Choose to Volunteer in South East Asia in 2025 & Make A Difference!
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Southeast Asia is the overarching name given to several countries in the South-Eastern part of Asia which are although related but also are culturally distinctive. These countries are Brunei, Cambodia, East Timor, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, and Vietnam. Also, one of the most popular tourist destinations owing to its tropical climate, accompanying diversity in its flora and fauna, pristine beaches, diverse spices, and food, and most importantly – its low costs. However, despite all its beauty and vibrancy, the region battles with poverty, illiteracy, poor Human Development Index amongst others.
According to Natalia Soebagjo, chair of Transparency International Indonesia, “Southeast Asia is home to some of the richest, fastest-growing economies, as well as some of the planet’s poorest people. Battling corruption is an integral part of sustainable growth and reducing income inequality.” Responsible tourism in South East Asia can help the region climb up the development ladder.
Volunteering Solutions, in its endeavor to do its bit for SE Asia, encourages meaningful travel in the region and provides several impactful, safe, and affordable volunteering projects in 6 different countries that include Thailand, Cambodia, Vietnam, Philippines, Malaysia, and Bali.
Volunteer in Thailand
Fondly known as the ‘Land of Smiles’, Thailand thrives on its tourism. One of the most developed countries in the South Eastern region, Thailand encompasses a range of experiences. While it of course very well known for its beaches and parties, the Northern part of Thailand is home to some of the lesser-known Hill tribes and hilly terrains of the region. Besides the scenic beauty of the region, there’s another side to the coin where volunteers can lend a helping hand. The volunteering opportunities in Thailand include working with elephants in Surin and Chiang Mai, teaching kids or little Buddhist monks, and volunteering in the medical and journalism sectors.
Interestingly, VolSol hosts a special volunteer and travel summer special program in Thailand that blends responsible travel and volunteering in Bangkok, Surin (the countryside of Thailand), and finally ends on the beaches of Southern Thailand. A transformative travel experience, a few summer weeks in the country can surely be a lasting experience for all young travelers.
Volunteer in Cambodia
Neighboring Thailand, Cambodia is well known for the Angkor Wat Temple. However, there’s a lot more in Cambodia than the magnificent temple ruins. From the Floating Villages of Tonlé Sap Lake to the beaches of Sihanoukville, Lonely Plant has rightly said that –
“There’s a magic about this charming yet confounding kingdom that casts a spell on visitors. In Cambodia, ancient and modern worlds collide to create an authentic adventure.”
However, it’s not too long ago that Cambodia has gone through a horrid past. The humbling and shocking “killing fields” of the region tell a chilling tale. With steady steps to get out of the shadow of their horrid past, there are a lot of opportunities for enthusiastic volunteers to contribute to and make their concerns count. The different projects in which volunteers can work include volunteering with children, local NGOs, medical volunteering, and teaching English to young learners from underserved backgrounds.
Volunteer Vietnam
Vietnam has only recently put itself on the global travel map and has been consistent ever since. Loved for the plumply dense green and serene Ha Long Bay, the country has experiences and explorations that boast a blend of being man-made (the temples and pagodas) and being mother nature’s marvel such as – Mekong Delta, Hoi An, and Hanoi.
Much like its other South Eastern counterparts, the region has its fair share of challenges. Volunteers who are eager to make a difference in the lives of people in Vietnam can work with kids who have been living disadvantaged and diseased lives as an aftermath of Agent Orange.
Volunteer in the Philippines
A Southeast Asian country and also an archipelago in the Western Pacific, comprising more than 7,000 islands. Owing to the country’s long history of Western influence, close to 400 years by the Spaniards and 50 years by the Americans, the Filipinos have evolved as a unique blend of East and West in both appearance and culture. One of the outstanding cultural traits of the Filipinos is their hospitality besides their signature strong kinship ties (passed on by the Chinese) and strong faith in Roman Catholicism, passed on by the Spaniards.
The country, however, is plagued by problems of brain drain, low Human Development Index, conservatism, and corruption. Volunteers who are interested to visit, explore and making a positive difference in the Philippines have several volunteering opportunities. These include working with children, working for a rural medical health clinic, teaching kids and also volunteering for the public health nutrition program.
Volunteer in Malaysia
Malaysia occupies the island of Borneo and parts of the Malay peninsula. Visited by travelers all across the globe for its beaches, rain forests, and enviable coastline, the country is also culturally vibrant. It hosts a mix of Malay, Chinese, Indian, and European cultural influences. Volunteers who wish to go to Malaysia get the opportunity to work in the wildlife conservation project, Sun-Bear Conservation Project, and Family volunteering project. The nature of work in this project includes hands-on work in the Coral Reef Conservation Program, Volunteering for The Bornean Sun Bear Conservation Center, getting to visit and work in the Orangutan Rehabilitation Center as well.
Volunteer in Bali
One of the most beautifully diverse island countries, Indonesia, which is home to some 18,000 islands spanning across three time zones, it is a slowly developing region that thrives on tourism. From the renowned islands and mindful Yoga practices of Bali to the amply industrialized capital of Jakarta, traveling in Indonesia is an experience few other experiences can match.
Boasting a kind of unity in diversity a few other countries can boast of, the indigenous beliefs and traditions are still intact and practiced in Indonesia even though Islam is the official religion of the country. Volunteer travelers can take up a range of projects in the country that encompass volunteering for a kindergarten, teaching kids, and also wildlife conservation programs.
They offer a rare opportunity to combine a hands-on but relaxed experience of tropical agriculture, developed along with natural farming principles, with full immersion in a small farming community, in a very scenic setting with forests and waterfalls on the doorstep. Coral conservation is also an important component of the program.
Southeast Asia is an up-and-coming region that requires both economic and social help from volunteers to inch closer to the developed world. Through sustained efforts whilst traveling and exploring the region, the dream can be achieved.
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