Compare Perhentian Marine Research Station by Ecoteer Responsible Travel vs Indochina in 35 days - 5 Country Southeast Asian Discovery - Superior by Exoticca

Week 0: Dive Course

Unqualified divers arrive Monday and complete dive course including 1 extra buoyancy dive and 1 fun dive.

Weeks 1 onwards:  Research Training and Survey Weeks

Qualified divers arrive on Monday, and conduct:

• 1 survey skills & buoyancy dive
• 2 coral nursery dives
• 2 shark photo ID dives
• 2 Reef Check Malaysia survey dives (fish/invertebrates & substrate/coral health)
• 1 Seagrass Watch survey dive

Seagrass Research

Week 0: Dive Course

Unqualified divers arrive Monday and complete dive course including 1 extra buoyancy dive and 1 fun dive.

Week 1: Research Training

Qualified divers arrive on Monday.

Volunteers will learn the theory of Seagrass Watch; a globally accepted method of surveying seagrass beds 8 training dives

Weeks 2-4: Research Training

Volunteers will conduct actual official Seagrass Watch surveys on 4 of the largest seagrass beds in the Perhentian islands.

Surveys are repeated twice a year to assess the health of the beds, as well as the impacts of the monsoon.

Sundays

Sundays on the island are days off! Chilling, diving, trekking, totally up to you. If it’s your last week then Sunday is your departure day, so you’ll have to say a sad farewell to your fellow volunteers. Boats back to the mainland are at 8am, 12pm, or 4pm.

Skill Development

Here at PMRS, we will help you to perfect your underwater research skills. Key skills such as perfect buoyancy and being an eco-conscious diver will quickly be gained whilst conducting research with us. In addition, you will have an opportunity to learn and apply globally recognised methodologies such as Seagrass Watch and Reef Check Diving. In no time, you will learn how to reel out and tuck transect tapes whilst minimising damage to the reef, film the transects, and analyse the data.

Coral Rehabilitation Method

You will learn our method of developing artificial reefs and coral nurseries which involves transplanting coral fragments on to specifically designed bottle reefs. Another method we use is the creation of coral pyramids out of coral rubble to improve the overall health of a degraded reef ecosystem.

Elasmobranch monitoring

You will assist with the establishment of our new elasmobranch monitoring scheme. This will involve the use of camera traps and diving to investigate shark and ray species found around the Perhentian islands and collect data on their spatial distribution and population density.

Reef Diversity Monitoring

You will use the Reef Check surveying methodology to help us with our ongoing monitoring of the coral reef health. The data we collect will build upon our previous years of research in understanding species richness and abundance on our reefs, and it also helps us to introduce, implement or influence effective conservation strategies.

Seagrass Monitoring

You will use the Seagrass Watch method for surveying seagrass to collect vital data which will be analysed and compared with other seagrass beds around the world. You will assess the seagrass using quadrants, or you will map the boundaries of the beds; teaching you vital research skills.

Diving

If you aren’t dive qualified you soon will be! We utilise the dive schools on the island to train our divers. By using the established dive centres to run our courses, we build stronger bonds with the wider island community and help share the wealth! Through one of these excellent dive schools, volunteers can become an open-water and/or advanced open-water diver in a week.

Those who can already dive will know that diving is all about buoyancy; all divers strive for perfect trim in the water, and even expert divers are constantly looking for ways to perfect their buoyancy. Conducting research dives is a great way to raise your buoyancy game!

Day 1: US - Night on board

Arrive at your US departure airport ready to check-in for an overnight flight to Bangkok.* Night on board. * If either your outbound or inbound flights depart in the early hours (before 4:00 a.m.) you must arrive at the airport the night before the indicated departure day.

Day 2: Bangkok

Arrive in the capital of Thailand and transfer to your hotel. Bangkok is one of the most influential, modern and lively cities in Southeast Asia due to it's economic, political and social development. Make the most of your time in the city by exploring the bustling street markets or enjoying some of the exotic street food on offer. Overnight in Bangkok.

Day 3: Bangkok

Breakfast at the hotel. Today, enjoy a fascinating tour of Bangkok's temples. Head to Yaowarat Road, in Chinatown, to visit magical Wat Traimit temple, which houses the largest solid gold Buddha in the world, almost five meters high and an amazing five and a half tons in weight. Continue to Wat Pho, the largest temple in Bangkok where the famous Reclining Buddha is kept. After admiring the sheer size of the temple, continue to the astounding Wat Benchamabophit or The Marble Temple, a Buddhist sanctuary built in white Italian marble in the 18th century, with elegant and intricate designs. Finally, enjoy a visit to the State Factory of Precious Stones, for the opportunity to buy local jewellery, crafts and silks. Overnight stay in Bangkok.

Day 4: Bangkok

Breakfast at the hotel. Spend a day exploring Bangkok at your own pace. We recommend visiting some of the emblematic temples dotted around the city and soaking up the atmosphere of the famous night markets. Overnight stay in Bangkok.

Day 5: Bangkok - Siem Reap

Breakfast at the hotel. Depart the hotel this morning, ready for a scenic journey of 6-7 hours to Siem Reap. Bid farewell to Thailand at the Poi Pet Border Crossing, where you will clear customs on your own and walk to the meeting point to meet your Cambodian driver. Continue through rural Cambodia until you reach vibrant Siem Reap, known as the gateway to the ruins of Angkor. Check-in at the hotel and enjoy the evening at your leisure, exploring the city and perhaps shopping in its lively night market or stopping for a drink at the famous 'Pub Street'. Overnight stay in Siem Reap.

Day 6: Siem Reap - Angkor Wat - Angkor Thom - Preah Khan Temple - Siem Reap

Breakfast at the hotel. Today, explore the most significant temples in the Angkor Complex. Visit the ancient capital, Angkor Thom and enjoy the unique decorative towers of the Bayon Temple. At Preah Khan Temple, wonder at the 12th-century splendour before you continue to Ta Prohm in the afternoon, home to the enormous iconic fig tree roots that grow through the middle of the temple. Admire Bayon architecture at Banteay Kdei temple before you finally arrive at Angkor Wat, the world heritage site and most revered of all the Cambodian temples. It features the longest bas-relief in the world and is the perfect place to watch the sunset over the entire temple complex. Overnight stay in Siem Reap.

Day 7: Siem Reap

Breakfast at the hotel. Enjoy a day at your leisure, soaking up the ambience of Siem Reap, or perhaps exploring the sights at your own pace. We recommend an optional excursion to Phnom Kulen Mountain, a sacred pilgrimage site home to remote temples.* Overnight stay in Siem Reap. * Optional Half-Day Phnom Kulen Mountain Excursion: Enjoy a 1-hour scenic drive to Phnom Kulen Mountain, considered by Khmers to be the most sacred mountain in Cambodia. Visit a modern pagoda, which offers stunning views over the Angkor area, and be amazed by the eight-meter tall statue of a reclining Buddha. Continue to the River of One Thousand Lingas and the magnificent waterfall nearby, where you can enjoy a refreshing swim. Return to Siem Reap.

Day 8: Siem Reap

Breakfast at the hotel. Spend the day at your leisure, exploring the lively city centre. We recommend enjoying an optional excursion to Tonle Sap Lake and an optional Tuk-Tuk Street Food tour.* Overnight stay in Siem Reap. * Optional Morning Tonle Sap Lake Excursion: Transfer to Tonle Sap Lake, a huge freshwater body of water, known for it's floating villages. Enjoy a boat ride through the villages, complete with floating farms, schools, gardens and temples. Return to dry land and visit the Old Market of Siem Reap. * Optional Evening Tuk-Tuk Street Food Tour: Set off in the evening to the local night market and discover the wide array of regional cuisine and snacks. Take a tuk-tuk to a local Cambodia restaurant to enjoy a traditional dinner.

Day 9: Siem Reap - Phnom Penh

Breakfast at the hotel. Today, catch the Giant Ibis/Mekong Express bus* headed for the Cambodian capital, Phnom Penh. Upon arrival, transfer to the hotel and enjoy the remainder of the day at your leisure to explore this vibrant city, filled with beautiful French colonial architecture and situated at the confluence of the Mekong and Tonle Sap Rivers. We recommend an optional city tour to get to know Phnom Penh's most emblematic sights.** Overnight stay in Phnom Penh. * The Giant Ibis/Mekong Express bus ride from Siem Reap to Phnom Penh, is 320 km long and will take approximately 6 hours. Alternatively, you can take an optional flight from Siem Reap to Phnom Penh with Cambodia Angkor Air (approximately 1-hour flight time). This can be purchased in the next step of the booking process. ** Optional Phnom Penh City Tour: Explore the landmarks of Phnom Penh such as the fascinating Silver Pagoda and the moving Toul Sleng Genocide Museum, for a poignant look at the country's tragic history. End the tour in the colourful Central Market.

Day 10: Phnom Penh

Breakfast at the hotel. Today, set off on a poignant excursion to The Killing Fields of Choeung Ek, for a moving insight into the bloody rule of the Khmer Rouge. Realise the horror and tragedy of this period in Cambodian history at the Tuol Sleng Prison Museum and visit the notorious Killing Fields. The rest of the day is at your leisure. Overnight stay in Phnom Penh.

Day 11: Phnom Penh - Ho Chi Minh City

Breakfast at the hotel. This morning, cross the border between Cambodia and Vietnam on the Mekong Express/Giant Ibis bus* headed for Ho Chi Minh City, still known as Saigon to many of the locals. Arrive and transfer to the hotel. The remainder of the day is free to explore the city and its famous night market, perfect for picking up some authentic souvenirs. Overnight stay in Ho Chi Minh. * The Giant Ibis/Mekong Express bus ride from Phnom Penh to Ho Chi Minh City is 280 km long and will take approximately 6.5 hours. Alternatively, you can take an optional flight from Phnom Penh to Ho Chi Minh City with Cambodia Angkor Air (approximately 1-hour flight time). This can be purchased in the next step of the booking process.

Day 12: Ho Chi Minh City

Breakfast at the hotel. Embark on a full-day city tour to soak up the rich tapestry of history and culture in Ho Chi Minh City. Visits Dong Khoi Street, home to many of the city's most important sites from the French colonial period, when the city became known as the 'Paris of the Orient'. Appreciate the restored Opera House, based on the Petit Palace in Paris and visit the Grand Hotel de Ville, now formally re-branded as the People's Committee Hall. Be amazed by the Notre Dame Cathedral, and the impressive Central Post Office, designed by the architect Gustav Eiffel. In District 5 visit China Town and the iconic Thien Hau Temple, built in honour of the goddess of the sea. Conclude your day discovery at the bustling Ben Thanh market. Return to the hotel. Overnight stay in Ho Chi Minh City.

Day 13: Ho Chi Minh City

Breakfast at the hotel. Enjoy a free day in this exciting city. We recommend an optional excursion to discover the magical Mekong Delta.* Overnight stay in Ho Chi Minh City. * Optional Mekong Delta Excursion: Depart to Ben Tre province crossing Rach Mieu bridge. On arrival in Hung Vuong Pier, hop on a motorized boat on the Ben Tre River, one of the tributes of Mekong River while witnessing the lively activities of local life along the way. Stop at a brick kiln and visit one of the many coconut processing workshops located along the canal. Take a motorized cart or bicycle along the shady paths and pass by green rice fields and vegetable plains to discover everyday life on the river. Take a rowing-boat along a beautiful water palm creek before you return to the pier.

Day 14: Ho Chi Minh - Hanoi

Breakfast at the hotel. You will have this morning free or join the optional half-day excursion to visit Cu Chi tunnels*. The afternoon, transfer to the airport for a flight to Hanoi. Transfer to the hotel. Rest of the day free to explore the city. Overnight stay in Hanoi. * Optional Cu Chi Tunnels Excursion: Spend the morning exploring the impressive tunnel complex of Cu Chi, dug in 1948 for guerrillas to escape the bombardment of French forces. Explore the underground villages and understand the history of the tunnels.

Day 15: Hanoi

Breakfast at the hotel. Today, enjoy an action-packed city tour of Hanoi. Stop at Huu Tiep Lake, home to the famous downed US B-52 bomber and wander through the lively local market. Next, visit Ho Chi Minh’s Mausoleum (viewed from the outside on Monday & Friday due to closure), and the One Pillar Pagoda, whose origins date back to the foundation of the city. Continue to Van Mieu - Quoc Tu Giam, the Temple of Literature and Vietnam’s first university, dating from the 11th century. Explore, on foot, Hanoi’s Old Quarter streets to see local people trading and going about their daily lives. Take a relaxing seat at a local café for a refreshing cup of coffee or green tea. Return to the hotel in the late afternoon and the rest of the day is at your leisure. Overnight stay in Hanoi.

Day 16: Hanoi

Breakfast at the hotel. Enjoy a day at your leisure in Hanoi, experiencing the hustle and bustle of Vietnam's busiest city. We recommend an optional excursion to the beautiful natural area of Ninh Binh.* Overnight stay in Hanoi. * Optional Full-Day Ninh Binh Excursion: Set off in the morning to the region of Ninh Binh, famous for its karst mountains and misty caves. Take a rowing boat along the natural canals of the Thung Nham Valley and explore the mystical caves along the way. Stop at a local restaurant for lunch before continuing to Mua Cave, where a 20-minute climb rewards you with breathtaking views of the Tam Coc landscape. Admire the natural beauty of Vietnam.

Day 17: Hanoi - Ha Long Bay

Breakfast at the hotel. Depart by road to Ha Long Bay, a World Heritage area of outstanding natural beauty known for its limestone islands and glistening waters. Travel through the rich farmlands of the delta and witness the daily life of the Vietnamese villages. Arrive in Ha Long and board a traditional junk boat, to begin your cruise on the bay with a welcome drink. Lunch on board. The cruise passes by many fascinating islets and may stop for a while to visit local fishing villages, caves and limestone islands. Relax at your leisure on the sun deck. Dinner and overnight on board. Please note: There is no guide on board the Ha Long Bay cruise.

Day 18: Ha Long Bay - Hanoi

Brunch on board as the traditional junk continues to cruise around the idyllic landscapes of Ha Long Bay. Soak up the natural beauty before returning to Ha Long port. Disembark and transfer back to Hanoi. Spend the remainder of the day at your leisure, perhaps picking up some last-minute souvenirs or revisiting your favourite city sights. Overnight stay in Hanoi.

Day 19: Hanoi - Kuala Lumpur

Breakfast at the hotel. At the indicated time, transfer to the airport for a flight to Kuala Lumpur. Arrive in Kuala Lumpur and transfer to hotel. This federal capital and largest city in Malaysia embraces modernity with its skyscrapers whilst still retaining its most traditional customs and religions. It's known for its high-end restaurants, exquisite cuisine, British-colonial landmarks and charming urban environment. Spend the day discovering the city at your leisure. Overnight stay in Kuala Lumpur.

Day 20: Kuala Lumpur

Breakfast at the hotel. Today, set off on a half-day tour through the city of Kuala Lumpur. Discover the most emblematic symbols of the city such as the Petronas Towers, once the tallest buildings in the world, the Royal Palace, the Lake Gardens, the National Mosque, the Independence Square and the National Museum which houses collections about the history and culture of Malaysia.* Finally, explore a Craft Centre and the Cocoa Boutique. The remainder of the day is free for you to explore at your leisure. We recommend heading to one of the many high-end shopping malls for a taste of Malaysian retail therapy. Overnight stay in Kuala Lumpur. * Entrance to National Museum not included and optional. The National Museum is closed during the Hari Raya Puasa festival (12 - 13 June 2021, dates subject to change).

Day 21: Kuala Lumpur - Jakarta

Breakfast at the hotel. At the indicated time, transfer to the airport for a flight to Jakarta. Arrive in the capital city of Jakarta on the island of Java and transfer to the hotel. Take the rest of the day at your leisure to enjoy the area. Jakarta is known for its historic mix of cultures such as Javanese, Malay, Chinese, Arabic, Indian and European which has influenced the city's architecture, language and cuisine. Overnight stay in Jakarta.

Day 22: Jakarta

Breakfast at the hotel. Today, enjoy a tour of Jakarta. Get to know the city and explore sights such as The Old Port of Sunda Kelapa, Batavia, and make a photo stop National Museum. Explore Glodok Chinatown, the oldest Chinatown in Jakarta, and admire the typical old Chinese architecture, tiny alleys and charming Vihara.* Overnight stay in Jakarta. * Please note: On Sunday's the main street in Jakarta is car-free between 6 a.m. and 1 p.m. and on Monday all museums are CLOSED.

Day 23: Jakarta - Yogyakarta

Breakfast at the hotel. Today, transfer back to the airport to catch a flight to your next destination, enchanting Yogyakarta. Upon arrival, transfer to hotel. Yogyakarta is known for its traditional arts and cultural heritage and has a very different atmosphere to the hustle and bustle of Jakarta. Overnight stay in Yogyakarta.

Day 24: Yogyakarta

Breakfast at the hotel. This morning, enjoy a Yogyakarta city tour. Visit the iconic Keraton and the Sultan’s Palace, an oasis of tranquillity and beauty.* Continue the tour with a visit to the enchanting Water Castle, home to beautiful swimming pools and pavilions. Explore the Museum Sonobudoyo, and be immersed in local culture at an impressive batik factory. End the tour with a visit to the world-famous Borobudur. This is one of the most impressive Buddhist temples in the world and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. In the afternoon, enjoy the city at your leisure or take an optional village tour.* Overnight stay in Yogyakarta. * Please note: the Keraton is closed on Mondays. * Optional Candirejo Village Tour by 'Andong' Horse Cart: Enjoy a 30-minute tour of the village of Candirejo by 'Andong', a traditional horse cart. Ride through this peaceful and architecturally charming village and witness the daily lives of the locals.

Day 25: Yogyakarta

Breakfast at the hotel. Take a day at your leisure. We recommend exploring the local markets for a spot of souvenir shopping. Alternatively, take an optional excursion to explore the area further.* Overnight stay in Yogyakarta. * Optional Morning Cycling Tour: Starting from the Kali Opak Bridge, a guide will take you around Prambanan to see beautiful rice fields, plantations and to visit a village and a tobacco factory. Also explore the charming Plaosan temple, which is a mix of Buddhist and Hindu architecture, surrounded by paddy fields. * Optional Prambanan Temple Tour: Visit the Prambanan Temple site. The main site here is called 'Loro Jonggrang', considered Java’s most elegant and awe-inspiring. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, the largest Hindu temple site in Indonesia, and one of the biggest in Southeast Asia, the Prambanan temple site is an unmissable stop whilst visiting Yogyakarta.

Day 26: Yogyakarta - Ubud

After breakfast at the hotel, transfer to Yogyakarta airport to catch your flight to Ubud, on the paradise island of Bali. Arrive in Ubud, and transfer to the hotel. Soak up the peaceful atmosphere, explore the artistic side of the city or simply kick back at the hotel. Overnight stay in Ubud.

Day 27: Ubud

Breakfast at the hotel. Today enjoy a full day excursion in and around Ubud. The first stop is in the stone carver village of Batu Bulan to see the colorful and exciting Dance of Barong & Kris. After the performance, visit this famous village to see the artists making their designs. The carvers use many varieties of wood. Visit the 'elephant cave' called Goa Gajah. The next stop is at Kintamani to enjoy the spectacular views of Mount Batur, with its black lava ribbons descending from the sacred crater to the valley, where Lake Batur sits serene and bright with the mountains as a backdrop. On the return trip admire the beautiful rice field terraces in Tegallalang. Return to Ubud for an overnight stay.

Day 28: Ubud

Breakfast at the hotel. Today, spend the day at your leisure. Why not explore the local markets or indulge in a relaxing Balinese massage. We recommend an optional river rafting excursion if you are feeling adventurous.* Overnight stay in Ubud. * Optional Ayung River Rafting Excursion: Take a rafting adventure on the Ayung River! An unforgettable journey through the tropical rainforest past beautiful waterfalls. Lunch included.

Day 29: Ubud

Breakfast at the hotel. Enjoy a day at your leisure. We recommend exploring the tranquil rainforests or visiting the local Hindu temples and shrines. Alternatively, we suggest taking an optional mountain biking excursion to enjoy the landscapes from a different perspective.* Overnight stay in Ubud. * Optional Mountain Biking Excursion: From the mountainside, ride along quiet roads past various villages. Enjoy an impression of traditional Balinese life and the beautiful nature.

Day 30: Ubud - Benoa

Breakfast at the hotel. Today, journey through the hills of Bali’s southern peninsula. This area, known as Bukit, offers a landscape unequalled by any other regions of the island. Unlike the lush rainforests of the tropical central highlands, this arid terrain was formed by millennia of coral sedimentations and is filled with captivating scenery. Home to wild beaches, Bukit is a haven for surfers. In the corner of this peninsula, perched on a sheer cliff, is a highly venerated Uluwatu Temple. Visit the temple to enjoy a performance of the Ramayana epic-based Kecak Dance with the majestic temple and sunset in the background. Afterwards, transfer to beautiful Benoa, one of the most idyllic beach resorts on the island. Get settled at the hotel and enjoy an overnight stay in Benoa.

Day 31: Benoa

Breakfast at the hotel. Enjoy a day at your leisure, basking in the Balinese sunshine or exploring at your own pace. We recommend an optional city tour of Denpasar to discover the unique and diverse atmosphere of the city, which fuses traditional Balinese culture and modernity.* Overnight stay in Benoa. * Optional Denpasar City Tour: Explore Badung Traditional Market, for a taste of the local culture and delve into the spiritual side of the city at Jagatnatha Temple. Learn more about the island at the fascinating Bali Museum and admire the Bajra Shandi Monument, a monument dedicated to the struggles of the Balinese people throughout history. (Min. 2 pax)

Day 32: Benoa

Breakfast at the hotel. Free day to explore Bali at your leisure. Why not indulge in a lazy beach day or go snorkelling in the crystal clear waters of the Indian Ocean. Alternatively, why not consider one of our optional excursions.* Overnight stay in Benoa. * Optional Nusa Lembongan Snorkeling Excursion: Set off to Nusa Lembongan around 8:00 a.m. for an exciting day of snorkelling in the warm, abundant waters. Enjoy an included lunch on the boat and discover the rich marine life in the open waters. All snorkelling equipment is provided. (Min. 2 pax) * Optional Sunset Dinner Cruise: Spend a tropical evening onboard a boat whilst taking in the spectacular sunset and enjoying a refreshing cocktail and international buffet. A live cabaret show on board will keep you entertained as you cruise away the evening. (Min. 2 pax)

Day 33: Benoa

Breakfast at the hotel. A day at your leisure to continue enjoying the idyllic white-sand beaches of Benoa, perfect for a walk along its extensive shoreline and a swim in its crystal clear warm waters. We recommend an optional tour to Besakih and Penglipuran to discover more of the local area.* Overnight stay in Benoa. * Optional Besakih and Penglipuran Tour: On this day trip, discover the oldest temple in Bali, the Pura Besakih at the foot of Mount Agung. Along the way, visit Kertagosa in Klungkung, dating back to pre-colonial times and the village of Penglipuran, home to an indigenous community. Also, discover the sacred bats of Goa Lawah Cave and the black beaches of Kusamba for a fantastic overview of the must-see sights in the region. Lunch included. (Min. 2 pax)

Day 34: Benoa

Breakfast at the hotel. Free day to enjoy this haven of peace and tranquility located in the southern region of Bali, famous for its extraordinary beaches and its unique sunsets. Overnight stay in Benoa.

Day 35: Benoa - Denpasar - Kuala Lumpur

Breakfast at the hotel. Bid farewell to the paradise shores of Bali today. At the indicated time, transfer to Denpasar airport for a flight back to Kuala Lumpur. Arrive in Kuala Lumpur and spend your final evening soaking up the atmosphere of the bustling night markets or simply unwinding at your leisure. Overnight stay in Kuala Lumpur.

Day 36: Kuala Lumpur - US

Breakfast at the hotel. It's time to bring your epic adventure through Southeast Asia to an end. At the indicated time, transfer to the airport.