Help us with nature centre repair and maintenance🔨🪓🪵🪛

United States

5

This experience was absolutely wonderful! Monica was such a great host who made me feel at home (and well fed). Being able to contribute to a project with positive change was such a pleasure! Get ready to take initiative, get your hands dirty, and meet amazing people while contributing to a truly influential social and environmental project. Be prepared to be flexible, as weather drives a lot of the schedule. The island is absolutely beautiful, and the accommodation is simple yet everything you need. Get ready to make a difference while learning a lot from a true the reserve icon!

about 1 month ago

Australia

5

Spending 2 months on the beautiful Usukan Island was paradise. Falling asleep to the sound of the reserve and spending the day with the incredible coral reef was so special. The work here is entirely weather and condition dependent, so be prepared to spend a lot of time alone (bring activities!). Monica is an amazing host, providing the volunteers with three delicious meals every day and doing everything in her power to ensure we're as comfortable and happy as possible. I've never met anyone as passionate about a project as Monica, and I'm grateful to call her my Borneo mum.

about 1 month ago

MONICA CHIN replied

Thank you so much for this heartfelt message! 🏝️💙It was such a joy having you on Usukan Island for those two months you truly became part of the One Ocean family. I’m so happy you felt the magic of the reef and the rhythm of island life (including the quiet, reflective moments!). Your kind words mean so much to me. Being called your Borneo mum is such an honour and brought a big smile to my face. Thank you for embracing the ups and downs of nature with patience and love. 💕🌊

Brazil

5

I had an incredible experience at 1OE. The whole place feels like a hidden paradise and I learned a lot about coral propagation. Monica is full of energy and completely dedicated to the project. You can really feel the love and care she puts into protecting the corals. Since activities and facilities depend on the weather, there were days when things didn't go exactly as planned, but that's just part of life by the sea. Monica always did her best to make us feel comfortable. I'm leaving this experience full of love, gratitude and the feeling that I now have a new family in Malaysia! ❤️

about 2 months ago

MONICA CHIN replied

Thank you so much for your beautiful message! 🌊💙
It truly means the world to me and the entire One Ocean team. I'm so glad you felt the love, energy, and purpose behind what we do here. Nature doesn't always follow a fixed plan, but your open heart and positive spirit made every moment meaningful. we’re honoured to now be part of your journey too. You'll always have a family waiting for you here in Malaysia. Till we meet again sending love and ocean hugs! 💕🇲🇾🐠

United Kingdom

5

Thank you to Monica and the rest of the reserve team for having me stay on your beautiful island for a month. It was a great place to switch off, relax, and enjoy the natural beauty of the island and the coral reef. The facilities are comfortable and well designed but not fancy, and Monica cooks 3 good meals every day. The tasks are very weather dependent, and a lot of days there wasn't a huge amount of work to do, so make sure to bring books/movies/cards or other ways to stay entertained while you're here!

about 2 months ago

MONICA CHIN replied

Thank you so much for your kind words! It truly means a lot to all of us ~ Harvi, Jazz, Nuncan, Juin, and myself. We're equally excited about what lies ahead and are grateful you were part of our journey. You’ll always have a place here, and we hope to welcome you back someday to see how far we’ve come. Wishing you all the best too, and may our paths cross again soon! 🌊💙Have a success time in Australia xoxo

Ireland

5

I had the most amazing time at the reserve, it is paradise on earth & I will never forget it ❤️ Monica and Jazz instantly made me feel like I was part of the family. It was such a pleasure getting to know them and the other volunteers & creating so many fun memories together! They are so committed to the work they do, it's incredibly inspiring. I felt such a deep connection with the reserve on the island and it helped me grow so much as a person. If you approach this experience with an open mind & heart you can have the experience of a lifetime. My only regret is I didn't stay longer!

2 months ago

MONICA CHIN replied

You are most welcome my dear! Remember you always have a space here. Come back whenever you want. Always love you xoxo

France

5

This experience, and it was just what I wanted—a simple, peaceful life on a remote island, away from everyday distractions. If you're looking to reconnect with the reserve and embrace a minimalist lifestyle, this is a great place to do it. The accommodation is very basic (thin mattress, fan, no lighting), so bring a headlamp. It's not luxurious, but waking up to the sound of the waves is truly special. The start felt a bit disorganized as Monica was away, but once she returned, everything improved. She's a kind-hearted, welcoming host—and an amazing cook. Mobile reception (Celcom/Digi) is good!

3 months ago

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

3 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!

4 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!

5 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.

6 months ago

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