Introduction
The Turtle Islands Park lies 40 km north of Sandakan.The park comprises three small islands, Selingan, Gulisan and Bakungan Kechil. It covers an area of 1,740 hectares which includes the surrounding reefs and seas. Two species of turtles - Greens and Hawksbills are special features of this park. Throughout the year, they come ashore at night to lay their eggs. Hatcheries exist on all three islands. Sea Turtles are not the only attraction of the islands. The clear turquoise coloured sea and coral reefs are ideal for swimming, snorkelling and scuba diving. When the fruit trees are in season, the islands have another interesting visitor - the Island Flying Fox. The islands became a marine park in 1977. Staff are resident on all three islands to safeguard the park.
Opening Hours
Opening Hours : 8.00am - 5.00pm (Monday to Sunday)
Turtle Islands Park, Sandakan
Updated fees. 2023 Rates
| Category | Fee |
|---|---|
| International aged 18 years old and above | RM 60 / person / day |
| International aged 17 years old and below | RM 30 / person / day |
| Malaysian aged 18 years old and above | RM 20 / person / day |
| Malaysian aged 17 years old and below | RM 10 / person / day |
Turtle Nest Adoption Programme
Updated fees. 2023 Rates
| Category | Fee |
|---|---|
| All categories (International & Malaysian visitor) | RM 150 / person |
Islands
| # | Island | Area Size |
|---|---|---|
| 01 | Selingan Island | 8.1 ha (land) |
| 02 | Bakungan Kecil Island | 8.5 ha (land) |
| 03 | Gulisan Island | 1.6 ha (land) |
Pulau Gulisan
Pulau Gulisan is only 1.6 hectares in size and is the smallest of the three islands. Much of the land has eroded away leaving only the central portion still under vegetation. Hawksbills prefer to lay their eggs on Pulau Gulisan where the type of beach and vegetation are particularly favourable. The hatchery is well shaded by the trees growing around it.
Pulau Bakkungan Kechil
The largest of the three islands is Pulau Bakkungan Kechil. This 8.5 hectares island is the nearest to the Philippines border.The island has a wide promontory to the southeast. In the centre of the island there is a hill where mud volcanoes are still active and bubbling mud and water ooze out from it. The northern and western beaches are favoured by the Green turtles.