Turtle Islands Heritage Protected Area

Turtle Islands Heritage Protected Area is a protected area in Malaysia.

Turtle Islands Heritage Protected Area at a Glance

Location
Sarawak, Malaysian Borneo, Malaysia, Southeast Asia
Coordinates
6.153046, 118.166310
IUCN Category
II
Crowds
Very Quiet
Malaria Risk
Moderate
Best Time to Visit
March to October for Peninsular Malaysia parks. Year-round for Borneo.

Getting to Turtle Islands Heritage Protected Area

Nearest airport: Cagayan de Sulu Paliparan (CDY), 102 km away.

Big Five in Turtle Islands Heritage Protected Area

1 of the Big Five can be found here: Rhinoceros Hornbill.

Wildlife in Turtle Islands Heritage Protected Area

Home to 78 recorded species including 32 iconic birds, 19 waterbirds, 16 birds of prey, 8 tropical birds, 2 primates, 1 marine & freshwater.

Notable Species

Safari Lodges in Turtle Islands Heritage Protected Area

1 safari lodges available.

luxury

Similar Parks in Sarawak, Malaysian Borneo

Health & Travel Info

Health & vaccination info for Malaysia

Travel advisory for Malaysia

Turtle Islands Heritage Protected Area FAQs

When is the optimal time to visit Turtle Islands Heritage Protected Area to witness turtle nesting and hatching?

The peak nesting season for green and hawksbill turtles at the Turtle Islands Heritage Protected Area is typically from July to October, though turtles can be seen year-round. For the best chance to observe hatchlings making their way to the sea, plan your visit between September and December.

What kind of visitor experience and accommodation can I expect on the Turtle Islands, given its protected status?

Visitors typically stay overnight on Selingan Island, the main island with basic chalet-style accommodation and a visitor centre. The experience is focused on conservation, with guided night walks to observe turtle nesting and the release of hatchlings, rather than a traditional safari drive.

Are there specific rules or restrictions visitors must adhere to while exploring the Turtle Islands Heritage Protected Area?

Yes, strict conservation guidelines are in place to protect the turtles and their habitat. Visitors are prohibited from touching turtles, using flash photography during nesting, or littering, and access to certain areas may be restricted to minimize disturbance.

What is the typical travel itinerary and cost involved in reaching the Turtle Islands Heritage Protected Area?

Access to the Turtle Islands is primarily via a designated boat transfer from Sandakan, Sabah, which takes approximately one hour. The cost usually includes the boat transfer, park entrance fees, conservation levies, and overnight accommodation on Selingan Island, often booked as a package through licensed tour operators.

Beyond observing turtles, what other wildlife or activities can visitors experience at the Turtle Islands Heritage Protected Area?

While the primary focus is on marine turtles, the surrounding waters offer opportunities for snorkeling to observe coral reefs and various fish species, though this is often secondary to the turtle experience. Birdwatching is also possible, with several species inhabiting the islands.

Recommended Books

  • The Handbook of Bird Photography by Markus Varesvuo, Jari Peltomäki & Bence Máté - Excellent for birding photographers on safari - covers technique, equipment, fieldcraft, and post-processing with stunning example images.
  • Photographing Wildlife in Africa by Paolo Torchio - Practical guide specifically for African safari photography - camera settings, lens choices, composition techniques, and how to make the most of game drives.
  • Fodor's The Complete Guide to African Safaris by Fodor's Travel - Country-by-country planning guide with lodge reviews, practical logistics, packing lists, and insider tips. Often cited as the best all-in-one safari planning resource.
  • National Geographic Kids: Safari by National Geographic - Age-appropriate wildlife facts with stunning photographs. Great for getting children excited about the animals they'll see on safari.
  • The Last Elephants by Don Pinnock & Colin Bell - Conservation-focused book combining beautiful photography with urgent storytelling about the threats facing Africa's elephant populations.
  • Here Is the African Savanna by Madeleine Dunphy - Beautifully illustrated picture book about the savanna ecosystem. Teaches children about the interconnected web of life on an African plain.
  • Safari: A Photographic Journey by Art Wolfe - Large-format coffee-table book from one of the world's most celebrated nature photographers. Stunning images from across the African continent.
  • The Kingdon Field Guide to African Mammals by Jonathan Kingdon - The definitive mammal field guide for Africa covering over 1,150 species with detailed illustrations. Considered the gold standard for safari-goers and researchers alike.
  • The Behavior Guide to African Mammals by Richard Despard Estes - Goes beyond identification to explain why animals behave as they do. Essential reading for safari-goers who want to understand the wildlife they observe.
  • Remembering Lions by Various Photographers - Part of the acclaimed Remembering Wildlife conservation book series. Features contributions from world-class wildlife photographers, with proceeds supporting lion conservation.
  • African Animals ABC by Stella Blackstone & Petr Horacek - Simple alphabet book with bold, colourful animal illustrations. Perfect for toddlers and young children preparing for their first safari. Ages 2–5.
  • Beat About the Bush: Mammals by Trevor Carnaby - The single best book for understanding animal behaviour on safari. Explains why animals do what they do - feeding, mating, territory, predator-prey dynamics. Makes every game drive infinitely more rewarding.
  • Africa's Top Wildlife Countries by Mark W. Nolting - The most respected safari planning book in print. Detailed country-by-country guide covering parks, lodges, best times to visit, and what wildlife to expect. Updated regularly. The first book every safari planner should read.
  • The Safari Companion: A Guide to Watching African Mammals by Richard D. Estes - Part field guide, part planning tool. Explains mammal behaviour in a way that transforms game drives. Covers tracks, signs, social structures, and habitat preferences. A must-pack for serious safari-goers.
  • The Shadow of the Sun by Ryszard Kapuscinski - Widely considered the greatest book ever written about Africa. Kapuscinski spent 40 years reporting from across the continent. Vivid, poetic, and deeply insightful. Essential pre-safari reading for understanding the continent.
  • Elephant Company by Vicki Constantine Croke - The extraordinary true story of James Howard Williams and the elephants who helped him build bridges, extract teak, and ultimately rescue refugees across the Burmese jungle during WWII. Gripping and moving.
  • When the Last Lion Roars by Sara Evans - An urgent, accessible account of the African lion's decline from 200,000 to under 20,000 in a century. Covers the science, politics, and human stories behind lion conservation. Eye-opening pre-safari reading.
  • Ivory, Horn and Blood by Ronald Orenstein - The definitive book on the poaching crisis devastating African elephants and rhinos. Covers the criminal networks, the rangers fighting back, and what travellers can do. Important context for any safari visitor.
  • Last Chance to See by Douglas Adams & Mark Carwardine - Witty and heartbreaking tour of endangered species by the Hitchhiker's Guide author. Combines humour with urgent conservation messaging.
  • Owen and Mzee by Isabella Hatkoff, Craig Hatkoff & Paula Kahumbu - True story of an orphaned hippo befriending a 130-year-old tortoise in Kenya. A heartwarming tale of unlikely friendship that teaches empathy.
  • Remembering Elephants by Various Photographers - Stunning coffee-table book from the Remembering Wildlife series. All proceeds go to elephant conservation - beautiful photography with a purpose.
  • Whatever You Do, Don't Run by Peter Allison - Hilarious memoir from a Botswana safari guide - true stories from the bush that will have you laughing out loud. A favourite among safari enthusiasts.
  • Poached by Rachel Love Nuwer - Gripping investigation into the illegal wildlife trade - from African poaching networks to Asian markets. Essential reading for understanding the threats to safari wildlife.
  • Safari Nation by Jacob S. T. Dlamini - Fascinating history of South Africa's national parks and their complex colonial legacy. Academic but accessible - changes how you think about safari tourism.
  • Safari: A Photicular Book by Dan Kainen & Carol Kaufmann - Mesmerising book with moving photographic images of African animals. Kids and adults love the magical moving pictures - perfect pre-trip gift.