Turtle Islands National Park

Turtle Islands Overview

Turtle Islands National Park, known locally as Taman Pulau Penyu, is a stunning marine park located in the Sulu Sea, northeast of Sabah, Malaysia. Spanning an area of approximately 19.6 square kilometers (7.6 square miles), this park is composed of ten islands, with three—Selingan, Bakkungan Kechil, and Gulisaan—falling under Malaysian jurisdiction, while the remainder belongs to the Philippines.

This unique park is renowned for its significant role in the conservation of endangered sea turtles, providing a sanctuary for green turtles (Chelonia mydas) and hawksbill turtles (Eretmochelys imbricata). The park’s terrain features pristine white sandy beaches, shallow coral reefs, and turquoise waters teeming with life. Its lush vegetation includes mangrove forests and tropical shrubs that offer a serene and unspoiled environment for both marine and terrestrial species.

The islands are relatively flat, with the beaches serving as vital nesting grounds for sea turtles. Offshore, vibrant coral reefs and seagrass meadows provide essential feeding areas for marine life.

Wildlife enthusiasts visiting Turtle Islands National Park can witness a remarkable variety of species. The park’s main attraction is its sea turtles, which nest on its shores throughout the year, with peak seasons from July to October. Visitors may also spot other marine species, including colorful reef fish, crabs, and rays, while snorkeling or diving.

Birdwatchers can enjoy sightings of seabirds such as white-bellied sea eagles and pied imperial pigeons, which nest in the park’s trees and cliffs.

One of the park’s most popular features is the turtle hatchery on Selingan Island, where visitors can observe conservation efforts firsthand. Park rangers collect eggs laid by turtles to protect them from predators and ensure higher survival rates. Once hatched, baby turtles are released into the sea, offering an unforgettable experience for visitors. Additionally, snorkeling and diving opportunities abound, allowing guests to explore the park’s underwater wonders, including vibrant coral gardens and schools of tropical fish.

Conservation is at the heart of Turtle Islands National Park. It has been a key player in protecting endangered sea turtle populations, with strict measures in place to regulate human activity and ensure sustainable tourism. The Sabah Parks management team has successfully implemented turtle tagging programs and research initiatives that contribute to global conservation efforts. However, challenges such as illegal fishing, climate change, and pollution persist, requiring ongoing collaboration between Malaysia and the Philippines to protect this delicate ecosystem.

Turtle Islands National Park offers visitors an unparalleled chance to engage with nature while supporting critical conservation efforts. Whether observing the nesting of sea turtles, exploring vibrant marine habitats, or simply relaxing on the pristine beaches, the park provides a unique and memorable experience for all.

Park Map

Turtle Islands National Park Highlights

Wildlife

Turtle Islands National Park, located in the Sulu Sea, is renowned for its pristine beaches and critical role in sea turtle conservation. It serves as an essential nesting ground for various marine species and supports a vibrant underwater ecosystem. Below are some of the popular non-avian species that can be found in this park:

Green Sea Turtle (Chelonia mydas)
This species is the main highlight of the park. Known for their large, streamlined shells and gentle nature, green sea turtles nest on the sandy shores of the islands, making the park a crucial site for their conservation.

Hawksbill Turtle (Eretmochelys imbricata)
Characterized by their sharp, pointed beaks and stunning patterned shells, hawksbill turtles frequent the waters around the islands. They play an important role in maintaining healthy coral reefs by feeding on sponges.

Blacktip Reef Shark (Carcharhinus melanopterus)
These sleek and agile sharks can often be spotted in the shallow coral reefs. Recognizable by the black tips on their fins, they are an essential predator in maintaining the balance of the reef ecosystem.

Dugong (Dugong dugon)
Also known as sea cows, these gentle herbivores graze on seagrass meadows in the park’s protected waters. Their presence indicates the health of the marine ecosystem.

Banded Sea Krait (Laticauda colubrina)
A venomous yet non-aggressive sea snake, the banded sea krait is often seen in the shallow waters around the coral reefs. Its striking black and white bands make it easy to identify.

Giant Clam (Tridacna gigas)
As one of the largest bivalve mollusks, giant clams are a critical part of the reef ecosystem. They provide shelter to many smaller organisms and help filter the water.

Blue-spotted Stingray (Taeniura lymma)
These vibrant stingrays, adorned with blue spots, inhabit the sandy sea floors around the islands. Their graceful movements and stunning patterns make them a favorite among snorkelers and divers.

Napoleon Wrasse (Cheilinus undulatus)
This enormous reef fish, with its hump-like forehead and vivid coloration, is a keystone species in coral reef habitats. Its diet includes hard-shelled prey like sea urchins and crustaceans.

Spinner Dolphin (Stenella longirostris)
These acrobatic marine mammals are known for their high-energy spinning leaps. They are often seen in pods, playing and hunting in the open waters near the park.

Cuttlefish (Sepia latimanus)
Masters of camouflage, cuttlefish are fascinating cephalopods with the ability to change color and texture. They are commonly found around the park’s reefs and are known for their intelligence.

Birds

Turtle Islands National Park is not only a haven for marine life but also attracts a diverse array of bird species, particularly those reliant on coastal and marine habitats. Below are some of the popular bird species in the area:

Black Noddy (Anous minutus)
This small, sleek seabird is often seen nesting on the trees of the islands or flying over the ocean in search of fish and squid.

Brown Booby (Sula leucogaster)
With their distinct brown plumage and white underbellies, these seabirds are excellent divers, often plunging into the sea to catch prey.

Great Frigatebird (Fregata minor)
Known for their impressive wingspan and males’ red throat pouch, these birds are a common sight soaring above the islands.

Pacific Reef Heron (Egretta sacra)
This medium-sized heron, found in both dark and light morphs, is often seen hunting along the rocky shores and tidal pools.

Roseate Tern (Sterna dougallii)
A slender seabird with a delicate pink hue on its breast during breeding season, the roseate tern is a graceful flyer.

Lesser Crested Tern (Thalasseus bengalensis)
These terns, with their orange beaks and elegant appearance, are often seen in flocks along the coastline.

White-bellied Sea Eagle (Haliaeetus leucogaster)
A majestic bird of prey, this eagle patrols the skies above the park and hunts for fish and other marine creatures.

Black-winged Stilt (Himantopus himantopus)
Easily recognized by their long, thin legs and contrasting black-and-white plumage, these waders frequent shallow waters.

Ruddy Turnstone (Arenaria interpres)
This small shorebird, with its striking plumage and foraging behavior, can be seen flipping over stones along the beaches.

Common Sandpiper (Actitis hypoleucos)
A small and active bird, the common sandpiper is often seen darting along the water’s edge, searching for insects and small invertebrates.