal items — toothbrush, toothpaste, towel, vitamins, medication. Use of toilet paper is not allowed. snacks and junk food for personal indulgence (pork and liquor are strictly prohibited). optional items — underwater disposable camera, reading materials, binoculars (if you have them) Facilities at Chagar Hutang (view the pictures below) Physical facilities at Chagar Hutang were rebuilt in 2006 and we now have quite comfortable accommodations with attached toilets and shower-rooms. The camp site now consists of five major sections: A volunteer complex with attached toilet and shower-rooms. Camp beds provided are to be used in the rooms only and should not be brought to the beach. Kitchen, dining area and office. Longhouse (for turtle camps and housing for the Turtle Gallery). Workers’ quarters. A smaller quarters for volunteers. The buildings are equipped with solar-powered lightbulbs. Use of these lights must be kept at a minimum. Starting 2008, we will have a butane-powered refrigerator and freezer, a solar-powered computer and charging system for cameras. We have three speedboats (SiPenyu I, SiPenyu II and SiPenyu III) powered by outboard engines. Other necessary information for volunteers can be found in the Volunteer Handbook (PDF) that can be downloaded from our website.