Juara Turtle Project

Coast
Forest
Rural
Wildlife
Nature

Community run sea turtle and reef conservation on the coast of Tioman

The Juara Turtle Project has worked with the village of Juara on Tioman Island since 2001, on a beach where green turtles still come ashore to nest. It is a working conservation centre rather than a resort, sitting between jungle and a long, quiet bay on the eastern side of the island. Visitors can drop in to see the hatchery and information centre, or stay on as volunteers and interns for a week, six weeks or considerably longer.

Volunteers join night beach patrols, move nests to the hatchery, record data, release hatchlings, and help with reef monitoring, fish and benthic surveys, coral restoration and underwater clean ups. There is waste sorting, composting, village clean ups and environmental teaching with visiting school groups too. Training is given throughout, so no experience is needed. Downtime means snorkelling, kayaking, jungle treks, jetty jumping, beach volleyball and dinner in the village. Most people leave knowing far more about turtles, reefs and island waste than they expected to.

Sustainability

Climate & conservation

Protects wildlife, Nesting green turtles and their nests have been protected here since 2001.
Restores habitat, Coral reefs are monitored and restored through volunteer survey and restoration work.
Cuts waste, Recycling, composting and regular beach and village clean ups run year round.

Community & culture

Community led, The project is run with and staffed by people from Juara village.
Supports education, Environmental programmes run with visiting school and university groups.

Commercial

Reinvests into conservation, Visitor and volunteer fees fund the hatchery, reef work and island waste projects.

In brief

Price bracket: £
Activities: Wildlife watching, Diving, Watersports, Hiking, Photography
Setting: Beach or coast · Jungle or forest

Best time to visit

Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec

March to September is the dive and turtle nesting season, with nesting peaking between May and August. The island largely closes for the monsoon from November to February.

Kids

Welcomes school and family groups for visits and education sessions, with longer volunteer stays suited to older teenagers and adults.

Accessibility

Beach, sand and jungle paths with limited hard surfacing, and boat access to the island.

£pp / night Visit website

Guide price · £ <£100 · ££ £100–300 · £££ £300–800 · ££££ £800+ pp / night