Why visit Turtle Island?
Turtle Island, officially known as Selingan Island, is one of Sabah’s most special wildlife experiences. Located just off the coast of Sandakan, the island is part of Turtle Islands Park and provides a protected nesting ground for endangered green and hawksbill turtles.
The main reason to visit is the opportunity to witness the turtle conservation programme. After dark, visitors may be called to the beach by Sabah Parks rangers to watch a turtle come ashore to lay her eggs. The eggs are then transferred to the island’s protected hatchery, helping to protect them from predators and other threats.
Turtle nesting takes place throughout the year, with June to October generally being the peak nesting period. Visitors may also have the opportunity to watch newly hatched turtles being released onto the beach and making their way towards the sea.
Things to do at Turtle Island
The main attraction at Selingan Island is the night-time turtle conservation programme.
After dinner, visitors wait for the park rangers to signal when a turtle has come ashore. The group is then taken to the beach to observe the nesting process and, where possible, the transfer of eggs to the protected hatchery.
If hatchlings are ready to leave the hatchery, visitors may also be able to watch them being released onto the beach.
During the afternoon, there is free time to relax on the beach, swim or snorkel, although the main focus of a visit is the turtle conservation experience rather than a conventional beach holiday.
Where to stay?
There is one lodge on Selingan Island, offering simple but comfortable accommodation with air conditioning and ensuite bathrooms.
Rooms are generally twin-share. A maximum of two adults and one child under 10 can share a room, so families with older or multiple children may need to book two rooms.
Space on the boat to Selingan Island is limited, so travellers should take only a small overnight bag and leave larger luggage on the mainland. River Junkie can arrange luggage storage in Sandakan when required.
How long should you stay?
A 2D1N Turtle Island trip is the minimum stay required to experience the conservation programme. Day trips are not offered because the hatchery activities happen after dark.
For most visitors, one night on Selingan Island is sufficient. The following morning you can return to Sandakan and continue to Sepilok, or travel onwards to the Kinabatangan River.
Who is Turtle Island recommended for?
Turtle Island is particularly suited to families, couples, wildlife enthusiasts and anyone interested in marine conservation. Watching a wild turtle nesting at night and seeing hatchlings make their way towards the sea can be a memorable experience for visitors of all ages.
It is also a good addition to a Sabah wildlife itinerary, providing a very different experience from the rainforest destinations of Kinabatangan, Tabin and Danum Valley.
Planning your trip to Turtle Island
Most visitors will start in Selingan Island, then visit the orangutan and sun bear rehabilitation centres at Sepilok before continuing to the Kinabatangan River for river-based wildlife watching.
Accommodation and boat places on the island are limited, so advance booking is essential, particularly during the busier July and August period.
River Junkie offers a 2D1N Turtle Island and Sepilok package, as well as itineraries combining Turtle Island with the Kinabatangan River. Turtle Island can also be incorporated into a longer Sabah itinerary including Danum Valley or Tabin Wildlife Reserve.
If you’re planning a wider Sabah wildlife trip, we can help you combine the destinations to suit your interests, available time and budget.
