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Excellent 4.89rating (24)
  • Life On Land

Monitor, Protect & Help Document Wildlife

location
2 - 12 weeks  ·  Age 18 - 50+
Verified

Highlights

  • Monitor and protect 3 endangered Bornean species on the ground & other notable species — every single day
  • Snorkel or dive Usukan Island's reef on your off hours — gear included, no extra cost
  • Live fully off-grid on a Bornean island — accommodation, meals, land and boat transport all covered!

Highlights

  • Monitor and protect 3 endangered Bornean species on the ground & other notable species — every single day
  • Snorkel or dive Usukan Island's reef on your off hours — gear included, no extra cost
  • Live fully off-grid on a Bornean island — accommodation, meals, land and boat transport all covered!
  • Earn a certificate or recognition & contribution you can put on your CV or university portfolio
  • Living and work on Usukan Island alongside the conservation team & other international volunteers, not tourists!
    • You don't have to pay anything yet

    Especially good for

    Age 18+
    Singles
    Couples
    Groups

    About the program

    Usukan Island's 3 endangered mammals & many species of wildlife that need you. Hike, track, maintain and document wildlife on a Bornean island no tourists ever reach.

    One Ocean Nature Conservation Centre is a fully off-grid, 100% community-based conservation centre located on Usukan Island, Kota Belud, Sabah, Borneo. We have been operating for over 9 years, hosting 200+ international volunteers from 30+ countries. In 2026, we received the ADEX Blue Legacy Award ...

    About the program

    One Ocean Nature Conservation Centre is a fully off-grid, 100% community-based conservation centre located on Usukan Island, Kota Belud, Sabah, Borneo. We have been operating for over 9 years, hosting 200+ international volunteers from 30+ countries. In 2026, we received the ADEX Blue Legacy Award for our conservation work.

    Usukan Island sits off the northwest coast of Borneo, accessible by a 15–20 minute boat ride from the mainland. It is not a remote island — but once you're here, you are fully immersed in a working conservation environment surrounded by coastal forest, coral reef, and native Bornean wildlife.

    As a Forest Ranger Volunteer, you join the team protecting Usukan Island's coastal forest. This forest shelters native and endemic Bornean wildlife, stabilizes the shoreline, and supports the balance between the land and sea ecosystems. It faces constant pressure from invasive animals, storm damage, and limited monitoring capacity. Your presence on the ground is what makes long-term protection possible.

    Your role rotates across four core field activities:

    • Trail Maintenance & Habitat Care — clearing overgrown trails, removing fallen debris, basic erosion checks, and maintaining safe access routes through the forest.
    • Wildlife Monitoring & Documentation — observing and recording animal activity, photographing and videoing forest sightings (insects, animals, plants), assisting with biodiversity tracking and data logging, and reporting unusual behaviour or habitat changes to the team.
    • Protection & Ecosystem Support — monitoring for invasive animals such as stray dogs, checking for signs of habitat disturbance or encroachment, and assisting with protecting nesting and ecologically sensitive areas.
    • Basic Repairs & Forest Upkeep — minor repairs to signage and forest structures, maintaining boundary markers and trail signs, cleaning and organising field tools, and supporting small restoration or planting efforts.

    • Basic Repairs & Forest Upkeep — minor repairs to signage and forest structures, maintaining boundary markers and trail signs, cleaning and organizing field tools, and supporting our conservation work outside of forest duties
    • Help with other tasks as well — help out with day to day operations, help us with our coral planting project on the side, & help upkeep our centre!

    This is not a resort with a conservation activity attached. There is no luxury accommodation, no strong WiFi, no hot showers, and no entertainment venue. The centre runs on 100% solar power, uses rainwater, and operates on a strict nature-first principle — every decision prioritises the ecology of the island. Volunteers live and work alongside the conservation team in simple, practical on-site accommodation.

    • Private or shared room on-site
    • 3 home-cooked vegetarian meals per day
    • Full transport from the KK Home Office to the island and back (taxi + boat)
    • All field tools and equipment
    • 24/7 on-site staff support and emergency coordination
    • Weekly laundry service
    • Towels and basic soap
    • One Ocean NCC t-shirt
    • Non-formal training on how to work as a forest ranger in Borneo

    Not included:
    flights to/from Kota Kinabalu, visa fees, travel insurance, personal toiletries, SIM card, snacks, medical fees, and personal expenses.

    The programme runs on a minimum of 2 weeks (14 days) up to a maximum of 12 weeks. Volunteers choose their own start date — we accept on a rolling intake basis. Upon successful completion, volunteers receive a Volunteer Completion Certificate issued by Monica Chin, Founder and Lead Instructor of One Ocean NCC.

    Forest Ranger Volunteers also have access to snorkeling and diving during off-hours. Snorkel and fins are provided at no extra cost. Full dive gear is available for certified divers. Dive courses can be arranged in advance at the volunteer's own expense. Water access is subject to weather and tides.

    Do keep in mind that day-to-day activites are subject to weather conditions in order to keep our volunteers safe.

    Typical day

    TYPICAL DAY DESCRIPTION

    Forest Ranger Volunteers work 5 hours per day, 5 days a week, across two structured field shifts. The remaining time is yours — to rest, snorkel, journal, explore, or photograph the island.

    Here is what a typical day looks like:

    7:00 AM — Wake up. Personal hygiene, ...

    Typical day

    TYPICAL DAY DESCRIPTION

    Forest Ranger Volunteers work 5 hours per day, 5 days a week, across two structured field shifts. The remaining time is yours — to rest, snorkel, journal, explore, or photograph the island.

    Here is what a typical day looks like:

    7:00 AM — Wake up. Personal hygiene, hydration, and preparing your field notebook and equipment for the day ahead.

    8:00 – 9:00 AM — Breakfast. Home-cooked vegetarian meal prepared on-site. Typical morning meals include pancakes, toast, fruit, rice or noodle-based dishes, boiled eggs, oats, nuts, tea, and coffee.

    9:00 – 9:15 AM — Morning briefing with the team. Weather update, safety reminders, and trail assignments for the day. You'll know exactly where you're going and what you're doing before you step into the field.

    9:15 – 11:45 AM — Morning field block. Depending on the day's assignment, this could be trail maintenance (clearing overgrown paths, removing debris, erosion checks), wildlife monitoring (observing and documenting animal activity, photographing sightings), or habitat protection tasks (checking for invasive animals, monitoring sensitive nesting zones).

    12:00 – 1:30 PM — Lunch and rest. Rice, fried noodles, pasta, soup, stir-fried vegetables, or fried eggs. Time to recharge before the afternoon.

    1:45 – 3:00 PM — Data and documentation. You log your wildlife observations from the morning, clean and store tools, and update field records. This is a quieter, structured part of the day where your morning work gets recorded properly.

    3:00 – 5:30 PM — Afternoon field block. Light maintenance, ecosystem checks, wildlife observation, or rest depending on conditions. Forest work is weather-dependent — some days are physically demanding under the sun, others are slower and maintenance-focused. Both are part of real conservation operations.

    5:30 – 7:00 PM — Free time. Snorkel, rest, photography, journaling — yours to use however you want.

    7:00 PM — Dinner. Same as afternoon meals.

    8:00 – 8:30 PM — Night watch duty (rotational, assigned volunteers only). Monitoring for invasive animals around the island perimeter. Not every volunteer is assigned every night — it rotates across the team.

    9:00 PM onwards — Rest and social time. Lights out recommended by 10:30–11:00 PM.

    Two rest days per week are fully yours — no assignments, no duties. Volunteers typically use these to snorkel, explore, read, or take a day trip back to the mainland.

    Important to know going in: field conditions change. Some days you will be working hard under direct sun, clearing trails and hiking through thick coastal forest. Other days are slower and maintenance-focused. Flexibility and patience are required. This is a working conservation centre, not a structured office environment.

    Free-time activities

    FREE TIME ON THE ISLAND

    Life at One Ocean Empire is intentionally simple. The island is remote, quiet, and surrounded by nature — which means your free time looks very different from city life. It’s less about entertainment, and more about presence, connection, and slowing down.

    Below is what you ...

    Free-time activities

    FREE TIME ON THE ISLAND

    Life at One Ocean Empire is intentionally simple. The island is remote, quiet, and surrounded by nature — which means your free time looks very different from city life. It’s less about entertainment, and more about presence, connection, and slowing down.

    Below is what you can expect during your time off:

    Swim & Ocean Time

    The sea is right at your doorstep. Many volunteers choose to go for a swim to cool off after a work session or simply float and relax. The waters around the island are calm during suitable conditions, making it a refreshing way to unwind.

    Sunsets by the shoreline are often a highlight of the day.

    Hammock & Relaxation

    You can unwind in a hammock by the beach, read a book, journal, listen to music, or simply enjoy the sound of the waves. With limited internet and no city distractions, many volunteers find this to be a rare opportunity to mentally reset.

    This environment naturally encourages rest and reflection.

    Board Games & Social Time

    Evenings are often spent together in shared spaces. Volunteers frequently:

    • Play board games

    • Share stories and travel experiences

    • Discuss conservation topics

    • Plan future adventures

    The small group setting creates strong bonds and meaningful conversations.

    Optional Wildlife Experience (Self-Paid)

    If you wish to explore beyond the island, optional self-funded excursions can be arranged through our trusted partners. One popular experience is a river cruise along the Kinabatangan River, known for its rich biodiversity.

    On a cruise, you may have the opportunity to spot:

    • Proboscis monkeys

    • Hornbills

    • Crocodiles

    • Other native Bornean wildlife

    Please note: These excursions are not included in the volunteer program fee and are arranged separately at your own cost.

    What Free Time Is Really Like Here

    There are:

    • No nightclubs

    • No shopping malls

    • No fast internet streaming

    Instead, you’ll experience:

    • Star-filled night skies

    • Ocean sounds instead of traffic

    • Shared meals and simple living

    • Real connection with people and nature

    Free time on the island is about embracing a slower rhythm. Many volunteers leave realizing that this simplicity — away from constant notifications and noise — becomes one of the most meaningful parts of their experience.

    If you come expecting luxury or city entertainment, this may not be for you.
    If you come open-minded and ready to disconnect from routine life, your free time here will feel deeply rewarding.

    Requirements

    Requirements

    Minimum Age: 18 years

    In order to join the program you need to be at least 18 years old on the program start date. There might be exemptions if you can provide the permission of your legal guardian(s) or if your are accompanied by your parents.

    Required Documents

    Copy of passport

    Nationality Restrictions

    No restrictions. Helping hands from all over the world are welcome.

    Other Skills

    1. Physically fit (important) 2. Some experience in hiking (not mandatory)

    Time Commitment

    Your helping hand will be required on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday from 09:00 - 17:00

    What's Included

    What's Included

    On-site Services

    Your fee covers everything you need to live and work on Usukan Island. There are no hidden costs, no surprise add-ons, and no extras charged on arrival. Here's what's included in your cost:

    • Accommodation — private or shared room on-site
    • 3 meals per day — home-cooked vegetarian, prepared fresh on-site
    • All transport — taxi from KK city to the jetty, and boat to the island (both ways)
    • All field equipment and tools
    • 24/7 on-site staff support and emergency coordination
    • Weekly laundry service
    • Towels and basic soap
    • One Ocean NCC t-shirt
    • Hands-on training as a Forest Ranger in Borneo
    • Snorkel and fins access during off-hours (weather permitting)

    WHAT'S NOT INCLUDED

    • Flights to/from Kota Kinabalu (BKI)
    • Travel insurance — strongly recommended, must cover medical evacuation
    • Personal toiletries beyond basic soap
    • Malaysian SIM card (~$12 USD/month for unlimited data)
    • Snacks and personal food outside of meals
    • Visa fees (most western passports: 90 days visa-free in Malaysia)
    • Medical fees
    • Personal expenses and activities outside the programme
    WHY DOES IT COST THIS MUCH?

    We're not a hostel. We're not a resort. And we're not a volunteer holiday.

    Running a fully off-grid conservation centre on an island costs real money — solar systems, boats, field equipment, food, transport, staff, and the daily operations of keeping a living conservation programme running. None of that is free.

    Your payment covers your accommodation, all your meals, all your transport to and from the island, your equipment, and your training. It also directly funds the conservation work happening on Usukan Island — the reef restoration, the forest protection, and the community programmes that keep this place running year after year.

    We've hosted 200+ international volunteers from 30+ countries over 9 years. We're not guessing at what this costs — we know exactly what it takes to do this properly.

    If you're looking for the cheapest option, this isn't it. If you're looking for the most meaningful two weeks to three months of your life, with real field work, real impact, and a team that genuinely cares — this is exactly it.

    Accommodation

    VOLUNTEER ACCOMODATION

    Volunteers stay in private rooms within a traditional longhouse built on stilts, offering an authentic island experience. Each room is fully solar-powered, featuring a fan, a phone charging station, and a comfortable bed. Mosquito nets are provided for protection, and all lighting on the island is kept dim at night to safeguard local wildlife—practicing our “let night be night” approach.

    BATHROOM & SHOWER

    Bathrooms and showers are simple but clean, powered entirely by rainwater—don’t worry, it’s perfectly safe to use! Showers are limited to twice a day to help conserve water, so volunteers are asked to avoid over-showering and to be mindful of water use. Similarly, the bathroom is designed to prevent wastage, helping us maintain the delicate island ecosystem.

    COMMUNAL SPACES & ISLAND LIFE

    The longhouse has open-air lounges where volunteers can relax, enjoy the views of the surrounding forest and coastline, and connect with fellow volunteers. Meals are prepared with fresh, locally sourced ingredients, giving you a taste of the island’s flavors. Waking up to birdsong and gentle waves is part of everyday life here, making your stay peaceful and immersive.

    This setup strikes a balance between comfort and sustainability, letting volunteers focus on conservation work while living in harmony with nature.

    Food & Beverages

    FOOD & DRINKS

    All meals are prepared fresh on-site by our team, every day. You are not cooking for yourself — meals are included in your daily fee and served three times a day at the centre's main dining area.

    What to expect: simple, wholesome, home-cooked vegetarian food. No pork, no meat. Meals are filling, practical, and prepared with the kind of care you'd expect from a community kitchen, not a restaurant.

    Breakfast — Pancakes, toast, fruit, rice or noodle-based dishes, boiled eggs, oats, nuts, tea, and coffee.

    Lunch & Dinner — Rice, fried noodles, pasta, soup, stir-fried vegetables, fried eggs, and occasional fish.

    Drinks — Tea and coffee are available daily. Fresh water is available on-site — bring a reusable bottle.

    Dietary requirements — We've hosted volunteers who are vegan, gluten-free, and have other dietary needs. We do our best to accommodate, but we can't guarantee variety every single day. If you have a strict or complex diet, bring some of your own food from KK city before heading to the island.

    Extra snacks — Meals are filling, but if you have a large appetite or specific cravings, buy extras in Sabah before departure. Store them in designated spots on the island. Everything is 3–4× cheaper in KK than in western countries.

    Internet Access

    Limited access at the project site
    You don't have to pay anything yet

    What's NOT included?

    What's NOT included?

    Airport Pickup at Kota Kinabalu International Airport

    An airport pickup isn't included within the program fees either.

    Flight Tickets

    The nearest airport is Kota Kinabalu International Airport (BKI) in Kota Kinabalu. We assist you to find cheap flights to Malaysia. FIND CHEAP FLIGHTS

    Travel Insurance

    Going abroad is an adventure and it is always best to be prepared. Sudden illness or injury, cancellation or theft - a travel insurance for Malaysia provides security and is a plus to have. GET A QUOTE

    Vaccines

    If you are intending to volunteer in Malaysia you should seek medical advice before starting your social journey. Check your required vaccinations for Malaysia. VACCINE CHECKER

    Details on arrival

    Start Dates

    We accept volunteers on a rolling intake basis — there are no fixed cohort dates. You choose your own start date based on your availability. You'll message us on WhatsApp before booking flights to confirm availability for your preferred dates.

    Minimum stay: 2 weeks
    Maximum stay: 12 weeks

    Recommended Arrival Time into Kota Kinabalu

    Arrive into Kota Kinabalu International Airport (BKI) between 10:00 AM and 12:00 PM on your start date. This timing allows our team to coordinate the taxi from KK city to the jetty within the same day. If you arrive earlier (e.g. 5:00–6:00 AM), that is fine — send us your flight details in advance and our team will coordinate logistics with you.

    If you arrive 1 day before your start date, it's recommended that you book a stay in Kota Kinabalu City in advance before your official start date

    How to Get to Usukan Island — Step by Step

    Step 1 — Fly into Kota Kinabalu International Airport (BKI). This is your only job. We handle everything from this point.

    Step 2 — Take a Grab (e-hailing app, similar to Uber) to the One Ocean Home Office in KK. The exact address is sent to you after your booking is confirmed.

    Step 3 — Our team arranges a taxi from KK city to Jetty Kastam Lama. The drive takes approximately 2 to 2.5 hours. You can stop at banks, shops, or a supermarket along the way — this is recommended, as there are no ATMs near the island.

    Step 4 — 15 to 20 minute boat ride from the jetty to Usukan Island with Hamzah, our local boatman. Wear slippers to the jetty — shoes get wet boarding the boat.

    Step 5 — Arrive on Usukan Island, meet the team, and get settled in.

    Before You Leave KK City — Do This

    • Buy a local Malaysian SIM card. Recommended: Celcom Blue Edition, available at 7-Eleven or any Celcomdigi store. Ask for the Blue Edition (not yellow), and ask staff for a Celcom Topup RM40. Cost: approximately RM 40–50 per month (~$12 USD) for unlimited data. There is no WiFi on the island.
    • Withdraw enough cash in MYR. The nearest ATM to the island is 30 minutes away and cards are rarely accepted in rural areas. Bring at least RM 100 (~$25 USD) as emergency cash on top of your planned spending money.
    • Buy any snacks or personal supplies you want. Everything is 3–4× cheaper in Sabah than in western countries. Estimated cost for all must-have gear (hiking shoes, repellent, drybag, water bottle): RM 100–120 (~$25–30 USD). If you have all the gear ready, than you do not need to buy anything

    Departure

    You do not need to pay a dime for this, our team will coordinate a taxi to send you back to Kota Kinabalu City one day before your flight home. From KK city, you book your own accommodation for that night before your journey out. If you prefer to go directly to the airport instead, we can arrange that too.

    Summary:

    • We cover all transport including departure except your transport to our home Office.
    • Arrival & location details will be sent to you upon confirmation of your booking, our team will guide you step-by-step along the way with clear communications
    • Arrive into Kota Kinabalu International Airport (BKI) between 10:00 AM and 12:00 PM on your start date. This timing allows our team to coordinate the taxi from KK city to the jetty within the same day.
    • If you arrive 1 day before your start date, it's recommended that you book a stay in Kota Kinabalu City in advance before your official start date

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

    Program Fees

    $420 per week 2 - 12 weeks Age 18 - 50+

    Payment methods

    Visa Master Card Maestro American Express PayPal

    NO CREDIT CARD FEES

    Duration

    2 - 12 weeks

    Deposit

    Reserve your spot with just a few clicks and a small, secure deposit. You can pay by credit card, PayPal, or other convenient methods.

    Final Payment

    You’ll agree on the final payment method with your local organization during the application process. This final payment is only due closer to the start of your trip.

    You don't have to pay anything yet

    4.89
    ・
    24 reviews

    Location

    Asia > South East Asia > Malaysia > Kota Belud, Sabah

    Meet your project coordinator

    Monica
    24
    reviews
    4.89
    Excellent
    2022
    Founded

    Verified

      Excellent response rate
    Spoken languages: Malay, Chinese (Mandarin), English
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    Travel dates

    1. - 1. Jan 1

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