Turtle Islands Park | Sandakan

Information

Landmark: Turtle Islands Park
City: Sandakan
Country: Malaysia
Continent: Asia

Turtle Islands Park, Sandakan, Malaysia, Asia

Turtle Islands Park is a protected marine area located off the coast of Sandakan, Sabah, Malaysia.

This park comprises three islands: Pulau Selingaan, Pulau Gulisan, and Pulau Liliuan.

Visual Characteristics

Pulau Selingaan, the main island, features sandy beaches with a width of approximately 50 meters during low tide. The island's interior is covered with dense tropical vegetation, including coconut palms and various shrubs. The surrounding waters are clear, with visibility often exceeding 10 meters, revealing coral reefs and sandy seabeds. The beaches are composed of fine, light-colored sand.

Location & Access Logistics

Turtle Islands Park is situated approximately 40 kilometers northwest of Sandakan. Access is exclusively via boat transfer from the Sandakan jetty. Speedboat journeys typically take 1.5 to 2 hours, depending on sea conditions. Pre-booking of boat transfers through authorized tour operators or the Sabah Parks office is mandatory. There is no public transport directly to the islands. Limited parking is available at the Sandakan jetty.

Historical & Ecological Origin

Established in 1977, Turtle Islands Park was designated to protect the nesting grounds of green turtles (Chelonia mydas) and hawksbill turtles (Eretmochelys imbricata). The islands are part of the Sulu Sea, a region known for its significant marine biodiversity. The geological formation consists of coral reefs and sandy cays built upon submerged volcanic rock.

Key Highlights & Activities

Nightly turtle watching tours are conducted to observe nesting and egg-laying activities. Visitors can participate in the release of newly hatched turtles during specific seasons. Snorkeling and diving are permitted in designated areas around the islands, offering opportunities to view coral formations and marine life. Educational talks on turtle conservation are provided by park rangers.

Infrastructure & Amenities

Accommodation is available in chalets managed by Sabah Parks on Pulau Selingaan. Basic restroom facilities and showers are provided for visitors. Limited shade is available from natural vegetation and the chalets. Cell phone signal is generally weak to non-existent within the park. There are no food vendors on the islands; meals are typically included with accommodation packages.

Best Time to Visit

The peak nesting season for turtles occurs between July and October. For optimal turtle sighting opportunities, visits are recommended during the evening and early morning hours. The dry season, from March to October, generally offers calmer seas for boat travel. High tide is not a specific requirement for turtle observation, but it affects beach accessibility.

Facts & Legends

A unique aspect of the park's operation involves the careful relocation of turtle nests to protected hatcheries to safeguard them from predators and erosion. Local folklore suggests that the islands were once inhabited by sea spirits who guided turtles to safe nesting grounds.