service

Turtle Islands Park | Sandakan


Information

Landmark: Turtle Islands Park
City: Sandakan
Country: Malaysia
Continent: Asia

Turtle Islands Park is a protected marine park located in the Sulu Sea off the coast of Sabah, Malaysia. The park consists of several small islands, with Pulau Selingan, Pulau Bakkungan Kechil, and Pulau Gulisan being the primary islands. It is located about 40 km from Sandakan, Sabah, and is well-known for its conservation efforts to protect the endangered sea turtles, specifically green turtles and hawksbill turtles. Turtle Islands Park is a significant ecotourism destination for those interested in marine life, conservation, and natural beauty.

Key Features of Turtle Islands Park

Turtle Conservation:

  • Turtle Islands Park is primarily famous for its sea turtle nesting sites. The park is an important breeding ground for green turtles and hawksbill turtles, two species that are listed as endangered. The islands are vital for the reproduction of these turtles, as they come to the beaches to lay their eggs.
  • Efforts to protect the turtles include monitoring nesting activity, egg collection, and the relocation of eggs to hatcheries to ensure a higher survival rate for the hatchlings. The park is home to a turtle hatchery, where eggs are protected and nurtured until they hatch, before being released into the sea.

Turtle Nesting and Egg Hatchery:

  • Pulau Selingan is the most famous of the islands, as it serves as the primary nesting site for the turtles. Every night, park rangers patrol the beaches to look for nesting turtles. When a turtle comes ashore to lay her eggs, she is carefully monitored to ensure her safety and that of the eggs.
  • Visitors can witness the turtle nesting process during night-time tours (usually from May to October), when female turtles come ashore to lay their eggs. The park also allows visitors to participate in the hatchling release program, where newly hatched turtles are carefully released into the ocean.
  • The egg hatchery ensures that the eggs are protected from predators and environmental hazards while they incubate. Once the eggs hatch, the young turtles are released into the wild.

Marine Biodiversity:

  • Turtle Islands Park is home to a rich variety of marine life, including coral reefs, sea grasses, and fish species. The waters surrounding the islands are ideal for snorkeling, scuba diving, and beach activities.
  • The park offers visitors the opportunity to explore the underwater world, where they can see colorful coral reefs, tropical fish, sea turtles, and sometimes even manta rays or sharks. The marine ecosystem is incredibly diverse, making it a popular spot for marine life enthusiasts and divers.

Ecotourism and Activities:

  • Turtle Islands Park is an important ecotourism destination in Sabah. It offers guided tours, where visitors can learn about the significance of turtle conservation and the challenges that sea turtles face, such as poaching, climate change, and habitat destruction.
  • Visitors can enjoy a variety of activities on the islands, including snorkeling, scuba diving, beach walks, and birdwatching. Pulau Selingan also has a visitor center that educates tourists on the park’s conservation initiatives and the importance of protecting marine wildlife.

Island Accommodation:

  • Pulau Selingan offers limited accommodation for visitors who wish to stay overnight and experience the turtle nesting activities firsthand. The island has basic facilities, including bungalows and beachside cabins, which allow tourists to stay close to nature while enjoying the unique opportunity to observe turtle conservation efforts.
  • Accommodations on the island are generally booked in advance due to the limited number of rooms and the popularity of the park.

Protected Area:

  • As part of its conservation efforts, the Turtle Islands Park is a protected area under Malaysian law. This status ensures that the islands' ecosystems, including the turtle nesting sites, coral reefs, and marine life, are preserved and managed sustainably. The park is carefully monitored to prevent overdevelopment and illegal activities such as turtle poaching and habitat destruction.
  • The management of the park is a collaboration between Sabah Parks, local authorities, and environmental organizations dedicated to the conservation of sea turtles and their habitats.

Best Time to Visit:

  • The best time to visit Turtle Islands Park is during the turtle nesting season, which generally runs from May to October. This period offers the best opportunity to witness turtle nesting and to participate in the hatchling release program. The dry season from March to October is also the most favorable time for snorkeling and diving.
  • While the park is open year-round, the nesting season offers a particularly unique experience for nature enthusiasts.

How to Get There

  • Turtle Islands Park is located approximately 40 km from Sandakan, Sabah. Visitors can take a boat from Sandakan to reach the islands, a journey that typically takes about 30-45 minutes.
  • There are daily boat services to the park, and trips must be arranged through an authorized tour operator or through the Sabah Parks office in Sandakan. Visitors should plan their trips well in advance, as accommodations on the islands are limited.

Conclusion

Turtle Islands Park is a remarkable natural reserve dedicated to the protection and conservation of sea turtles and other marine life. With its pristine beaches, vibrant coral reefs, and rich biodiversity, the park is an essential destination for nature lovers, wildlife enthusiasts, and those interested in marine conservation. The opportunity to witness sea turtle nesting and participate in the hatchling release program makes the park a unique and unforgettable experience. By visiting Turtle Islands Park, tourists contribute to the ongoing efforts to safeguard the survival of endangered sea turtles while enjoying the beauty and serenity of one of Borneo’s most important marine ecosystems.


Contact us

Inform us about text editing, incorrect photo or anything else

Contact us


Rate it

You can rate it if you like it


Share it

You can share it with your friends



Location

Get Directions

Landmarks in Sandakan

Labuk Bay Proboscis Monkey Sanctuary
Landmark
Bornean Sun Bear Conservation Centre
Landmark
Sandakan Memorial Park
Landmark

Sandakan Memorial Park

Sandakan | Malaysia
Agnes Keith House
Landmark

Agnes Keith House

Sandakan | Malaysia
Puu Jih Shih Temple
Landmark

Puu Jih Shih Temple

Sandakan | Malaysia
Rainforest Discovery Centre (RDC)
Landmark
Turtle Islands Park
Landmark

Turtle Islands Park

Sandakan | Malaysia
St. Michael’s and All Angels Church
Landmark
Gomantong Caves
Landmark

Gomantong Caves

Sandakan | Malaysia

® All rights reserved