The Nature Discovery Trip is an extended nature tour conducted by Turtle Conservation Society of Malaysia (TCS). It is designed to provide participants a more in-depth experience with nature. The 2D1N programme includes the one-day Turtle & Fireflies Discovery Trip plus a beach cleanup and trash analysis activity the next morning. The 3D2N programme includes the 2D1N programme plus a river cruise and mangrove planting session.
Our Nature Discovery Trips are suitable for families with children aged between 5 and 12 years old, as well as high school, college and university student groups. Our activities can also be customised according to your age group and preferred activities.
If you prefer a shorter trip, check out our Turtle & Fireflies Discovery Trip.
The itinerary for the 2D1N programme is as follows:
Day 1
2:00 pm: Arrive at the TCS River Terrapin Conservation Centre. Briefing on the critically endangered river terrapins and the conservation project carried out in the local community. Hands-on activities e.g. clean terrapin ponds, weeding, etc. (optional)
4:15 pm: Refreshments.
4:45 pm: Proceed to the riverbank for terrapin release. Terrapin adoption is optional.
5:15 pm: Proceed to Cherating for dinner.
6:00 pm: Dinner.
7:30 pm: Briefing on fireflies.
8:00 pm: Fireflies-watching tour in the Cherating River.
9:00 pm: Return from the river. Programme ends.
Day 2
8:00 am: Proceed to the beach for a beach clean-up activity. Briefing on plastic consumption and marine debris. Split participants into smaller groups for beach clean-up. Trash analysis.
10:00 am: Picnic by the beach.
11:00 am: Return to the hotel. Check out.
Add-ons (optional):
- Terrapin adoption – RM35/terrapin
- Release sea turtles – RM35/pax (June to September only)
Each trip includes:
- A guided tour at each destination by our trained guides
- Photo opportunities
- Refreshments, Dinner
- Release of a river terrapin or a sea turtle hatchling
- Fireflies watching tour in the Cherating River
- Gloves, trash bags, trash analysis sheets
- A token donation to TCS
Each trip excludes:
- Accommodation in Cherating/ Kemaman
- Transportation to Cherating/ Kemaman
Note: While care is taken to ensure a smooth programme, we may need to make some changes to the itinerary if the weather is not favourable.
The itinerary for the 2D1N programme is as follows:
Day 1
2:00 pm: Arrive at the TCS River Terrapin Conservation Centre. Briefing on the critically endangered river terrapins and the conservation project carried out in the local community. Hands-on activities e.g. clean terrapin ponds, weeding, etc. (optional)
4:15 pm: Refreshments.
4:45 pm: Proceed to the riverbank for terrapin release. Terrapin adoption is optional.
5:15 pm: Proceed to Cherating for dinner.
6:00 pm: Dinner.
7:30 pm: Briefing on fireflies.
8:00 pm: Fireflies-watching tour in the Cherating River.
9:00 pm: Return from the river. Programme ends.
Day 2
8:30 am: Proceed to ecoCare Kerteh for a day of mangrove activities. Please bring along a change of clothes, cap/hat, sunblock, water, medications (if any).
10:00 am: Arrive at the ecoCare Centre. A short introduction to the green concept of the facilities (e.g. rainwater is harvested for flushing toilets, etc.).
10:30 am: A briefing on the different species of mangroves, the uses of the mangrove trees, and other interesting local ecological knowledge (approx. 1-hour).
12:00 noon: Lunch at the ecoCare cafeteria. Prayers/Rest.
2:00 pm: Mangrove seeding (potting) and planting. These activities are dependent on the tides and are subject to change.
4:30 pm: Refreshments. Prayers/Rest.
5:00 pm: Return to Chukai. Dinner.
Day 3
8:00 am: Proceed to the beach for a beach clean-up activity. Briefing on plastic consumption and marine debris. Split participants into smaller groups for beach clean-up. Trash analysis.
10:00 am: Picnic by the beach.
11:00 am: Return to the hotel. Check out.
Add-ons (optional):
- Terrapin adoption – RM35/terrapin
- Release sea turtles – RM35/pax (June to September only)
Each trip includes:
- A guided tour at each destination by our trained guides
- Photo opportunities
- Refreshments, Lunch, Dinner
- Release of a river terrapin or a sea turtle hatchling
- Fireflies watching tour in the Cherating River
- Wellington boots for mangrove-related activities
- Gloves, trash bags, trash analysis sheets
- A token donation to TCS
Each trip excludes:
- Accommodation in Cherating/ Kemaman
- Transportation to Cherating/ Kemaman
Note: While care is taken to ensure a smooth programme, we may need to make some changes to the itinerary if the weather is not favourable.
Group Size // Rates
2D1N
2 – 4 pax // RM420 per pax
5 – 9 pax // RM285 per pax
10 and more // RM260 per pax
3D2N
2 – 4 pax // RM720 per pax
5 – 9 pax // RM495 per pax
10 and more // RM457 per pax
If you would like to join our Nature Discovery Trip, please register your interest by filling up the following form. We will send you an email shortly to confirm the availability of your preferred date.
1. I have made a booking, when should I pay up?
To secure your seats, please make payment at least two weeks before your trip. This will allow us sufficient time to book seats for the fireflies tour as well as to order refreshments, and secure a table for dinner.
2. I want to be respectful to the local villagers, how should I dress? What should I pack for the trip?
It is perfectly fine to wear a T-shirt and shorts or three-quarter pants or a skirt. Wear a cap or a hat. You may want to bring your sunblock. Sandals are great. Bring your own water bottle. Bring your own medications and insect repellent if you wish, but you will not be allowed to use it during the fireflies watching trip.
3. My parents are in their 70s and I have a three-year-old toddler. Is it safe for them to join the trip?
If your parents are able to get into the boat unassisted, they should be fine. You are expected to wear your baby, and toddlers are to be held near their parents during the boat ride.
4. I have some specific questions about the programme.
Sure! We are happy to answer any questions you may have. Email us and we will get back to you shortly.