Spending a night on Selingan Turtle Island, off the coast of Sandakan in Sabah, Malaysian Borneo, is one of the most rewarding wildlife experiences in Southeast Asia. It’s not just a beach getaway—it’s an immersive, ethical encounter with endangered green and hawksbill turtles in a protected environment. While other turtle experiences across the region exist, few come close to Selingan’s combination of natural beauty, transparency, and conservation-first philosophy.
Getting There: Island Adventure Without the Hassle
Selingan is about an hour by boat from Sandakan. Most tours (which must be pre-booked due to limited accommodation) include hotel pick-up, permits, boat transfers, meals, and a guided experience. Prices typically range from RM600–RM800 (around USD 125–170), depending on the provider. It might sound steep at first glance, but this is an all-inclusive, one-of-a-kind overnight experience with limited numbers to avoid overcrowding and stress on the turtles.
Compare this to turtle hatching experiences in Indonesia or the Philippines, and Selingan starts to shine. While places like Bali or Sulu Sea offer cheaper or more accessible options, many lack strong conservation oversight, and crowd control is often a problem. On Selingan, visitor numbers are capped daily, ensuring both animal welfare and a peaceful atmosphere.
The Experience: Wild, Raw, and Regulated
Once you land on the white-sand shores of Selingan, you’re greeted with a rare blend of tropical paradise and wildlife sanctuary. The afternoon is free for snorkeling in crystal-clear water or walking around the tiny island, which is ringed with palm trees and birdlife. Accommodations are simple but clean, with air conditioning and private bathrooms. Meals are provided on-site—don’t expect luxury, but the local food is hearty and satisfying.
The real experience begins after dark.
Rangers monitor the beach all night and alert guests when a turtle comes ashore to nest. The moment is magical: you walk in silence, red lights only, and witness a female turtle laying dozens of eggs, sometimes just meters from where you slept. The eggs are then relocated to a protected hatchery to ensure they survive predation and poaching.
If you’re lucky (and most are), you’ll also get to release freshly hatched baby turtles back into the ocean—tiny creatures flapping toward the surf, guided by moonlight and instinct. Unlike more commercial turtle tours in places like Bali or Sri Lanka, the experience here is respectful, closely supervised, and focused entirely on the turtles’ welfare.
Why Selingan Tops the Regional Competition
Turtle tourism is big business in Southeast Asia, but it’s not always done right. In popular spots like Sri Lanka’s Kosgoda or Bali’s Tanjung Benoa, hatcheries often double as petting zoos. Tourists handle turtles constantly, hatchlings are kept in tanks for photo ops, and the line between conservation and entertainment gets blurry.
Selingan doesn’t play that game.
Every part of the experience is managed by Sabah Parks and conservationists, not profit-hungry tour operators. There’s no unnecessary handling, no artificial lighting, and no rush. It’s nature on nature’s terms—and that’s what makes it so powerful.
Final Thoughts
A night on Selingan Turtle Island is unforgettable—not just for the rare wildlife sightings, but for the sense that you’re witnessing something ancient and precious. In a region full of over-hyped animal encounters, Selingan stands apart for its integrity and impact. If you care about marine life and want a meaningful experience, this is the place to be.
