Is Visiting Turtle Island Borneo Safe?

Turtle Island, also known as Selingan Turtle Island Borneo and Pulau Selingan Island, is a popular destination in Malaysia for its role as the breeding ground for Green turtles and Hawksbill turtles in South East Asia. The island is located off the east coast of Sabah, Malaysia, and visitors can enjoy an overnight stay in one of the chalets on the island. The rooms are basic, but the island is a must-visit for those planning a trip to Borneo.

Travel to Turtle Island is safe due to the permanent military presence on the island, enhanced by police and military personnel at all tourist attractions in Sabah. An enforced night time curfew on boats also helps to restrict unwanted incursions. Despite negative advice, Turtle Island remains a safe destination, with many visitors having a safe visit. However, there are some concerns about the turtle experience, which lasts about 1 hour, and the rest time on the island is not recommended.

Turtle Island is part of a highly protected marine park, with only a limited number of visitors allowed per day. Visitors can witness turtle landings and hatching as they make their way into the Sulu Sea. Travel advisories take months or years to be downgraded, regardless of actual conditions on the ground. Selingan Island is regularly patrolled by Malaysia’s General Operations Force, who prioritize safety.

In summary, Turtle Island is a must-visit destination for those interested in the preservation of sea turtles and their habitats. The island is well-maintained by the military, police, and military personnel, making it a safe and enjoyable destination for tourists.

What level should I be to go to Turtle Island?

To access Turtle Island, you must be level 16, have completed Ribbiting Island, and upgrade the vase to its highest level.

What is the Turtle Island conspiracy?

Turtle Island is a name used by some Indigenous peoples in North and Central America, who believe their land was formed on the back of a turtle. The creation story relates to a time when the planet was covered in water, and various animals failed to bring back dirt to create land. A muskrat was the last to attempt this task, swimming deep and surviving under water. Nanabush, a supernatural being with the power to create life, took the soil and placed it on the back of a turtle, forming land and becoming Turtle Island. Not all creation stories from Indigenous Peoples of America feature a turtle, but some refer to a pregnant Sky Woman, Raven, or ocean spirit called Sedna.

Can people visit Turtle Island?

Turtle Island Preserve offers a 1. 5-2 hour guided private tour to learn about its unique lifestyle and architectural choices. The tour includes farming techniques and informative lessons. A minimum of two weeks advance notice is required. Eustace, the owner, no longer meets with the public, but his staff is happy to share his life’s work in detail. More details and registration can be found on the website.

Is it safe to travel to Borneo at the moment?

A decade ago, visiting Borneo, particularly in Malaysia’s Sabah, was riskier due to kidnappings and militant terrorist attacks. However, the situation has improved, and most areas in Malaysian Borneo are safe to visit. In Indonesia’s Kalimantan, recent terror attacks have made tourists a potential target, but the risk is low. Before planning a trip to Borneo, check official government advice and policy wording, as travel warnings can change frequently and may not cover certain areas. Be aware of your surroundings and check official sources and policy wording before traveling.

Is Turtle Island Borneo worth it?

The author describes their one-night stay on Turtle Island, which was an amazing experience. The island was beautiful for relaxation during the day and had a fantastic turtle experience in the evening. The food and accommodation were basic but adequate.

Do I need malaria pills for Borneo?

Travelers to Borneo should be aware of the risks associated with malaria, especially for those planning to visit the jungle. Malaria protection tablets are typically recommended for those planning to stay in coastal regions. Vaccinations, including travel and flu vaccines, are also essential. Health screenings should be conducted before or after travel, and health checks and wellness screenings should be conducted. Group appointments for flu vaccines can be made through NGOs, assignments, or charity organizations. Schools should also be aware of the availability of these vaccines.

When to visit Turtle Island, Borneo?

Turtle Island, located in Sabah Parks, is a popular destination for visitors to observe turtle nests and their hatching. The best time to visit is between July and October when the sea is calmer. Visitors can observe the collection of eggs, tag mother turtles, and release baby turtles to the sea. To promote turtle conservation, visitors are encouraged to participate in the turtle nest adoption program, which offers certificates, names on the nest, and updates on their development. Permission to visit the park requires permission from Sabah Parks and can be applied through Crystal Quest, the accommodation management at Turtle Island.

Do I need injections for Borneo?

The recommended vaccinations for short-term travelers in Borneo include protection against childhood diseases like Tetanus, Diphtheria, Measles, Mumps, and Rubella, as well as food and water-borne diseases like Typhoid and Hepatitis A. These vaccinations are available for travel, flu, and occupational use. Health screenings are also recommended pre or post-travel, including health checks, tests, and wellness screenings. Group appointments for flu vaccinations can be made through NGOs, assignments, or charity organizations. Schools are also encouraged to receive these vaccines.

Can you stay on Turtle Island Borneo?

Selingan Island, located 40 kilometers north of Sandakan’s coasts in the Sulu Sea, is a designated National Park and turtle conservation area. Visitors can witness turtle landings, which occur throughout the year, and witness the collection and tagging of mother turtles. The best time to visit is between July and October when the weather is calmer. Additionally, visitors can witness the release of baby turtles back to the sea. Other activities include snorkeling.

Is it safe to visit Turtle Island, Borneo?

Selingan Island, despite travel advisories from some countries, is safe for thousands of visitors due to the permanent military presence, police presence at tourist attractions, and an enforced nighttime curfew on boats. The island experiences hot and humid weather throughout the year, with temperatures ranging from 28°C to 30°C. Despite occasional rain, it is ideal for sunbathing, but sunscreen is recommended due to the intense tropical heat. The island’s enforced curfew on boats also helps prevent unwanted incursions.

Where not to travel in Borneo?

The east coast of Sabah in Borneo is a dangerous area with a history of kidnappings and attempted kidnappings, particularly on the islands off Semporna. In 2013, a Taiwanese tourist was killed on Pom-Pom Island. In 2015, two Malaysian nationals were kidnapped in Sandakan, and one was murdered. Additionally, pirates have attacked boats in the sea, with the main aim of kidnapping tourists. To address these threats, the Eastern Sabah Security Zone was established in 2013, covering the entire eastern coast of Sabah. Boats are not allowed to sail there between 6 pm and 6 am, and increased police and military presence is expected.