Live Your Best Lives
This ordinary island has become a shining star thanks to the tens of thousands of baby sea turtles it has rescued. It's also the only island in the world where you can see sea turtles laying eggs year-round, with a 99% chance of sighting. At peak times, over 80 mother turtles may come ashore at once. Such touching statistics are a result of the island's conservation efforts. Because sea turtles are nocturnal, staff work daily from 5 PM to 6 AM, meticulously observing every turtle that comes ashore, marking and recording them, collecting and counting the eggs, and monitoring the hatching. This tireless work, regardless of wind or rain, significantly protects the hatching rate. Besides watching mother turtles lay eggs, another truly moving experience is witnessing the miracle of life: releasing hatched baby turtles. Because newly hatched sea turtles have soft shells, their survival rate is extremely low. Upon returning to the sea, they are eaten by other marine life, including seabirds and lizards while still eggs. Studies have shown that the survival rate of these baby turtles is only 1%. Because the island is uninhabited and is protected by Turtle Island National Park, its natural environment is well-preserved, with abundant corals and fish underwater. However, to protect this important breeding habitat for sea turtles, the number of visitors is limited, and they must pay an entrance fee to Turtle Island National Park to the Sabah government.
Sea turtles can be seen coming ashore to lay eggs throughout the year, with the highest number seen in July and August.
Recommended travel time: 2 days and 1 night
Recommended activities: snorkeling; watching turtles lay eggs and baby turtles return to the sea; adopting a baby turtle
Strictly restricted time for entering the island: enter the island at 10:30 and leave the island around 8:00
Turtle Island National Park is known for its role in conserving sea turtle populations, especially the green and hawksbill turtles. The park serves as a sanctuary for these endangered species and plays a significant role in their protection and research. The island is also famous for its turtle conservation programs and nesting sites.
Turtle Island National Park is located off the coast of Sabah, Malaysia, in the Sulu Sea. To get there, visitors typically take a boat ride from the town of Sandakan. The nearest airport is Sandakan Airport, and from there, you can take a taxi or shuttle to the boat departure point.
The park is open daily, but visits are typically arranged through guided tours. The best time to visit is during the dry season, from March to October, for the best weather and turtle sightings.
The entrance fee for Turtle Island National Park is around 50-100 MYR per person, depending on the type of tour or activity. Tickets can be purchased offline through tour operators or local agencies in Sandakan.
It is recommended to book tickets in advance, especially during peak tourist seasons (March to October). Booking at least 1-2 weeks ahead is advised to secure a spot on guided tours.
A visit to Turtle Island typically takes a full day or overnight, depending on the tour package. Overnight stays allow for more time to explore the island and observe turtle nesting activities at night.
Guided tours are available and typically conducted in English and Malay. Tours provide detailed information about turtle conservation and the island's ecosystem.
A typical itinerary includes arriving on the island, touring the turtle hatchery, exploring the beach, and joining the turtle release program in the evening. For an overnight stay, additional activities like nature walks can be included.
Night visits are available for turtle watching. Special night tours are organized to observe sea turtles coming ashore to nest and to witness the release of baby turtles.
Turtle Island is not usually overcrowded, but it can get busy during peak turtle nesting season (May to September). The least crowded times are during the off-season (November to February).
There are basic facilities on the island, including toilets, water, and a small restaurant offering local meals. There are no large shops, so it’s best to bring personal supplies if needed.
The island is not fully accessible for those with mobility issues due to its natural terrain and the need for boat travel. It is suitable for children, but elderly visitors should consider the physical nature of the visit.
Cash is preferred for payment on the island, and mobile payments are not widely accepted. It’s recommended to bring cash for small purchases or tips.
There are basic dining options on Turtle Island, offering local dishes. For a wider range of restaurants, visitors can return to Sandakan, where there are plenty of options.
Vegetarian and halal food options are available on Turtle Island, though the variety is limited. Sandakan has more diverse options for specific dietary needs.
There are limited accommodations on Turtle Island itself, mostly provided by the park. For more luxurious accommodations, visitors can stay in Sandakan, which offers a variety of hotels and resorts.
There are small souvenir shops on Turtle Island selling items such as turtle-themed memorabilia, local handicrafts, and eco-friendly products. More souvenir options can be found in Sandakan.
After visiting Turtle Island, the best options to continue your trip are by boat back to Sandakan. From there, you can take a taxi or bus to nearby attractions like the Sepilok Orangutan Centre or Kinabatangan River.
