About Turtle Islands Park
Turtle Islands Park is a marine national park in the Sulu Sea, about 40 kilometres north of Sandakan, Sabah. Established in 1977, it comprises three islands — Selingan, Bakungan Kecil and Gulisan — and is Malaysia's first turtle hatchery. It is a major nesting site for endangered Green and Hawksbill turtles. Managed by Sabah Parks, the park is dedicated to conservation, research and controlled eco-tourism centred on turtle nesting and hatchling releases.
Visitors guide
Visitors reach Selingan Island, the only island open to overnight visitors, by a 45-60 minute speedboat from Sandakan jetty. The island has chalets, a visitor centre, hatchery and exhibition hall set on sandy beaches with clear waters and forest. Daytime is for snorkelling, swimming and educational exhibits. At night, rangers guide small groups to observe Green and Hawksbill turtles nesting, egg collection, hatchery operations and hatchling releases in the early morning.
Key highlights
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Major nesting ground for endangered Green and Hawksbill turtles with nightly turtle landings
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Turtle hatchery and conservation centre where eggs are protected and hatchlings released
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Overnight stay on Selingan Island with ranger-guided turtle watching experience
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Clear waters, sandy beaches and snorkelling around coral reefs
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Malaysia's first marine park gazetted for sea turtle conservation
History of Turtle Islands Park
Gazetted on 1 October 1977 as Malaysia's first marine park dedicated to turtle conservation. Selingan Island had operated a turtle hatchery since the 1960s, formalized under Sabah Parks to protect nesting sites for Green and Hawksbill turtles and to support research and controlled eco-tourism.
Culture & Context
Represents Sabah's marine conservation heritage and long-standing community-based protection of endangered sea turtles. The park serves as an educational site promoting conservation awareness, sustainable eco-tourism and respect for marine wildlife.
Route
| By air |
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