Sandakan – Selingan Turtle Island Escape

How to make a Booking?

Overview

Turtle Island Marine Park lies about 40 kilometers north of Sandakan and is made up of three islands, with Selingan Island as the main focus for visitors. This park serves as a vital sanctuary for endangered green and hawksbill turtles, which come ashore almost every night to lay their eggs. Visitors have the rare chance to watch the turtles lay eggs, see the eggs collected, and witness baby turtles being released into the sea. Besides the turtles, the park offers clear waters and vibrant coral reefs perfect for snorkeling and diving, while fruiting seasons sometimes bring flying foxes to the islands. Gazetted as a marine park in 1977, staff stay on all three islands year-round to protect and manage conservation efforts.

Selingan Island, covering eight hectares, is the second largest of the three and home to Malaysia’s first turtle hatchery. Turtles land here every night throughout the year, but overnight stays are limited to just 38 visitors to protect them. The island hosts the park headquarters, hatchery, simple lodging, and a visitor center. The best time to visit is from March to July, when the seas are calm and dry. The peak nesting season runs from July to October, though visitors still come even when seas are rougher from October to February.

Both green and hawksbill turtles lay eggs mainly at night, avoiding bright lights. Females crawl above the high tide line, dig with their rear flippers, and lay around 40 to 200 eggs before covering and concealing the nest. Rangers tag and measure the turtles to collect important data, and the entire nesting process usually takes one to two hours. Eggs are moved to hatcheries for protection against predators and erosion, placed in 75-centimeter-deep pits, and marked with information plates. Sand temperature affects the sex of hatchlings, so shading is sometimes used to manage conditions. Hatchlings emerge after 50 to 60 days, mostly at night, and are released immediately. Although many hatchlings are released each year, only a few survive to adulthood.

Watching egg laying and hatchling release is the highlight of visiting Turtle Island, but this can only be experienced at night by staying overnight. Visitors also learn about the conservation efforts directly from the park staff. In addition to turtle-focused activities, the park offers scuba diving and snorkeling in designated zones, with visitors advised to check with park officers before entering the water to ensure safety and support conservation efforts.

Tour Inclusions

Availability :
Everyday
Minimum :

2 adults

Packages :

ADULT PRICE TWIN / TRIPLE SHARING: 2 - 3 PAX
RM1,425.00 PER PERSON

CHILD PRICE WITH BED:
RM1,135.00 PER PERSON

CHILD PRICE WITHOUT BED:
RM400.00 PER PERSON

ADULT PRICE (TWIN SUPPLEMENT)
RM1,815.00

SOLO TRAVELLER
RM2,790.00

Pick Up Point :
Your Hotel in Sandakan City / Sandakan Airport
Pick Up Time :
09:00 Hrs
Drop Off Point :
Your Hotel in Sandakan City / Sandakan Airport
Drop Off Time :
08:30 Hrs - 09:00 Hrs
Duration :
2 Days 1 Night
Included :

  • Meals as stated in the detailed daily program
  • All entrance fees to included sites and activities
  • Land transportation using seat in coach service provided
  • Return boat transfer included in the package
  • English speaking guide throughout the island activities
  • One night accommodation included during the program
  • Turtle Island conservancy fee covered in the package
Excluded :

  • Domestic airfares from Kota Kinabalu to Sandakan and return
  • Camera and video fees not included in the package
  • Personal expenses during the trip are not covered
  • Alcoholic and carbonated drinks not included in the price
  • Personal travel insurance not included in the package
  • Any items not mentioned above are not included
Things to bring :

  • Good walking shoes for comfort during all activities
  • Light raincoat for unexpected rain and wet conditions
  • Insect repellent to protect against bites during outdoor time
  • Sun block to avoid strong sunburn during outdoor activities
  • Sun hat for added protection against direct sunlight
  • Binoculars for better viewing of wildlife and surroundings
  • Camera to capture moments and scenery throughout the trip
  • Personal toiletries for daily hygiene and personal comfort
  • Torchlight for use during night walks or low light situations

 

Things You Should Know

  • Island chalet is basic but clean and has attached bathroom
  • Departure time varies by hotel, please reconfirm with our staff
  • Guide will greet you at Sandakan Airport on arrival day
  • Wildlife sightings during the tour are not guaranteed
  • We may change routes or itineraries if conditions require
  • Departure time may change due to traffic or other factors
  • Call the number on your voucher if transport is delayed
Meals :

One breakfast included during the program
One lunch provided on the itinerary
One dinner included during the stay
Accommodations :

One night stay at Turtle Island Chalet included

Itinerary

Day 1 :

  • Sandakan/ Selingan Turtle Island
  • Pick-up time: 08:30hrs (Sepilok area) / 09:15hrs (Sandakan area)
  • Meet and pick up at your hotel lobby or Sandakan airport.
  • You will be transferred to the Sabah Park Jetty in Sandakan where you will take a 1-hour boat ride to -Selingan Turtle Island. The boat departs at 10:00 Hrs.
  • Located only 40 kilometres from North Sandakan, you will have the opportunity to see the main nesting areas of the Green Turtles and Hawksbill Turtles.
  • Upon arrival, lunch will be served for you to feast!
  • Check in to your basic but clean accommodation. The rest of the day you are free to stretch out by the beach or jump right into the sea for a snorkel round the nearby reefs. Dinner will be served on the Island.
  • After dinner, a Park Ranger will inform you on the right time to encounter turtle laying their eggs along the beach. Get the chance to witness the collecting of eggs from the nestling site and into a safe hatchery and watch baby turtles scrambling out into the open sea upon their release on shore. An adorable sight not to be missed!
  • It’s time to hit the hay and rest up with an overnight stay at your Selingan Turtle Island Chalet.
Day 2 :

  • Selingan Turtle Island / Sandakan Airport or Hotel
  • Good morning! Enjoy your breakfast before checking out and making your way back to the mainland. If you have time before your flight, you may also visit the Sepilok Orang Utan Centre (additional cost applies).
  • It's time to bid your trip goodbye as you are transferred to your respective hotels or Sandakan airport.
  • Drop-off time: 08:30 Hrs - 09:00 Hrs

Optional Tour (Excluded)

Not available

Important Notes

  • Bookings under 48 hours depend on room and guide availability
  • We will discuss necessary changes to make your trip possible
  • Any refund has a 10 percent management fee applied
  • Payment request will be sent to your email via PayPal
Useful Travel Tips :

  • Bring a hat or cap for strong sun protection
  • Use sunglasses to protect your eyes from bright sunlight