Asia sticks to you. The joss sticks lit for the household shrines in Thailand impart a sweet perfume to the thick air. The heavenly aroma of Indian spices follows you for days.
This is a spiritual place infused with the gods of past and present: the ancient spirits of the land and the family, the deities of Buddhism and Hinduism and the rules of Islam. Architectural wonders and sacred spaces abound from the Great Wall of China and the temples of Angkor to lesser known marvels in Myanmar, Nepal and Afghanistan.
From sublime coastlines to snow capped mountains, rolling landscapes fed by the monsoon rains and frenetic cities fizzling with energy, the diversity of Asia’s landscapes is mind-boggling. As are their highlights from trekking Malaysia’s steamy jungles and wildlife spotting in southern India to riding horses through the Mongolian steppes, skiing Japan’s Alps and dodging falling coconuts on of the continents many remote islands.
Then there’s the food. Tuck into fiery Indian curries, get adventurous with a local dish from a road side stall and gulp down a hearty bowl of Japanese ramen. With its colours, smells, flavours and personalities, you’ll find Asia is deliciously rewarding.
Asia truely is one of the best continents to explore and immerse yourself in culture and thus is a hotspot to volunteer.
There are numerous opportunities to volunteer in Asia. Volunteering in Asia can take you from the cold lake of Baikal in Russia to the lush tropical island of Perhentian in Malaysia. Another added bonus about volunteering in Asia is that it is easy to travel around for individual volunteers. Combining both volunteering and backpacking all into one trip – which could last a life time.
Volunteer in Malaysia
Help the people and turtles of Perhentian, Malaysia
Be apart of Help Our Penyu’s fledgling community-based turtle conservation and marine awareness program in the most beautiful bay in the Perhentian Islands, off mainland Malaysia. Green turtles are in dire need of our help especially in Terengganu, where 4 species of marine turtle nest but three of them, the hawksbill, Olive Ridley and Leatherbacks are almost locally extinct. The populations of green Turtles in the area have also decreased by 80% in little over 50 years, so we are desparately trying to prevent the Green Turtles going locally extinct as well.
Organic Yoga farm
We are a farm retreat located in Muthalamada near Chulliar Dam in the Palakkad District of Kerala. The center is set in the ambiance of our organic farm at the base of the Nelliampathy hills falling along the southern edge of the Palakkad gap.
Organic farm originated as an attempt to find ones earthy moorings at the culmination of a period of inner search, replete with inner struggles and wanderings. It was also a phase of dwelling on the teachings of J.Krishnamurti, Ramana Maharshi, Gita and Ramakrishna.’ Sradha’ is intended as a place for physical work and inner inquiry.
volunteers are expected to take part in the activities here and also find time for silence, reading , inner inquiry, yoga etc.
Volunteer at Tiger lodge
Nestled deep in the picturesque Ramganga valley and surrounded by lush hills, the Lodge lies in total seclusion with the meandering Ramganga virtually cutting it off from human habitation. The lodge is strategically located on the banks of the river, the lifeline of Corbett, before it enters the park at Domunda. We provide a unique wildlife experience for nature lovers and easily ranks as one of the wildest jungle lodges in India. The rustle of the breeze in the adjoining forests, the calls of birds, the rumble of the river as it goes over rapids and sitting around a campfire at night to hear alarm calls of sambar and barking deer, provides an unforgettable dimension to the ambience. What makes it unique is the diversity it offers. The envious location affords long walks into the surrounding forest, something not permitted inside the park. A good mix of riverine, forest and high altitude habitat makes it a birdwatchers haven. With exclusive fishing beats replete with Golden Mahseer, anglers have rated it as the best sportfishing destination in North India. The added attraction of elephant safaris in the wild country makes this an irresistable proposition.
Volunteer with tigers in india
Teaching in Thailand
Surin is one of the poorest regions in Thailand and most adults have had no English language education in their lives. Poor workers whether Farmers, Government employees or Tuk Tuk drivers can’t afford to take language lessons and yet they would benefit greatly from even having a fundamental grasp of the English language. English is the ’the’ global language and as the country develops and integrates more with the rest of the world, it is important that it’s poorest citizens don’t get left behind. LemonGrass aims to help some of the poorer adults in society by providing courses run by western volunteers. The interaction, the experience and the early steps of learning English can give disadvantaged people in Thailand a real start and help them in their lives and careers. Whilst Surin is far from the tourist trail, offering volunteers a taste of the real Thailand, more and more adventurous travellers and businesses are appearing in the region, making this an ideal opportunity to help poor communities grow. Working with adults is a great way for western people to make some lifelong friends with people from a very different culture.
Volunteer teaching in Thailand
Volunteer with elephants
Elephant Nature Park is a unique project set in Northern Thailand. Established in the 1990″s our aim has always been to provide a sanctuary and rescue centre for elephants. The park is set in Chiang Mai province, some 60km from the city, and has provided a sanctuary for over 34 distressed elephants from all over Thailand. Set in a natural valley, bordered by a river, and surrounded by forested mountains the area offers a timeless glimpse of rural life.
Elephant volunteer jobs are varied, from bathing elephants to basic health care. Traveling around the country in a variety of modes, from 4 wheel truck to bamboo raft volunteers will experience local and tribal lifestyles, culture and hospitality
Volunteer with elephants in Thailand
Help the northern communities of Laos
The GreenHeart Foundation is dedicated to Lao cultural preservation through the promotion of Lao textile arts. It is our goal to economically and socially benefit Lao rural mountain artisans and thereby contribute to the wider community especially to women. The project was initiated in 2007 and now needs helpers for a new strategy progress.
The aim is to re-start the foundations work within the target villages by end of this year. At the moment the project needs planning, development of back office, management and creative computer work, PR work…
Medicinal plants are disappearing fast
We are a grassroot NGO involved in conservation of fast disappearing native plant species and documentation of indigenous knowledge or ethno botanical values associated with native plants. We possess a wonderful arboretum with rare medicinal and wild fruit plants with plenty of valuable traditional knowledge and all volunteers are placed in our arboretum in eco friendly architecture. Our main objective is to propagate these rare plants amongst Sunday schools in rural church parishes and Buddhist monasteries with hands on experience.
Ecoteer is a community of volunteer and volunteer projects abroad. Ecoteer members can contact the volunteer projects directly eliminating the middleman or agents costs which inflate volunteer fees. Ecoteer has volunteer opportunities, teach abroad placements, and internships abroad in many industries including ecotourism, conservation, community work and teaching.
To find how you can volunteer abroad visit www.Ecoteer.com today.
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