Beyond the Waves: Closing a Beautiful Chapter of My Internship Journey at Tengah Island Conservation - AIN, OCT 2025
Finally, it’s our last month here after almost eight months of internship at TIC. It feels surreal to realize that our journey is coming to an end, and soon we’ll be stepping into the next chapter of our lives. When I first stepped foot on Tengah Island, I wasn’t just arriving at a pristine paradise—I was stepping into a whole new chapter of learning, discovery, and conservation. My internship at Tengah Island Conservation (TIC) has been more than just fieldwork; it has been a life-changing experience that taught me the true meaning of teamwork, resilience, and environmental stewardship.
A Glimpse into Island Life
Every morning began with the sound of gentle waves —a reminder that nature was both our home and our classroom. Our daily routine at TIC was anything but ordinary. From walking patrols and hatchery management to marine debris surveys and reef monitoring dives, each day brought new challenges and lessons.
One of the most unforgettable moments was witnessing a green turtle nesting under the starlit sky. Watching her carefully lay her eggs before returning to the sea was a humbling experience that deepened my appreciation for the delicate cycle of marine life. One of the funniest moments during my internship was when all of us were exhausted from poking around trying to find a turtle nest. We couldn’t locate any loose sand, so we just started digging with pails and shovels —for almost an hour and a half! I was honestly on the verge of giving up because I was so tired, but thankfully one of us kept going… and finally, we found it! The mix of laughter, relief, and excitement we felt at that moment was priceless — definitely one of those memories I’ll never forget.
Learning Through Action
Interning at TIC wasn’t limited to observing; it was about active participation. I learned how to conduct seagrass and coral reef surveys, handle data entry and analysis, and even operate tools like HOBO loggers and drone mapping systems. These hands-on experiences strengthened my technical skills and showed me how science supports conservation in real time.
Our days were filled with purpose — whether it was conducting beach cleanups with guests, tree planting sessions, or educational talks to raise awareness about marine ecosystems. Each activity, big or small, played a part in protecting the fragile environment that surrounds us.
What can I say — being part of TIC has truly opened my eyes. I’ve learned so many things here that I never imagined I’d experience anywhere else. Who would’ve thought that someone who used to avoid running could actually complete her first 3KM, 5KM, and even 10KM runs? There were so many moments I doubted myself, thinking, “I could never do that,” but this place taught me to be brave and to just go for it. I’m incredibly grateful to Aiman Suhaimi, who started all this training and pushed us to discover what we’re really capable of.
Living and working in a small conservation team taught me the importance of collaboration. Every success—whether relocating a turtle nest or completing a reef survey—was the result of teamwork and mutual trust. We supported one another through long nights of patrols and early mornings of data collection, and those shared experiences forged lifelong friendships.
My internship at Tengah Island Conservation was more than just an academic requirement—it was a journey of growth, self-discovery, and purpose. I’ve learned that conservation is not only about protecting wildlife but also about inspiring people to care and take action.
As I look back, I carry with me not just the memories of sunsets and sea breezes, but a renewed commitment to continue advocating for marine conservation. Tengah Island will always hold a special place in my heart—where passion met purpose, and where I found my place in protecting the ocean’s wonders.
“The ocean stirs the heart, inspires the imagination, and brings eternal joy to the
soul.”
Lastly, to Aiman Suhaimi, Fatini, Izyan, Aiman Aziz, and Siva — thank you so much. I never thought an internship could be this memorable and enjoyable. Not everyone gets to experience this kind of thrilling and meaningful journey, and I’m truly grateful for all the lessons and guidance you’ve shared — both for work and for life. To my fellow interns — Syad, Auni, and Azwa — thank you for making every moment unforgettable. From our endless laughter to late-night talks, you all made this experience so special. Meeting each of you has been such a blessing, and I’m beyond grateful to have been surrounded by such kind, supportive people throughout this journey. And with that, Ainbat is officially signing off as an Island Gurlz — ending this unforgettable chapter with a heart full of memories, salt in my hair, and gratitude in my soul.