Ecoteer Community House

Village community centre on the Tropical paradise island of Perhentian.

The Perhentian Islands are well renowned as the most beautiful islands in Peninsular Malaysia and consequently have become a haven for backpackers and travellers alike. The increase of tourists has seen a decline in the health of the coral reefs fringing the islands and the dilution of the villagers Malay culture.

AIM
to increase environmental and cultural awareness amongst the villagers and tourists.

OBJECTIVES
1) To assist the economy of the village through encouraging cultural services offered by the villagers.
2) To provide relevant after-school clubs and activities for the children of Perhentian.
3) To act as an example of responsible living to the Perhentian villagers.
4) To initiate environmental and cultural events in the village, for villagers and tourists to join together during ’Gotong Royong’ events.
5) To help the people in need in the village.
6) To act in harmony with the village and to act on the wishes of the villagehead and headmaster.

The Ecoteer House Project is increasing environmental awareness of the villagers by hosting a weekly Environmental club for the school children and starting in 2012 a weekly village clean up where the villagers and tourists are encouraged to join in.

In 2012 an English club will be run at the primary school to help improve the creative writing of the children. We are also proposing a weekly Eco-Snorkel club for the school children as well but this has not been confirmed.
Perhentian literately means a stopover and has been home to fishermen folk for over a century with tourists only visiting in significant numbers since 2000. Many of the fishermen now work as water taxi boatmen and snorkel guides whereas the women work as maids. The villagers have lots to share with us about island life and they are keen to learn from us too. The project is being guided by the village head and headmaster to ensure mutually beneficial outcomes and that we work hand-in-hand with the villagers.
This project is truely unique in Malaysia as you get to experience the beach and sea of the islands as well as the culture of the villagers this is a true island experience that shouldn’t be missed.

How is this trip responsible?
1. Clear aim
To increase environmental and cultural awareness amongst the villagers and tourists.

2. Low tourist impact
The Ecoteer House holds a maximum of 4 volunteers at any one time and all visiting are given a thorough briefing regarding cultural sensitivities. At the Ecoteer House we have started recycling and some of the villagers are starting to take note;

3. Contribution to local community
Half of your weekly fee goes direct to the village. We use all local boatmen and restaurants;

4. Environmental and cultural conservation
Each week we host a Environmental, English and Eco Snorkel clubs for the school children going to the primary school in the Perhentian Islands. The volunteers are given a thorough briefing regarding Malay culture and are encouraged to take part in extra cultural experiences like learning to speak Arabic or learning the basics to the Malaysian martial art silat.

Make the most of your time in the Perhentian Islands and learn to scuba dive, help protect a turtle nesting beach and learn about the Reef Check survey. The Bubbles Dive, Turtle and Coral project is the perfect complement to the Ecoteer House Project.

60122173208