Social Media Volunteer in Borneo Sabah🏝️

United Kingdom

5

It was an absolute pleasure to be apart of Monica's mission at the reserve! A truly incredible place that will forever hold a special place in my heart - a month simply wasn't long enough imo. The island itself is a dream, and it was amazing to be surrounded by the reserve and learn so much about the world of coral propagation and the reserve. Take everyday as it comes as some days can be quieter than others but just embrace your surroundings and truly immerse yourself in the reserve and the culture in Sabah! Thankyou Mon, Harvey, Jazz & the boys for making this experience unforgettable! I'll be back <3

7 months ago

United Kingdom

5

I had a great time with Once the reserve. I learned so much about corals and marine environments. I just wish I had more time to spend on the island, it's such a special place. Thanks Monica and family for everything!

8 months ago

United States

5

This experience is an adventure! Getting to the island requires a little local boat, you live in little huts in the jungle, you bathe in rainwater, it's just epic. It's great for connecting with the other volunteers because those are the only people you really interact with for a month. Monica is the most dedicated conservationist I have ever met. She taught me SO much about coral and the reserve, and I have a much deeper appreciation for it now. She says what she thinks, but it's not always kind. So just come in having made the decision not to get offended. Otherwise, she was great!

9 months ago

United States

5

Working at the reserve was one of the best decisions I've made during my travels. If you enjoy a secluded escape with good people and an amazing mission, the month that you spend with Monica and her family will be one of the highlights of your trip. The center focuses on the reserve by working with the reserve to heal the reserve. The experience gives you a huge amount of knowledge ranging from learning off the grid living (even though you have access to cell service and electricity most of the time) to how to propagate and replant corals in an eco friendly way. It's a great experience that I recommend.

10 months ago

United Kingdom

5

I feel so grateful to Monica and her family for letting me experience life on their island, it's a naturally beautiful place. It was amazing to live a slower pace of life focusing on what really matters in life, the wellbeing of ourselves and the reserve around us. Facilities were perfectly fine and Monica and Jaz's cooking was fantastic as well. Will definitely be back again one day to see them and to explore more of the coral reef.

10 months ago

United Kingdom

4

Great experience that I value very strongly. The island is SO beautiful with enough facilities to be comfortable but may take getting used to if you're unaccustomed to camping etc. The Reef is great and you can snorkel there every day, great for learning. I am usually against paying for volunteering as it can make you feel like a customer not a contributor. However I think the $15 is fair for the unique experience and given that 1O is the reserve focused not profit. I would've liked a bit more content from the coral course($200). Especially given the price /d is now $30 which feels too high.

4 months ago

France

4

I really enjoyed my time on the island and with the other volunteers, learning about corals, connecting with the reserve and chilling. The island is beautiful and really peaceful, and Monica does her best to protect it. About the tasks, you should be flexible as the work will depend on the weather conditions, your snorkelling/diving skills and Monica's schedule, be ready to adapt and to be proactive. Don't hesitate to bring ideas to the project ! Be also aware that some fees will add up (transportation, food in Kk). Overall, a very good experience to slow down and learn about the reserve 💚

4 months ago

Australia

4

I had an amazing time during my month here. The island itself and the private beach was a magical, dream, paradise, my favourite part of the whole experience! I wish I could have done more coral propagating as I only got to do it once. The reef is so incredible to snorkel in and I learned so much about the reserve from Monica and the other volunteers. We had the most delicious meals when Monica was on the island to cook for us. We got to go to semporna for some diving which was amazing. I would say bring; rubber shoes, bug spray, two towels, headlamp, and condiments.

5 months ago

United States

5

The experience was awesome! You live on an island off the coast of Kota Belud, so make sure you're prepared to go onto the island. The accommodations consist of a private room, shared toilet, and shared shower. You will usually do work around the island like picking up trash, building fences, or painting. Max 4 hours a day, and lots of time to chill on the island! I had an incredible time with Monica as well, as she will frequently take you on trips to the mainland and around Borneo to go diving, meet the locals, and soak in the culture.

about 1 year ago

France

5

This volunteering experience was truly life-changing! I learned so much during my time here, from living in harmony with the reserve on this beautiful island to propagating corals. Monica welcomes you as if you were part of her family, making it easy to feel at home on the island. She's always happy to share her extensive knowledge, so don't hesitate to ask questions and be curious! By the end of my stay, all I wanted was to come back to this incredible place!

about 1 year ago

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