Your Comprehensive Travel Guide to Turtle Islands Park
When people go through creative slumps, some people get recharged through relaxing massages, yoga classes, or a night binge-watching comfort shows. But for me, nothing reinvigorates me more than ticking a place off my travel bucket list.
I’ve been feeling uninspired recently and decided to go on a solo overnight trip to Turtle Island Park. I wanted to go there ever since I saw pictures and was instantly reminded of Finding Nemo.
There’s just something about being close to nature that gets your heart going and allows you to have a fresh perspective. When I came back and told my family and friends about my trip, everyone was asking for my itinerary.
So, I decided to write a comprehensive guide for those wanting to visit this marine park. Read on to find out what you need to know before visiting Turtle Islands Park!
Things to Know about Turtle Islands Park
– Media Credit: talesofodyssey
Turtle Island Park is a popular place for eco-tourism, known for their conservation efforts as a sanctuary for Green and Hawksbill turtles. Note that while Turtle Island Park comprises three islands, namely Selingan, Gulisan, and Bakungan Kechil, only Selingan Island is open to tourists.
What made the trip extra special for me was seeing the turtles come up to shore to lay their eggs at night. It was a surreal experience.
Aside from seeing the turtles, it’s also a beautiful beach with a lot of corals, fish, starfish, worms, sponges, soft corals, crustaceans, and more. You can go snorkeling, scuba diving, and swimming!
Turtle Islands Park Rates
These are the entrance fees at Turtle Islands Park, as of the time of writing:
They also require a camera fee of RM 10. Remember that these extra fees are outside of the tour fee that you’ll have to pay to your trusted travel or tour agency.
How to Book a Trip to Turtle Islands Park
While some people opt to get a travel agent, know that you can also book the overnight trip yourself with Crystal Quest, which is the cheaper option. Here are their details so you can inquire directly:
For reference, a two-day, one-night tour at Turtle Islands Park for one adult ranges from RM 500- RM 900. This is inclusive of boat transfers, lunch, dinner, and breakfast, and a private room with its own bathroom.
You can book directly on their website or contact them through WhatsApp for questions.
Turtle Islands Park Conservation Etiquette and Reminders
When you’re enjoying the activities on the island, be reminded of the following conservation etiquette. We all have a part to play in ensuring that the place and its endangered species are protected.
- Maintain a respectful distance from the turtles when they’re laying their eggs.
- Do not touch or disturb the turtles, the hatchlings, or the eggs.
- Flash photography isn’t allowed.
- Don’t litter. Put your trash inside your bag temporarily until you find a trash can.
- Respect marine life during water activities. Don’t step on the corals.
- Don’t turn over rocks.
- Public nudity is strictly not allowed.
How to Get to Turtle Island Park
To get to Turtle Islands Park, you first need to make your way to Sandakan Airport (SDK). There are plenty of flights coming from cities like Kuala Lumpur, Kota Kinabalu, Lahad Datu, or Tawau.
From Sandakan Airport, you need to get to Sabah Parks Jetty, where you can get a boat transfer to Selingan Islands. It will take approximately 45 minutes to an hour by speedboat to get to the islands.
Pro Tip: Please note that booking your tickets in advance is recommended, especially during peak season. Also, make sure that you’re booking from legitimate companies for all your transfers.
Best Time To Visit Turtle Islands Park
Green and Hawksbill turtles lay eggs year-round, but the peak season of each turtle species is different. For Green turtles, it’s July to October. For Hawkbills, it’s February to April.
So, if you want to witness the release of hatchlings and laying of eggs at that scale, you’ll need to time your visit to these peak seasons.
Things To Do in Turtle Islands Park
Attend the Hatchling Release Program
– Media Credit: outbackventure
As a sanctuary for turtles, the main tourist activity is to watch the laying of eggs and the release of hatchlings. This only happens at night, though, so this can’t be just a day trip. You have to stay overnight for this.
The staff also walks you through what they do to make sure that the turtles are protected and accounted for. They also have an exhibition center that is open from 9 AM to 4 PM, where you can learn more about the conservation program.
While waiting to see the turtles, you can join the video showing at 7 PM at the center.
Did you know?
Green and Hawksbill sea turtles go back and lay their eggs at the same beach where they were born.
Do fun water activities
– Media Credit: travel_with_siva
Since the main tourist attraction happens at night, you’ll have plenty of time to roam around and enjoy the island during the day.
Make sure to find the park manager. They will guide you to the safe zones where you can enjoy water activities.
The beach is glorious and you can enjoy different water activities such as snorkeling. You can rent your gear at Crystal Quest.
Here are their rates:
Go hiking or on relaxing nature walks
– Media Credit: globorneotours
If you enjoy being close to nature, you can go on beautiful walks here. The air is clean, and the vibe is so relaxing.
As mentioned, the people in charge will orient you on the safe areas to do this. Make sure to inform the staff or your companions if you’re hiking alone, just so they’re aware of your whereabouts.
Sample Itinerary for Turtle Islands Park
To give you a picture of what the trip looks like, here’s a sample itinerary from my trip there. I booked the trip with Crystal Quest.
Where to Stay in Turtle Islands Park
The park offers chalet-style accommodation and has 25 rooms. As you can see, rooms here are limited, especially during peak season. Booking is required.
The place only allows around 50 guests at a time, so make sure to book early if you’re a large group or a family. To see the rooms, you can check this link.
I noticed that while food is provided with the tour, there aren’t really a lot of options if you’re a fussy eater. So, I highly suggest you bring snacks just in case.
What To Bring for Your Trip to Turtle Islands Park
If you need help in figuring out what to bring on this trip, I highly suggest packing light, but don’t forget the essentials, such as:
- Reusable water bottle
- Extra cash for additional fees or rental gear for water activities
- A good insect repellent
- Suncreen
- Towels
- Swimsuit
- Waterproof bag
- Extra clothes (The weather can be humid at times.)
- Toiletries
- Personal medicine
- Snacks
- Torchlight
- Aquashoes or beach shoes
Where to Eat in Turtle Islands Park
Meals are provided as part of your travel package and are served buffet-style at the dining hall. The food is decent and filling, but I remember wishing that I had more options.
If you have any dietary restrictions, we recommend bringing this up with the tour agency in advance so they can make arrangements. Of course, you can also bring your snacks or instant food with you.
Please also don’t forget to bring a refillable water bottle. Refills are free, but you will not be provided with plastic water bottles.
They have a small shop that sells beer and other cold drinks until 9 PM. Do note that they only accept cash.
Where to Shop in Turtle Islands Park
Turtle Islands Park has a small gift shop where you can buy souvenirs like cards or pictures in the main building, but that’s about it. There aren’t any stores here where you can shop.