Turtles of Sabah: A Glimpse into Ancient Mariners of the Sea

Sabah, the jewel of Borneo, is home to some of the most majestic marine creatures—sea turtles. These ancient reptiles have been navigating the world’s oceans for millions of years, playing a crucial role in marine ecosystems. From the crystal-clear waters of Sipadan to the turtle nesting havens of Selingan Island, Sabah offers incredible opportunities to witness these gentle giants up close.

How Many Types of Turtles Can Be Found in Sabah?
Sabah’s waters host four out of the seven known sea turtle species:

Green Turtle (Chelonia mydas) – The most common species found in Sabah, known for its herbivorous diet and large size.
Hawksbill Turtle (Eretmochelys imbricata) – Recognizable by its beautifully patterned shell, this critically endangered species is often seen in coral reef areas.
Olive Ridley Turtle (Lepidochelys olivacea) – The smallest of the sea turtles, often seen in offshore waters.
Leatherback Turtle (Dermochelys coriacea) – The largest sea turtle species, though rare in Sabah, occasionally makes an appearance.

How Long Do They Live?
Sea turtles are known for their longevity, often living between 50 to 100 years! However, reaching adulthood is a major challenge—only 1 in 1,000 hatchlings will survive to maturity. Their slow growth and long reproductive cycles make conservation efforts critical in ensuring their survival.

Where Do Turtles Lay Their Eggs in Sabah?
One of the most fascinating aspects of sea turtles is their nesting behavior. Female turtles return to the very beaches where they were born to lay their eggs. Some of the best places to witness this natural wonder include:

Turtle Islands Park (Pulau Selingan, Pulau Bakkungan Kecil, and Pulau Gulisan) – A protected area where green and hawksbill turtles come ashore to lay their eggs almost every night.
Sipadan Island – A famous diving paradise where turtles can be seen gracefully gliding through the reefs.
Lankayan Island – A secluded island with a thriving turtle conservation program.
Pom Pom Island – Known for its crystal-clear waters and regular turtle sightings.
During nesting season, a single female turtle can lay 80 to 120 eggs per clutch, and she may nest multiple times in a single season. The eggs take about 45 to 70 days to hatch, and once the tiny hatchlings emerge, they make a mad dash to the ocean—only the strongest survive.

Where Can You See Turtles in Sabah?
If you’re hoping to spot turtles in their natural habitat, here are some top locations:

Sipadan Island – A diver’s dream destination where you can see turtles almost daily.
Layang-Layang Island – A remote paradise where both turtles and hammerhead sharks are frequently sighted.
Tunku Abdul Rahman Marine Park (TARP) – Near Kota Kinabalu, you can snorkel and spot turtles in clear waters.
Mantanani Islands – Great for snorkeling and shallow-water turtle encounters.
The Importance of Conservation
Sabah’s turtles face threats from habitat destruction, poaching, and plastic pollution. Efforts by organizations such as Sabah Parks and WWF Malaysia have helped protect nesting beaches, enforce conservation laws, and run hatchery programs.

As visitors, we can help by:

✅ Avoiding disturbing nesting turtles
✅ Never buying or consuming turtle eggs
✅ Reducing plastic waste that ends up in the ocean
✅ Supporting eco-tourism initiatives that promote turtle conservation

Turtles are a vital part of Sabah’s marine ecosystem, and witnessing them in the wild is an unforgettable experience. Whether you’re diving in Sipadan or watching hatchlings race to the sea in Selingan, these ancient mariners remind us of the wonders of nature and the importance of preserving them for future generations.

Planning a trip to Sabah? Be sure to add a turtle encounter to your bucket list!