Uniqueness of this attraction
Uniqueness of this attraction
Located 40km north of Sandakan, Turtle Islands National Park got its name due to numerous turtles swimming around the island. The female Green turtles and Hawksbill turtles likewise make the islands’ shorelines as their place to lay eggs. Turtle Islands National Park consists of 3 small islands: Selingan Island, Gulisan Island and Bakungan Kechil Island.
Selingan Island is the largest island in the park and it is the only island with accommodation for visitors to stay for a night or two. Here, you can find the park’s headquarters, turtle hatchery, visitors centre and it is also complete with basic facilities as well as chalets. Amid the visit to the island, visitors get the chance to eyewitness the turtles land at the shore, laying eggs, collect the eggs to the safe sanctuary and are even allowed to release the young hatchlings back to the sea.
Aside from that, there are other water activities offered here as the islands are surrounded with delightful beaches and clear waters. You can also swim or snorkel in an enclosed spot in Selingan Island during daytime. Typical sights include snorkeling close to the sea turtles and some coral reefs! All in all, Turtle Islands National Park is very suitable for family, friends and also solo tourist to have an educational visit while contributing to the conservation of these endangered species.
Selingan Island is the largest island in the park and it is the only island with accommodation for visitors to stay for a night or two. Here, you can find the park’s headquarters, turtle hatchery, visitors centre and it is also complete with basic facilities as well as chalets. Amid the visit to the island, visitors get the chance to eyewitness the turtles land at the shore, laying eggs, collect the eggs to the safe sanctuary and are even allowed to release the young hatchlings back to the sea.
Aside from that, there are other water activities offered here as the islands are surrounded with delightful beaches and clear waters. You can also swim or snorkel in an enclosed spot in Selingan Island during daytime. Typical sights include snorkeling close to the sea turtles and some coral reefs! All in all, Turtle Islands National Park is very suitable for family, friends and also solo tourist to have an educational visit while contributing to the conservation of these endangered species.
Other things to do here?
Other things to do here?
Bakungan Kechil Island is one of the islands in the national park where you can visit to see bubbling mud volcanoes. Visitors need to go to Batu Putih Jetty for a 40-minute boat ride to get to this island.
What to bring home?
What to bring home?
Aside from getting small souvenirs and gifts from the visitors centre located in Selingan Island, you can also take home videos and pictures of turtle laying eggs which is a very rare occasion!
Who should I travel with?
Who should I travel with?
Solo , Couple , Friends , Family , Group
Getting around
Getting around
From Kota Kinabalu, you can get to Sandakan town and straight to Selingan Island by taking an hour boat ride. To get on the boat, stop by the Crystal Quest Jetty or Sandakan Jetty. The boat leaves the jetty at 9.30am daily.
Insiders’ tips
Insiders’ tips
- Stay overnight to witness the turtles laying eggs as most of the activities are done during nighttime. However, visitors are not allowed wander around the beaches around 6pm to 6am to give way for turtles to come ashore.
- Make early reservations as there is limited room at Selingan Island chalets.
- Bring some medicines along especially if you have motion sickness as you need to take boat ride to the Selingan Island and the sea can be rough sometimes.
- The turtles here lay eggs all year round, usually in a batch of 50 to 80. The best time to visit the island is between March to July, when the sea is calmer.
- The entry permit and conservation fee must be registered and paid at Sabah Park Jetty. The price for Malaysian is RM30 per adult and RM20 per child, while for non-Malaysian is RM60 per adult and RM30 per child.
- There is night photography service for only RM10 available if you wish to get photos of your trip by a professional photographer.
- Swimming, snorkeling and sunbathing can be done during daytime when you are in Selingan Island. Snorkeling equipments are available for rent that will cost around RM25. Just be sure to bring along suitable clothing if you wish to partake in these water activities.n
Witness a turtle-hatching session or take pleasure in daytime snorkeling and scuba diving in the crystal clear water.
Opening hours
| Monday | 06:00 am to 06:00 pm |
| Tuesday | 06:00 am to 06:00 pm |
| Wednesday | 06:00 am to 06:00 pm |
| Thursday | 06:00 am to 06:00 pm |
| Friday | 06:00 am to 06:00 pm |
| Saturday | 06:00 am to 06:00 pm |
| Sunday | 06:00 am to 06:00 pm |
Witness a turtle-hatching session or take pleasure in daytime snorkeling and scuba diving in the crystal clear water.
Opening hours
| Monday | 06:00 am to 06:00 pm |
| Tuesday | 06:00 am to 06:00 pm |
| Wednesday | 06:00 am to 06:00 pm |
| Thursday | 06:00 am to 06:00 pm |
| Friday | 06:00 am to 06:00 pm |
| Saturday | 06:00 am to 06:00 pm |
| Sunday | 06:00 am to 06:00 pm |
Uniqueness of this attraction
Uniqueness of this attraction
Located 40km north of Sandakan, Turtle Islands National Park got its name due to numerous turtles swimming around the island. The female Green turtles and Hawksbill turtles likewise make the islands’ shorelines as their place to lay eggs. Turtle Islands National Park consists of 3 small islands: Selingan Island, Gulisan Island and Bakungan Kechil Island.
Selingan Island is the largest island in the park and it is the only island with accommodation for visitors to stay for a night or two. Here, you can find the park’s headquarters, turtle hatchery, visitors centre and it is also complete with basic facilities as well as chalets. Amid the visit to the island, visitors get the chance to eyewitness the turtles land at the shore, laying eggs, collect the eggs to the safe sanctuary and are even allowed to release the young hatchlings back to the sea.
Aside from that, there are other water activities offered here as the islands are surrounded with delightful beaches and clear waters. You can also swim or snorkel in an enclosed spot in Selingan Island during daytime. Typical sights include snorkeling close to the sea turtles and some coral reefs! All in all, Turtle Islands National Park is very suitable for family, friends and also solo tourist to have an educational visit while contributing to the conservation of these endangered species.
Selingan Island is the largest island in the park and it is the only island with accommodation for visitors to stay for a night or two. Here, you can find the park’s headquarters, turtle hatchery, visitors centre and it is also complete with basic facilities as well as chalets. Amid the visit to the island, visitors get the chance to eyewitness the turtles land at the shore, laying eggs, collect the eggs to the safe sanctuary and are even allowed to release the young hatchlings back to the sea.
Aside from that, there are other water activities offered here as the islands are surrounded with delightful beaches and clear waters. You can also swim or snorkel in an enclosed spot in Selingan Island during daytime. Typical sights include snorkeling close to the sea turtles and some coral reefs! All in all, Turtle Islands National Park is very suitable for family, friends and also solo tourist to have an educational visit while contributing to the conservation of these endangered species.
Other things to do here?
Other things to do here?
Bakungan Kechil Island is one of the islands in the national park where you can visit to see bubbling mud volcanoes. Visitors need to go to Batu Putih Jetty for a 40-minute boat ride to get to this island.
What to bring home?
What to bring home?
Aside from getting small souvenirs and gifts from the visitors centre located in Selingan Island, you can also take home videos and pictures of turtle laying eggs which is a very rare occasion!
Who should I travel with?
Who should I travel with?
Solo , Couple , Friends , Family , Group
Getting around
Getting around
From Kota Kinabalu, you can get to Sandakan town and straight to Selingan Island by taking an hour boat ride. To get on the boat, stop by the Crystal Quest Jetty or Sandakan Jetty. The boat leaves the jetty at 9.30am daily.
Insiders’ tips
Insiders’ tips
- Stay overnight to witness the turtles laying eggs as most of the activities are done during nighttime. However, visitors are not allowed wander around the beaches around 6pm to 6am to give way for turtles to come ashore.
- Make early reservations as there is limited room at Selingan Island chalets.
- Bring some medicines along especially if you have motion sickness as you need to take boat ride to the Selingan Island and the sea can be rough sometimes.
- The turtles here lay eggs all year round, usually in a batch of 50 to 80. The best time to visit the island is between March to July, when the sea is calmer.
- The entry permit and conservation fee must be registered and paid at Sabah Park Jetty. The price for Malaysian is RM30 per adult and RM20 per child, while for non-Malaysian is RM60 per adult and RM30 per child.
- There is night photography service for only RM10 available if you wish to get photos of your trip by a professional photographer.
- Swimming, snorkeling and sunbathing can be done during daytime when you are in Selingan Island. Snorkeling equipments are available for rent that will cost around RM25. Just be sure to bring along suitable clothing if you wish to partake in these water activities.n
