Selingan Turtle Island Borneo: Is it Worth Visiting?
What is Turtle Island and should you visit? Yes!
Yes, Selingan Turtle Island Borneo is definitely worth visiting.
If you’re looking for a unique wildlife experience in Malaysia, look no further than Selingan Turtle Island Borneo. Located off the coast of Sabah, this tiny island is home to one of nature’s greatest spectacles: sea turtles nesting on its shores.
Our recent visit was an unforgettable opportunity to witness this natural phenomenon first-hand – and we think it’s worth the long journey.
As wildlife enthusiasts, we were thrilled to be able to witness baby turtles hatching and making their way into the ocean. We also enjoyed snorkeling in the crystal-clear waters of the surrounding coral reef, where brightly colored fish and sea life abounded. The island itself is incredibly beautiful and lush with vegetation – it felt like a true paradise.
On top of the natural wonders, Selingan Turtle Island also offers some excellent amenities for visitors. Accommodations are comfortable and meals are included in the standard package, making it a stress-free getaway from everyday life. With all this to offer, we highly recommend that first-time visitors to Malaysia make Selingan Turtle Island part of their Borneo itinerary.
At the end of our stay, we left Selingan Turtle Island with a renewed appreciation for nature and its many wonders. Without a doubt, this is one travel experience that should not be missed!
Planning Your Trip? Use Our Favorite Resources
We recommend:
👉 Tour Company – Viator and GetYourGuide
🛳️ Cruise Company – Expedia
👉 Book Accommodations – booking.com or Vrbo
🚗 Rental Car – DiscoverCars.com
👉 Travel Insurance – Insubuy
🛬 Flights – Kayak.com and WayAway
📱 eSIM – GigSky (great for cruises and on land)
Recommendations and Ratings
Once in a lifetime visit
What a fantastic experience. We had been told the accommodation is very basic, but it is actually very good for the island – you are in the middle of the sea and there for conservation so no luxuries, but the room was very comfy, clean, cold shower was welcomed, good towels etc.
The food was excellent and staff were lovely.
You are in the middle of nowhere and they have tens of turtle landings a night and can see the tracks on arrival. The whole turtle experience at night is unbelievable – we were worried it would be ‘touristy’ but it felt like a proper conservation experience.
The boat journey was easy and you have a whole day to snorkel (which we hired) in the well marked beach area with lifeguard.
Cannot recommend enough!
Matthew Abbott from Tripadvisor 5/5 & Google
What is Turtle Island?
Selingan Turtle Island, also known as Turtle Island Borneo and Pulau Selingan Island, is one of many islands around the world with the name “Turtle Island”. It is located off the east coast of Sabah, Malaysia, and is a part of Sandakan National Park.
Selingan Turtle Island is one of three islands that make up this protected park. It is an ideal destination for those looking to experience marine life and turtle conservation in a unique setting.
Visitors can observe the nesting process of sea turtles, as well as release baby turtles into the sea. Selingan Turtle Island provides an unforgettable opportunity to view nature’s wonders up close and personal. The island is a true must-see for any traveling enthusiast!
Is Selingan Turtle Island, Borneo, worth visiting?
Selingan Turtle Island is an excellent place for a family vacation, romantic getaway, or adventure trip. While no-frills, the island delivers a fantastic experience where you can see sea turtles up close.
We stayed for one night on the island, and we would highly recommend the experience. The comfortable rooms are basic but spotless with air conditioning, so you won’t have to worry about any discomfort. Our guide was friendly and knowledgeable, and the staff provided all meals in the dining room so that we didn’t have to worry about food.
What Kind of Turtles Can I See?
On Selingan Turtle Island, visitors can see two species of sea turtles: green and hawksbill. Green turtles are the most common type of turtle here, and they migrate to the island in great numbers during nesting season.
These gentle giants can measure up to 5 feet long and weigh up to 500 pounds! Hawksbill turtles, on the other hand, are a little smaller than the greens, typically only reaching up to 3 feet in length and up to 150 pounds.
They have an unmistakable beak-like head and feed on sponges, mollusks, and sea urchins. Both of these species are endangered, so taking a trip to Selingan Turtle Island is a great way to observe them in their natural habitat while helping to conserve them.
What Other Wildlife Can I See?
Selingan Turtle Island is well-known for its sea turtles, but did you know that it’s also home to a variety of other wildlife? If you’re planning a visit to this beautiful island, keep your eyes peeled for eagles, lizards, and fascinating sea life.
The island’s resident hornbills, eagles, and kingfishers are a sight to behold. The eagles can often be spotted soaring high above the island or perched on branches overlooking the clear blue waters. Keep your camera handy – you never know when one might swoop down to snatch up some prey!
If you prefer something a little less intimidating, look out for the many species of lizards that call Selingan Turtle Island home. From tiny geckos to larger monitor lizards, these creatures are sure to delight nature lovers of all ages.
You’ll discover other marine life like manta rays, reef sharks, and colorful fish (like clown fish) swimming in crystal-clear waters. Snorkeling or diving around the island is an unforgettable experience where you’ll get to encounter these magnificent creatures up close.
What to Expect When Visiting Selingan Turtle Island
Selingan Turtle Island is a unique place allowing only 50 visitors at a time, and there are some important things to remember when planning your visit. First of all, the island is small so exploring all of it is possible
If you’re interested in seeing turtles lay eggs or releasing little turtles into the ocean, make sure to stay up after dark when the turtles come to shore.
Finally, make sure to respect the wildlife on Selingan Turtle Island by following all regulations set out for visitors. Keep your distance from the animals and do not disturb their natural habitats. There’s nothing more rewarding than witnessing the beauty of nature in its untouched form!
One Day Itinerary at Seligan Turtle Island
Leave either from your Hotel Lobby or Sandakan Airport and transfer to Sabah Park Jetty, where a scheduled boat will depart at 9:30 AM sharp to take you to Selingan Island. The boat ride will take approximately an hour.
After arrival, you need to register at the Turtle Island Park Headquarters and check into your chalet.
Later, enjoy lunch at the cafeteria and spend your time doing activities of your own choice, such as swimming or snorkeling.
After dinner, we will wait for the ranger’s call to observe turtles laying eggs. If any young turtles are hatching, you get a chance to watch them being released into the sea after they are transferred to the Hatchery.
Stay overnight in a Double or Twin Sharing room with an attached air-conditioned bathroom.
The tour includes lunch, dinner, and breakfast on the day you depart from the island.
You need to check out in the morning and have an early breakfast before leaving the island at 7.00 am to return to the Sabah Park Jetty at 8.00 am.
Accommodations on Turtle Island
Selingan Island provides 25 cozy rooms, all equipped with air-conditioning, en-suite bathrooms, and twin beds. Please note that the focus of this island is on experiencing turtle watching and conserving the island rather than providing luxurious accommodations. Therefore, the facilities here are basic but clean. Keep this in mind when you plan your visit.
Dining on Turtle Island
Speaking of food, it was surprisingly good considering the island’s remoteness. The meals were buffet-style, and we enjoyed all of them. We especially liked the freshly-caught fish, grilled fresh for each meal.
They were incredibly delicious, and it felt like we were enjoying a gourmet meal. The breakfast was continental, and there were plenty of choices for lunch and dinner.
Amenities on Turtle Island
If you love the sea, you will enjoy the island’s amenities. Apart from watching the turtles and enjoying the white sandy beaches, the island offers various aquatic activities, including swimming and snorkeling.
The waters surrounding the island are crystal-clear, and the underwater world is truly amazing. There is also a turtle hatchery on the island where you may see baby turtles hatching if you’re lucky. You can relax and de-stress at the library, which has a variety of books and board games, as well as a small gift shop.
How do you get to Selingan Turtle Island, Borneo?
Getting to Selingan Island is easy. You can book your trip through a local tour agency, or you can get there by taking the boat from Sabah Park Jetty. The journey takes about an hour.
Where is the location of Turtle Island, Borneo?
Turtle Island Borneo, also known as Selingan Island, is located 25 miles (40km) northeast of Sandakan in Sabah and about 21 miles (35 km) from the mainland. It can be easily reached by boat from Sabah Park Jetty, which takes around an hour.
Conservation Efforts at Selingan Turtle Island Borneo
Selingan provides a secure environment for endangered species such as green turtles and hawksbill turtles. This gives us a unique chance to learn about and safeguard them at the same time.
To protect them from predators, eggs laid along the shore are gathered and moved to an incubation chamber. However, not all eggs are collected. Some nests are left undisturbed to maintain the island’s ecosystem, as several animals depend on turtles and their eggs for survival.
To increase their chances of survival, the baby turtles are released into the sea at night. The turtle conservation program in Sabah is the world’s oldest, with detailed statistics and research available. This important project aims to prevent marine turtles from becoming extinct, so they can thrive for future generations.
Selingan Turtle Island Borneo Tours
Visiting Selingan Turtle Island, Borneo, is one of the most rewarding travel experiences. Several tour companies offer trips to this amazing destination, including these three:
Known for their commitment to sustainable travel, Borneo Eco Tours offers an immersive experience on Selingan Turtle Island. With knowledgeable guides and a focus on conservation, they provide visitors with an opportunity to observe the awe-inspiring nesting process of turtles while minimizing human impact on the fragile ecosystem.
Join the full-day guided tour from Sandakan City that includes transportation. Witness the incredible sight of turtles laying eggs on the beach and release newly hatched turtles into the ocean. You’ll also get to experience all the other attractions on the island.
offers a full-day guided tour with transportation from Sandakan City. You will be able to observe turtles laying eggs on the beach, release newly hatched turtles into the ocean, and experience all that this island has to offer.
No matter which tour you choose, visiting Selingan Turtle Island Borneo is sure to be an unforgettable experience!
What should I bring to Selingan Turtle Island?
You don’t need to pack much for the trip as most of the necessities, such as food, water, towels, bedsheets, and shampoo, are provided for your convenience. However, please remember to bring some essentials.
- Swimwear
- Sunscreen
- Money
- Camera
- Waterproof Phone Case
- Water Shoes
- Drinking water bottle
- Toiletries
- Personal medicine
Where to Stay in Sandakan
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) Selingan Turtle Island in Malaysia
If you’re looking for an exotic and unique experience on your next vacation, then look no further than Selingan Turtle Island in Malaysia. Here are some frequently asked questions about this amazing destination.
Selingan Turtle Island is a small, uninhabited island located off the east coast of Sabah in Malaysian Borneo. It is part of the Turtle Islands Park and is famous for its beautiful beaches, as well as being a haven for turtles to lay their eggs.
The best time to visit Selingan Turtle Island is between April and August, as this is when green and hawksbill turtles come to the island to lay their eggs.
Visitors to Selingan Turtle Island can experience a range of activities such as turtle watching (at night), snorkeling, swimming, kayaking in the clear blue waters, or just relaxing on the beach. You also have the unique opportunity to help out with turtle conservation efforts by releasing baby turtles into the ocean.
Information about Turtle Island
The island is located only a short boat ride away from the Sabah mainland. You can catch a boat at the Sabah Park Jetty.
Turtle Island is owned by the Sabah Parks and managed by the Malaysian government. The turtle conservation efforts are supported by a local NGO, the Turtle Conservation Society of Malaysia (TCSM).
Selingan Island Chalet is a private accommodation located on the island. You can stay here to experience the unique beauty of Selingan Turtle Island in comfort and privacy.
Most visitors stay for one night.
Turtle Island is a safe and secure place to visit. The team of rangers from the Sabah Parks are on site 24/7, ensuring visitor safety. As with any other tourist destination, we recommend that you follow safety measures such as using insect repellent and covering any exposed skin after dark.
Yes, there are! Every night, turtles come ashore to lay eggs on the beach, and you can spot turtles swimming in and around the island. It’s an amazing experience to witness these majestic creatures up close!
The Wrap-Up: Selingan Turtle Island in Borneo
Selingan Turtle Island in Borneo is definitely worth a visit for those seeking a unique and memorable experience. The island’s pristine beaches, crystal-clear waters, and abundant marine life make it a true paradise for nature lovers.
Witnessing the majestic sea turtles come ashore to lay their eggs is an unforgettable moment that will stay with you long after you leave. With comfortable accommodations, delicious food, and knowledgeable guides, your stay on Selingan Turtle Island will be nothing short of amazing.
Don’t miss out on this incredible opportunity to connect with nature and create lasting memories. See 37 Things to Do in Sandakan for additional must-do activities while visiting Borneo.
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