Guided Tours

Our tours are guided by interns and volunteers who are rigorously trained to ensure that you get the most out of the trips. You have questions about turtles? Bring ’em on!

Fireflies Tour

“Tak kenal, maka tak cinta.”

How do you love something you don’t know about? Join us on a magical fireflies tour with our friendly “firefly whisperer.”

A Visit to the Turtle Gallery

A visit to Kg. Pasir Gajah, Kemaman is not complete until you have visited the Turtle Gallery, which is converted from a store room. The gallery now houses numerous turtle shells, bones and wet specimens. A child once claimed this as a “fossil house!”

TURTLE & FIREFLIES DISCOVERY TRIP

The original Turtle Discovery Trip is a one-day public outreach programme offered by Turtle Conservation Society of Malaysia (TCS). The trip is designed to give the general public an introduction to the different turtles found in Malaysia, the threats that these turtles face, and what can be done to help save them.

Our first Turtle Discovery Trip was offered to the public in 2011. We wanted to share our knowledge on turtles with our guests, with hopes to spread our conservation message to as many people as possible.

This year, we’re offering a new Turtle & Fireflies Discovery Trip to add more value to our existing trip. In addition to learning about turtles, you will also learn about our fireflies, i.e. their ecological roles, life cycle, etc. For example, did you know that fireflies are actually beetles, not flies? Did you know that some fireflies synchronise their flashing, and some don’t? Did you know that some female fireflies consume the males after mating?

Our Nature Discovery Trips are packed with more hands-on activities and experiences, if you’re interested in a more in-depth programme.

P/S: Optional: Junior Scientist programme for children.

The itinerary for the Turtle & Fireflies Discovery Trip is as follows:

2:00 pm: Meet and greet at Kg. Pasir Gajah. Introduction to turtles and the community-based terrapin conservation project. Guided tour at the Conservation Centre.
4:15 pm: Light refreshments.
4:45 pm: Proceed to the river bank for terrapin release (optional, each terrapin adoption is RM35).
5:15 pm: Proceed to Cherating for dinner.
6:00 pm: Dinner at a pork-free restaurant.
7:30 pm: Briefing on fireflies.
8:00 pm: Fireflies-watching tour in the Cherating River.
9:00 pm: Return from the river.
9:15 pm: Return to hotel.

Trip includes:

  • A guided tour at each destination by our trained guides
  • Photo opportunities
  • Refreshments, Dinner
  • Fireflies watching tour in the Cherating River

A token donation to TCS

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.

Disclaimer: TCS reserves the rights to modify where we deem necessary.

Our Turtle & Fireflies Discovery Trips are carried out every Saturday, but if you would like to request for a private, weekday trip, let us know your preferred dates (EXCEPT on Monday and Wednesday).

This is a full-day, self-drive trip that begins at 2:00 pm, and ends at approximately 9:30 pm. Our trips are limited to a maximum of 4 vehicles (roughly 15-20 pax) or one bus (approximately 40 pax). Your participation will be confirmed after we have received your payment.

Note: Minimum number of participants in a regular Turtle Discovery Trip is 10 pax.

Adults (aged 13 and above):
RM 180 per pax

Children (aged 5 to 12):
RM 140 per pax

Toddlers (under 5 years old):
FREE

If you would like to join our Turtle & Fireflies 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.

Toddlers under 5 years old join for free.
Public trips are offered on selected Saturdays. Private trips may be conducted subject to our availability.
Any vegetarians in your group? Allergies to any specific food items?

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. If the minimum number of participants is not achieved, the trip will be canceled ONE WEEK before the trip.

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?
This trip involves going up some stairs and getting into a boat. The Turtle Sanctuary in Cherating is not wheelchair-friendly. 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 paid up but due to an emergency at home, we are unable to join the trip this coming weekend! Could we bring forward our trip and come again another weekend?
If we have already made reservations on your behalf, those would have to be forfeited. So, if you can’t make it to the trip, please let us know AS SOON AS POSSIBLE. Yes, you may join us on another weekend in the same year.

5. 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.

This field trip exceeded my expectations on many levels. In fact, it likely set a new standard by which field trips should be measured.
– Adeno Ong

One of the best “Cuti-Cuti Malaysia” trips I’ve done! I have learned so much about turtles and terrapins in just a weekend. Wonderful and amazing excursion! Highly recommended to locals and tourists alike!
– Dora Khoo

Terima kasih for such an amazing experience! We are leaving this expecience with the knowledge on how and why we take care of these turtles. With much love and gratitude to your important work.
– Priti, Robin and Davin

It is heartening to see efforts made by the Turtle Conservation Society of Malaysia to promote awareness on the plight of turtles. Enlightening, educational and fun. A great way to spend the weekend with family or friends!
– Lee Sze Ching