Want to check out Malaysia in a fun, cheap and rewarding way. Why not volunteer? There are plenty of programmes and non-profit organisations offering once in a lifetime experiences where you’ll truly feel Malaysian. Here are some of the perks:
Integration into culture!
If you volunteer in Malaysia, there is no doubt you will gain a better understanding of the local culture than compared to if rush your way through the country. Little by little, you will be much more integrated into the environment and will have the chance to see, do and experience things that most people don’t. If you work as a teach, your experience with local children will open your eyes to another world and give you exposure to family life. It’s also possible to volunteer at animal sanctuaries where you will be impressed by the treasures of nature and the stunning fauna and flora of Malaysia.
Help this guy and his friends live for a thousand more years
Meeting amazing people
When you travel you meet lots of travellers, when you work you meet lots of workers. But when you volunteer you get to know many different people, especially locals. For example, if you teach English you will get to know all your students and their families. They will probably open the doors of their houses for you and invite you to eat with them. You will get to know all the members of the community and try delicious meals and participate in local traditions and customs. Most NGO’s in Malaysia also work with international volunteers providing a great platform to meet people from all over the world. The fact that you are working together for a cause will make it easy to connect with each other. You will build memories and friendships for life!
Take in the best of Malaysia with new friends
Discover remote and beautiful places
Another beautiful thing about volunteering in Malaysia is all the wonderful places you will discover. You may be stuck in the city teaching during the week, but Malaysia’s proximity to wonderful destinations both local and foreign makes it so easy to explore the region. If you are volunteering in a rural or remote area, you will feel like a local — particularly if you love being off the beaten track, exploring the dense bush land and pristine beaches. You will also meet locals or other long-term volunteers who can give you travel advice on secret spots of Malaysia. Throw away your travel guide for a moment and discover the unexpected secrets of Peninsular Malaysia and Borneo.
Explore the hidden gems of Malaysia
Malaysia on a budget
One of the perks of volunteering instead of travelling or being on a holiday is it’s relatively cheap. If you are volunteering in Malaysia, most likely you will receive free accommodation and food. You will also probably live far from tourist hotspots which will help in cutting down costs. This will also help you become accustom to identifying the cheapest forms of transport and where to find a bargain.
Malaysia currency the ringgit • Image Source
Challenge yourself
Being a tourist is easy and working in a big company is convenient. Volunteering is a whole different story, full of challenges and surprises. If you are a teacher in an Orang Asli community or if you are working with animals in the rainforest, your days will not be the same. You will improve yourself and become a better person, capable of overcoming the unforeseen. Instead of coming home with some postcards you will be enriched with adventures, lessons and experiences for life.
No better place to explore your horizons than Malaysia
Your help matters
There are countless benefits of volunteering in Malaysia but the most important is your aid. Sure, you will live an extraordinary life, meet people and have lots of fun, but it’s the chance to improve someone’s life that you will treasure the most. Whether it’s teaching English in the jungle communities or working with turtles in Borneo, you will have a hands on impact in Malaysia and that counts more than anything!
Malaysia is waiting for you to spread the love
Cover photo from yourvolunteers.com