Asian Geographic-April 2018

Turtle Islands Park

Lying in the Sulu Sea off the northern coast

of Borneo, Turtle Islands Park is a cluster of

three islands – Selingan, Bakungan Kecil,

and Gulisan – that are home to green and

hawksbill turtles. Only the largest island,

Selingan, is open to visitors, who have the

opportunity to catch sight of these rare and

endangered turtles when they come ashore

to lay eggs.

Terengganu

Hailed as the “Gem of the East Coast”,

Terengganu boasts a long coastline of

aquamarine waters fringed by white powdery

sand. Off Pulau Perhentian Besar are clear

blue waters ideal for diving and snorkelling,

while secluded Pulau Lang Tengah offers a

peaceful experience and 15 stunning dive sites

within a 10-minute boat ride from each other.

The farthest island from the mainland,

Pulau Tenggol is where you’ll find mature

coral gardens thanks to the nutrient-rich

waters of the well-sheltered bay, while Pulau

Kapas is home to a variety of both hard and

soft corals rich in marine life. The island is

also known for squid fishing at certain times

of the year. ag

WHEN

August to September

WHERE

Northern Borneo

HOW

Take a flight from Kota

Kinabalu to Sandakan,

and then hop on the

only ferry from Sabah

Park Jetty

EXPERIENCE

TURTLE

ISLANDS PARK

WHEN

Year round but avoid the

monsoon season from

October to February

WHERE

East coast of Peninsular

Malaysia

HOW

Fly to Sultan Mahmud

Airport, which serves

the city of Kuala

Terengganu. All the

islands require boat rides

from the mainland: Pulau

Perhentian Besar from

Kuala Besut Jetty, Pulau

Lang Tengah and Pulau

Kapas from Merang Jetty,

and Pulau Tenggol from

Kuala Dungun Jetty

EXPERIENCE

TERENGGANU

right Pulau Tenggol
in Trengganu offers
excellent snorkelling
amid coral gardens