Tourism Malaysia is pleased to announce the launch of the Turtle Discovery Experience, an immersive eco-tourism adventure that offers travellers the opportunity to explore Malaysia’s marine wildlife while actively contributing to the conservation of endangered baby green sea turtles, including participating in their release into the wild.
This two-day, one-night package takes guests to Redang Island, a stunning destination located off the east coast of Peninsular Malaysia in the state of Terengganu, renowned for its crystal-clear waters, pristine beaches, vibrant coral reefs, and the chance to spot marine wildlife, including sea turtles.
Chagar Hutang Turtle Sanctuary – A Hidden Conservation Gem
Located on the beautiful Redang Island in the South China Sea, the Chagar Hutang Turtle Sanctuary offers a unique opportunity to engage with nature. The sanctuary, set along a 350-metre crescent-shaped beach, is a crucial nesting site for sea turtles, particularly the baby green sea turtle, a species of sea turtle considered endangered.
Here, visitors will have the rare opportunity to learn about marine biodiversity and actively participate in conservation efforts, including the release of baby green sea turtles into the water, making it an enriching and rewarding experience that will stay with them for a lifetime as they help protect these endangered creatures.
Managed by the Sea Turtle Research Unit (SEATRU) under the Institute of Oceanography and Environment (INOS), Universiti Malaysia Terengganu (UMT), the sanctuary plays a vital role in Malaysia’s marine conservation efforts. Officially designated as a protected area by the Terengganu state government in 2005, it hosts between 700 and 1700 turtle nests annually, with peak nesting occurring between May and July. The sanctuary focuses on protecting Green and Hawksbill turtles, ensuring their survival through detailed population monitoring and nest protection.
