Volunteer with us!

Programme Details:

What we do & what you'll get volunteering with us:

• Protect, conserve, & learn about corals, marine life, forest of Borneo, and nature on Usukan Island

• Help with ongoing island upkeep & projects

• Learn how we work with Sea Natives & Indigenous Communities around our local area and run our operation 100% with them (Kuala Abai, Kota Belud)

• Hike, document, & maintain our trail with more than 54+ species of birds, wildlife and Endangered Species of Monkey

• Learn about our Indigenous culture & tradition and our way of life on Borneo Island.

Volunteering Duration:

• Minimum of 2 Weeks or 14 Days (Maximum of 3 Months)

Volunteer Working Hours:

• 5 Hours/5 Days + 2 Off Days

Accommodation Type:

Location:

• Traditional Longhouse with private rooms for each volunteer

• One Ocean Nature Conservation Centre (Click to view on Google Map)

Ready to Join? Contact us if you're interested!

Story & How You'll Make an Impact

Usukan Island is known to be a hotspot for fishing and spear fishing among the locals of Kuala Abai, Kota Belud. For the past 10-15 years, this place is known to be a place for fishing bombing & fishing in general. Due to the destructive fishing practices, the corals on Usukan island have been destroyed. 2 years ago, due to a heat wave, many of the old corals started bleaching wiping out almost 70-80% of the coral population at depths of 5 meters to 12 meters. in 2025, many new corals are starting to grow, but majority of them are still young and need monitoring and protection. Wildlife on the island we're also slowly declining due to the presence of wild domestic dogs from the mainland killing the Philippine megapode, disturbing an endangered species of monkey & causing environmental disturbance of the island. Many of the locals are uneducated about the importance of marine life and sustainability.

That's where we come into play-One Ocean Nature Conservation Centre was established to tackle this problem

For the past 4 Years, we have:

• Propagated more than 15,000+ Corals trying to restore damaged reefs caused by fish bombing

• Established a Part of Usukan Island's reefs as protected & monitored

• Protecting the wildlife & conserving the forest of Usukan Island from environmental destruction

• Educating the Local communities about sustainability & importance of the seas and working together with them providing a stable income source with the help of contributions from you & visitors

• Hosted more than 400-600+ Volunteers for the past 9 years (including our previous conservation centre) to help with our restoration project while helping scale our impact around the island

• Training Locals & Students about Marine Ecology, how to dive & snorkel with the implementation of conservation, sustainability, & conservation of the forest and marine ecosystem around Usukan Island.

And this is where we need your help, here is where YOU can come in to help us:

• Coral propagation and restoration- Learn to grow corals so that we can restore damaged reefs. You'll literally be rebuilding the ocean floor, one fragment at a time.

• Beach and reef clean-ups - Marine debris is choking our reefs. Your hands-on help removes plastics and fishing nets that kill marine life.

• Community education programs - Teach local kids and adults about marine conservation. Share your passion and watch minds change right before your eyes.

• Data collection and research support + Wildlife monitoring and forest patrols - If you love data, we need you. Help us document species of plants on the island, photograph reefs, and log wildlife sightings that inform our conservation strategies.

• Island Upkeep - Help clean our beaches, assist with any maintenance work with our staff members, & maintain the hiking trail by clearing the leaves

• Assist with Projects outline of our Centre (rare occurrence)- help with other restoration and community projects outside of our conservation centre (Semporna)

If you have any more questions or would like to join our project, do contact us to learn more about how you can be a volunteers at our centre

Volunteer Application Process

1. Contact us!

2. Qualification Process

3. Fill Out
Onboarding Form

4. Sign Agreement
& Documents

5. Secure your dates
& Make Payment

6. Show up
& Contribute

Reach out to check availability, ask questions, and express your interest in joining the program.

We ensure volunteers are a good fit and understand the responsibilities, safety requirements, and conservation goals.

Provides us with important information about your background, experience, and stay details so we can prepare for your arrival.

Required documents, liability forms, and policies ensure safety, clarity, and smooth participation for everyone.

Confirm your placement and program dates so we can reserve accommodation, meals, and prepare logistics

Arrive on the island, join the team, and actively support conservation and community efforts.

What's Included in Your Payment:

Conservation Project

• Participation in ongoing forest and marine conservation

• projects Hands-on, role-based conservation work

• Supervision and guidance from conservation staff

Accomodation

• Shared volunteer accommodation on the island

• Basic but comfortable living facilities

• Electricity and water (availability may be limited due to island remote conditions)

Logistics & Support

Community Contribution

Volunteer Resources

Your Meals

• On-island coordination, transportation, & volunteer support

• Guidance before arrival (navigation, packing, preparation)

• Direct support to local conservation efforts and island livelihoods

• Helps fund ongoing protection, restoration, and education initiatives

• Fun Fact: Your Money Helps Hamzah & his family to buy food and other essentials for his kids

• Role-specific instructions and standard operating procedures (SOPs)

• Basic, informal training and on-site support from staff

• Shared use of project tools and resources

• Three simple, local meals provided daily during your volunteer stay (Vegetarian)

Travel and Immigration

• Flights, buses, boats, taxis, or any transport to and from the island outside of what is prepared by our team

• Visa fees or immigration-related costs

Insurance & Medical Fees

• Travel insurance

• Medical insurance

• Diving or activity-specific insurance

• Medical treatment, medications, or hospital fees

All Forms of Personal Expenses

Activities, Courses & Equipment

• Personal toiletries (toothbrush, towel, sunscreen, insect repellent, etc.)

• Personal medications

• Snacks, drinks, and souvenirs

• Laundry services (unless stated otherwise)

• SIM cards and mobile data plans

• Internet usage beyond what is provided on-site

• Direct support to local conservation efforts and island livelihoods

• Helps fund ongoing protection, restoration, and education initiatives

• Fun Fact: Your Money Helps Hamzah & his family to buy food and other essentials for his kids

What's Not Included in Your Payment:

Digital Detox Readiness

Limited or no internet connection; volunteers should be comfortable with reduced connectivity.

Volunteer Mandatory Requirements:

Minimum
Age of 18 or Older

Basic Physical
Fitness

Swimming
Ability

Minimum Commitment Period

Respect for Nature
& Wildlife

Must be 18 years or older (or have guardian consent if younger, depending on policy).

Able to perform light–moderate physical work (walking, lifting equipment, working outdoors, snorkeling/diving if applicable). Comfortable working in heat, rain, and outdoor conditions.

Volunteers must commit to a minimum stay of 2 weeks or more to ensure meaningful contribution and reduce transport impact.

Must be able to swim confidently and be comfortable in the ocean (life jackets provided when needed).

Agree to follow strict environmental guidelines (no littering, no wildlife disturbance, reef-safe practices).

Team Living Compatibility

Ability to Follow Instructions

Positive Attitude & Team Spirit

Health & Medical Disclosure

No Drugs
Policy

Travel & Insurance (Optional)

Comfortable with shared accommodation, communal living, and simple island facilities.

Willing to follow safety briefings, conservation protocols, and staff instructions.

Open-minded, respectful, and willing to help across different tasks when needed.

Volunteers must disclose medical conditions and bring necessary medication due to remote location.

Illegal drugs strictly prohibited; responsible alcohol consumption only if allowed.

Volunteers must arrange travel insurance covering medical evacuation and outdoor activities (if needed, optional)

600+

Volunteers Hosted!

Since 2016...

38+

Countries

94.1%

volunteers came with no marine science background

1 month Duration

Most volunteers stay between 2 weeks to 1 month, but some extend their stay for a whopping 1+ year! That volunteer was from Switzerland.

5-6 Volunteers

Average of active volunteers each month. Some of them have already made pre-bookings for the future (secure your spot before it runs out!)

Ready to Join? Contact us if you're interested!