Malaysia is one of the most beautiful countries with much to offer to its tourists who love to see its beautiful islands, beaches, cities, heritage sites, and exciting places. But before you visit Malaysia, do not forget to learn how to say hello in the Malaysian language. Moreover, learning the local language before a trip will make it more personal, fun and easy.
In this article, I will share with you, where to visit if you enjoy diving, snorkelling, and watching sea turtles. The peak sea turtle nesting season falls in the months of July to October. Sea turtles always ascend the nesting beaches after sunset, and visitors are required to speak softly and keep a low profile at all times. Visitors are also prohibited to use bright light because it may disturb the sea turtle.
Travel To Malaysia – Top 3 Destination Sites To Watch Sea Turtles
1. Talang-Satang National Park, Sarawak
The Talang-Satang National Park consists of four coastal islands that are home to hawksbill and green turtles. The Sea Turtle Volunteer Programme is a unique eco-tourism initiative run by the Sarawak Forestry Corporation. This conservation-driven programme allows volunteers to actively participate in Sarawak’s turtle conservation efforts by spending 4 days at the Turtle Conservation Station on Pulau Talang-Talang Besar.
2. Tioman Island, Pahang
One of the best things to do in Tioman Island is to look out for the baby turtles found on Juara Beach, off the east coast of the island. Juara Turtle Project conducts beach monitoring, night and morning patrols, and manages the sea turtle hatchery. Volunteers help relocate sea turtle eggs into the hatchery to prevent the eggs from being dug up by monitor lizards. Volunteers also perform nest excavation and analyses to determine the hatching success, emergence rate and to ascertain the reasons for their failure to hatch. You may watch sea turtle hatchlings emerge from their shell, and within minutes, rush into the sea.
3. Perhentian Turtle Project, Terengganu
The Perhentian Turtle Project is dedicated to the conservation of sea turtles around the coast of the Perhentian Islands, Malaysia by monitoring the populations via photographic identification (photo ID). Similar to Juara Turtle Project, volunteers assist in the various aspects of the sea turtle conservation project. When you go snorkeling during the day, you can see the turtles frolicking in the sea, too!
References:
- https://www.clubmed.com.sg/l/blog/malaysian-sea-turtle-species
- https://theculturetrip.com/asia/malaysia/articles/where-to-watch-turtles-hatch-in-malaysia/
