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The Turtle Islands Park situated off
Sandakan in Sabah (Malaysia) are home to two species of turtle, the
green and the hawksbill. They are two of the four species turtles found
in Malaysian waters. Every evening, scores of female turtles go through
the same arduous procedure to lay their eggs. Despite swimming long
distances back to Sabah, the turtles return to the same beach regularly.
This once in a lifetime spectacle is
witnessed by small groups of tourists of fortunate enough to visit the
marine park. Located just 40km off Sandakan, Turtle Islands Park (Taman
Pulau Pulau Penyir), comprises the islands of Selingaan, Bakkungan
Kechil and Gulisaan. The park covers about 1750ha with most of this area
being the waters surrounding the islands. The park provides a protected
haven and a key element for the survival of various turtle species. All
the islands in and around the park are important turtle breeding
grounds. Unlike most other areas in Malaysia, the turtles lay eggs every
night of the year, with July to October being the most frequented
months.
The journey to the park across the Sulu
Sea takes over an hour but during the monsoon season from December to
February it could take as long as three hours in choppy waters.
Selingaan Island is the only one accessible to tourists but all three
islands are in the turtle programmed supervised by Sabah Parks.
Selingaan is the smallest island at 8ha and its only real sign of
development is a communications tower rising above the coconut lined
beach. In the distance, several small islands demarcate the border with
neighboring Philippines. A transboundary park has been proposed where
common policies and laws would protect the islands and turtles of both
countries. In May 1966, the park was established as Malaysia's first
turtle hatchery. Conservation steps started long before when hunting of
hawksbills was restricted in Sabah in 1927.
While most visitors arrive around
lunchtime, the main event starts when the sun sets After dinner, it is a
waiting game as visitors patiently relax for the ranges to announce the
arrival of the first turtle. Each turtle lays about 100 eggs and then
slowly crawls back to the water to recover from the ordeal. The whole
process can take a few hours. Each morning the beaches are lined with
tractor-like turtle tracks trailing into the water's edge. The rangers
select one turtle per night for viewing the egg laying process. Huddled
in a semicircle behind the groaning reptile, everyone gets a clear view
of this natural spectacle. Each turtle is tagged to maintain scientific
records and monitor the animal's health and the success of the
programmed. To protect the eggs and enhance the hatching success,
rangers carefully remove them to the safety of a nearby turtle hatchery
for the 50 to 60 day incubation period. Activity is feverish as the
newborn turtles emerge. It is estimated that just three percent will
reach maturity.
The highlight of the evening is when
visitors assist the rangers to release these hatchings into the sea.
Human intervention probably contributes most to turtle survival but the
activities of other people in polluting waters, collecting eggs and
setting fishing nets lead to the demise of turtles. While the turtles
are the star attraction, it is possible to snorkel around a coral reef
on the northern side of the island. Here are exposed reef, rich in
marine life, is accessible for those won don't want to venture into the
water. For those who do, the waters around the island are clear and
shallow enough for non-swimmers to have fun. While birdlife on the
island is limited, observant and patient birdwatchers may spot
white-collared kingfishers, grey herons, doves and the white-breasted
sea eagle.
Accommodation on the island is restricted
to 30 visitors so bookings are essential, especially during the peak
season. Limiting visitor numbers is an integral part of the park's
management. Visitors need to appreciate that the park was set up for the
conservation of turtles. Therefore, management of both tourists and
turtles is carefully orchestrated. Visitors are briefed about the
procedures for viewing the turtles and the "do's and don'ts" are clearly
but pleasantly outlined by the rangers.
Turtle islands is a great destination to
see more of Malaysia's unique marine animals. The guarantee of seeing
turtles every evening means that visitors will not be disappointed by
their long journey.
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