10 Turtle Sanctuaries In Malaysia Where You Can Watch Baby Turtles Skedaddle To The Ocean
A once-in-a-lifetime experience.
By Tamara Jayne — 26 Mar 2025, 03:44 PM
If you've ever dreamt of watching baby turtles take their first steps towards the ocean, Malaysia is home to some of the most beautiful turtle nesting sites in the world
These sanctuaries offer visitors a chance to witness this magical moment while also supporting vital conservation efforts.
Here are 10 turtle sanctuaries in Malaysia where you can visit, volunteer, and experience this unforgettable sight:
1. Turtle Sanctuary Beach, Perhentian Islands
Located on Perhentian Besar, this sanctuary offers a stunning, peaceful beach where green turtles frequently nest. Rangers protect the nesting sites, and volunteers can sometimes witness baby turtles hatching and heading to the water at dawn or dusk.
2. Turtle Conservation and Information Centre, Melaka
Located in Padang Kemunting, this centre is dedicated to the conservation of hawksbill turtles, one of the rarest species in the world.
Visitors can learn about turtle conservation, watch hatchlings being released, and even adopt a baby turtle to support ongoing efforts.
Address
Padang Kemunting,
78300 Masjid Tanah, Melaka
Opening hours
9.30am – 4.30pm (Daily)
9.30am – 12.15pm; 2.45pm – 4.30pm (Friday)
Contact
+606-384-6754
Facebook
3. Juara Turtle Project, Tioman Island
This volunteer-based conservation programme focuses on protecting sea turtles and educating visitors. Guests can take part in beach cleanups, learn about turtle ecology, and watch hatchlings start their journey to the sea.
Address
Mentawak Beach, Kampung Juara
26800 Pulau Tioman, Pahang
Opening hours
4pm - 5.30pm (Daily)
Closed on Friday.
Contact
+609-419-3244
Website
4. Turtle Islands Park, Sabah (Taman Negara Pulau Penyuh)
Turtle Islands Park, located 40km north of Sandakan, is a protected area and one of Malaysia's most well-known turtle conservation sites. The park comprises three small islands — Selingan, Gulisan, and Bakungan Kechil — covering 1,740 hectares, including the surrounding reefs and seas.
It is home to two species of sea turtles, the Green and Hawksbill, which come ashore at night year-round to lay their eggs. Hatcheries on all three islands help protect the eggs and ensure the survival of hatchlings.
Guests can stay on Selingan island and experience the incredible sight of turtles nesting, as well as watch baby turtles make their way to the ocean under the guidance of conservationists.
5. Teluk Mak Nik Turtle Conservation and Information Centre, Terengganu
This centre in Chukai, Terengganu focuses on protecting sea turtles and educating the public about conservation efforts. Visitors can learn about turtle species, nesting habits, and the challenges they face, while also witnessing hatchling releases during the nesting season.
6. Segari Turtle Sanctuary, Perak
Situated along the shores of Segari, this lesser-known sanctuary provides a safe environment for turtle eggs to hatch. It's an excellent place to learn about conservation while enjoying the natural beauty of the area.
Address
Pusat Konservasi & Penerangan Penyu Segari
Pasir Panjang, Segari,
34900 Lumut, Perak
Opening hours
9am – 5pm (Daily)
9am – 12.15pm; 2.45pm – 5pm (Friday)
Closed on Monday.
7. Talang-Satang National Park, Sarawak
This marine park comprises four islands dedicated to sea turtle conservation. While access is restricted to researchers and conservationists, eco-tourists can visit for day trips through organised programmes to witness turtle releases and nesting activities.
8. Chakar Hutan Turtle Conservation Centre, Terengganu
Located on Redang Island, Chakar Hutan Turtle Conservation Centre is a sanctuary dedicated to the protection and conservation of sea turtles.
It serves as an educational hub where visitors can learn about turtle nesting, conservation efforts, and the importance of protecting marine ecosystems. The centre also conducts hatchling release programmes to support turtle populations.
9. Penang Turtle Sanctuary, Pantai Kerachut, Penang
Hidden within Penang National Park, this sanctuary is dedicated to the conservation of endangered sea turtles. Green turtles and olive ridley turtles nest on the beach, and visitors can learn about conservation efforts, see hatchlings (if in season), and enjoy the scenic beauty of Pantai Kerachut's shores. Accessible by jungle trek or boat, it's a great spot for nature lovers.
10. Rantau Abang Turtle Sanctuary, Terengganu
Rantau Abang was once famous for leatherback turtles, but conservation efforts now focus on green turtles. The sanctuary plays a key role in protecting turtle eggs and releasing hatchlings into the sea. If you're lucky, you might catch a glimpse of baby turtles scurrying towards the water at night.
Address
Jalan Kuala Terengganu-Dungun,
23050 Dungun, Terengganu
Opening hours
8am – 5pm (Sunday to Thursday)
Closed on Friday and Saturday.
The turtle nesting season varies by location, but the best time to visit is generally between March and October, when turtles come ashore to lay their eggs
Hatchlings typically emerge 50 to 60 days later, meaning baby turtle releases can be observed throughout the season.
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