Live and lend a hand at Shui Mu Living.

On quiet days, help sweep leaves, tidy the grounds and do simple gardening. When guests are staying, help clean rooms, change linen, serve meals, clear dishes and welcome guests. Tasks vary with the day; there may also be opportunities to learn about singing bowls. Be prepared for sun and insects.

Around six hours a day, without rigid clock-in times. Once the day’s assigned work is finished, you can rest. We value initiative, care and the ability to manage your own tasks.

At least two weeks (14 days). Allow yourself time to settle into the hillside environment and daily rhythm.

No salary is provided. This is an exchange of help for accommodation, not a paid position.

A simple hillside wooden cabin, with the room upstairs and the toilet downstairs. There is no air conditioning, and stairs are part of daily life. This is modest, nature-oriented accommodation.

We buy groceries up the hill regularly. When there are no guests and the cook is not on the hill, you will need to cook and take care of your own meals. When guests are staying, everyone eats together and you help with the day’s work. Plan simple meals in advance; three daily meals are not guaranteed by this arrangement.

There is no Wi-Fi. Arrange your own mobile data for internet access and keeping in touch.

Evenings are usually your own time. In an emergency, you need to be reachable by phone and able to help when necessary.

On days without guests, you may be alone in the cabin. A long-term worker also helps on the property, but does not share your cabin. Consider whether quiet nights and staying on your own suit you.

Transport is limited. Discuss shopping and trips downhill in advance; arrangements depend on circumstances and cannot be guaranteed at any time. Plan food and essentials ahead.

Travel costs in both directions are not included. Arrange your own journey to the foot of the hill and tell us your arrival time one day ahead. Meeting point: SK Pulau Betong, Kampung Perlis, 11000 Balik Pulau, Penang.

One day off per week. When time and work allow, there may be a trip into Balik Pulau, but an outing is not guaranteed on every day off.

Quiet days have a gentler pace; guest days involve cleaning, welcoming and meal service. We are looking for people who want to share the work and everyday forest life, rather than simply take a holiday.

People who enjoy nature and simple living, are comfortable with sun and insects, can cook and look after themselves, and take initiative. You should be comfortable with no air conditioning or Wi-Fi, stairs, a downstairs toilet, occasional solitude, limited transport and emergency assistance.

Yes. If either side feels the arrangement is not suitable, talk early and agree on an ending with mutual respect, leaving time for both sides to make the next arrangements.

Prepare your name, age, gender, where you are from (nationality), dates, companions, comfort with the living conditions, cooking ability, work and travel arrangements, relevant experience and anything else we should know. Read the conditions and consider whether they suit you before applying.