Turtle Islands Park (Sandakan) – Borneo's Turtle Nesting Paradise** 🐢🌴

#kotakinabalutrip Located in the **Sulu Sea** off **Sandakan, Sabah**, **Turtle Islands Park** (Taman Pulau Penyu) is a **protected marine park** consisting of **three main islands** (**Selingan, Bakkungan Kecil, and Gulisan**). It’s one of **Southeast Asia’s most important turtle nesting sites**, renowned for its **Green Turtles** and **Hawksbill Turtles**. --- ### **Why Visit?** ✔ **Turtle Nesting & Hatching** – Witness **mother turtles laying eggs** (year-round, peak: **July–October**) or **baby turtles released** into the sea. ✔ **Conservation Focus** – The park operates a **hatchery program** to protect eggs from predators. ✔ **Pristine Beaches** – White sands, turquoise waters, and **untouched natural beauty**. ✔ **Snorkeling & Diving** – Vibrant coral reefs with **marine biodiversity**. --- ### **Key Experiences:** 1. **Nighttime Turtle Watching** – Rangers guide visitors to observe nesting turtles (no flash photography allowed). 2. **Baby Turtle Release** – Assist in releasing hatchlings at dawn (seasonal). 3. **Eco-Education** – Learn about turtle conservation at the **visitor center**. --- ### **Visitor Info:** 📍 **Location**: **40km off Sandakan** (1.5-hour boat ride). ⏰ **Best Time to Visit**: **July–October** (peak nesting). 🎟️ **Fees & Permits**: - **Park Entry**: ~RM50 (foreigners), ~RM15 (Malaysians). - **Boat Transfer**: ~RM300–500/group (round trip). - **Overnight Stay**: Limited chalets (~RM250–400/night, book early!). ⚠️ **Strict Rules**: - **Only Selingan Island** is open to tourists. - **No touching turtles** – Rangers supervise all interactions. - **Limited electricity** (generator-powered at night). --- ### **How to Get There?** 🚤 **From Sandakan**: 1. **Boat from Sandakan Jetty** (1.5 hours, arranged via tour operators). 2. **Permits Required** – Book through **Sabah Parks** or licensed tour agencies. --- ### **Did You Know?** - The park sees **500–1,000 nests per year**! - Only **1 in 1,000 hatchlings** survives to adulthood due to natural predators.