2D1N Selingan Turtle Island Tour | Sabah
Witness turtles laying eggs and hatching first-hand on Selingan Turtle Island. Snorkel among colourful marine creatures. Sunbathe on the untouched beach under palm trees.
- See mother turtles lay eggs on the beach of Turtle Island
- Snorkel in an ultra-clean ocean with rich sea animals
- Stroll down the pristine white-sand beach
- Learn about turtle conservation at one of the oldest of its kind
Sightseeing Tours
| Tour Type | Shared tour |
| Transportation method | Hotel transfer |
| Tour types | Guided tour |
| Meal arrangement | Breakfast included, Lunch included, With dinner |
| Accommodation type | Economy (< 3 stars) |
| Room type | Double room |
| Additional service & facility | Transfer included |
| Sightseeing type | Natural sights, Eco-tourism, Beachcombing, Islands tour |
| Transport | Sightseeing cruise, Walking |
Product Info
— What You Can Expect —
Seize the rare opportunity to see endangered turtles laying eggs on Turtle Islands and enjoy fun-filled activities on one of the most pristine waters in Malaysia.
Quietly located 40 km away from the main island, Turtle Islands Park is a sanctuary for the endangered green and hawksbill turtles. Because there is no regular access to the islands and few visitors are permitted so as not to disturb these sensitive marine reptiles, this is a unique chance to enter the park as everything from permits to transportation and accommodation is taken care of. Simply join the trip with a relaxed mind.
At dusk, park rangers will guide you to the site when there are egg-laying activities. Observe the exceptional scene of mother turtles coming ashore to complete her mission of reproduction. Please do remember to turn off camera flashes. Moreover, you'll also learn about the conservation efforts by watching rangers transferring eggs to incubators and releasing hatchlings to the sea.
Since this is a national park, you can enjoy one of the cleanest stretches of powder-soft sand in the area. Swim in this warm, translucent sea teeming with rich tropical marine life. Or you can walk down the unsullied beach for a leisurely, undisturbed afternoon.
Come to Turtle islands for this once-in-a-lifetime experience!
Stay close to the beach for the rare opportunity to see turtles laying eggs and snorkel in the sea
Relax in the spacious, air-conditioned twin room
Enjoy privacy with your attached bathroom
Purchase Notice
- The itinerary is for reference only and subject to necessary changes per local requirements
- Pickup time may vary within 15 minutes
- This is not a private tour, meaning you will share the trip with other guests
- Recommended to bring: a hat, insect repellent, sunblock, swimwear, a torchlight, sandals, a comfortable cotton t-shirt and shorts, binoculars, a camera, personal toiletries and medications
- Flash is PROHIBITED when photographing turtles
- Wi-Fi is unavailable on the island
- Snorkeling gears are available to rent on the island
- Camera fee is not included
- Please book half a year in advance for peak-season visits as the island only has 25 rooms
- Each room accommodates only 2 guests. One child under 10 may stay with the parents. If the child is above 11 years old, they may stay in the parents' room with an RM159 Single Supplement Surcharge
- Please wait in the lobby for your tour guide to pick you up
- Please notify us when booking if you have a different drop-off location from your pick-up location
Reminders
Kindly bring along your passport / Original Identification card (IC) on the day of the tour for registration.
Cancellation Policy
- Once the order has been completed, it cannot be canceled, modified, or refunded
- Due to time zone differences, the confirmed cancellation date is based on the supplier’s local time. Please allow 2–5 business days to process your cancellation request, after which the cancellation fee will be charged according to the product’s cancellation policy. Once the cancellation is confirmed, you will receive your refund within 14 working days.
FAQ
Visitors typically depart from Sandakan, Sabah. The journey to Selingan Turtle Island involves a boat transfer, usually from the Sandakan Yacht Club jetty. The boat ride takes approximately one hour, offering scenic views of the Sulu Sea. Tours often include these transfers for convenience and a smooth travel experience.
Visitors can witness mother turtles coming ashore to lay eggs, and observe newly hatched turtlelings making their way to the sea, firsthand. Beyond turtle encounters, the island offers opportunities to snorkel in crystal-clear waters with diverse marine life and relax on pristine white-sand beaches under palm trees. It's a rare blend of nature observation and relaxation.
Selingan Turtle Island is located in the Sulu Sea, approximately 40 kilometers north of Sandakan, Sabah, Malaysia. It is part of the Turtle Islands Park, an international conservation area shared with the Philippines, making it a significant ecological site in Southeast Asia dedicated to turtle protection.
Selingan Turtle Island is primarily known for being a vital nesting ground for Green Sea Turtles and, to a lesser extent, Hawksbill Turtles. These species regularly visit the island's shores throughout the year to lay their eggs, providing a unique opportunity for visitors to observe this natural phenomenon under controlled and respectful conditions.
Yes, an overnight stay is a core part of the Selingan Turtle Island experience, allowing visitors to witness nighttime nesting. The island offers basic chalet-style accommodations provided by the park. Facilities typically include a visitor center, a small restaurant, and simple lodging, designed to ensure minimal disturbance to the turtles and maintain the island's natural environment.
While turtles visit Selingan Turtle Island year-round, the peak nesting season for Green and Hawksbill turtles typically runs from July to October. During these months, the chances of observing egg-laying are higher. Hatching occurs throughout the year, usually a few months after nesting, offering consistent opportunities to see turtlelings venturing into the sea.
Selingan Turtle Island plays a vital role in sea turtle conservation through its dedicated hatchery and protection programs. Eggs laid by mother turtles are carefully relocated to protected hatcheries to ensure their survival from predators. Once hatched, the turtlelings are released into the sea, contributing directly to the recovery and sustainability of endangered sea turtle populations.
In addition to the incredible turtle encounters, visitors can enjoy snorkeling in the surrounding pristine waters, which are teeming with colorful marine creatures. The island also features untouched white-sand beaches perfect for sunbathing, leisurely strolls, and relaxing amidst a beautiful tropical island setting, offering a comprehensive natural escape.
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