Imagine stepping onto a remote island, where the only sounds you hear are waves gently brushing the shore and the occasional rustle of palm trees. Now, picture yourself standing barefoot under a blanket of stars as a giant sea turtle slowly emerges from the ocean to lay her eggs—just meters away. This isn’t a dream. This is Turtle Island (Selingan), one of Sabah’s most extraordinary wildlife experiences.
Located off the coast of Sandakan, in Malaysian Borneo, Turtle Island is part of the Turtle Islands Park, a conservation area dedicated to protecting endangered sea turtles. For decades, it has quietly welcomed a small number of visitors each night, offering something rare: a truly authentic, conservation-first encounter with nature.
This guide will walk you through everything you need to know about the best Turtle Island (Selingan) Guide 2025: How to visit from Sandakan—from when to go and what to pack, to how the experience unfolds and why it’s consistently rated as one of the most unforgettable eco-tourism experiences in Southeast Asia.
Whether you’re a wildlife lover, a family with curious kids, or simply someone searching for purpose-driven travel, Turtle Island is the place where memories are made—and where your visit truly makes a difference.
What Makes Turtle Island Unique?
Turtle Island isn’t just another island retreat—it’s a living conservation project with a powerful mission. For decades, it has protected two of the world’s most endangered marine turtle species: the green turtle (Chelonia Mydas) and the Hawksbill turtle (Eretmochelys Imbricata).
What sets it apart is the hands-on, ranger-led experience visitors get. When a turtle lands on the beach (usually after dark), rangers lead guests—quietly and respectfully—to witness her dig a nest and lay eggs. Once she returns to the sea, the rangers relocate the eggs to a hatchery where they’re protected from predators.
The same night, if hatchlings are ready, visitors can watch them be released into the sea. It’s a moment filled with awe, emotion, and hope. Imagine cheering for dozens of tiny turtles as they rush toward the moonlit ocean. It’s both heartwarming and humbling.
But the uniqueness doesn’t stop there:
- Turtle Island was the first marine park in Malaysia, gazetted in 1977.
- The park is jointly managed by Sabah Parks and marine biologists, making it a scientifically credible conservation zone.
- It’s one of the few places on Earth where wild turtles lay eggs almost every night of the year.
Most importantly, this isn’t a staged show. There’s no guarantee you’ll see a turtle, and that’s what makes it real. If the turtles don’t show up, the tour focuses on educational exhibits and the hatchery tour. That unpredictability is part of the island’s integrity.
Photo Credit: Selingan Turtle Island
What to Expect During Your Visit
Visiting Turtle Island (Selingan) isn’t just another stop on your Borneo itinerary—it’s a journey that invites you to slow down, reconnect with nature, and witness one of the world’s most extraordinary wildlife moments up close.
From the moment you step off the boat, the atmosphere shifts. There’s a certain stillness in the air—a peaceful, almost sacred quiet that makes you instinctively lower your voice and walk a little more gently. The island is small and intimate, surrounded by turquoise waters and fringed with powdery sand. No crowds. No cars. No distractions. Just you, nature, and the timeless rhythm of the sea.
During the day, you’ll find yourself wandering along the beach, dipping into warm shallows, or exploring the island’s small turtle museum. There’s space here—to breathe, reflect, and truly appreciate the simplicity of the natural world. It’s the kind of place where even silence feels like a gift.
But the magic truly begins after sunset. As night falls, the island transforms into a theater of nature. Under the guidance of park rangers, you’ll wait patiently and quietly for that once-in-a-lifetime moment—the arrival of a mother sea turtle. When the call comes, you’re led by soft torchlight to the nesting site, your footsteps light on the sand.
There’s no rush. The process unfolds naturally—slow, deliberate, and almost ceremonial. You watch in awe as the turtle digs her nest, lays dozens of eggs, and carefully covers them before returning to the sea. It’s a powerful reminder of nature’s resilience and rhythm.
Shortly after, you may witness another miracle: hatchlings emerging from the hatchery, blinking in the moonlight as they instinctively make their way to the ocean. It’s impossible not to feel something stir in you—a quiet hope, a fierce protectiveness, or simply wonder.
The entire experience is raw, real, and humbling. There are no staged performances, no forced interactions—only genuine encounters that unfold on nature’s terms.
And while the comforts are basic (fan-cooled chalets, simple meals), the emotional luxury of the experience far outweighs any five-star stay. This is the kind of travel that moves you—that reminds you of your place in the ecosystem, and leaves you with a story worth telling for years to come.
How to get to Turtle Island (Selingan) from Sandakan
Located just 40 KM from the city, the island is accessible via a 1-hour speedboat ride from the Sandakan jetty. Visits are typically arranged through licensed tour operators, with overnight stays required to catch the magical nighttime turtle landings. Due to conservation efforts, daily visitor numbers are limited, so it’s best to book early. A trip to Selingan offers a rare and unforgettable experience in Borneo’s natural wonders.
Turtle Island (Selingan) Rules and Visitor Guidelines
- No flash photography or bright lights
- Don’t touch turtles or hatchlings
- Observe silence during nesting
- Stay on marked paths
- No alcohol or smoking on the island
Best Time to Visit Turtle Island (Selingan)
Turtle Island is open to visitors all year round, and turtles lay eggs every month of the year. However, certain months offer a better experience due to weather and sea conditions.
✅ Peak Turtle Nesting Season:
July to October is considered the best time to visit, as this is when nesting activity peaks. You’ll have the highest chances of witnessing both turtle landings and hatchling releases.
Dry Season:
March to October is generally dry and sunny, with calm seas that make the boat ride smoother and more enjoyable. This is also the best time to enjoy snorkeling or beach walks during the day.
Rainy/Monsoon Season:
November to February is monsoon season in Sabah. During this time:
- Sea conditions may become rough
- Boat trips could be delayed or canceled
- Fewer turtle landings might occur due to weather changes
However, the benefit of traveling during the off-season is fewer crowds and a more serene atmosphere.
For the best all-around experience, aim for a trip between June and September. You’ll enjoy reliable weather, active turtle sightings, and a chance to combine this tour with other nearby wildlife attractions.
Where to Stay in Sandakan
If you plan to spend extra time in Sandakan, here are some recommended places:
Recommended Hotels Near the Jetty
- The Elopura Hotel – Centrally located in the city with access to local attractions, markets, and eateries.
- Hotel Sandakan – Affordable & centrally located
- Nature Lodge Sepilok – Great for pairing with Sepilok Orangutan Centre
What to Pack for Your Turtle Island Trip
Here’s a handy checklist:
- Light, breathable clothing
- Flip-flops and swimwear
- Mosquito repellent
- Reusable water bottle
- Torchlight or headlamp (no flash)
- Camera (no flash photography)
- Personal toiletries
Is Turtle Island Worth Visiting in 2025?
Absolutely—now more than ever.
In a world where wildlife experiences are becoming increasingly commercialized and overrun, Turtle Island stands out as a beacon of ethical tourism. It’s not just about snapping a photo of a turtle—it’s about learning, contributing, and being part of a legacy of protection that spans over 40 years.
Here’s why a visit in 2025 is particularly meaningful:
- Eco-tourism is being redefined, and travelers are seeking deeper, more purposeful experiences. Turtle Island offers just that.
- With controlled visitor numbers and strict conservation policies, the experience is intimate and undisturbed.
- Global awareness about climate change and endangered species is at an all-time high. By visiting Turtle Island, you’re actively supporting marine conservation in Borneo.
What you get isn’t a luxury resort, but something far richer: an authentic, emotional experience that reconnects you with the natural world. Watching hatchlings scramble toward the sea under the moonlight is a moment that shifts something in you.
Whether you’re planning your first trip to Sabah or returning for a second round of nature immersion, Turtle Island should absolutely be on your 2025 travel list.
FAQ Turtle Island (Selingan)- People Also Ask
1. Can you stay overnight on Turtle Island?
Yes, visitors can stay overnight on Turtle Island (Selingan) in simple beachfront chalets managed by Sabah Parks. The stay is included in most official tour packages and provides a comfortable base for the night turtle-watching experience. It’s basic but clean, with fans, private bathrooms, and direct access to the beach.
2. How much does it cost to visit Selingan Island?
The price of a Turtle Island tour package typically ranges between RM600 and RM1000 per person, depending on the travel agency, group size, and whether you book a private or shared trip. The package usually includes boat transfers, park entry permits, meals, overnight accommodation, and guided turtle viewing.
3. Is Turtle Island good for kids and families?
Yes, Turtle Island is a fantastic destination for families and children over 6 years old. It offers a rare educational experience that helps kids connect with wildlife and understand marine conservation in a fun, hands-on way. The island is safe, quiet, and ideal for a meaningful family adventure.
4. Do turtles come to shore every night?
Turtles can come ashore every night of the year on Selingan Island, but sightings are not guaranteed. July to October is the peak season for turtle landings. Because it’s a natural process, the number of turtles varies—sometimes there are multiple, other times just one. The unpredictability adds to the authenticity.
Final Thoughts
Turtle Island isn’t just a place—it’s a story, a mission, and a memory in the making.
While the island may be small in size, the impact it leaves on visitors is monumental. Few travel experiences offer this level of authenticity, intimacy with nature, and direct support for conservation. Every turtle you see, every hatchling you cheer on, and every moment you spend here contributes to a greater cause: protecting our planet’s fragile marine ecosystems.
If you’re seeking more than just sightseeing—if you’re yearning for connection, meaning, and purpose—then Turtle Island will deliver all of that and more.
From the shores of Sandakan to the quiet beaches of Selingan, this is a journey that stays with you long after the sand has been brushed off your shoes.
Ready to Visit Turtle Island (Selingan)? Here Are Our Top Turtle Island Tour Packages
If reading about Turtle Island sparked something in you, why not take the next step and experience it for yourself?
At Milas Travel, we offer carefully curated Turtle Island tours that combine ethical wildlife encounters, local expertise, and seamless travel logistics—so you can focus on making memories while we handle the details.
2D1N Selingan Turtle Island Tour (Private or Group)
A perfect overnight escape to witness the magical turtle nesting process. This package includes boat transfers, accommodation, meals, and park permits—all arranged for you.
3D2N Turtle Tour Sandakan – Wildlife + Culture Combo
Make the most of your time in Sandakan with this all-in-one package. You’ll visit Turtle Island plus iconic wildlife spots like Sepilok Orangutan Centre, Sun Bear Conservation Centre, and more. Ideal for nature lovers who want to explore beyond the island.
2D1N Selingan Island Tour (Alternate Listing)
Similar to our first tour, this listing offers another streamlined booking option for a fast yet unforgettable Turtle Island overnight trip.
Each tour is led by friendly local guides who are passionate about wildlife and committed to providing a responsible, respectful experience. Whether you’re traveling solo, as a couple, or with family, we’ll help tailor the right adventure for you.
Have questions? Our team is just a message away.
Let’s make your Turtle Island journey real because these stories are best lived, not just read.
