By far the most satisfying thing up to date. I’ve been off the grid on Juara, a more remote part of Tioman Island, Malaysia, helping to save the endangered, beautiful turtles. Traveling is just traveling, but when you have a goal, purpose, that all changes. 

Arriving to the Juara Turtle Project, I questioned why I was paying (about $40/day) to volunteer and help out at the project. Mind you that covers your food and lodging and the rest goes to help support the project.

The Juara Turtle Project is a privately funded turtle hatchery, run and operated by volunteers. Required only due to the poaching of turtle eggs for local consumption and resale. The project is aimed to repopulate a sustainable amount of turtles around Tioman island, as well educating the locals and tourists on the dangers that they pose on the turtle population.

[Show as slideshow]

For a vacation some might not think that waking up at 6-7am, doing manual labour, living ghetto style with few supplies, and paying to do so, is a logical decision. Well shut your face cuz it’s fantastic. Haha.

Since being here I’ve learned more about turtles then I would have ever learned in my life. I’ve taken care of the resident turtle “Jo”, collected eggs from the beach, and released baby hatchlings. Mind you this is what has justified the stay. I would probably feel a little different if I hadn’t been able to experience these events. But none the less fantastic.

[Show as slideshow]

Days consist of an early morning boat ride to search for turtle tracks on near by beaches. Then chores around the chalets and tending to visitors for the day time. Then at night usually a movie or games. Then lastly a couple of patrols of the beach throughout the night.

[Show as slideshow]

I really haven’t gone so long without wearing shoes or underwear for that matter, ahah. I feel so … Jack Johnson. Well that’s not true I’m sure he wears underwear. I could go on about what else I’ve done but that would be a long story. So last words…. FREAKING LEAVE THE TURTLES ALONE, JACKASSES.