Turtle Nestling

Cherating coast is famous for turtle laying eggs. Watching these turtle laying eggs can be a wonderful experience. The location of turtles laying nestling starts from Mersing, Johor towards Cherating , Pahang onwards hotspot at Rantau Abang , and Jerteh. The islands across Terengganu are also hotspot for turtle’s nestling.  Turtle laying eggs season usually starts around April until September. Typically the turtles that visits Cherating are Green Turtles and Olive Ridley Turtles.  Malaysia was once famous for huge Giant leatherback turtle nestling hotspot, however, sadly this species is now extinct. Green Turtles are found around the tropic and subtropic regions around the world.  Although these turtles can travel long distances in migration for feeding sites,  Female Green Sea Turtle is known to return to their exact birth place to lay their eggs. Some mature turtle travelling thousands of kilometers to reach their nesting site. They usually lay their eggs in the quiet spot at night without any lights.

Female Green Turtle will dig a whole around 2 to 3 feet deep, using their back flippers to lay eggs. These egg size are around similar size with ping pong balls. It would take around 50 to 60 days for these eggs to hatch depending on the species. The temperature of the sand will determine the sex of the baby hatched. Generally warmer sand will produce female turtles, while cooler sand will produce male turtles.

 

Best Season to for Turtle watching activities

April to September, Peak from  May to August

 

Things you should avoid when watching turtles laying eggs

• Making Loud noises
• Bringing torch light , any lights from handphone that may disturb the turtle

 

Turtle Hatching

Turtle eggs that are nested will be hatching around July to October. There are program which is organized by Cherating Turtle Sactuary to release baby turtles into the sea. To experience turtle hatching and nestling at once,  you can consider visiting Cherating around July to August.

 

Cherating Turtle Sanctuary

Turtle watching and hatching activities is centered at Cherating Turtle sanctuary. At Turtle Sanctuary located at Cherating,  visitors can learn much about turtles. The center is started by government as an effort to provide rehabilitation and conservation for turtles. The entrance is free however visitors is encouraged to donate some for the turtle clause. There are a few ponds here with various turtles. This place is great for family and kids to learn about turtles.

Cherating Turtle Sanctuary is located just next to Club Med, Cherating. Please check the availability of the center as it is under renovation.

Bukit Cherating, 26080 Balok, Pahang, Malaysia