Medicinal plant nursery volunteering in Malaysia – Kebun Rahsia, Johor

I am starting a small plant nursery with medicinal and useful herbs to support the local community with affordable plants for health and wellbeing. This is a low-budget, family-run project, so I am looking for volunteers who would like to help build the nursery and learn about tropical plants, simple farming and village life in Malaysia.

As a volunteer, you can learn about the benefits of different plants, basic herbal uses and small-scale farming.
Sometimes we also practise light survival skills such as fishing or clam hunting by the beach. There are jungle trails, waterfalls and small mountains nearby that are open for hiking and trekking. A few museums are about one hour away by car if you want to explore on your free days.

What type of host are you?

Private individual/family project.

What kind of help is needed?

• Animal care (chickens, ducks and goats)
• Building simple bamboo structures
• Cleaning and general maintenance
• Teaching or language exchange (especially English)
• Farming and gardening (seeding, compost, weeding)
• General help around the house and farm

Project description

We are setting up the plant nursery from scratch. Work can include clearing the area, building a bamboo shade house, installing simple irrigation, preparing soil, seeding, fertilising and maintaining the plants and the wider farm. You will also help with daily animal care such as feeding, cleaning pens and checking that the animals are healthy.

How many volunteers can you host?

• Up to 3 volunteers.

When do you need volunteers?

All year round, with a preference for volunteers who can stay longer. Stays of a few weeks are possible, and longer stays of up to three months can be discussed directly with the host.

How many hours of help per day?

• About 5 hours of help per day.

How many days of help per week?

• 5 days per week, with 2 free days to explore or rest.

Are accommodation and food included?

Yes, both food and accommodation are included for volunteers.

What type of accommodation can you provide?

• Private room
• Private room for a couple

Diet

All types of diet are welcome, but no pork or lard is allowed on the farm. Many vegetables are grown on the land and
volunteers can also fish in the pond or nearby river. Meals are usually shared with the family, with simple local
Malaysian dishes.

Fees transparency

No volunteer charges.

Visa
I cannot provide official visa sponsorship or invitation letters, but I can give basic advice and local information.

Volunteers’ benefits

You can learn about tropical medicinal plants, small farm management and animal care, and experience everyday village life in Johor. I am happy to show you around the farm area and nearby attractions such as mountains, waterfalls and beaches when time allows.

Free time

In your free time you can go jungle trekking or hiking, visit waterfalls, or spend time at the beach, which is about one hour away by car. The main town is also around one hour away and offers shops, cafes and local markets.

Language

English is spoken, and you can also hear and learn some Malay.

Geography

The farm is located in a rural area with mountains, waterfalls and beaches within driving distance. It is a good place for nature lovers who enjoy greenery and outdoor activities.

How to get to the site

• By air: The nearest airport is Senai Airport (Johor Bahru). Many international visitors first fly to Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA) and then take a domestic flight to Senai. I can pick up volunteers at Senai Airport by prior arrangement.
• By land: You can take a bus to the Larkin terminal in Johor Bahru. I can meet volunteers at the bus station once your arrival time is confirmed.

Internet access

Yes, there is internet access on the farm, but the signal is not very strong. It is suitable for messages and light browsing rather than heavy online work or streaming.

CONTACT DETAILS 🔍📧

See more volunteering opportunities in Malaysia 🇲🇾