Turtle Island

Turtle Island History
Turtle eggs have been collected from the islands since before the colonial days. Though over-harvesting was already leading to the decline in egg production even then, it was not until 1971 that he turtles were given any form of legal protection. The islands were designed as a Bird and Game Sanctuary, administered by the Forestry Department. In 1977, the islands, together with the surrounding seas, were handed over to the Sabah Park Trustees and the Turtle Island Park came into being.

Location
About 12 km (7.5 miles) off the tip of the Sandakan Peninsula, and 36 km (22 miles) from Sandakan town (eastern Sabah). The park encompasses part of a cluster of small, low, sandy islands which are important nesting sites for Green and Hawksbill turtles. The islands are protected within marine parks on both sides of the Malaysian and Philippine borders. The Malaysian park includes three islands, Pulau Selingan, Pulau Gulisan and Pulau Bakungan Kecil.

Best Time to Visit
The islands receive the brunt of the north-eastern monsoon gales between October and February. The best time to visit this park is during the driest month and the calmest seas between March and September. However this island is also known to have Turtles laying eggs almost everyday through out the year.

Visitor Activities
Turtle-watching, snorkelling, and limited bird watching