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Turtle Islands National Park

National Park

At Malaysia's Turtle Islands in Sabah, conservation areas protect nesting green and hawksbill turtles; tourists join guided boat trips, night beach walks and simple island stays timed to turtle seasons.

Turtle Islands National Park Kuala LumpurGeorge TownMalaccaLangkawiKota KinabaluKuchingCameron HighlandsTurtle Islands National Park
In this guide

Turtle Islands National Park essentials

Website: sabahparks.org.my
Admission: Park permits and boat transfers vary; island landing fees include a small park fee (approx. RM 10-30); accommodation on Selingan is charged separately.
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About Turtle Islands National Park

Turtle Islands National Park is a Malaysian marine protected area made up of small reef-fringed islands off the east coast of Sabah, noted for regular sea-turtle nesting and conservation work.

The park comprises a small group of Malaysian islands and adjacent reef areas where green and hawksbill turtles nest; a few islands host hatcheries and staffed visitor facilities allowing supervised night visits to observe nesting and hatchling releases.

The area was designated to protect sea-turtle nesting habitat and is managed for conservation and eco-tourism, with patrols, hatchery work and visitor programmes operating on the islands.

The park lies in the Sulu Sea off northeastern Borneo, administered from Sandakan in Sabah and close to the maritime boundary with the southern Philippines.

  • Turtle landings: Night-time turtle landings are the main attraction and are typically observed from permitted, guided walks on the beaches after dark.
  • Getting there: Access is by boat from Sandakan on Sabah’s east coast; island accommodation is basic and regulated to reduce disturbance to nesting turtles.

What to See#

  • Pulau Selingan (Selingan/Turtle Island): One of the best-known visitor islands with staffed turtle hatchery facilities and simple overnight accommodation, used for guided night watches of nesting turtles.
  • Pulau Bakkungan Kechil: A smaller island with beaches that receive nesting turtles and limited visitor facilities; used for conservation patrols and nesting surveys.
  • Pulau Gulisan: An island included in the park’s protected group with nesting beaches and reef habitat important for turtles and other marine life.
When to Go

Best Time to Visit Turtle Islands National Park

Visit during turtle-nesting months (June-August) for the best chance to witness turtle landings; book early and follow park rules.

Turtle nesting season (best)
June-August · 26-31°C (79-88°F)
Peak green turtle nesting and the most reliable chance to see night-time landings under ranger supervision.
Drier months
March-May · 25-32°C (77-90°F)
Calmer seas for boat transfers; fewer crowds than nesting season.

Weather & Climate near Turtle Islands National Park

Climate

Tropical climate with consistently warm temperatures year-round. Temperatures range from 23°C to 32°C. Heavy rainfall (2503 mm/year), wettest in December.

Air Quality: AQI 53 Moderate
Best Time to Visit
MarchAprilFebruary
Temperature & Rainfall
Temperature Range
32°
Warmest Month
23°
Coldest Month
Monthly Conditions
Month Comfort Temp Feels Rain Sky Humidity Wind UV Daylight
January Good 24° - 30° 27° 317 mm overcast 87% 2.5 m/s 2.0 extreme 11.7h
February Good 24° - 29° 27° 214 mm partly cloudy 85% 2.8 m/s 2.4 extreme 11.8h
March Very Good 24° - 30° 31° 150 mm partly cloudy 84% 2.5 m/s 2.6 extreme 12.0h
April Very Good 24° - 31° 32° 109 mm partly cloudy 83% 2.0 m/s 2.7 extreme 12.2h
May Good 24° - 32° 33° 138 mm partly cloudy 84% 1.5 m/s 2.5 extreme 12.3h
June Acceptable 24° - 32° 32° 174 mm overcast 85% 1.6 m/s 2.2 extreme 12.4h
July Acceptable 24° - 31° 32° 183 mm overcast 85% 1.7 m/s 2.2 extreme 12.3h
August Acceptable 23° - 32° 32° 206 mm overcast 85% 2.0 m/s 2.4 extreme 12.2h
September Acceptable 24° - 31° 31° 205 mm overcast 84% 1.9 m/s 2.3 extreme 12.0h
October Acceptable 24° - 31° 31° 215 mm overcast 85% 1.7 m/s 2.2 extreme 11.9h
November Good 24° - 31° 31° 251 mm overcast 86% 1.7 m/s 2.0 very high 11.7h
December Good 24° - 30° 27° 341 mm overcast 87% 1.9 m/s 1.9 very high 11.6h
Getting There & Around

How to Get to Turtle Islands National Park

Most visitors reach Turtle Islands National Park from Semporna (boat crossing ~1.5-2 hours depending on craft and sea conditions). Book boat transfers and park permits through licensed operators in Semporna; the park is administered by Sabah Parks and requires ranger accompaniment for night watches.

Tips for Visiting Turtle Islands National Park

  • Book boat transfers and any overnight island accommodation from Semporna well in advance, especially during nesting season (June-August).
  • Bring a headlamp for night turtle watches; follow rangers' instructions and never touch the turtles or eggs.
  • Expect basic accommodation on the islands; pack seasickness meds for the crossing from Semporna (1.5-2 hours).