Juara Turtle Project

I traveled to Tioman Island this last summer, 2009, and spent three weeks at the Juara Turtle Project. The very first night that I was there a turtle came up on the beach just a short walk from the project. We got to go and watch as it slowly and meditatively dug it's nest in the sand under the moonlight. I'd never seen a sea turtle in person before and it enchanted me - it was huge and so beautiful. Over the three weeks that I was there we relocated hundreds of eggs into the protective hatcheries and got to release lots of babies into the ocean under the rising sun. We also worked hard on building the fruit and vegetable gardens that will eventually sustain much of the food for the project as well as worked on general maintenance and progress of the property as a whole. Three weeks isn't a terribly long time, and as such it was really impressive to see how far the project came. It's inspiring to be able to add your own touches to the property - and that's one of the aspects that makes this such a cool project is as volunteers come and go they all leave a mark, enhancing the beauty as well as the productivity of the project. I was also able to do some kayaking and snorkeling while there, seeing sea turtles swim along side the boats and exploring the coral reefs that ring the island. The village of Juara is also unique in its self as it remains fairly remote and untouched by massive amounts of tourism. We ate lots of amazing food, including our own attempts at homemade calamari right off of the fishing boats at the jetty. I greatly enjoyed my time in Juara and with everyone I met at the project and plan on returning this next summer for hopefully a much longer stay. Last summer I fund raised for my trip, simply asking friends and family for support and as such that money went towards my stay at JTP and served as a direct donation to the project and its efforts. This year I'm planning on doing the same, it helps the project as well as makes my stay virtually free! I can't wait to get back to the sand and the ocean, the beauty of Tioman Island has made a huge impact on me and my dreams.

I stayed at JTP for over a month during the summer and had the best time of my life... The island is incredible, the locals and their food even more so... Tucked into the jungle yet right on the most beautiful section of the mile-long Juara beach , unlike anywhere I've seen, the Juara Turtle Project facilities are like a paradise. Close enough to ride a bike into town daily, yet far enough away to feel like a deserted island. The work is very satisfying... Charlie and us volunteers boat out daily to an uninhabited beach to dig and collect eggs to hatch on Juara. Work on the morning chores around the facilities... Crack open a fresh coconut, take off your shirt, machete some jungle, talk to tourists, ask for donations, lounge around midday, order cheap local food or cook your dinner, canvas the beaches at night for recently-laid nests. Get a great night's rest in the splendid accommodations (really nice housing for a third world country) and wake up to do it all over again... P a r a d i s e Make sure to check out the waterfalls, as the trail to get there is right next to the Project, and make some time for snorkeling/scuba/rock climbing/kayaking... Whatever blows your hair back, it's all at your doorstep... Whoever is reading this right now should know that I absolutely recommend staying a couple weeks on Tioman Island alone, with a group, friends, family, or significant other... You guys won't regret it or forget it. Much love, with mustard and mayo, -ben browner