Fuze Ecoteer Outdoor Adventures is a travel and tour operator, championing the niche market of voluntourism and ‘true’ responsible holidays in Peninsular Malaysia and Java, Indonesia.
Fuze Ecoteer operates its own projects at four sites: the Perhentian Islands, Merapoh, Ipoh and Yogyakarta. Fuze Ecoteer’s business model utilises revenue generated from responsible tourism, team building, expedition and service groups, to establish self-sustaining conservation and community projects.
In 2015 Fuze Ecoteer’s Perhentian Project led 9 hours of school clubs per week, converted 3t of organic waste into compost and contributed RM160,000 (GBP32,000) into the Perhentian village economy (which is 30% of the volunteer fees).
Humble but confident
We listen to everyone, most of our mini-projects are due to feedback and ideas we have received from villagers and volunteers, an example of this are the Malay Dinners which now run at all our project sites. Listening is vital to us and then we take action, however we are confident we are going in the right direction as we host ecotourism students from University Technology Malaysia to conduct annual external assessments of the impacts of our projects. Negatives are what make us stronger, positives are just for the ego.
Caring
We care about the environment, the local communities we work with and of course our guests. We always strive to do our best and a bit more.
Impactful and with a bite
After the success of our small scale projects Fuze Ecoteer has been asked to sit on the steering committee to develop Perhentian into a top Ecotourism destination. We are the only non-governmental entity in the group which is a huge honour and sign of respect that we are gaining in the Perhentian Islands. It means that we are now not just able to inform the decision makers but we are a decision maker on the development of the islands. Additionally in August 2015 we were asked to join the National Ecotourism Action Group.
Chose this as part of my Duke of Edinburgh Gold expedition residential trip. Great week bonding with the local kids, other volunteers from all around the world, helping out locals on their daily business, and having a decent amount of downtime to explore the area. Would definitely suggest!
I loved my experience volunteering with the sea turtle project. There was a lot of down time during this experience, which was fine for me as I was on a break from full time work in London and trying to learn to slow myself down a bit. The islands were absolutely stunning and we got a real insight into life there.
It goes without saying that the turtles were absolutely phenomenal. The experience added fuel to the fire of what will now be a lifelong passion for sea turtles and conservation.
I stayed for two weeks which was, I think, a sufficient amount of time since tasks are rotated on a bi-weekly basis. There was some moderate physical activity, such as sea kayaking and of course lots of swimming, so it would help to have basic fitness. Besides that, prepare for intense heat and sun if you go, like I did, before rainy season (May-time). Have fun!
I had a great time with Fuze Ecoteer on the 3 week Tigers and Turtles Projects. The interns were a really great group of people who organised a lot of great activities. I felt like I was well prepared after being sent some good prep materials and knew what I was getting into.
I would say the week in Merapoh could have been better organised with more things to do (I think I read 3 books that week). Other than that it was one of the highlights of my travels and would definitely go again.
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