GoAbroad

Gap Year Programs in Malaysia

Picture this: a series of islands filled with sparkling cities, tropical terrain, and one of the friendliest and diverse cultures in the world living together in harmony. This picture could be the backdrop to your gap year abroad! If you’re thinking it couldn’t possibly get any better, the size and location of the country make it the perfect place for gap year spent traveling and exploring the wonders of Southeast Asia. A gap year in Malaysia is truly a wanderlust-stricken teenage dream. And before you know it—it could be a dream come true. So, go on—take a gap year in Malaysia!
Read More
Seamester

Featured Provider of the Month

11 Gap Year Programs in Malaysia

Malaysia

International Volunteer HQ [IVHQ]

9.55

795

Worlds #1 Volunteer Programs. 40+ Countries from $20/day!

At International Volunteer HQ (IVHQ), we unite people from over 9...

Raleigh International logo

Raleigh International

0

0

Volunteer in Borneo - Adventure with Purpose

Take urgent action and immerse yourself in one of the world's most ecologically and culturally diverse places by joining a Raleigh Expedition to Borneo. If you're passionate about ecology and wildlife, eager for an unforgettable adventure, and interested in truly immersive travel, then Raleigh Borneo is a must-visit for you. This island harbors 6% of the planet’s biodiversity and is one of the last natural habitats of the orangutan. However, this ecological treasure is increasingly under threat. As a Raleigh Venturer, you'll work toward sustainable solutions to some of the most pressing issues facing Borneo's ecosystems and communities. Whether you’re actively participating in habitat renewal projects in one of the most logged areas in Asia or collaborating with local communities and NGOs to improve access to clean water, hygiene, and sanitation, your efforts will contribute to a brighter future for Borneo. Through impactful community and environmental projects, combined with an exhilarating adventure phase, a Raleigh Borneo Expedition offers an experience that will leave a lasting impact on both you and the island.

GoEco - Top Volunteer Organization

9.68

37

GoEco - Top Rated & Award Winning Volunteer Programs Abroad

GoEco is one of the world’s top volunteer organizations, with award-winning and ethical programs selected by sustainable travel experts. Since 2006, tens of thousands of volunteers have taken part in projects and internships worldwide, focusing on wildlife and marine conservation, education, and medical initiatives. GoEco operates in over 50 countries, providing unique cultural immersive experiences that aim to make a positive impact on the environment and society. The organization also offers internships and academic programs for students. GoEco provides safe and meaningful experiences while promoting sustainable travel and reducing carbon emissions.

See All 3 Programs

Seamester Study Abroad at Sea

9.76

51

Seamester Study Abroad and Gap Year Voyages

Seamester is the educational adventure of a lifetime! For more than 40 years, we have offered unparalleled educational voyages where students spend a semester at sea sailing between islands, countries, and even continents. We design our programs to provide engaging learning experiences with real outcomes in ways that are impossible to replicate in the traditional classroom. Living as part of a close-knit team on an ocean-going vessel, our students learn fundamental lessons beyond academics: teamwork, leadership, and personal responsibility. They receive academic credit from the University of South Florida, along with PADI scuba certifications and IYT sailing certifications. Our programs are designed to inspire students to realize that it’s the journey, not the destination, that matters the most.

Semester at Sea

9.64

44

Semester at Sea: Global Study Abroad on a Floating Campus

Unlike traditional study abroad or tourism experiences, Semester at Sea offers a unique opportunity for deep, authentic engagement with countries and cultures around the globe. It's more than just the adventure of a lifetime. It's a transformative experience that will give you a global perspective to take on the challenges of tomorrow. Fall 2026: European, African, South American, and Asian Adventure Embark: September 9, IJmuiden, The Netherlands Disembark: Dec 22, Bangkok, Thailand Itinerary: Portugal, Morocco, Brazil, St. Helena, South Africa, Mauritius, Sri Lanka, Vietnam, Hong Kong Spring 2027: Asia, Africa, and Europe Embark: Jan 5, Bangkok, Thailand Disembark: Apr 20, Bremerhaven, Germany Vietnam, Indonesia, Singapore, India, Kenya, South Africa, Ghana, Morocco, Scotland

See All 2 Programs

Volunteer World

8.69

16

Volunteer World: Best Volunteer Abroad Programs Worldwide

Looking to apply your talent and expertise to a good cause? Find a program that matches your interests and skills through Volunteer World! We are the largest volunteer abroad comparison platform around the globe, enabling you to seek and compare offers from major travel agencies as well as smaller grassroots NGOs and local specialists in more than 80 countries. All these with just one click! Find projects in wildlife, teaching, community development, and several other areas. Simply choose your desired destination and desired travel date, and our search engine will compare the best volunteer abroad programs on your behalf. Whether you wish to gain experience at a wildlife sanctuary in South Africa or teach English at a monastery in Nepal, we've got you covered. Volunteer World guarantees a quick and easy application. We will guide you through this process, as well as help plan your next meaningful trip. We provide free access to quality-checked projects and flexible options. And if anything goes wrong, we've got your back with our qualified support team and our refund guarantee.

See All 3 Programs

Oyster Worldwide

9

4

Gap Year Travel with Oyster Worldwide

Interested in taking a gap year? Do it with an organization well regarded for its responsible travel and gap year travel opportunities - Oyster Worldwide. Whether you are taking a break before pursuing higher education or taking time off from university, we have the perfect opportunity for you! Our programs and projects across 6 continents are open all year. Sign up for a program within a field that matches your skills and interests - animal welfare, child care, veterinary, medicine, conservation, etc. Go on a trekking holiday or volunteer on a project you are passionate about. No matter what you do, where you go and how long you stay, we guarantee amazing experiences you will treasure for a lifetime. UK-based Oyster Worldwide has been sending young people to take part in gap year experiences for more than 17 years. We offer over 60 volunteer and paid programs in over 20 countries around the world. We have been working with many host countries for years and have great relationships with them. Our aim is to provide happy, safe and fulfilling experiences, as well as to help participants to return home with a long-term affection for the country they have visited.

A Guide to Gap Year in Malaysia

Popular Locations

As the third-largest island in the world, Malaysia is an excellent location for a gap year abroad. Malaysia consists of both a peninsula and an island, divided by the South China Sea and brimming with coral reefs, thick jungles, beaches, and mountains intertwined with booming metropolitan centers. You really can have it all.

Kuala Lumpur. The capital of Malaysia and the most popular location is Kuala Lumpur. It’s large and in charge— yet will welcome you with open arms. It’s contrasting, yet complementary elements (including modern buildings spiraling into space and overlooking the liveliness of the exotic Central Market on the streets below) will hypnotize you with awe. KL is a sprawl of bright lights, bright people, and bright opportunities for young gappers like you to take advantage of.

Borneo. The epitome of laid-back island living—Borneo is an oasis of rugged, dense rainforest and pristine waters, and is also internationally renowned for its dive spots. Needless to say, a gap year spent in the untamed jungles of Borneo will definitely be an out of the classroom experience. Allow Mother Nature to be your teacher as you marvel at the oldest rainforest in the world, while the inhabitants of Borneo open your eyes and heart to the beauty of life.

Popular Providers

Latest Program Reviews

My project in Namibia

August 12, 2024by: Emily Ormond - United KingdomProgram: Gap Year Travel with Oyster Worldwide
9

I have recently come back from my gap year and while I was there I spent a month working on the relationships between humans and elephants. So why would I recommend Oyster? I am so glad I picked to do this project with Oyster because they made me feel very well taken care of and looked after me before and during the project. They talk you though everything you need to know before the project takes place and what clothes and necessities you may need to pack. So what does the project consist of? I would do this project a million times if I could, and if you don’t believe me lots of people who were doing the project had already done it before and had come back because of how much they enjoyed it. So the project is on a two week program and you have the option to stay from two weeks to 3 months. The first week is amazing because you build walls for the local community. Some days some of the locals will come and help, or a few kids will come and keep you company, that is amazing because you feel so immersed, it’s definitely a once in a lifetime experience. The second week is spent tracking elephants. This was my favourite out of the two because you learn all about the elephants foot prints. We also managed to see a two day old elephant which we were lucky enough to name !!! So why pick this project? I think this project and Oyster have a lot of selling points. For starters Oyster takes very good care of you and help you organise yourself before the project starts so it doesn’t feel overwhelming. Secondly you are in the middle of the desert, I don’t think you could get anymore rural than that. You don’t really have much service so it’s lovely to disconnect for two weeks. You get to spend some time with lovely people who you may not meet on a day to day basis, people from different countries, locals, and different ages. You camp under the stars which is also amazing. Overall I would always recommend this amazing project, such a special experience!!

Deals Banner Image
Apply for Scholarships & Deals on GoAbroad

to get exclusive discounts on meaningful travel programs!

Apply Now

Recent Gap Year Articles

pros and cons of living in new zealand
Culture
person holding carrots with dirt on them
Top Picks
taking a year off work to travel
How to
man on swing in Indonesia
Program Selection Tips
range rover in snow
Scholarships & Funding
girl posing with graduation cap in the street
How to
How a Gap Year Builds Resilience and Life Skills
After Your Life Abroad