TAKING A GIANT STRIDE INTO A NEW WORLD - CHUA XIN NING
Just 20 minutes off Mersing and civilization seems a world away… (fear not! There was still access to the internet and local phone networks – though intermittent at times) What can we do on an island that is just 3 km in circumference? The answer is a lot! Situated within the Johor Marine Park, Tengah Island Conservation (TIC) focuses mostly on conservation of sea turtles and coral reefs across 7 islands. It was a world of unknown for me as I had no prior knowledge on marine science and was purely interested in understanding what is happening in the conservation world – thank you to TIC for creating this platform for people from various backgrounds!
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Tengah Memoirs: Embracing New Beginnings - Alyssa Lim
A whirlwind of emotions and memories engulfs me as I reminisce about my 3 months here at Tengah Island Conservation. It has been a time filled with captivating landscapes, warm-hearted people, new experiences, and personal growth. In my blog, I aim to capture the essence of this remarkable place and invaluable knowledge I’ve learned along the way. So, join me on this virtual voyage as I share the moments that defined my time as an intern here!
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Five Months of Timeless Memories and Everlasting Emotions - Siti Nur Baiduri
Everyday I woke up to the calming sound of waves and refreshing morning breeze with the cheerful chirping of birds around welcoming the sun. Starting the day with the brightest smile and meaningful ‘good morning’ ready for the morning patrols around the island.
How time flies~
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Create your own story? Just add water - Iskandar Hazlan
Some chapters are gloomy, some joyful and some very exciting. But if you never turn the page, you will never know what the next chapter holds. “Sun, Sea, Salt… Life on an island is tough” that’s what I thought in the first place. However, it turns out wrong. It has been the greatest chapter that I have ever created in my Book of Life.
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Island Reflections: Embracing Nature, Finding Strength - Nur Baiti Azizi
When I got off the boat, I felt both excited and unsure about my decision. The plants and animals on this island seemed to have secrets waiting to be discovered. Then, I realized that living on the island was a different world. As a city dweller, I had to adapt to the limited resources and the absence of modern conveniences. On my first few days, I found myself feeling out of place. But soon, I discovered the warmth and hospitality of my teammates that knew no bounds.
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3 Months Full of Memories and Experiences - Muhammad Aiman Farhan
Sad, frustrated, and almost got my heart broken in my final days with Tengah Island Conservation (TIC) in Pulau Tengah, Mersing. I will always remember everything I have done, learned and memories that were created together on this beautiful island. Having a refreshing sunrise every morning, fantastic scenery every dawn, and the beautiful clear blue water every day made me realize that three months of staying here was not enough.
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LET'S GET STURTLED: Ali on Pulau Tengah - Alice Leonardi
Pulau Tengah welcomes you with its crystal water, with baby sharks swimming in, as soon as you set your first foot on the dock.
First thought is for sure “am I really so lucky to be here?”. Second, of course, “let’s start exploring”.
So, facts are: you’re on an incredible island, accommodated at the Ranch which is a big open-air living room surrounded by nature and equipped with comfortable rooms for everyone. The sea is 30 steps away. And you’ve just arrived, to learn and help and share, and create your own adventures…
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Vitamin S every day: Sea, Sun, Sand, Shore, Scenic, and Sea turtle - Chong on Pulau Tengah
Hi there! My name is Chong, and this is my internship experience in Tengah Island Conservation. Since it was announced that I am required to find an internship to complete my degree in Marine Science after 2 years lockdown in Malaysia due to pandemic Covid-19, I had already decided that I wanted to find a placement that would allow me to do more field work in nature…..
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IN THE THICK OF IT: Arina at Pulau Tengah
2021, roller-coaster ride indeed! Accepted as an intern with TIC for a solid 5 months, it was unbelievable! Met new people, developing new skills and getting involved with diversity of projects here has eventually prepared me for my future career. Diving skills has improved from zero to hero with endless intensive training by our certified Divemsater (DM) Nur Aiman Suhaimi and Izzat Hakimi A’rizu….
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Field Assistant: A New Beginning
A year have passed, and now its May 2021. After finishing my intern in November 2020 with TIC, it is on February 21st, that I was officially accepted into the team, working as a full-time field assistant on the island. Feeling grateful for the opportunity given, I was very excited to start my career journey as soon as I can! As a field assistant, my roles included conducting surveys and collecting various data for TIC projects, supervising interns and volunteers in all aspects, managing social media and networks, supporting TIC special needs, as well as educating the guests, staff and local people….
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Eileen's first few weeks at Tengah Island Conservation
The beginning of 2021 was a dream came true when I got accepted as Operations Coordinator with Tengah Island Conservation (TIC) on Pulau Tengah. I had some reservation about my adjustment to the nature of work and isolated living lifestyle. Truth is... I am city girl who enjoys the luxuries of the "first world"; and spent nearly a decade in the corporate sector. However, a certain nagging thought developed the last few years - "...let's drop all the comforts behind, let's start giving back to Gaia, let's save some wildlife, save nature". Before I grew bold enough to take the plunge, I simply volunteered my time with various wildlife organizations, learning what conserving wildlife entails, learning about different species, meeting dedicated persons of their field. Over time, I realized …
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My Time on an Island: Biscuits, Hatcheries and Bats
It’s the year 2020, and the world are currently being threaten by a global pandemic known as COVID-19. Lots of countries had been hit, major economy had downfalls, and millions had lost their source of incomes. Daily activities had stopped, and movements are restricted to contain the outbreak from spreading more and more. Meanwhile, as a student who are currently on his final year of university, finding an internship placement in order to graduate in time is a must…
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The TIC Team Completes Mapping and Surveying of Hujong Island!
TIC team just completed our work on Hujong Island! As many of you already know, our work was stopped during the COVID-19 MCO (Movement Control Order), so all our projects have been delayed. It was hard at the beginning, but we did not get discouraged and as soon as the MCO was lifted, we went back to our work!
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June/JULY 2020 Gallery
Check out what the TIC team have been up to in June and July. Thanks to the generous donations from our Give Asia crowdfunding campaign, we’ve been able to start getting our projects back on track!
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Where and how will you #TravelTomorrow?
COVID-19 switched travel off, more or less over night. Whilst many talk of the silver linings for biodiversity and conservation, pointing to the dolphins swimming through the canals of Venice and the leatherbacks coming back to nest on beaches in Thailand, we cannot forget the loss of livelihoods and ensuing pain for the millions employed in the tourism sector across the world. For now, whilst the world pauses and we come to terms with the new reality, many are making plans for tourism’s recovery in the future. But what does this future look like? Where and how will you #TravelTomorrow? Please help us by answering and sharing this survey.
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