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Most organizations zip-tie coral fragments onto metal frames. We don't.
Here, you'll learn organic coral restoration using natural substrates — zero artificial structures. The method that actually works long-term, taught by Monica Chin in one of the world's most biodiverse marine regions. Leave with an SSI-recognized Coral Ranger Certificate, hands-on reef field experience, and conservation skills that go beyond anything a dive course teaches.
25 hours of help per week
Cleaning: Help clean the kitchen, bedrooms, bathrooms and common areas.
Social Work: Help with volunteer work in local projects and communities.
Animal Care: Help look after and take care of animals.
Farming: Plant crops, sow seeds and help in outside tasks.
Amount: US$ 72 Per day
Fee pays for: Benefits for travelers, Materials for volunteer activities, and Donation to project
Description: Volunteer contributes $72 per day to cover expenses for: • Basic accommodation • Shower gel & hair shampoo • Daily 3 meals & drinking water • House-keeping & cleaning • Entrance & conservation fee • Repair & maintenance Funds will Directly support our daily operational cost to sustain our conservation project - coral restoration, and wildlife protection, & funds to support our conservation Centre Operation. (Excluded item not stated above)
2 days off per week
Private Room: You will have a bed in a private room. In other words, a room just for you.
Shared Dorm: You will have a bed in a shared room, which means you will share the same room with other travelers.
Team Dorm: You will have a bed in a shared room, which means you will share the same room with other people.
Tent: You will sleep in a tent at a camping site.
Breakfast: You are entitled to a free breakfast, every day of your stay.
Lunch: You are entitled to a free lunch, every day of your stay.
Dinner: You are entitled to a free dinner, every day of your stay.
Discounts on Drinks: Get discounts for drinks and beverages from our bar.
Discounts on Tours: Get discounts for tours and excursions around town.
Free Hiking Tours: We’ll take you on excursions and hikes around town. For free!
Certificate: Get a certificate of completion after you finish your experience.
Basic Internet Access: Basic speed internet for you to work remotely
Fluent English
Between 18 and 55 years old
Only hosts solo volunteers (doesn’t accept couples or partners)
Travel insurance
Mandatory volunteer introduction video
Flights, Travel Insurance, Internal Transportation and Visa
Most coral planting experiences are photo opportunities — fragments zip-tied to metal frames that reefs reject within years.
Our organic method works with coral biology. No frames. No artificial structures. You will learn alongside Monica, the founder of this center doing 80% hands-on in the water training and 20% in classroom
⚠️ Certified divers get full gear on-site. Non-divers get snorkel and fins. Either way, you're in the water!
📌 What You Walk Away With:
• Understand how coral ecosystems actually function (beyond what most divers know)
• Ethically harvest coral fragments without damaging reef systems
• Select and prepare natural ocean-derived substrates
• Plant coral fragments without artificial frames or structures
• Apply reef-safe handling and risk management protocols
• Receive a Coral Ranger Certificate of Completion (SSI recognized)
📌 What You'll Learn as a Coral Ranger:
• Coral Biology — what corals are and how they function
• Ethical Coral Harvesting — how we source fragments responsibly
• Why Natural Substrate works and why man-made structures fail long-term
• The Coral Ranger Toolbox — everything we use to plant corals
• Nursery Building — subject to island conditions, not always guaranteed
• Safety and Risk Management when handling corals
📌 What You'll Learn beyond your role:
• Ancestral knowledge about nature in Sabah
• How we work with indigenous communities in Sabah
• How we built this center from $0 and no capital
Your Instructor: Monica Chin, Founder and Lead Coral Ranger Instructor. Strict methodology. Field-based principles. Not just how to plant coral — but why every step matters.
We don't plant coral every day & we hope you're cool with that. Ocean conditions and tides decide. This is real conservation, not a curated activity.
🪸 Your Main Role — Reef & Marine Work
Restoration isn't just planting. It's maintaining the systems that make planting possible.
• Reef health assessments and coral growth monitoring
• Checking previously planted coral fragments
• Cleaning coral nursery areas
• Underwater debris removal
• Plant corals
• Data Collection
Ocean conditions and tides decide when we enter the water. Some weeks are heavy on sea sessions. Others shift to land. That's real conservation.
🌿 Additional Tasks beyond your core role:
• General maintenance and land-based support
• Supervised repair work around the centre
• Safety and operations support
• Sustainability and improvement projects
🕒 Your Daily Shifts
Morning — 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM
The most important block. Reef prep, team assignments, sea sessions when conditions allow.
Afternoon — 3:00 PM to 6:00 PM
Lighter pace. Equipment care, centre upkeep, bonfire prep on designated evenings.
📅 Weekly Structure
5 working days. 2 rest days. Flexible around weather and tides.
Free Time & Rest Days
Rest days are yours — snorkel, explore, go paddle boarding, or do absolutely nothing.
This is a working conservation center. Not a resort. Full Briefing will be conducted the moment you arrive at the Centre
🔴 Safety First:
Follow all briefings and staff instructions. Use equipment properly. Never attempt tasks outside your training. Report hazards immediately.
🌿 Five NO Policy:
• No Light Pollution.
• No Sound Pollution.
• No Food Waste.
• No Trash Pollution.
• No Negative Attitude.
No alcohol, drugs, or smoking near wildlife or shared spaces. Illegal substances = immediate removal.
✅ What We Expect:
• Show up on time and ready to work
• Complete tasks fully — not halfway
• Respect wildlife, the island, and everyone around you
• Own your role without needing reminders
⚠️ Island Rhythm:
Conservation moves with weather, tides, and nature — not a fixed office schedule. Some days are intense. Others are slow. Both are part of the work. Flexibility isn't optional, it's mandatory
