The Sea Turtles of Libaran Island

📍 Boat from jetty to Libaran Island: 60 minutes

Through the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed with the Sabah Wildlife Department on July 2013, a turtle conservation program was set up on Libaran island. The program includes creating awareness for the locals and visitors on the conservation value of sea turtles, undertaking research projects with the goal of better understanding the life cycle of sea turtles of Libaran island area and to make available research program on sea turtles.

Learn the importance of turtles to our eco system and experience first-hand the turtle conservation work done on the island. Walk within the village and see how the islanders of Libaran live.

1000 Meet at Sandakan Yacht Club for registration. 

1030 the Walai Penyu Resort boat departs for Libaran Island, situated in the Sulu Sea just off Sabah’s coast.  Walai Penyu Resort has teamed with the Sabah Wildlife Department to establish a turtle conservation program focused on improving hawksbill and green turtle populations in the Sulu Sea.  

1115 Land on the island’s beach, enjoy a welcome drink and check-in.  Afterwards enjoy some leisure time before lunch.  Kayaks and snorkeling equipment are available for rent.

After lunch take a walk to Kampong Pulak Libaran, the island’s only village.  One of Sabah’s most beautiful villages, residents take obvious pride in their colourful homes, well-kept yards and abundance of blooming flowers.  The main economy is boat building, fishing and fishnet-making.

After exploring this charming village, take some time to relax and enjoy the tropical ambience.

Early in the evening enjoy a conservation briefing by an in-house wildlife warden before visiting the turtle hatchery.  The area is home to hawksbill and green sea turtles which are under threat from pollution, global warming and smuggling of turtle eggs. If there are hatchlings, help to release baby turtles as the sun sets -a truly unforgettable experience. 

Dinner at the resort.

If there is a turtle landing in the evening the resort staff will notify guests to view this amazing natural spectacle.

Overnight on Libaran Island

Note on Accommodation:  Walai Penyu provides tented accommodation metres from the sea.  The Coleman tents, while basic, do house two single beds, a desk, rug and clothes rack.  Outside are wooden chairs and a table.  A wooden walkway connects all the tents while a tented ceiling protects from the elements.  Shared bathrooms are near-hotel standard with porcelain sinks and private cold water shower.

Inclusions:

🥘 Lunch, 🍗 Dinner

📍 Boat from Libaran Island to jetty: 60 minutes Depart Libaran: 08:30 Arrive Sandakan Jetty: 10:00

Awake to the sounds of the ocean nearby and enjoy breakfast at 07:00 before departure back to the mainland and the conclusion of the tour. 

Inclusions:

☕ Breakfast