1 Day / 1 Night Selingan Turtle Island
An overnight turtle island escape from Sandakan, with beach time, island chalet accommodation and an evening turtle conservation experience guided by the park ranger.
Watch turtle conservation unfold on a protected island off Sandakan.
Spend a night on Selingan Turtle Island, one of Sabah’s most memorable wildlife experiences. Travel by boat from Sandakan to the island, settle into your chalet and enjoy free time by the beach before the evening turtle call.
After dinner, follow the park ranger for the island’s turtle program. Depending on nature and the conditions of the night, you may witness a turtle nesting, see eggs transferred safely to the hatchery and watch hatchlings released to the sea. This short overnight tour keeps the journey simple, with transfers, meals and guided arrangements included from Sandakan.
Tour Overview
Start: Sandakan
End: Sandakan
Duration
Departure Time
1 day, 1 night
8:45 AM daily
Minimum guests
Meals
2 persons per booking
Lunch, dinner and breakfast
hotel within Sandakan or Sandakan Airport
Accommodation
English-speaking guide
Why you'll love this trip
- Take a boat from Sandakan to Selingan Turtle Island, a protected island known for its sea turtle conservation program and quiet coastal setting.
- Spend the afternoon at your own pace, with time to swim, relax by the beach or snorkel when weather and sea conditions allow.
- Stay overnight in a simple island chalet, giving you more time to experience the island after the day slows down.
- After dinner, follow the park ranger for the evening turtle program, where you may witness nesting, egg transfer to the hatchery and hatchlings released to the sea.
- Keep the logistics easy with hotel or airport pickup, return boat transport, meals, entrance fees and an English-speaking guide included.
Itinerary
Day 1 • Sandakan / Selingan Turtle Island
Welcome to Sandakan, the gateway to Sabah’s east coast wildlife experiences. Your overnight island escape begins with a pickup from your hotel within Sandakan or Sandakan Airport, followed by a transfer to the jetty for the boat ride to Selingan Turtle Island.
On arrival, check in to your chalet and enjoy the rest of the afternoon at your own pace. Swim by the beach, relax on the island or go snorkelling if weather and sea conditions allow. After dinner, the main experience begins. When the park ranger gives the call, you’ll be guided to the beach to witness the turtle program. You may see a turtle laying eggs, watch the eggs being transferred to the hatchery and see hatchlings released safely to the sea.
Overnight at the chalet on Selingan Turtle Island.
Day 2 • Selingan Turtle Island / Sandakan
Wake up on Selingan Turtle Island and enjoy breakfast before saying goodbye to the island. After check-out, board the boat back to Sandakan and continue with your return transfer.
Your tour ends with drop-off at Sandakan Airport or your hotel within Sandakan. If you have more time in Sandakan, you may continue your journey with Sepilok, the Sun Bear Conservation Centre or a Kinabatangan River extension.
Inclusions and activities
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Transfers and boat journey
Travel from your hotel within Sandakan or Sandakan Airport to the jetty, then continue by boat to Selingan Turtle Island on a seat-in-coach arrangement.
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Island chalet and meals
Stay overnight in twin-share chalet accommodation, with lunch, dinner and breakfast included as stated in the itinerary.
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Guide and entrance fees
Relevant entrance fees and an English-speaking guide are included, so the main arrangements are taken care of before you arrive.
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Free time by the beach
Use the afternoon for swimming, relaxing or snorkelling around the island when the weather and sea conditions are suitable.
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Evening turtle program
After dinner, wait for the ranger call and join the guided turtle experience on the beach, managed directly by the park team.
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Hatchery and release
You may see eggs moved to the hatchery and hatchlings released safely to the sea, depending on the natural activity of the night.
Before you book you should know
- Simple island stay: Accommodation is in a twin-share chalet on Selingan Turtle Island. Expect a practical nature-focused stay rather than a resort-style beach holiday.
- Wildlife timing: The evening turtle program is guided by the park ranger. Nesting, egg transfer and hatchling release depend on natural activity and conditions on the night.
- Beach and water activities: Swimming and snorkelling are possible when weather and sea conditions allow, but they are not guaranteed every day.
- Travel flow: This is a short overnight trip with boat transfers between Sandakan and the island. Please keep your onward flight timing flexible in case sea or weather conditions affect the return journey.
Malaysia entry requirements depend on your passport, nationality and travel history. Please check the latest visa and entry rules before booking your flights.
Travellers are responsible for holding valid passports, visas, onward travel documents and any arrival requirements set by Malaysian authorities or airlines.
If you are unsure, contact your nearest Malaysian embassy, consulate or airline before travelling.
This tour includes one night in twin-share chalet accommodation on Selingan Turtle Island. Rooms are simple and practical, designed for travellers spending the night on the island for the turtle conservation experience.
You can view the chalet and facilities here: Selingan Turtle Island rooms and facilities.
Please note that room allocation and facilities are subject to island availability and operational arrangements.
Camera rules
- Camera use in the evening is chargeable at RM10 and must be used strictly without flash.
- Video cameras are strictly prohibited after 6:00 PM.
- Camera fees are paid directly to the park on the island and may change without prior notice.
What to bring
- Sunscreen lotion, insect repellent, cap or hat, raincoat or poncho
- Sandals or sturdy shoes for walking
- Camera, binoculars if preferred and reading material while waiting for the turtle call
- Personal items and comfortable light cotton casual attire with long or short pants
Important notes
- Accommodation on this tour is based on twin-share chalet rooms. A single room request may be possible, subject to island availability and surcharge. Please check with us before booking.
- Meals on Selingan Turtle Island are arranged in advance and may be limited. Please advise any dietary requirements at the time of booking so we can check what can be accommodated.
- Bedding configuration requests are subject to room availability on the island. Please advise your preference when booking.
- Turtle nesting and hatchling release are natural wildlife experiences managed by the park ranger. Sightings, timing and access may vary depending on conditions on the night.