Talang-Satang National Park
Sarawak's first marine park, four turtle islands where nesting has been protected and eggs relocated since the 1950s.
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Talang-Satang was gazetted in 1999 as Sarawak's first marine protected area and covers four islands - Talang-Talang Besar, Talang-Talang Kecil, Satang Besar and Satang Kecil - which between them account for the overwhelming majority of turtle landings in the state, chiefly green turtles with some hawksbill. Protection here is old: egg collection was regulated from the 1950s and a hatchery programme has run for decades, moving clutches from the beaches to fenced enclosures away from predators and tides. Landing on the main nesting islands is restricted, and the way most visitors experience it is through a volunteer programme where participants stay a few nights, help tag nesting females, relocate eggs and release hatchlings. Satang Besar is more open and takes day trips for snorkelling.
What you actually see
- Green turtles nesting - the great majority of Sarawak's landings on these beaches.
- A hatchery programme - clutches relocated to fenced enclosures, running for decades.
- A volunteer stay - tagging, egg relocation and hatchling releases over a few nights.
- Satang Besar - the more accessible island, open for day trips and snorkelling.
When to go
May to September for the nesting peak. Two days.
Honest expectations
The nesting islands are closed to casual visits - the volunteer programme books out months ahead. Turtles come ashore at night and nothing is guaranteed on any given night. Facilities are basic.
Nearby
Sematan and Bako are along the coast; Kuching is inland.
What to pack for Talang-Satang National Park
Chosen from what this place is for. Tap a kit for the full checklist.
Opening times, ticket prices and seasonal closures change - check the official source before you go: official site.
