Remarkable Selingan Turtle Island Adventure

Written by Aleena Che Ramli

Get up close and personal with turtles. Approximately 40 km north of Sandakan lies the largest turtle conservation project in Sabah. The whole protected area of turtle conservation is around 1,740 hectares wide, consisting of Selingan Island, Bakungan Kecil Island and Gulisan Island. It is a significant nesting location for the endangered turtle species, particularly the green turtles (Chelonia Mydas) and the hawksbill turtles (Eretmochelys Imbricata). However, only Selingan Island is open to the public for a chance to experience the remarkable beginning of the turtle’s life cycle. Selingan Turtle Island can be reached by a 1-hour speedboat ride from Sandakan and attracts travellers from all across the globe. Nevertheless, only 50 visitors per day are allowed to be in this turtle sanctuary to protect and retain the natural habitat and support conservation routines.

The Magic of Selingan Turtle Island

The pristine Selingan Turtle Island is a perfect environment for your children to witness one of nature’s greatest phenomena. In fact, it is one of the few destinations in the world where turtles arrive 365 days of the year. The peak nesting season for green turtles is from July to October, while for the hawksbill turtles it is from February to April. It takes 50–60 days for the hatchlings to emerge and later be released into the sea.

Most nesting turtles come up on the beaches around high tide at night, while some may still be on the beaches finishing the nesting process when the sun rises in the morning. To minimise disturbance to these magnificent marine creatures, there are strict guidelines in place for viewing nesting and hatching turtles. Please remember to follow these when you are on the beaches of Selingan Turtle Island:

• Do not use lights or flash photography anywhere near the beaches.
• If you see a turtle on the beach, remain low and still — turtles are very sensitive to movement.
• Remain 10 meters away from the turtle.
• Stay behind her line of sight.
• Avoid walking in the high dune area, as there are many nests below the sand.

Stay Overnight for the Full Experience

An overnight stay is highly recommended, as turtle landings normally occur after dusk. Besides the turtle landings, visitors also get to observe park rangers collecting eggs and tagging baby turtles before releasing them into the big blue.

The chalets on Selingan Turtle Island are basic but comfortable. There are 25 twin-sharing guest rooms, complete with air conditioning, ceiling fans, and clean attached bathrooms. Other facilities such as a restaurant and small shops are also available, plus an exhibition hall showcasing information about turtle conservation for those seeking to learn more.

Relaxation and Adventure Combined

Selingan Turtle Island is completely relaxing. Visitors come not only for the turtles but also to unwind along the shores, go barefoot on the soft sand, splash in turquoise waters, and picnic under the bright blue sky.

Snorkelling and diving around the island are unforgettable. You’ll be delighted by schools of tropical fish, nudibranchs, amazing sea creatures, and beautiful coral reefs. Sea turtles are everywhere — even in the shallow water, which is perfect for underwater photography. Most of the time, you can easily spot hawksbill turtles eating sea sponges along the reef.

Plan Your Visit

If you’re up for the Selingan Turtle Island adventure, plan your dates and book your trip in advance. For lucky visitors, the Selingan Turtle Island Tour offers a 2 Days / 1 Night package, including transportation, meals, and accommodation — a truly unforgettable wildlife experience in Sabah.

 

Back to Selingan Turtle Island — explore guided eco trips, learn about turtle conservation, and experience one of Borneo’s most remarkable island adventures.

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