Volunteer in Malaysia
Let us help you get started to volunteer in Malaysia. Learn about and assist conservation projects
in this amazing country
Ultimate guide to Volunteer in Malaysia
“Why should l volunteer in Malaysia?”, you ask? Well, Malaysia is home to over 62 different ethnic groups. This makes it a blend of multicultural communities. Consequently there are various traditions, religions, cultures and of course, cuisines. Malaysians are also very passionate about their food and will fight for it. (see: crispy rendang controversy. But most of all, Malaysians love to show you their world through food and their generous hospitality.
High biodiversity
Malaysia is also a nature lover’s paradise and is the 12th most biodiverse country in the world. Consequently the virgin rainforests in Peninsular Malaysia (Taman Negara, Royal Belum etc) are thought to be one of the oldest in the world. Malaysia also has plenty of beaches and islands to explore. It is rich in biodiversity with orangutans, Malayan Tigers, elephants (Asian and Bornean), gibbons, hornbills, whale sharks, leopard sharks, green turtles and more.
Malaysia’s diverse culture makes it a wonder for history buffs. It is a paradise for conservationists, researchers, adventurers, wanderers and tourists. Volunteering in Malaysia provides you with the opportunity to explore this beautiful landscape.
Now the question is, why shouldn’t you volunteer in Malaysia!
Volunteer & Travel responsibly
It is important that each of us travel and volunteer responsibly to preserve and protect our environment as we explore it. While travel provides us with the means to explore and admire all that Mother Nature has to offer, it can also cause the destruction of all its beauty. That is why, we urge that all travellers be mindful of the way that they travel and be a responsible traveller.
If you want any tips on how to volunteer with animals click the link.
Read on for volunteering tips and volunteer projects in Malaysia.
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Virtual Volunteering
Volunteer projects in Malaysia
Volunteer with your family in Malaysia
Travelling in Malaysia
Malaysian Travel essentials
How to travel sustainably in Malaysia
Virtual Volunteering
Volunteer projects in Malaysia
Volunteer with your family in Malaysia
Travelling in Malaysia
Malaysian Travel essentials
How to travel sustainably in Malaysia
Great! Where should I volunteer?
Virtual Volunteering with Malaysian NGOs
You might be thinking, “I can’t go anywhere right now”. “We are on lockdown due to the Coronavirus!”. “I can’t take leave from my work or school”. “I can’t afford to travel”, or “I don’t feel like physically being around people”. Whatever it is that hinders you from physically volunteering. Well, now you can, you can volunteer virtually!
“Do I need to have a VR set?” No, silly! All you need is your time, laptop and an internet connection. Virtual volunteering means that you get to channel your help to an organization even from the comforts of your own home. This is even more relevant and crucial now as the Covid-19 pandemic hinders us from moving around freely.
Types of virtual volunteering
There are many types of work that you can do. You can help with online fundraising, be an online ambassador and help with data entry. Maybe you can even help web design or social media promotion. Other roles include copywriting, blogging, editing materials, email marketing. See, there are many ways you can help from home.
We, at Fuze Ecoteer, offer virtual volunteering. We welcome volunteers with many interests including marketing, content writing, web design, video editing, photography and graphic design. If you fancy yourself as a salesman you can help be an eco product distributor. Send us an email at adventure@fuze-ecoteer.com if you are interested to be part of our FE family.
easy Navigation
Click on the subjects below for easy navigation of this article.
Virtual Volunteering
Volunteer projects in Malaysia
Volunteer with your family in Malaysia
Travelling in Malaysia
Malaysian Travel essentials
How to travel sustainably in Malaysia
Virtual Volunteering
Volunteer projects in Malaysia
Volunteer with your family in Malaysia
Travelling in Malaysia
Malaysian Travel essentials
How to travel sustainably in Malaysia
volunteer Projects in Malaysia
Virtual Volunteering
Volunteer in Peninsular Malaysia
Domestic Animals
Volunteer In Borneo
Daily Volunteering
Virtual Volunteering
Virtual volunteering in Malaysia
United Nations Volunteers
Lend a hand to support sustainable development goals by volunteering with the United Nations Volunteers programme. Choose from a range of skills relevant to you and work together with the team from all over the world to solve sustainable development challenges.
Check them out here: https://www.onlinevolunteering.org/en
Ebird
Birdwatchers unite! Work together with other birdwatchers in the world to share your knowledge and experience with other birdwatchers. Contribute to their database that range from photos, audio recordings, to seeing real-time maps of species distribution, to alerts that let you know when species have been seen and more. Join in the world’s largest biodiversity-related citizen science project!
Check them out here: https://ebird.org/about/
Zero Waste Malaysia:
The zero waste lifestyle journey can be challenging. Thank goodness for the zero waste community! Zero Waste Malaysia has developed (and is continuing to develop) the Zero Waste Malaysia Map, Zero Waste Event Handbook and Zero Waste Office Handbook. They are now looking for virtual volunteers to further their cause.
https://www.instagram.com/p/B_cRKcunexw/
Global Environment Centre
The GEC is a non-profit organization in Malaysia that works on environmental issues and global importance. They work to educate and include the community on conservation, to promote the protection of biodiversity, water resources, forests and wetlands and to enhance and build cooperation between organizations and sectors for environmental protection.
Check them out here: http://www.gec.org.my/index.cfm?&menuid=56
SOLS24/7
If you are looking for a diverse group of volunteers working on humanitarian causes, then SOLS 24/7 is for you. They are dedicated to serve, educate and empower the poor and undeserved community. Always on the lookout for volunteers to help them in their mission, contribute your time and skills and work with the locally and internationally recognized team
Check them out here: https://www.sols247.org/volunteer/
Missing Maps
Have you been thinking about the streets that you would walk once the quarantine is over? Why not take this time to update the Missing Maps’ map to provide an accurate and up to date map? The Missing Maps’ aim is to provide accurate maps to aid humanitarian organisations that work to help the needs of vulnerable people and even to aid relief efforts should a disaster strike.
Check them out here: https://www.missingmaps.org/
Volunteer in Peninsular Malaysia
Volunteer in Peninsular Malaysia
Perhentian
Turtle Project
Our PTP focuses on sea turtles conservation in the Perhentian Islands. Volunteers will help our team in their daily tasks to do kayak survey by taking photo ID of turtles encountered and recording the data in our database. Volunteers help with night patrols at the nesting beach that we protect to deter poachers. You will record the data from the nesting mother turtles and her eggs. Additionally you will also educate the public on turtles conservation. If you are looking to volunteer with animals and especially to do a turtle conservation volunteer project. Then you have found the right project for you, where you can do so in a non-invasive way.
Check them out here: https://www.fuze-ecoteer.com/astra-portfolio/turtle-volunteer-conservation-project/
Perhentian Marine Research Station
Our PMRS focuses on marine conservation while diving. They pay close attention to the health of corals and the marine lives surrounding it. They also focus on improving the waste management process on the island. Join this project if you are a keen diver or would love to learn how to dive. You will grow your interest in saving our underwater world. You will learn so much and benefit not only the reefs of Perhentian but also the people. Volunteer with this marine conservation project if you are thinking of taking a gap year to work on marine conservation.
Check them out here: https://www.fuze-ecoteer.com/astra-portfolio/marine-conservation-volunteer-project/
Gibbon Conservation Society
The Gibbon Conservation Society focuses on the protection and conservation of gibbons and other primate species in Malaysia. Their work is an effort to save gibbons from the illegal pet trade in Malaysia. Gibbons are classified as endangered species and are on the IUCN’s Red List of Threatened Species making their work more important than ever. They are looking for people of various backgrounds to volunteer and help them in their fight.
Check them out here: GPS Instagram or here for more details.
Domestic Animals
Volunteer with Cats and dogs
If you are keener on spending your time with some other more domesticated furry friends, you might want to look into these 2 organisations below:
PAWS
PAWS is a non-profit organisation that currently houses more than 400 cats and dogs that were abandoned, stray or surrendered to them. At PAWS, you will get to spend time with the animals that you like and help to ensure their environment is clean. Located in Subang, it can be your quick volunteering spot while you are exploring the big city.
Check them out here: http://www.paws.org.my/volunteer/
Langkawi Animal Shelter And Sanctuary Foundation (LASSie)
The Langkawi Animal Shelter and Sanctuary Foundation (LASSie) currently houses neglected, abused and needy animals. They are now focusing on taking care of their residents. You can volunteer your time to walk the dogs or play with the cats and help them to take care of their shelter. It is definitely a worthwhile activity to do in Langkawi.
Check them out here: https://www.langkawilassie.org.my/volunteer
Volunteer In Borneo
Volunteer in Borneo
If you are in Borneo (East Malaysia) and wish to contribute your time volunteer for turtle conservation projects or to volunteer for marine conservation projects, check these two organisations below:
MESCOT
Founded by the local indigenous people (‘Orang Sungai’) of Batu Puteh community in 1997, MESCOT focuses on protecting the forest habitat, wildlife and biodiversity of the Lower Kinabatangan while preserving the livelihood of the local population. They welcome volunteers to help them in laborious work such as moving seedlings, manually cutting or clearing vines, tree planting, weeding planted trees etc., their community work and general work of supporting the community- based ecotourism activities or the conservation fieldwork.
Check them out here: http://www.mescot.org/volunteering_work.htm
Sea Turtle Conservation Programme: Sarawak
Travel to Talang – Satang National Park located on Talang-Talang island to help with sea turtles conservation efforts. Volunteers get to patrol the beach with the team, collect data, release hatchlings and analyse nests and more.
Check them out here:
https://www.sarawakforestry.com/sea-turtle-conservation-program/
Tropical Research and Conservation Centre, Sabah:
For those who do not mind roughing it up a little, then TRACC is perfect for you. Join the team in their various dive surveys and coral care activities. Stay in tents, relax on hammocks, move around with kayaks – life is simple and beautiful at Pom Pom Island. They are conservationists looking for like-minded and passionate volunteers to join them and be apart of their little community.
Check them out here: https://tracc.org/life-at-tracc
ADRECC Research Education Conservation Center (ADRECC):
ADRECC Research Education Conservation Center is an organization that focuses on marine and environmental conservation. It is led by passionate nature lovers and scuba divers who aim to protect and preserve marine life and the environment for future generations. From marine conservation, environmental conservation to educating the public on sustainable living, there is something for everyone!
Check them out here: https://adrecc.com/https://adrecc.com/
Bornean Sun Bear Conservation Centre (sun bears)
Sun bears’ got their name from the bib-shaped golden or white patch on their chest, which is said to represent the rising sun. They are the smallest and least well-known fo the bear series. Sun bears are classified as vulnerable in the IUCN Redlist. At BSBCC, you will have a chance to care for these sun bears by helping to clean cages, making enrichment activities and observing them and educating the public on sun bears to raise awareness.
Check them out here: https://www.bsbcc.org.my/volunteer.html
Daily Volunteering
Daily Volunteering in Malaysia
If you only have limited time in Malaysia but still wish to volunteer, check out these organisations below that offer short-term volunteering
Do Something Good
Do something Good is a volunteering platform that showcases a variety of volunteering experience. They connect organisations to people in hopes to create opportunities for service and social change.
Check them out here: https://www.dosomething.gd/
Sedunia.me
Aiming to create an impact in the world, Sedunia offers a platform for various missions such as volunteering and fundraising initiatives. They believe in sharing responsibilities and that big impacts can be done through collaboration. Find a mission that you believe in and get started.
Check them out here: https://www.sedunia.me/
Heart 2 Heart with Orangutan, Sarawak:
Join the Sarawak Forestry Corporation’s initiative, the Heart 2 Heart with Orangutan. Take part in this one day program which allows volunteers to actively participate in orangutan rehabilitation at Matang Wildlife Centre and Semenggoh Wildlife Centre by providing enrichments to the orangutans. Volunteers will have a chance to learn from experts from the Sarawak Forestry team about the challenges of orangutan rehabilitation and other work at the centres.
Check them out here: https://www.sarawakforestry.com/heart2heart-with-orangutan/
Malaysian Conservation Alliance for Tigers (MYCAT)
MYCAT is a collaborative partnership of the Malaysian Nature Society, TRAFFIC, Wildlife Conservation Society-Malaysia, Wildlife Society of Selangor and WWF-Malaysia, supported by the Department of Wildlife and National Parks Peninsular Malaysia (DWNP). Help save the critically endangered Malayan Tigers with MYCAT. You can join them for a CAT Walk where you will get to hike through tiger habitats – which means that you might be in the area where illegal trapping, logging and encroachment into the park may be happening.
Check them out here: https://www.citizenactionfortigers.my/cw/
volunteer with your family in Malaysia
Travelling with your family is both a challenging and rewarding experience. As you would have to plan all the logistics involved and find something that everybody will enjoy. However, once that is all planned out, it is one of the most rewarding experiences to have as a family. As you will get to work on a cause close to your hearts and make an impact together. What is a better souvenir than shared experience and beautiful memories together?
How do I choose the right volunteer project for my family?
When travelling with your family, be sure to travel responsibly. Choose organizations or programmes that are ethical. This can mean that the organizations are not exploiting wildlife such as promoting interactions with tigers or elephant rides. They are not exploiting children such as orphanage volunteering. The organisation are keen to involve and work with their local community.
Moreover, there will be so many different things that you and your family will be exposed to. For example, you would be in a different setting with different climate and timezone. Most likely a different culture and traditions and different food. Sometimes, things such as toilets can be different! It is best to do your research beforehand to have a better understanding of the place you would visit. Then you need to discuss it with your family before you book anything.
Family volunteering as a team
Next, you should not be the only one committed to this trip! Make sure all family members are in this together with you. As family volunteering is different from normal holidays where you sit and relax leisurely. Your teamwork is of the utmost importance when volunteering as a family. Remember that each and every family member has something to offer in their own way. Family volunteering is a great time to learn together and build confidence as a family.
More often than not, when booking a volunteering programme, most things are covered in the programme fee. However, this is different for each programme. Make sure you know what is covered in your programme fee. Plan for the things that are not. Operators are usually happy to help you when they can. However, if there are questions that they can’t answer, look for reviews or ask to contact their previous volunteers.
Where can I volunteer with my family in Malaysia?
The Perhentian Eco-Education Project (PEEP) is the most suitable Fuze Ecoteer project for family volunteering. We understand that families want to do activities together whilst learning and having fun. All your meals, accommodation and transportation will be settled. However, if you want private accommodation we can up grade for you. Allergies will be noted and taken care of.
We know that different family members have different input to bring to the table. So, we make it a point to discuss and listen to everybody’s suggestions. Furthermore, working with children usually brings out the best in people. Their zest for life and curiosity sparks a distant wonder in adults and other children.
At our PEEP programme, you will get to plan lessons and teach the Eco Club members. Similarly, you will learn from them, they will teach you about Coral Watch and Kayak Patrols. Furthermore, experience the art of making ‘Kuih’ (traditional Malay dessert) and taste authentic Malay cooking. When you visit a local house and enjoy a Malay Dinner. Now is the time to see who is adventurous and who is not in trying new dishes!
Check out PEEP programme here: https://www.fuze-ecoteer.com/astra-portfolio/perhentian-eco-education-volunteer-project/
easy Navigation
Click on the subjects below for easy navigation of this article.
Virtual Volunteering
Volunteer projects in Malaysia
Volunteer with your family in Malaysia
Travelling in Malaysia
Malaysian Travel essentials
How to travel sustainably in Malaysia
Virtual Volunteering
Volunteer projects in Malaysia
Volunteer with your family in Malaysia
Travelling in Malaysia
Malaysian Travel essentials
How to travel sustainably in Malaysia
Traveling in Malaysia
What are the Dos and Donts when in Malaysia?
Malaysia is a melting pot of cultures and tradition. Consequently, there are different rules that apply depending on where you are. It is also a predominantly Muslim community. As a result, there are some general rules of thumb when visiting Malaysia:
1. Be sure to dress appropriately.
This is an important rule to remember especially when visiting sacred places. Be sure to wear clothing that covers your shoulders and knees. The weather in Malaysia is also usually warm and sunny. As a result, wearing clothing that covers your skin would be good to avoid sunburn. Wearing clothing that is made with breathable materials like cotton is a good choice as well.
2. Point with your thumb
When interacting with people. Always remember it is more polite to point at someone with your thumb rather than your index finger. When walking in front of people there are a few things to remember. Above all it is important to bend down a little as a sign of respect.
3. Try a variety of food
Do try the variety of food that Malaysia has to offer. From Malay cuisine (that differs according to states) to Chinese, Indian, Nyonya/Peranakan cooking, Iban delicacies and more. Try our King of Fruits, the mighty Durian or our Queen of Fruits, the grand Mangosteen. Whether you like it or not, it sure is an experience to try. If you are big on desserts, we have an array of ‘kuih’ (traditional desserts) for you to try. Certainly give our Ais Batu Campur (ABC) (which is shaved ice with evaporated milk, rose syrup and other additions such as red bean, cendol, cincau and more) a try! Food alone is worth an adventure in Malaysia!
4. Try to speak some Malay language
It is always pleasing to locals when you speak the same language that they do. Although most Malaysians can speak English, it would be a great experience for you to pick up some Malay. It is a fairly easy language to learn. Learn some basic phrases to make it easier for you to communicate when travelling here.
First of all, do your research about the different cultures in Malaysia to understand more. Not only will it aid you during your travels, but it is also exciting and beautiful to learn.
Travel essentials in Malaysia
Things to see and do in Malaysia
Getting around Malaysia
Food in Malaysia
Visa Requirements
How to reduce your waste
General Phrases
Things to see and do in Malaysia
Things to see and do in Malaysia
If you would like to have an experience that is sustainable while unique, email us at adventure@fuze-ecoteer.com. Fuze Ecoteer can help you plan your eco-trip in Malaysia! Your trip would be according to what and where you want to visit or experience. Talk to us and let us make it happen for you!
Check out our services here: https://www.fuze-ecoteer.com/short-eco-trip/
Try out Lokalocal for unique true local experiences. Whether it’s learning how to make Melaka’s ‘Onde-Onde’. Learning how to play the Kalimba. Painting batik or going on bike tours. LokaLocal have it and you can go for it!
Check them out here: https://www.lokalocal.com/
Getting around Malaysia
Transportation in Malaysia
Malaysia consists of 13 states and 3 Federal Territories. In addition to that, Malaysia has beautiful beaches that are a must visit when you travel. The first thought that comes to mind when you think of crossing multiple states is, “I can fly there”. While not impossible, do bear in mind that flying short distances causes the most pollution per kilometre.
Your first flight to Malaysia, more often than not, would have you land in the capital city of Kuala Lumpur. Hence, one of the places that you must know when in Kuala Lumpur is Kuala Lumpur Sentral Station or KL Sentral. It is the hub for public transportation in Kuala Lumpur. There you can get on multiple trains. Notably, KLIA Ekspres, Monorail Train, Mass Rapid Transit (MRT), Light Rail Transit (LRT), Komuter (KTM) train. You can even catch a the bus from KL Sentral and travel to many, many places around Malaysia. Be sure to remember the name, KL Sentral!
Consider these other alternatives when travelling in Malaysia:
Take the bus
Apart from KL Sentral, get familiar with the name of Terminal Bersepadu Selatan (TBS) station as well. It is a bus station and LRT station all in one. Similarly, it even connects to KLIA Ekspres. Travelling from TBS gets you to a wider range of locations across states by bus as compared to KL Sentral.
Check out https://www.easybook.com or https://www.busonlineticket.com/ to book your bus ticket ahead of time.
To travel within selected cities such as Kuala Lumpur, Penang, Kuantan, you can travel by MyRapid buses. MyRapid most of the public transportation in Malaysia. You can plan your journey with MyRapid here.
Take the train
The question is, which train should you take? Please do your research beforehand to plan which train to take to get to your destination. In the Klang Valley region, there are different trains that you can take such as the LRT, Monorail, MRT and the Komuter. You can check out their routes and schedules here for
MyRapid operated public transports and here for KTM and ETS trains.
Grab
What is it you should grab? Grab the app – Grab! It’s very much like Uber or Lyft. Grab is a ride-hailing transport service where you can book rides, schedule rides and even share rides with others. Furthermore, Grab can also be used to buy food or groceries. Grab has a parcel sending service. It has recently even adding payment as an e-wallet. This means you can go cashless when travelling around as you have your money in your e-wallet. A lot of shops and restaurants support GrabPay. Be sure to ask them for it as you can get rewards the more you use your GrabPay. It surely is a convenient application to have when you are travelling in Malaysia.
Check them out here: https://www.grab.com/my/
Go Car
What if you are a group of friends or family that wish to have your own vehicle when travelling around? Although we would suggest that you take the bus or the train as much as you can, carpooling is also one of the ways where you can cut your carbon footprints. Go Car is a car rental company that makes it easy for its users to access its cars all over Malaysia. All you need to do is to download their app on your phone, register, reserve their car, unlock the car with your app and park the car back to its drop off location once you are done. Definitely a convenient and commitment free to have a car to move around for a day or more.
Check them out here: https://hi.gocar.my/Note
Food in Malaysia
Food in Malaysia
What kind of food can you expect when in Malaysia? Malaysia is a multicultural country, hence, you can expect there to be a lot of food.
Malay Food
The Malay Muslims make up the majority of people in Malaysia. Malay’s cooking is mostly centred around the usage of 3 different spices, star anise, cinnamon and clove. The cooking tastes different according to region. For example, in the north, the cuisines tend to taste more sweet. The Malay food also involves the usage of chillies and the usage of spices might be spicy to an untrained tongue so do beware! All food has to have a balance of all 3 tastes i.e sweet, sour, salty. It is definitely an explosion of flavour so do give it a try.
Must try: Nasi lemak, Nasi kerabu, Nasi dagang, Laksa Penang, Laksa Sarawak, Laksam, Rendang and a variety of ‘Kuih’ (Malay traditional dessert).
Chinese Food
You can also expect various other food rooted from other cultures like Chinese food. Look out for Bak Kut Teh (or Chik Kut Teh if you do not eat pork), Cantonese style noodles, Pan Mee, Chee Cheong Fun and Dimsum, Chicken Rice and more.
Indian Food
Indian food is something to look forward to as well when in Malaysia. Rich with spices and colours, Indian food sure is a burst of flavours. There are a lot of ‘mamak’ restaurants which are open 24/7 in Malaysia that you can frequent. These mamak restaurants have become synonyms to the Malaysian way of life where friends and family gather for a glass of ‘teh tarik’ (foamy milk tea) and talk about life. Be sure to try roti canai (flatbread) and all the variety of ‘roti’s they are to try, Nasi Kandar, Biryani, Butter Chicken, Banana Leaf Rice, Naan, Paneer and more.
Other must try’s
There are also indigenous tribes’ food to try in Sabah and Sarawak that are deeply rooted to their way of life. Each tribe has a different style of cooking so be sure to try them out! In Sabah, don’t forget to try Ambuyat, Hinava, Barobbo and in Sarawak you must not miss out on Laksa Sarawak, Mee Kolok, Ayam Pansuh (chicken cooked in bamboo) and Midin belacan (a type of fern eaten as vegetable cooked with shrimp paste).
This is in no way an exhaustive list of food to be had when in Malaysia. There are a myriad types of cooking and food that you will discover. The best thing to do is to come and try them out yourself. Even better, try your hand to cook them yourself!
Visa Requirements
Visa requirements in Malaysia
To volunteer in Malaysia, volunteers will need to have a tourist visa. Tourist from the following countries will receive a 90-day free Tourist Visa upon arrival:
Albania, Algeria, Argentina, Australia, Austria, Bahrain, Belgium, Bosnia-Herzegovina, Brazil, Canada, Croatia, Cuba, Czech Republic, Denmark, Egypt, Finland, France, Germany, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Japan, Jordan, Kirgystan, Kuwait, Kyrgyz Republic, Lebanon, Lienchestien, Luxembourg, Morocco, Netherland, Norway, Oman, Peru, Poland, Qatar, Romania, St Marino, Saudi Arabia, Slovakia, South Korea, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Tunisia, Turkey, Turkmenistan, United Arab Emirates, United Kingdom, United States, Uruguay, Yemen.
IMPORTANT: Do keep track of your visa expiry date. If you need to extend before the end of your stay with us, please arrange this with Melisa ahead plenty of time as you will need to leave Malaysia and make a short trip beyond our national borders
See also the Official Portal of Immigration Department of Malaysia here for Types of Visa and its application processes.
How to reduce your waste
How to reduce your waste
The fight to reduce waste is one of our utmost priorities and should be one of yours as a responsible traveller and volunteer. Malaysia has declared a war on plastic and is now sending plastic wastes to the country of origin. The European Union has been named as the largest exporter of plastic waste, whilst the US leading as the top exporter for a single country.
What can you do to reduce waste while you travel?
Bring your own bottle
Instead of buying bottled water every time you are thirsty, you can just refill your water bottle that you can bring with you no matter what you are doing – be it touring a city, hiking, biking, white water rafting or more. Tap water is generally safe to drink, however, only drink water that is already filtered or boiled.
You can also add in travelling mug or cups into your packing list for you coffee and tea on the go. You might even get a discount at selected establishments for bringing your own mug. That’s an extra saving tip!
In the event that you absolutely have to get bottled water, you can always wash up that bottle, and reuse said bottle as your water bottle for the trip. Recycle it when you no longer need it in one of the recycle bins you can find in town. Otherwise, get started on your own eco brick to keep track of how much plastic you’ve used during your stay and turn it into something useful. Take this chance to connect with eco-brickers in the area as well.
Use water mindfully
Water is an important resource to all of us. Apart from trying to keep it clear of plastic waste, you should also think about how you are using water. One way to reduce water waste while travelling is to opt for accommodations that are mindful of their water consumption. Hotels now have even taken the initiative to remind their customers of how much water is used for laundry. Therefore, treat your vacation lodging like your own home; wash your sheets and towels when needed, turn off the tap when not using it.
Bring your own bags and eco-friendly products
Your commitment to your eco habits will be put to test when you travel or you can start cultivating eco habits when you travel. Bring your own bag when you shop and refuse plastic bags as much as you can. States such as Selangor and Penang have a bring your own bag policy at their stores so do keep that in mind.
As for your toiletries, bring them from home in refillable bottles instead of using the mini toiletries in hotels. This is also one simple way to reduce your plastic wastes while on your travels.
Use the bidet in toilets
I know what you’re thinking. A big, fat ‘NO’ is in your head. The majority of toilets in Malaysia provide bidet next to the toilet seat. Some have water jets in the toilet bowl that can help you to clean yourself. Some don’t provide toilet paper
Using water to wash off after defecating or urinating cleans better as you wash away the impurities instead of just wiping it away. Washing with water is gentler than wiping and do bear in mind that improper wiping can cause injuries or rashes to your private parts.
As for the environment, using water to wash after using the toilet actually saves more water than using toilet paper as the making of toilet paper uses about 140 litres of water to make one roll of toilet paper. The making of toilet paper also involves other processes and resources such as pulping trees and usage of a huge amount of electricity.
So, do the environment a favour. Use water instead of toilet paper.
Read on more about this here: https://cnalifestyle.channelnewsasia.com/wellness/no-toilet-paper-experts-say-washing-may-be-better-than-wiping-12420990
General Phrases
Useful Malaysian Phrases
Malay is the national language of Malaysia. Languages like Mandarin and Tamil are also widely used by the people of their community. Most people in Malaysia can communicate in English. However, it is always a great start to communicate with the locals in their own language.
Here are some basic phrases that may help you in your travels:
| English | Malay | Mandarin | Tamil |
| Hello | Apa khabar? (Aa-pah ca-bar) | Nǐ hǎo (knee-how) | Vanakkam (va-nah-come) |
| My name is …. | Nama saya …. (Na-ma sah-ya …..) | Wǒ jiao …. (Wor ji-yao …) | Eṉ peyar …. (In pi-yar …) |
| Thank you | Terima kasih (Teary ma-ka-sih) | Xièxiè (si-yay si-yay) | Naṉṟi (Nan-dre) |
| I’m sorry | Minta maaf (Mint-aa Ma-haf) | Duìbùqǐ (Tui-pu-chi) | Eṉṉai maṉṉikkavum (In-nay man-ni-ca-voom) |
| Where? | Mana? (Ma-naa) | Nǎlǐ? (Na-lee) | Eṅkē? (In-key) |
| What? | Apa? (Aa-pah) | Shénme? (Shane-meh) | Eṉṉa? (In-na-h) |
| Who? | Siapa? (Si-aa-pah) | Shéi (Sh-way) | Atu yār? (Aa-deh ya-are) |
| This | Ini (Ee-ni) | Zhège (che-geh) | Itu (Ee-do) |
| That one | Itu (Ee-two) | Nàgè (Na-geh) | Atu (Aa-deh) |
| Goodbye | Selamat Tinggal (Seh-lah-ma-t ting-gal) | Zàijiàn (Ts-ay-chi-yen) | Varukiṟēṉ (Vah-ru-key-reen) |
| Yes | Ya (Yer) | Shì (She) | Ām (Um) |
| No | Tak/Tidak (Tak / Tee-duck) | Bù (Poo) | Illai (Eel-lay) |
| I like ….. | Saya suka …. (Sah-ya soo-kah ….) | Wǒ xǐhuān …. (Woh si-hu-an ….) | Eṉakku …. piṭikkum (Ee-na-coo ….. pee-tee-coom) |
I want to support sustainable tourism. How do I travel and volunteer responsibly
Whether you volunteer in Malaysia or another country it is important you are a responsible traveller. What we mean by responsible traveller is that you think about the impacts of your actions whilst travelling. How you impact the community and places you visit. Does your travel benefit or detriment the environment.
You might think, that is a lot to think about for one single trip. You are right! However, it is not difficult, undoable nor impractical and most importantly, it is not impossible. The positives of doing it outweighs the negative. Well, you will find all that you need here so the negatives of travelling are taken care of.
What should I know?
Look after yourself
First and foremost, you have to know how to take care of yourself when travelling. Use all the tips, notes and advice that you receive before you travel. Things such as, keep your money in a safe place. Wear a hat when it’s hot outside. Let someone know where you are when travelling alone. Looking after yourself is your first step to being a responsible traveller.
Will I benefit the project?
Being a responsible volunteer, means that you think of how your time and money will be spent. What are you and the project getting out of it? Will your presence benefit their work or cause harm? How will you interact with the community? Are the children vulnerable? What is the impact of your travels to the environment? Focus on reducing your carbon footprint? How do you reduce your consumption and usage of plastic?
How and Where do you spend your money
Other than your interactions with the project and how you carry yourself. It is also important to think about where and how you spend your money. Is the project worth investing on? The project is sustainable? Sustainable means that it supports a worthy cause. Does it employ and/or empower the local community. Does it care about the impact of their project.
Ask the project before you go
Are the answers to these questions in the affirmative. Yes, then you should really consider choosing that project! If it is a mixture of yes and no, it is not a reason to reject them completely. Consider if the yes’s outweigh the no’s. Then think about how you can minimize the negative impacts when you are there. Also consider if they are taking steps to do the same (but are just not completely there yet).
Do keep in mind that you are volunteering to help make a change and the project is also working on a worthy cause. The interactions between the organization and the volunteers is important. Volunteers bring in more ideas, feedback and give more manpower.
Read about the benefits of sustainable tourism here: https://www.gooverseas.com/blog/benefits-of-sustainable-tourism
Watch the video below about why you shouldn’t feed fish.
easy Navigation
Click on the subjects below for easy navigation of this article.
Virtual Volunteering
Volunteer projects in Malaysia
Volunteer with your family in Malaysia
Travelling in Malaysia
Malaysian Travel essentials
How to travel sustainably in Malaysia
Virtual Volunteering
Volunteer projects in Malaysia
Volunteer with your family in Malaysia
Travelling in Malaysia
Malaysian Travel essentials
How to travel sustainably in Malaysia
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