Selingan Island is one of Sabah’s most fascinating island destinations, especially for travelers who want to experience wildlife and tropical scenery in one trip. Located about 40 kilometers north of Sandakan, this small island is part of Turtle Islands Park, a protected area famous for its green and hawksbill sea turtles.

Unlike a typical beach getaway, a holiday to Selingan Island offers a rare opportunity to learn about turtle conservation and witness turtles coming ashore to lay their eggs. Visitors can also enjoy clear turquoise waters, snorkeling, and a peaceful island atmosphere away from busy cities.

There are many reasons to add Selingan Island to your Sabah itinerary. Here are five highlights that make this destination worth visiting for your holiday.

The biggest reason to visit Selingan Island is the chance to witness sea turtles at night. Green and hawksbill turtles regularly come ashore to lay their eggs, while park rangers carefully collect and transfer the eggs to protected hatcheries.

The turtle-watching experience is carefully managed to protect the animals. Since nesting activities generally happen after dark, you need to stay overnight to experience this unique conservation program.

Depending on the timing of your visit, you may also have the opportunity to see hatchlings being released into the sea. Watching tiny turtles make their way toward the water is one of the most memorable experiences on the island. This experience also gives visitors a better understanding of why marine conservation is important. 

Selingan Island is not only about turtles. The surrounding waters feature coral reefs and clear tropical seas that are suitable for snorkeling and other marine activities. The underwater scenery provides a refreshing way to spend your free time.

Selingan Island offers a quieter atmosphere compared with many popular beach destinations. The island is relatively small, and visitor numbers are intentionally limited to help protect the conservation area.

A visit to Selingan Island is also an educational experience. The island has an exhibition hall where visitors can learn more about turtles and conservation efforts. The experience becomes even more meaningful when you see park rangers working with turtle eggs and hatchlings.

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Here is a simple step-by-step the easiest way to reach Selingan Island.

Book a flight to Sandakan Airport (SDK), the closest airport to Selingan Island. Sandakan is the main gateway for travelers heading to Turtle Islands Park.

From Sandakan Airport or your hotel, continue to Sabah Parks Jetty at Jalan Buli Sim-Sim. This is the main departure point for boat transfers to Selingan Island.

From the jetty, take a speedboat to the island. The journey usually takes around 45 minutes to 1 hour and 15 minutes, depending on weather and sea conditions.

Selingan Island has limited visitor permits, so it is recommended to arrange your tour and accommodation in advance. Most visitors join an organized package that includes transportation, meals, accommodation, and the turtle-watching program.

Read more: 10 Best Island in Malaysia with Beautiful Beaches

Planning ahead can make your Selingan Island trip much more comfortable. Consider these tips before departure:

For travelers who want more accommodation choices, staying in Sandakan before or after your island trip is a practical alternative. Here are three options to consider.

The on-island chalet is the most convenient option because it allows you to stay overnight and participate in the turtle conservation program. The property has around 25 rooms with air conditioning, twin beds, and en-suite bathrooms. A cafeteria also serves meals as part of the stay package. Its location makes it ideal for travelers whose main priority is the turtle-watching experience.

Sabah Hotel is a comfortable option for travelers who want to stay in Sandakan before or after visiting Selingan Island. The four-star hotel offers facilities such as restaurants, free Wi-Fi, free parking, a swimming pool, and a recreation club. Its location on Jalan Utara also makes it a convenient base for exploring other attractions in Sandakan.

For a more practical city stay, Hotel Sandakan is another option to consider. Located in Sandakan’s town center, the hotel offers several room categories and breakfast-included options, making it suitable for travelers who want a straightforward place to rest before or after their island adventure. Staying in Sandakan can also make it easier to combine your Selingan Island trip with other wildlife and cultural attractions around the city.

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Selingan Island is an excellent destination for travelers who want something beyond a conventional beach holiday. From observing nesting turtles and baby hatchlings to snorkeling in tropical waters and learning about conservation, the island offers a memorable wildlife experience in Sabah.

To make your trip easier, plan your travel arrangements before departure. Use Traveloka to look for suitable hotels, compare flights to Sandakan, arrange airport transfers, and discover attractions tickets that you can visit before or after your Selingan Island adventure. Enjoy your unforgettable holiday with Traveloka!