So another trip has come to an end. After an amazing ten weeks with LTTW, I am now back in the UK preparing for the next adventure. But the last couple of weeks on the island were incredible.
Being able to go back into the water as my eye was healing was the best feeling possible – there was not a single day where I didn’t appreciate the reefs and fish even more than ever. Paired with new lectures in the camp about coral and fish ID, I learned a lot about the marine ecosystem.
This was highlighted when I was able to go for a dive – I always thought it’d be impossible for me to dive after several surgeries on my ears, but I was happily proven wrong. As addictive as it was, I know I’ll be back here one day to get my PADI and properly dive around the island.
Like in Indonesia, this trip highlighted that we need to work with people to be able to protect nature. The International School Kuala Lumpur came for a visit and I was eager to get involved. We organised a treasure hunt around the camp for them to learn more about turtle biology and nature. It was a huge hit and we had a blast – it’s another motivation that that is what I want to do. Education is key, both for children and adults, especially in target countries. I’ll be working towards more educational work in the future.
And so came the beginning of the end. In my last week, my replacement arrived. It’s a strange feeling knowing someone is going to be doing your job (probably a lot better, too), so I was anxious to meet this infamous new intern. But I needn’t have worried – a tiny bundle of Italian energy jumped off the boat and she is going to do an amazing job. Tahlia, my Tanjong Jara counterpart, will also be replaced by a slightly bigger Australian bundle of energy, and it’s great to know we’ll be leaving the project in the hands of an incredibly capable team.
That last week was filled with fun times, karaoke, birthdays, a few too many beers, snorkelling, swimming, hiking, sunbathing, sleeping, talking – the perfectly idyllic island life. Although we had a final nest check before I left, the little baby turtles were not yet ready to hatch. Hopefully they’ll be heading out to sea soon – and as disappointed as I am to not have seen the hatchlings, it’s all the more reason to come back!
The evening before I left I said goodbye to everyone, and was touched to receive bracelets, well-wishes and heartfelt goodbyes. This is the hardest part of the job, and the next morning when my boat arrived it was with a mixed feeling that I got on board.
I spent my last week in Malaysia visiting LTTW’s guest house on Perhentian island, where I was able to recuperate a bit in great company, enjoying a lot of Ed Sheeran an good dinners. After that, I flew back to Kuala Lumpur for my final couple of days. This city has a grip on me – it’s easily the kind of city where I could live, and I thoroughly enjoyed meeting old volunteers and spending my time there learning more about the city and its culture.
Then at last, it was time. A 6am alarm to get to the airport was the start of a 26 hour journey, but eventually Alex opened the front door to our house on Maine Road, and I’m back. Back in the rain, back in the city, but most importantly: back home. I’ll be packing my bags again soon enough though, so stay tuned…
Oh, and just before I go, let me get to the exhaustive list of people I’d like to thank for my time on this project – it’s been a true pleasure and privilege to learn from, and with, everyone at LTTW and be part of the island culture. Jumpa lagi!
At LTTW, a huge thank you to Hayati, Raphe, Molly, Bill, Rifqah, Tahlia, Miles, Sebastian, KL, Emma, and Leonie. You guys are my heroes.
So many different volunteers came through our camp, and a huge thank you to every single person I met – you all made the experience so much more enjoyable. Special shout-out to Lee, AJ, Karim, Sarah, Sowa, Wei Jing, Annette, Jay, David, and Judith and Peter.
Last but absolutely not least, a huge thank you to the warm welcome I got from everyone on the island. Saw, Kin, Sao Man, Alice, Sin Tong, Jamil, Sha, and everyone at Summer Bay, you make the island home to us.
Faye Vogely 