Volunteer Program
Conserve Sukamade's Turtles
Duration
3–14 Days
Stay
Ranger Station
Meals
Included
Your Days as a Volunteer
Arrival & Briefing
Settle in at the ranger station, meet the conservation team, and learn patrol protocols and turtle biology basics.
Night Patrols
Join night patrols to monitor nesting turtles, record data, and relocate at-risk nests to the hatchery.
Hatchery Work & Releases
Help at the hatchery — measure, tag, record data — and release hatchlings at sunrise when conditions are right.
Community Education
Educate visitors on conservation and support beach cleanups and nest monitoring alongside rangers.
Volunteer Program photo
Why Join This Program
Three reasons this experience stands out.
Real Conservation Impact
Every patrol and hatchery shift directly protects endangered sea turtles and their nesting habitat.
Learn from Rangers
Work side by side with national park rangers — all training provided on-site, no experience needed.
Stay in the Wild
Live at the ranger station inside Meru Betiri National Park with meals included and a participation certificate.
Pricing
Volunteer Contribution & Packages
Apply with your preferred dates and duration. We confirm the current station contribution, transport, and availability before booking.
| Package / duration | Price | What it supports |
|---|---|---|
| 3 Days / 2 Nights (Field Intro) | Quote on application | Ideal for short-break travelers: 2 night patrols, morning hatchery releases, protocol briefing |
| 7 Days / 6 Nights (Fellowship) | Quote on application | Deep immersion: daily nest monitoring shifts, flipper tagging assistance, community cleanups |
| 14 Days / 13 Nights (Residency) | Quote on application | Comprehensive placement: supervised shift leadership, complete research logs, recommendation letter subject to approval |
The confirmation explains how your contribution is allocated across station lodging, meals, ranger equipment, and conservation supplies.
Field Station Living & Logistics
- Living Quarters
- Simple dorm/twin rooms at the Sukamade ranger station with mosquito nets, clean shared bathrooms, and cooling fans
- Electricity & Charging
- Generator operates 17:30 – 22:00 WIB daily. High-capacity power bank (20,000mAh+) strongly recommended
- Food & Water
- 3 hearty Indonesian home-cooked meals daily prepared by station cooks; vegetarian and vegan requests accommodated
- Eligibility & Age
- Minimum age 18 (or 14+ accompanied by a legal guardian). Reasonable physical fitness for nightly beach walking
- Communication
- No cellular coverage at Sukamade. Sarongan operations base maintains VHF radio and satellite check-ins
Your Conservation Footprint
Volunteer work directly assists daily station routines in a remote biodiversity area under official ranger supervision.
Field
Hands-On Tasks
Assisting night beach walks, nursery nest checks, and recording observation data alongside rangers.
Direct
Station Support
Volunteer contributions directly cover field station lodging, meals, fuel, and safety supplies.
Verified
Activity Certificate
Signed field hour logs and official certification available for academic credit or personal records.
Not Included
- ✕Overland 4WD transport to/from Banyuwangi (can be arranged at partner rates)
- ✕Personal travel insurance (mandatory for multi-day field programs)
- ✕Personal laundry, snacks, and personal medical supplies
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a biology or science degree to apply as a volunteer?
No prior academic background is required. Rangers provide comprehensive field training upon arrival: turtle identification, humane nest handling, hatchery sand temperature maintenance, and safety protocols.
What does a typical volunteer daily schedule look like?
05:30 – 07:30 Hatchery inspection & sunrise baby turtle releases; 08:00 Breakfast & data logging; 10:00 – 12:00 Station maintenance or beach cleanups; 12:30 Lunch & rest during tropical midday heat; 19:30 – 23:30 Night patrol rotation on Sukamade Beach.
How do I get to Sukamade to begin the volunteer program?
We arrange meeting points at Banyuwangi train station, Ketapang ferry, or your hotel. Our high-clearance 4WD vehicles transport you through Meru Betiri National Park directly to the ranger station.
Is medical help available in case of an emergency?
A community health clinic (Puskesmas) is located in Sarongan (approx. 2 hours via 4WD), and a general hospital is in Genteng/Banyuwangi. The station maintains a comprehensive first-aid kit and emergency vehicle.
Can I receive academic internship or thesis documentation?
Yes. We gladly provide formal completion certificates, signed logbooks of patrol hours, and certified letters of fieldwork participation for university requirements.
