Seaside sanctuary
> Haven for sea turtles and those in need of rest, respite or recreation at Perhentian Island Resort
turtles take decades before they start breeding, surviving ones are still not free from threat due to commercial fisheries, loss of nesting and feeding habitats, excessive harvesting of eggs, pollution and coastal development. While turtles are known for their longevity, it’s an ironic twist of fate considering the few that make it into adulthood.
However, Perhentian is a protected key habitat area that makes up a part of the National Marine Park of Malaysia. In dealing with the extinction of these sea turtle populations, research is continuously carried out, covering the migration of these species via satellite methods and tagging. Research shows that these gentle reptiles travel from as far as Vietnam and the Philippines, swimming great distances only to come on land to nest.
OPERATION ECOTOURISM At Perhentian, turtle conservation is a regular practice. Turtles are protected at all stages of their life cycle, including protecting the eggs and the mothers from threat during nesting period, hence, the establishment of the Hatchery Centre on Perhentian Island, a collaborated effort with the Fishery Department and various ecoNGOs.
In early 2016, Perhentian Island Resort in Pulau Perhentian Besar took on an ecotourism approach which was observed by its staff and visitors. During nesting seasoin between April and October, a Safe Turtle Zone is set up on the resort beach where volunteer staff and visitors help guard the nesting mothers and their eggs. Laid eggs are sent to the hatchery for safe keeping where visitors have a chance of releasing some of the baby turtles back into the ocean once they hatch.
Turtle conservation is of utmost importance at Perhentian Island Resort. Visit to learn more of these gentle sea creatures and help raise awareness on its dwindling species.