Tourism Malaysia has introduced the Turtle Discovery Experience, a hands-on eco-tourism journey inviting travellers to engage with Malaysia’s rich marine biodiversity while supporting vital conservation efforts. This memorable adventure allows participants to play an active role in protecting endangered green sea turtle hatchlings, including the unforgettable experience of releasing them into their ocean habitat.
The immersive two-day, one-night itinerary transports guests to Redang Island, located off the east coast of Peninsular Malaysia in the state of Terengganu. Famous for its turquoise waters, unspoiled white-sand beaches, and thriving coral reefs, Redang Island offers a unique opportunity to encounter fascinating marine life in its natural setting—especially the majestic sea turtles that call this region home.
Turtle Sanctuary that protects endangered sea turtles
Tucked away on the serene northern coast of Redang Island in the South China Sea, the Chagar Hutang Turtle Sanctuary is the main landing place for Green and Hawksbill turtles. Here, nature lovers and eco-conscious travellers can witness conservation in action. Framed by a secluded 350-metre crescent beach, this hidden sanctuary is one of Malaysia’s most significant nesting grounds for the precious baby turtles.
Its sheltered bay is also surrounded by majestic rocky cliffs. The beach overlooks clear blue waters and a pristine coral reef — a perfect environment for sea turtles to take shelter and feed before making their way onto the beach to nest.
At this pristine site, visitors are invited to immerse themselves in the wonders of marine life. From observing delicate hatchlings emerge from the sand to assisting in their first swim into the ocean, this is indeed a transformative experience. Each release of the baby turtles connects guests with the planet’s fragile ecosystem and empowers them to become guardians of these baby turtles as they make their way to the sea.
The sanctuary is diligently managed by the Sea Turtle Research Unit (SEATRU), a division of the Institute of Oceanography and Environment (INOS) at Universiti Malaysia Terengganu (UMT). Recognised as a protected conservation area by the Terengganu state government since 2005, Chagar Hutang welcomes between 700 and 1,700 turtle nests annually.
Highest nesting season from May to July
The highest nesting activity occurs from May through July, with conservationists focusing on safeguarding both Green and Hawksbill turtle species. Their work includes meticulous monitoring, research, and protection of nesting sites to help rebuild dwindling populations.
This beach is closed to public after being gazetted as a turtle sanctuary by the Terengganu state government in 2005, so only SEATRU researchers and volunteers are allowed on the beach, and now guests who take up this travel package to Redang can enjoy this experience.
Resorts offering other activities
Redang Island also has a marine sanctuary park offering snorkelling and diving activities for tourists.
Almost all accommodation on the island is resort-based. The largest beach is Pasir Panjang on the east side, featuring half a dozen resorts. The beach is covered with soft white sand. Coral and fish can be seen just a few metres from the beach. The other beach resorts are located in Teluk Dalam on the north and Teluk Kalong to the south.
Monsoon season
Like the rest of Malaysia’s east coast, Redang is affected by the northeast monsoon from the South China Sea, so most resorts are closed and ferry transport schedules are severely restricted between October and March. November to February are the wettest months, whilst April to August being the driest.
Access to Redang
By sea, access to the island is by boats from Merang or Shahbandar jetty at Kuala Terengganu operated by the resorts. The ferry rides take about 1.5 to two hours.
For air travel, daily scheduled flights are available from Kuala Lumpur’s Subang Airport and charter flights are also available from this airport and Singapore’s Seletar Airport.
