2D1N Libaran Turtle Island

Need a bed on the popular Selingan Island to spot turtles? Can't find any availability? Libaran Island is a another destination which provides one the opportunity to observe Pacific Green or Hawksbill turtles coming ashore build nests, and lay their eggs.

Libaran island in the Sulu Sea, lies on the North-east coast of Sabah, about 40 minutes boat ride from Sandakan town, and five minutes away from Selingan 'Turtle' Island. Libaran island is home to 450 inhabitants whose main livelihood is derived from fishing and boat making. 

Conservation

Libaran also houses a Turtle Conservation Programme to collect and rescue eggs to hatch safely away from predators before being released back to the sea. The conservation program also creates awareness on endangered sea turtles for locals and visitors to learn and help carry on the conservation work. Visitors may even have the chance to assist in releasing baby turtles from the hatchery to the sea.

Accommodation

Walai Penyu is a nice place to getaway, not just for chance to spot turtles on the beach but its remote location and basic facilities provide a traveller the opportunity to getaway from modernity for a few days, to be 'disconnected', and to 'hide out' on a seldom visited island

The accommodation will be in large tents at the Walai Penyu Resort. Baths and restrooms are shared. Besides turtle viewing and education, guests can snorkel, play beach volleyball, sunbath on deckchairs, get some drinks from the mini bar. visit a village, visit Bakungan Kecil Island or do nothing on the beach.

Electricity is limited; 11am-3pm, 6pm-10pm, the next morning 7am until check out. Walai Penyu can only accommodate a maximum of 20 persons a day.

There are no other restaurants or sundry shops on the island.

Rate per person and in Malaysian Ringgit

Valid until December 2025

Libaran Island program requires minimum 6 adult travelers.

Accommodation is 2 person per tent. Twin beds (Two single beds) in tent.

All rates stated per person

What does it include?

Conservation levy
Return boat transfer (Sandakan Yacht Club / Libaran Island)
1 night stay - camping style (twin share)
1 X Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Activities stated in itinerary

What does it exclude?

Insurance, alcoholic beverages, snorkel gear, optional tours on island and items not mentioned.

What to wear/bring?

Bring extra snacks/drinks, personal medication, first aid kit, sunblock, personal toiletries, towel, good camera for low light shots, extra batteries/powerbank, good torchlight/flashlight/headlamp, raincoat/windbreaker, handheld battery powered fan, reading material, hat, sunglasses, pocket money and a calm spirit. Pack light and in waterproof bags.

Dress conservatively. Wear quick dry clothing, and sandals.

Limited Luggage Space in transport
Each guest is allowed to carry only one bag and one carry-on item such as a purse or briefcase. Assistive devices and outer garments do not count as personal items. Maximum Dimensions of Carry-on Luggage: 24x 14x 9 (length x width x height). Maximum Dimensions of bag / suitcase / backpack: 62 linear inches / 158 cm (length + width + height). If you have more bags than permitted or your bags exceed the linear restrictions, please inform us beforehand so we may do the necessary preparations to accommodate your luggage. Failure to do so will result in either penalty fees or they may need to carry your own luggage. Penalty fees will be charged RM21.20 per luggage.

Itinerary

This is an independent traveler program. There are no tour guides.

*itinerary time may vary depending on your arrival time.

DAY 1

1000hrs Meet at Sandakan Yacht Club, Sandakan. Register and stand by for departure.
1100hrs Take a 45-minutes scenic boat ride towards the north for Libaran island. Arrive at Walai Penyu Conservation Park, Libaran Island and greet by an honorary wildlife warden. Welcome drink, orientation and check into your glamping accommodation. Free and easy.
1230hrs Lunch.
1400hrs Free and easy. Depends on the water level, you can go snorkeling(chargeable).
1500hrs Honorary wildlife warden will lead a tour to the Aquagoat sea turtle hatchery and explain the life cycle of sea turtle. The hatchery has been sponsored by a USA based cryptocurrency company, AquaGoat Finance who paid for its construction cost. Then head to the nearby Libaran village.You will meet up with the residents of Libaran; learn how to weave mat from the Arsia family, explore your creativity by creating plastic flowers out of recycle bottles and try your hands to cook Kuih Pinjaram, a traditional dessert of the Bajua people in Sabah. You can buy a fresh coconut to quench your thirst and then head back to Walai Penyu Conservation Park as the sun starts to set.
1800hrs Get a chance to release baby turtle* while enjoying the sunset.Freshen up with how shower. NOT GUARANTEED
1900hrs Dinner and watch documentaries on Walai Penyu Conservation Park. Meanwhile, wait for the honorary wildlife warden to call for turtle sighting. Even though record shows turtles come to Libaran Island consistently, the sighting is still NOT GUARANTEED. Thus the need for this continuous sea turtle conservation program.
2200hrs Overnight- camping style (2 people per camp)

DAY 2

0700 Breakfast
0800 Boat transfer back to Sandakan Yacht club jetty. End

Getting Here

Sandakan is located on the East Coast of Sabah. You will be able to find flights from Malaysia Airlines and Airasia.