Watching Turtles Nesting at Selingan Island

Watching Sea Turtles at Selingan Island

Selingan Island, part of Malaysia's Turtle Islands National Park in Sabah, offers one of the most reliable sea turtle nesting experiences in Southeast Asia. Located in the Sulu Sea near Sandakan, this protected island provides visitors with a rare opportunity to witness green turtles and hawksbill turtles nesting on the beach.

Sea Turtle Nesting at Selingan Island

Every night throughout the year, female sea turtles return to Selingan Island's shores to lay their eggs, a phenomenon that occurs with remarkable consistency. Unlike many turtle nesting sites worldwide where sightings are seasonal or uncertain, Selingan Island has nesting activity virtually every single night, making it one of the most dependable locations to observe this natural wonder.

The nesting process typically occurs after dark, when turtles emerge from the ocean, dig nests in the sand, and deposit 40-80 eggs before returning to the sea. Visitors staying overnight at the island's accommodation are guided by park rangers to observe this incredible experience while ensuring minimal disturbance to the turtles.

Turtle Islands National Park Conservation Programme

Selingan Island is home to an active turtle conservation and hatchery programme. Park rangers collect eggs from nests and relocate them to a protected hatchery to improve survival rates. This conservation effort has helped protect endangered green turtles and critically endangered hawksbill turtles for decades.

Releasing Baby Sea Turtles

One of the most memorable experiences at Selingan Island is participating in hatchling releases. After the baby turtles emerge from their eggs in the hatchery, visitors may have the opportunity to help release them into the ocean, giving these tiny creatures their first journey toward the sea.

Planning Your Visit to Selingan Island

Overnight stays at Selingan Island must be arranged in advance through authorised tour operators, as visitor numbers are strictly limited to protect the turtle population. The island is accessible by boat from Sandakan, Sabah, with the journey taking approximately 40 minutes.

The turtle conservation centre on Selingan Island ensures that tourism activities support rather than harm these endangered species, making your visit both unforgettable and environmentally responsible.