Travel to the alluring and exotic country of Cambodia and discover a land of dramatic landscapes, diverse marine life, captivating cultural and historical heritage. Live within a local island community, working on both diving and research projects as well as providing community care and helping develop basic local amenities. Assist in monitoring the marine ecosystem, working with the local population to contribute to the maintenance of the marine biodiversity for years to come. Visitors from around the world have fallen in love with Cambodia, charmed by its culture and captivated by its serene and agreeable people.
PROJECT HIGHLIGHTS
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Make a significant and lasting difference to local communities
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Discover this wondrous, little explored, corner of the world
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Help preserve the precious diversity of coral reefs and marine life
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Location |
Cambodia |
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Activities |
Marine conservation
Scuba diving
Community development
Teaching and awareness raising |
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Transport |
Taxi, bus, boat |
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Accommodation |
Shared accommodation |
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Before you go |
Pre-departure support
Travel & medical advice & documentation
Equipment advice
Discounted medical kit
Free Frontier t-shirt |
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In-country |
Food
Accommodation
Local orientation
Project training (not including SCUBA)
In-country emergency support
24-hour international HQ back-up |
What Next? Apply Now!
WHAT DOES THE PROJECT DO?
Wildlife conservation in Cambodia is in its infancy, but an increasing human population and the demands of a growing economy threaten the country's natural resources, both terrestrial and marine. Uncontrolled development, unregulated tourism activities and destructive unsustainable fishing methods threaten to upset the balance that benefits Cambodia and the communities that rely on the sea for their livelihood. The project works to safeguard these natural marine resources, working side by side with the local community assisting in the management and sustainable use of the resources within the established community fishing area, as well as providing much needed teaching resources and care work for the community itself.
WHAT WILL I BE DOING?
The project incorporates a number of different elements, all of which combine to not only give you an insight into the workings of the local community and economy, but also lend a hand in protecting rapidly diminishing species.
The marine project involves joining a scuba diving research team that monitors the marine ecosystem and collects data on the reef, coastal breeding grounds and the abundance of important species. This data is then used to help maintain a proactive conservation strategy. Volunteers learn about seahorse and invertebrate species, as well as collecting valuable data from seahorse surveys. There may also be the opportunity to assist with educational awareness programmes for local children, providing them with workshops on responsibility and helping in island and beach cleanup days.
You may also find yourself teaching English in the island school, providing much needed education and support. With nearly a third of 7-14 year olds unable to attend school, this is a fantastic opportunity to get close to the local children and make a real difference to their future prospects. You will dance, sing, and play games as well as teach them English. Literacy is crucial to education, and in providing them with vital skills, you can provide them with hope for a future of choice.
To participate in the scuba diving project work you will need to be qualified to Advanced Open Water or equivalent, with training available in-country at the project site. Please see the extended project cost information for prices for dive training in the warm tropical seas of Cambodia!
What Next? Apply Now!
WHAT HAPPENS WHEN I ARRIVE?
You'll be met upon arrival at Sihanoukville by a friendly local staff member and transported to your project site. Your journey could take anything up to six hours or more, and include a taxi, a bus and a boat, and will be an exciting and exhilarating first glimpse of your new home through the eyes of a local.
If you would prefer, an airport collection can be provided upon arrival at Phnom Penh for an additional fee, payable when you arrive. Please be aware that you are responsible for your own costs until your arrival at the project site, for example if your arrival time dictates that you are required to spend a night at a local guesthouse before transferring down to the coast.
WHERE WILL I BE STAYING?
You will be staying in a shared volunteer house based at the project location, with small but comfortable rooms. The house has basic facilities including running water and Western style toilets, and limited electricity subject to power cuts. There is no washing machine so be prepared to wash your clothes by hand. You will soon feel very much at home and part of the community.
WHAT WILL I BE EATING?
You will receive three meals a day, consisting of basic local Khmer cuisine, and vegetarian diets can be catered for. This gives you the chance to try out dishes such as delicately spiced curries, fresh local market produce, and delicious meat, fish and vegetables. Bottled water will also be provided.
What Next? Apply Now!
Living on a pier
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18 Aug 2011
Having had the great privilege of being the first ever volunteers to set foot on Koh Rong Island,...
Read more
Going Native in Cambodia
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21 Jul 2011
This project is a whole lot more than just marine conservation. It has every aspect of volun...
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My month on the island
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30 Jul 2010
I’d done a bit of diving before – just my PADI Open Water last year – and I was...
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1 to 3
Hairy Nosed Otter Rescue
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30 Sep 2009
Another surprise as Frontier-Cambodia reports the emergency rescue of a bundle of fur with four webbed feet and a very hairy nose
ADDITIONAL OPPORTUNITIES
In your free time you are spoilt for choice with activities to enjoy. You can swim in sparkling waters, snorkel along the reefs, and hire a boat to visit one of the numerous uninhabited neighbouring islands, or play sports with the local children on the beach. On mainland Cambodia, explore the mystical world of the temples of the Khmer Empire, where you will be inspired by the beautiful unspoiled monuments, the magical atmosphere, and the charming monkeys tumbling amongst the ruins. Take a road trip through the rice paddy fields, and catch a glimpse of the age old farming techniques that are still in use, with one of the extensive bird sanctuaries or fishing villages as your final destination.
Please be aware that the costs of any additional activities are not covered by your project contribution.
