Selingan is a small island off the east coast of Sabah, about 1 hour by boat from Sandakan. It is also called Turtle Island: a protected area where turtles can safely lay their eggs on the beach. The island is part of Sabah's national parks and acces to the island is limited. There are a couple of basic shalets for guests to overnight in, but no other people are allowed to visit the island.
It is possible to combine a visit to this island with the Sabah overland round trip. In Sandakan, you will get on board in the morning for a boat trip to the island. After check in and lunch, you are free to enjoy the beaches, go swimming or do some snorkeling. After dinner in the canteen near the chalets, rangers will inform you about the location where turttles have laid their eggs. If you are lucky, you can observe a turttle in action and also see how the eggs are collected and brought over to the a protected area for further hatching. Young turtles that have hatched will then be released into the ocean. Very special to be part of this in the middle of the night!
The next morning after breakfast, you will take the boat back to Sandakan and continue the roundtrip of Sabah.
Keep in mind that entrance to the island is limited. Reservations are a must, especially in high season. Do note that the obligatory deposit is 100% non-refundable.
Emile Leushuis -
Emile Leushuis
Asiatracks co-founder
