Turtle Islands Park

Turtle Islands Park in East Sabah is dedicated to the conservation of marine turtles. The very first turtle hatchery in Sabah was built on Selingan Island in 1966, and on Bakungan Kecil and Gulisan in 1968. All three islands were gazetted as National (Sabah) Park in 1977 and have been playing an important role in managing the nesting sites of these marine reptile species.

The park is truly a magical place, with at least a handful of green and hawksbill turtles nesting every night. Even though turtles lay their eggs throughout the year, but the best time to visit the park is between July and October. This is when the sea is calmer, and also there are most landing of turtles.

Visitation to the park is highly regulated, and restricted to only a resort on Selingan Island. The Sabah Parks Rangers will lead visitors to observe the collection of eggs, and releasing of baby turtles (hatchlings) into the sea. Sometimes the tagging of new mother turtles, too.

Talk to us if you are interested to visit the park and learn more about these magnificent creatures. Your visits will support the marine turtle conservation by Sabah Parks.

The Turtle Islands Park guarantees sighting of turtle nesting, and the release of hatchlings almost every night.
Early risers will be rewarded by sunrise over the Bakungan Islands, and some surprises on the beach.
Some mother turtles finished their egg-laying late, and trying to get back to the sea before the beach gets too hot.
All turtle eggs will be collected and kept away from potential predators, such as this water monitor lizard.
The forest of Selingan Island is also teeming with non-turtle wildlife, such as these fruit bat or flying fox and hermit crab.
The reefs around Selingan Island is mostly rubble, yet still rich in marine life.

(All photos by Khoo M.S.)