Conservation Efforts At Intercontinental Bali Resort

Garnering more help for the local turtle release programme

The Green Sea Turtles that inhabit Indonesia’s coaster waters are endangered. This is due to the increased demand of meat, eggs and shells. Additionally, loss of nesting grounds, water pollution, and entrapment in fishing equipment, marine debris and plastic bags threatened their existence. Intercontinental Bali Resort is located right alongside Jimbaran Beach, home to the female green sea turtles that come ashore at night to lay their eggs in the sand.

As part of its ongoing commitment to support the local community, the resort works closely with the local Turtle Conservation & Education Centre to retrieve these eggs and ensure they are carefully incubated within a secured environment before hatching. The eggs take approximately 60 days to hatch and the hatchlings are then cared for in a holding tank until they are strong enough to swim in the ocean. If unaided, the young may end up in the mouth of a predator quicker. It is estimated that only one in 1,000 young turtles survive to adulthood.

Once the baby turtles grow up, they are released back into the sea and this helps to increase the survival rate of the endangered species. Guests staying in the resort can contribute to this cause by participating in the Turtle Release Programme, organised twice-weekly in front of the resort facing Jimbaran Beach. Just before sunset, the baby turtles are ‘adopted’ by guests and carried down to the shoreline in water-filled coconut shells before being released into the sea. This is preceded by a simple Hindu ceremony and this entire heart-warming experience will etch a unique memory for all.

Michel Chertouh, Regional GM IC Bali said, "Our Turtle Release Programme is an activity that we have offered at our hotel for many years. This is our way of connecting our guests with the importance of turtle conservation. This is a gratifying experience that always leaves a smile on the faces of our participating guests".

The experience is priced at US$4,500 with proceeds going to the local Turtle Conservation & Education Centre.