VAST Volunteer Program
Who We Are
VAST, or Volunteers for Aceh Sea Turtles, is a hands-on volunteer program focused on protecting endangered sea turtle species and their habitats, and providing alternative sustainable means of income for local Indonesia communities that currently rely on turtle egg poaching and fishing practices harmful to turtles, the environment, and ultimately - themselves. We also partner with IVHQ who directs all of our bookings to us!
What Our Volunteers Do
The hand-tailored two-week or month-long VAST volunteer program, serving on both Simeulue Island and Bangkaru Island, gives volunteers an opportunity to support HAkA's current sea turtle conservation efforts, alongside other activities offering research, exploration, and fun in one of Indonesia's most beautiful landscapes.
Beginning with your arrival at Simeulue airport, you will be greeted by Healthy Islands' staff conservationist, with whom you will work closely with during your program, contributing to relevant on-going research and gaining new scientific field-study skills.
On Bangkaru Island, volunteers assist with:
On Simeulue Island, volunteers assist with:
Other activities include:
* S = Simeulue Island
*B = Bangkaru Island
Beginning with your arrival at Simeulue airport, you will be greeted by Healthy Islands' staff conservationist, with whom you will work closely with during your program, contributing to relevant on-going research and gaining new scientific field-study skills.
On Bangkaru Island, volunteers assist with:
- Turtle Patrols - Patrol Amandangan beach, the largest nesting site for green sea turtles in western Indonesia, in the morning and evening to protect turtles and turtle eggs from poachers, predators, and to deter illegal loggers.
- Turtle Surveying - During patrols, observe and record nesting locations and other details with HAkA rangers, contributing to a larger body of data on sea turtles.
- Turtle Tagging and Measuring - During Turtle surveying, you may get the chance to tag and measure nesting turtles and hatchlings.
- Site Development & Up-keep - Help develop HAkA's Rangers' headquarters, organic garden, and help up-keep trails going from camp to the beach.
On Simeulue Island, volunteers assist with:
- English Kid's Club Project - Participate in valuable cultural exchange by supporting local English teachers in public schools, and after-school tutoring of local children at Mahi-Mahi Surf Resort.
- Marine Debris Surveying - Keep Simeulue's beaches clean and safe for animals while contributing to scientific data collection and enabling local communities to witness the negative effects of improper trash disposal.
- Scops Owl Project - Observe and record this endemic, elusive, and threatened bird, contributing to a body of knowledge largely unknown.
- Biodiversity Projects - Spotlight, camera trap, observe, monitor, and record important data in various ecosystems as a way to measure change.
- Reef Monitoring - Snorkel and scuba dive to observe, record, and monitor coral growth and health.
- Permaculture - Help learn sustainable and organic farming techniques by tending a community garden, used as a shared space for locals and volunteers.
Other activities include:
* S = Simeulue Island
*B = Bangkaru Island
- Surfing/SUP/Bodyboarding (S/B)
- Snorkeling and Diving (S/B)
- Kayaking (B)
- Waterfall Hikes and swimming hole excursions (S)
- Outer-island excursions (S)
- Mountain Biking (S)
- Yoga (S)
- Motorbike scenery tours (S)
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For even more detailed information, download our Volunteer Information Packet. |
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On Simeulue Island, volunteers share bungalows housed at the all-inclusive Mahi-Mahi Surf Resort, in front of the island's most consistent wave - "The Peak." The "Joglo" common area includes a space overlooking the surf, books, table tennis, darts, cards, board games, and a projector for movie nights.
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On Bangkaru Island, volunteers are housed in HAkA's rangers' camp. The rooms are modest dormitory styled rooms.
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Mahi-Mahi Surf Resort's menu consists of ingredients bought and grown locally, often from Mahi-Mahi's own organic community garden. A buffet breakfast of muesli, eggs, pancakes, smoothies, and coffee, and a mixture of various culture's cuisines, such as sushi, tacos, and curries, are served for lunch and dinner, with vegetarian options available upon request.
On Bangkaru Island, volunteers work with HAkA turtle rangers to prepare meals with ingredients brought from Simeulue Island, and are enjoyed around a campfire under the stars at night.
On Bangkaru Island, volunteers work with HAkA turtle rangers to prepare meals with ingredients brought from Simeulue Island, and are enjoyed around a campfire under the stars at night.
Each program is tailored to individual and group needs, and can be extended or shortened. Please contact us for more information.
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1 Week/ 2 Weeks Programs
$889 USD/ $1,279 USD
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1 Month Program
$1,879 USD
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All Programs
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Included
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Not Included
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Two Week Program
1 Month Program
Currently, programs are designed and catered to individual and group needs, including the start date of your program. Please contact us to begin your amazing journey.
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