Just 20 minutes off Mersing and civilization seems a world away… (fear not! There was still access to the internet and local phone networks – though intermittent at times) What can we do on an island that is just 3 km in circumference? The answer is a lot! Situated within the Johor Marine Park, Tengah Island Conservation (TIC) focuses mostly on conservation of sea turtles and coral reefs across 7 islands. It was a world of unknown for me as I had no prior knowledge on marine science and was purely interested in understanding what is happening in the conservation world – thank you to TIC for creating this platform for people from various backgrounds!

A whirlwind of emotions and memories engulfs me as I reminisce about my 3 months here at Tengah Island Conservation. It has been a time filled with captivating landscapes, warm-hearted people, new experiences, and personal growth. In my blog, I aim to capture the essence of this remarkable place and invaluable knowledge I’ve learned along the way. So, join me on this virtual voyage as I share the moments that defined my time as an intern here!

Everyday I woke up to the calming sound of waves and refreshing morning breeze with the cheerful chirping of birds around welcoming the sun. Starting the day with the brightest smile and meaningful ‘good morning’ ready for the morning patrols around the island. 

How time flies~

Some chapters are gloomy, some joyful and some very exciting. But if you never turn the page, you will never know what the next chapter holds. “Sun, Sea, Salt… Life on an island is tough” that’s what I thought in the first place. However, it turns out wrong. It has been the greatest chapter that I have ever created in my Book of Life. 

When I got off the boat, I felt both excited and unsure about my decision. The plants and animals on this island seemed to have secrets waiting to be discovered. Then, I realized that living on the island was a different world. As a city dweller, I had to adapt to the limited resources and the absence of modern conveniences. On my first few days, I found myself feeling out of place. But soon, I discovered the warmth and hospitality of my teammates that knew no bounds.

Sad, frustrated, and almost got my heart broken in my final days with Tengah Island Conservation (TIC) in Pulau Tengah, Mersing. I will always remember everything I have done, learned and memories that were created together on this beautiful island. Having a refreshing sunrise every morning, fantastic scenery every dawn, and the beautiful clear blue water every day made me realize that three months of staying here was not enough.