Pulau Selingan Turtle Islands

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Sabah’s Turtle Islands Marine Park is comprised of Pulau Selingan, Pulau Bakungan Kecil, and Pulau Gulisan. They have provided a protected refuge for the endangered Green and Hawksbill Turtles since 1966. The Turtle Islands, lay in the Sulu Sea, 40 km north of Sandakan, and are accessible by a three hour boat ride.

During the day, unwind on the white sandy beach of Pulau Selingan or snorkel on its immaculate reef to watch the serene turtles as they forage for food and rest amongst the corals before coming up for their next breath of air.

Only on the island of Selingan is it possible to stay overnight; a must for those who wish to see the Green and Hawksbill turtles laying their eggs. Turtles come ashore nightly to the Turtle Islands, and during the peak season of October up to 50 turtles can be seen visiting the shores to demonstrate their egg laying ritual.

Park regulations of the Turtle Islands Marine Park are strictly adhered to and visitors are not allowed on the beach from sunset to sunrise. A warden will call visitors to watch only one turtle laying eggs per night, the eggs are then collected and transplanted to a chamber in the hatchery, (not all nests are emptied by the park rangers, but some remain undisturbed and develop naturally). The guests will then be given baby turtles from the rangers of Selingan to release into the sea; this is also done in the cover of night to ensure their chance of survival.

SPECIALS

Islands