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Gap Year Programs in Malaysia

Picture this: a series of islands filled with sparkling cities, tropical terrain, and one of the friendliest and diverse cultures in the world living together in harmony. This picture could be the backdrop to your gap year abroad! If you’re thinking it couldn’t possibly get any better, the size and location of the country make it the perfect place for gap year spent traveling and exploring the wonders of Southeast Asia. A gap year in Malaysia is truly a wanderlust-stricken teenage dream. And before you know it—it could be a dream come true. So, go on—take a gap year in Malaysia!

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Seamester

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12 Gap Year Programs in Malaysia

Malaysia
9.54761 reviews

International Volunteer HQ [IVHQ]

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Raleigh International
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Raleigh International

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Volunteer in Borneo - Adventure with Purpose

Take urgent action and immerse yourself in one of the world's mos...

GoEco - Top Volunteer Organization
9.6837 reviews

GoEco - Top Volunteer Organization

GoEco - Top Rated & Award Winning Volunteer Programs Abroad

GoEco is one of the world’s top volunteer organizations, with awa...

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Seamester Study Abroad at Sea
9.7651 reviews

Seamester Study Abroad at Sea

Seamester Study Abroad and Gap Year Voyages

Seamester is the educational adventure of a lifetime! For more th...

Semester at Sea
9.5334 reviews

Semester at Sea

Semester at Sea: Global Study Abroad on a Floating Campus

Join Semester at Sea on this global journey and make the world YO...

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Oyster Worldwide
94 reviews

Oyster Worldwide

Gap Year Travel with Oyster Worldwide

Interested in taking a gap year? Do it with an organization well ...

Volunteer World
8.7512 reviews

Volunteer World

Volunteer World: Best Volunteer Abroad Programs Worldwide

Looking to apply your talent and expertise to a good cause? Find ...

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Latest Program Reviews

My project in Namibia

August 12, 2024by: Emily Ormond - United KingdomProgram: Gap Year Travel with Oyster Worldwide
9

I have recently come back from my gap year and while I was there I spent a month working on the relationships between humans and elephants. So why would I recommend Oyster? I am so glad I picked to do this project with Oyster because they made me feel very well taken care of and looked after me before and during the project. They talk you though everything you need to know before the project takes place and what clothes and necessities you may need to pack. So what does the project consist of? I would do this project a million times if I could, and if you don’t believe me lots of people who were doing the project had already done it before and had come back because of how much they enjoyed it. So the project is on a two week program and you have the option to stay from two weeks to 3 months. The first week is amazing because you build walls for the local community. Some days some of the locals will come and help, or a few kids will come and keep you company, that is amazing because you feel so immersed, it’s definitely a once in a lifetime experience. The second week is spent tracking elephants. This was my favourite out of the two because you learn all about the elephants foot prints. We also managed to see a two day old elephant which we were lucky enough to name !!! So why pick this project? I think this project and Oyster have a lot of selling points. For starters Oyster takes very good care of you and help you organise yourself before the project starts so it doesn’t feel overwhelming. Secondly you are in the middle of the desert, I don’t think you could get anymore rural than that. You don’t really have much service so it’s lovely to disconnect for two weeks. You get to spend some time with lovely people who you may not meet on a day to day basis, people from different countries, locals, and different ages. You camp under the stars which is also amazing. Overall I would always recommend this amazing project, such a special experience!!

A Guide to Gap Year in Malaysia

Popular Locations

As the third-largest island in the world, Malaysia is an excellent location for a gap year abroad. Malaysia consists of both a peninsula and an island, divided by the South China Sea and brimming with coral reefs, thick jungles, beaches, and mountains intertwined with booming metropolitan centers. You really can have it all.

Kuala Lumpur. The capital of Malaysia and the most popular location is Kuala Lumpur. It’s large and in charge— yet will welcome you with open arms. It’s contrasting, yet complementary elements (including modern buildings spiraling into space and overlooking the liveliness of the exotic Central Market on the streets below) will hypnotize you with awe. KL is a sprawl of bright lights, bright people, and bright opportunities for young gappers like you to take advantage of.

Borneo. The epitome of laid-back island living—Borneo is an oasis of rugged, dense rainforest and pristine waters, and is also internationally renowned for its dive spots. Needless to say, a gap year spent in the untamed jungles of Borneo will definitely be an out of the classroom experience. Allow Mother Nature to be your teacher as you marvel at the oldest rainforest in the world, while the inhabitants of Borneo open your eyes and heart to the beauty of life.

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