30,000th baby turtle released from LibaranIsland

SANDAKAN: The Executive Committee of FOSTER (Friends Of Sea Turtles Education & Research) together with 40 student from SK Libaran successfully released the 30,000th baby turtle from Libaran Island yesterday.

The students later verbally pledged they would help protect the environment by not throwing rubbish around.

As part of a turtle conservation program made available through the subsequent signing of a 5-year duration Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Sabah Wildlife Department in July 2013, FOSTER was involved in the setting up of a turtle hatchery on Libaran island in 2012.

The program includes creating awareness for the locals and visitors on the conservation value of sea turtles, undertaking research projects with the goal of better understanding the life cycle of sea turtles surrounding the Libaran Island area and to make available research programs on sea turtle for international and local students.

Since January 1, 2013 till January 31, 2018, the turtle hatchery on Libaran has collected 22,786 Green Turtle eggs and 10,090 Hawksbill Turtle eggs (totaling 32,876). A baby turtle usually requires 45-65 days to hatch from an egg. Not all will survive the incubation period.

And on March 1, this year the hatchery celebrates the release of its 30,000th baby turtle from the shore of Libaran island.

“We have in fact started the hatchery program at the end of 2011 and have been releasing baby turtles since then. But for this special release, we started to calculate from the year we signed the MOU with the Sabah Wildlife Department,” said Alexander Yee, the president of FOSTER and the managing director of Walai Penyu Conservation Park.

Continue reading at: 30,000th baby turtle released from Libaran Island

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The Lite Backpacker: Why You Should Visit Turtle Island in Borneo

Selingan Turtle Island

Borneo’s turtle island is a once in a life time experience. A chance to get up close and personal with some of this planets ancient creatures, in a sustainable and environmentally supportive way.

Who doesn’t love turtles? Not loving turtles is like not loving puppies or kittens. They are amazing creatures who are simultaneously cute and awe inspiring.

While I was diving off the coast of Borneo on an island called Mabul, I didn’t go more than an hour in the water without seeing one. Actually, I also saw one from the deck of my accommodation as I watched the sun set.

They are everywhere. However, turtle island was by far the best “turtle experience”, not only did I get to see a mother turtle lay her eggs, but I got to see the hatchlings be released into the ocean. Magical!

Where is Turtle Island?

Turtle island is part of marine conservation park between Malaysia and the Philippines, just off the coast of Sabah, Borneo. It is a great example of international cooperation for wildlife, being jointly managed by the two countries to preserve the turtle hatcheries.

The best way to get there is through Sandakan, a seaside town, that is a launching pad to the island.

How to get to Turtle Island?

As turtle island is part of a highly protected marine park, there are only a limited number of visitors allowed on the island per day. Therefore, you cant just rock up or catch a boat there, you need to book a tour.

There are a few tour companies that run a monopoly on the tours, however, their websites are a bit hard to navigate. I found the best way to book was to email them, they will then send you a secure booking link.

Continue reading (Incl. Pic) at: The Lite Backpacker: Why You Should Visit Turtle Island in Borneo

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17 million turtle hatchlings released to sea in Sabah

KOTA KINABALU: The RM1 million allocation for turtle conservation under the State Budget 2018 reflects the State Government’s seriousness in conservation efforts, said Tourism, Culture and Environment Minister Datuk Seri Panglima Masidi Manjun.

Masidi said an estimated 17 million turtle hatchlings have been released to the sea since the government became involved in turtle conservation.

He said this at a press conference after witnessing the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between Dewan Bahasa dan Pustaka (DBP) and Sabah Parks Board of Trustees yesterday.

Masidi said the signing of the MoU will enable Sabah Parks to receive continuous guidance in its publications from Dewan Bahasa dan Pustaka, besides enhancing the cooperation between the two bodies in terms of the quality and types of books produced.

He said the cooperation between DBP and Sabah Parks have been established since 2004. To date, eight books authored by Sabah Parks staff have been published under the guidance of DBP.

The two bodies are also in the process of producing an encyclopedia on Sabah Parks that will enlighten readers on the biodiversity, conservation efforts and uniqueness in all the parks.

Masidi hoped that the natural treasures under Sabah Parks could be shared with Malaysians and even the international community through the publication of such books.

Continue reading at: 17 million turtle hatchlings released to sea in Sabah

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Labuan marine parks popular turtle landing, eco-tourism sites

LABUAN: Concerted efforts to boost the turtle population are bearing fruit after 1,309 hatchlings were released into the wild from the three landing sites in Labuan from January to October this year.

The number accounted for 76.59 per cent of the total 1, 705 turtle eggs hatched at the popular marine parks of  Rusukan Besar Island, Rusukan Kecil Island and Kuraman.

These marine parks are strategic landing places for three turtle species, namely hawksbill turtle (Eretmochelys Imbricata), olive-ridley turtle (Lepidochelys olivacea) and green turtle (Chelonia Mydas), with 12 nests found on the beaches throughout the period.

Department of Malaysia Marine Park Labuan director Anuar Deraman said a total of 9, 543 hatchlings were released into the wild from the landing sites in Labuan from 2011 to 2015.

“Our efforts to conserve turtles by hatching their eggs and releasing the hatchlings into the sea since five years ago are succeeding,” he told Bernama yesterday.

“The strategic landing sites, with no beach erosion are the factor behind the increased number of turtles landing,” he said.

Continue reading at: Labuan marine parks popular turtle landing, eco-tourism sites

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Release of turtle hatchlings attracts tourists to Kudat

KOTA KINABALU: The release of turtle hatchlings can be a very unique tourist attraction for Kudat, said Minister of Special Tasks Datuk Teo Chee Kang.

He said the villagers must realize that protection and conservation of turtles could bring them great economic benefits.

Teo, who is also Tanjong Kapor assemblyman, thanked and congratulated the Kudat Turtle Conservation Society (KTCS), WWF Kudat and all volunteers for their good effort in conserving the endangered turtles in Kudat.

“I understand that over the years, they have managed to hatch and release more than 4,500 baby turtles to the seas.

“The release of 100 turtle hatchlings at Kampung Bavang Jamal on July 1 which attracted about 200 local and foreign visitors is another success story.

“If we have the frequency of turtle landings to lay eggs, thus more releases of hatchlings in the future, this can be a very unique tourist attraction for Kudat,” he said.

Teo said the villagers must realise that protection and conservation of this endangered species can bring great economic benefits to the people.

Therefore, he urged the villagers who are living at the seaside to report to KTCS or WWF once they found turtle eggs to ensure that they are hatched and released to the sea.

Meanwhile, KTCS junior project coordinator Norfazilah Rahman said the release of turtle hatchlings had been an exciting moment for the locals and foreign tourists who witnessed the event for the first time.

“About 200 people showed up for the event, including tourists from China, Australia, Germany and Netherlands. Most of them bring their families and children along.”

The society also took the opportunity to educate the participants on turtle conservation through awareness talk and videos before the baby turtles were released.

Norfazilah said illegal poaching of sea turtle eggs remained a serious issue.

“The turtle hatchlings we released back in June were actually rescued from Pulau Malawali and translocated to our hatchery.”

She added that the society used to get around 4,000 turtle eggs in 2012 but the number of sea turtles nesting in the area has reduced in recent years due to human activities.

Hence, Norfazilah said KTCS is working on engaging the local communities to protect and conserve turtles, as well as to educate them on alternative livelihood.

The long-term objective of KTCS is to establish 50 community managed turtle conservation areas within Tun Mustapha Park, and to promote turtle conservation based tourism within this area.

Continue reading (Incl. Pic) at: Release of turtle hatchlings attracts tourists to Kudat

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Kellyrstravels: Turtle islands marine park

This morning we were up at 7 to get ready for breakfast and make sure our bags were sorted for our boat ride today.

We were supposed to have yum Cha for breakfast but the other girls weren't there as far as Lauren and I could see, so we wandered across to the cafe across the road that Jeffry had recommended.

We ordered roti bread (Lauren's plain, mine with kaya) fresh off the hot plate and a coffee (which comes strong and black with sugar).

Really great! Then we headed back to the hotel and finished packing our bags and headed downstairs.

We left our big bags at the hotel and took our little day packs out to the island.

We walked down to the jetty and after a bit of a wait, we were split up onto a few different boats.

It was about an hour's 'drive' out to the island, and on the way we passed a floating village that ran along the shoreline around the coast from Sandakan.

Jeffry spoke to us a little bit about life in the village, and then we headed off the coast to the island.

After a fairly long and empty ride across the water, we pulled up at an absolutely gorgeous beach.

The 'turtle islands marine park' includes three islands, and we are staying on the biggest, Pulau Selingan.

It's still quite a little island, with just the turtle hatchery, a big lodge for reception and meals, a few 'chalets' with rooms to accommodation, and then a military base at the end of the island.

The military police have a presence here because it's so close to the border with the Phillipines, and pirates are apparently quite common.

After check-in and an outline of our day from Jeffry, we unloaded our stuff in the rooms.

Our room was verrry hot so we were pretty keen for a swim, so we rented some snorkel gear and headed down the beach.

We found it a bit weird that as well as the life guard, there's a little military 'hut' to the left of the roped snorkelling area, with a few fully armed military policemen with guns and a telescope pointed towards the Phillipines.

At least we know we're safe from pirates while snorkelling!

After laying our 'beach mats' and towels out in the shade, I hopped in the water, which was really warm.

A downside of the warm water though (I assume) is that the coral was quite badly bleached.

There were some bright and interesting-looking fish, and lots of sea cucumbers, but the coral wasn't very appealing.

I had a swim for quite a while, and then lay on the beach for a bit before we headed back to the main building for lunch.

Continue reading (Incl. Pic) at: Kellyrstravels: Turtle islands marine park

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Struggles of our sea turtles

BLINK. Blink. After a deep, peaceful sleep, he must have felt like he’d just woken up to a circus. Surrounding his temporary home in the bright blue plastic tray are curious humans, pushing at each other to have a closer look. He must have been glad to be hidden under the matching blue blanket as he thought about his escape.

The young Hawksbill turtle, the star attraction on this pleasant morning, is due to be released into the sea after having spent several days at the Gaya Island Resort’s Marine Conservation Centre. He’d found himself trapped in a fisherman’s bubu (fish trap) and was brought here by the fishermen for further action.

The Hawksbill, considered by many to be the most beautiful of all sea turtle species for their colourful shells, is a critically endangered species. Their population has dropped more than 80 per cent in the last century, due to the trade in their exquisite carapace (shell), also known as “tortoiseshell”.

The star Hawksbill regally climbs out of his sanctuary and onto the warmth of the soft sand.

Waiting across from him in the warm, shallow grey-green water, is the resort’s marine biologist Scott Mayback. Zig-zagging his way across the sand, the Hawksbill finally reached his destination, as the waves caress his body, and float him further away from the shore.

“Stay safe, little one,” I mumbled to myself, as I feel my eyes tearing up.

Gaya Island is set within the Tunku Abdul Rahman Marine Park, a group of five islands surrounded by corals off the coast of Kota Kinabalu, Sabah. The Marine Centre is situated on Tavajun Bay, reachable either by a five-minute boat ride from Gaya Island Resort’s jetty or through a 45-minute trek.

The centre was set up in 2013 and has since then, rescued, treated and cared for numerous endangered green sea turtles (Chelonia mydas) and one critically endangered Hawksbill (Eretmochelysimbricata).

Outside the turtle rescue centre is a 14,000-litre recovery tank for housing sick or injured sea turtles. This recovery tank also holds a coral nursery that will be used to breed coral fragments to be returned to the sea, and help rejuvenate and improve the natural reefs.

Continue reading (Incl. Pic) at: Struggles of our sea turtles

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Collaboration on enhancing turtle conservation and eco-tourism in Sarawak

KUCHING: Sarawak Energy Berhad (SEB) has formalised an agreement with Sarawak Forestry Corporation (SFC) to work in partnership to enhance the latter’s turtle conservation programme and promote eco-tourism at turtle landing sites Tanjung Datu National Park, Pulau Talang-Talang Besar and Pulau Talang-Talang Kechil.

A Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed at Menara Sarawak Energy yesterday in the presence of Chief Minister Datuk Amar Abang Johari Tun Openg to confirm SEB’s intent to provide the sanctuaries with green energy via a solar centralised system.

The MoU includes other areas of cooperation with SFC such as to allow SEB to evaluate new solar technologies for potential applications at remote and rural areas.

Signing the MoU on behalf of SEB was its group chief executive officer Sharbini Suhaili while SFC was represented by its chief executive officer Wong Ting Chung.

Serving as witnesses to the MoU were SEB executive vice-president for Corporate Services Aisah Eden and SFC head of Protected Areas and Biodiversity Conservation Oswald Bracken Tisen.

Commenting on the collaboration, Sharbini in a statement said sustainability underpinned SEB’s business, operations and interactions with the community.

“As a responsible corporate citizen, SEB is pleased to be able to help provide electricity to Tanjung Datu National Park and the two turtle islands of Pulau Talang-Talang Besar and Pulau Talang-Talang Kechil by providing a green source of energy free from carbon emission to these protected areas, replacing noisy diesel generators making it more conducive for turtle conservation.”

SEB will connect Tanjung Datu National Park with 10kW of solar power, Pulau Talang-Taang Besar with 8kW and Pulau Talang-Talang Kechil with 6kW. The three turtle sanctuaries currently use diesel generators with restricted hours of operation that require high maintenance costs.

It will also train the parks’ rangers on the operation and maintenance of the system. The technical team will continue to attend to breakdowns, do periodical inspection and scheduled maintenance as required.

Meanwhile, Wong said SFC was fortunate to have SEB as a partner, first in biodiversity conservation and now in eco-tourism development as exemplified by this joint undertaking at Talang Satang National Park.

Continue reading (Incl. Pic) at: Collaboration on enhancing turtle conservation and eco-tourism in Sarawak

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Labuan’s concerted efforts in turtle conservation bear fruit

LABUAN: Concerted efforts to boost the turtle population by the relevant authorities here are bearing fruit.

To this end, 9,543 hatchlings (98.01 per cent) from 10,450 eggs had been released into the wild through four landing sites in Labuan between 2011 and 2015.

One of the three marine parks of Rusukan Besar Island became the most strategic landing place for two species, hawksbill turtle (Eretmochelys Imbricata) and green turtle (Chelonia Mydas) with 4,857 eggs during the period.

Malaysia Marine Park, Labuan director Anuar Deraman said the department recorded 3,506 eggs on Rusukan Kecil Island, followed by Kuraman Island with 2,206 eggs and Kiansam (ungazetted marine park), 231 eggs.

“Overall, the life percentage of the hatched eggs increased every year since 2011. Our efforts to conserve turtles by hatching their eggs and releasing the hatchlings into the sea since five years ago are succeeding,” he told Bernama on Friday.

Anuar said at least 20 nests were recorded every year with an average of three parent turtle landings on the four beaches.

The strategic landing sites, with no beach erosion are the factors behind the increased number of turtle landings,” he said.

Continue reading at: Labuan’s concerted efforts in turtle conservation bear fruit

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Pulau Mabul turtle hatchery releases 5,000th batch of hatchlings

KOTA KINABALU: A turtle hatchery at Pulau Mabul near the diving haven of Sipadan is celebrating a milestone with the release of the 5,000th batch of hatchlings recently.

The eggs were collected from 66 turtle nests and brought to the hatchery run by dive operator Scuba Junkie and the Sabah Wildlife Department.

Wildlife Department officer Mohd Soffian Abu Bakar said the hatchery’s milestone was remarkable, given the declining numbers of sea turtles worldwide.

“Pulau Mabul is known for the abundance of turtles seen by divers and snorkellers, even though green turtles are listed as endangered and hawksbill turtles as critically endangered on the IUCN (International Union on Conservation of Nature) Redlist.

“The fact that so many hatchlings have been released from this one hatchery is a great boost for turtle conservation and illustrates how important this area is for sea turtles,” Mohd Soffian added.

He said the hatchery programme was an example of government, business and local communities working together to safeguard the Semporna sea turtle populations.

Scuba Junkie currently has three honorary wildlife wardens (HWWs) trained by the department to safeguard endangered species such as sea turtles.

Continue reading (incl. Pic) at: Pulau Mabul turtle hatchery releases 5,000th batch of hatchlings

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Solar energy for turtle sanctuaries in Sarawak

KUCHING: Sarawak Energy Bhd (SEB) will support turtle conservation efforts by providing an alternative solar scheme to three remote turtle conservation areas not connected to the state grid.

The three areas – Pulau Talang-Talang Kecil, Pulau Talang-Talang Besar and Tanjung Datu National Park – are internationally renowned for turtle conservation activities by Sarawak Forestry Corp (SFC).

They currently use diesel generators with restricted hours of operation and high maintenance costs.

SEB is engaging in solar project to promote the use of renewable energy and support the management of turtle hatcheries in these locations.

“This is our ongoing effort to support nature conservation. Through our corporate social responsibility (CSR) electrification programme, we will provide electricity to three conservation areas through the use of solar power, an alternative energy source,” SEB group chief executive Datuk Torstein Dale Sjotveit said at the handing over of turtle adoption certificates from SFC to the utility company.

Sjotveit said SEB’s CSR efforts also focused on environmental conservation.

“Through this project, we use environmentally friendly technology and eliminate carbon emission from the existing diesel generators.

This project, estimated at a cost of RM2mil, will reduce the high costs of energy generated from diesel generators and the logistical challenges of transporting diesel to these remote areas.

“It will also eliminate the loud noise from the diesel generators, which disrupts turtle activities in the area,” he added.

Continue reading (Incl. Pic) at: Solar energy for turtle sanctuaries in Sarawak

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Swimming with turtles at Sipadan, Borneo

These aquatic beauties may not have the awe of sharks, but their grace and charisma makes for an unforgettable diving experience

At Sipadan, off the coast of Borneo, strong currents swept in from the Celebes Sea.

In the early morning light I drifted across the shallow reef plateau on the eastern tip of this tiny uninhabited island, surrounded by curious batfish and clouds of brilliant-yellow snappers.

Like most divers I had come here in search of big fish: the fast, open-water species such as jacks, barracuda and tuna.

Here, around this island surrounded by deep waters, the currents are always rich in plankton, nourishing the reef and its inhabitants, and everything that comes in from the open ocean to feed on them.

The current took me across the plateau at speed, allowing me to pass through a pack of whitetip reef sharks.

Out in the blue I could see six or seven of their bulkier cousins, grey reef sharks, staying aloof.

A giant Napoleon wrasse hung in mid-water, eyes as big as ping-pong balls, bulbous lips and shimmering green flesh catching the sunlight from above.

At the edge of the reef, where the deep blue abyss plunged into darkness, there was a shimmering ball of barracuda, great silver streaks that swirled together like an underwater tornado. 

Swimming beneath them, I looked up through the living vortex as if in a chimney.

Drifting over the lip of the plateau I descended out of the grip of the current, hugging the reef wall and catching my breath.

The hard corals are healthy here, bright swatches of colour in contrast to the limestone plateau swept clean by the racing tides.

I had read that turtles were common off Sipadan, but the excitement of the fast drift dive had filled my head with images of sleek silver hunters.

Absorbed in the wall, I stared hard at wispy gorgonians, hoping to catch sight of a sea horse.

Then, tucked into the reef wall, I spotted the unmistakable patterned disc of a turtle.

Not a metre from my face-mask I stared at its wrinkled neck and saw it blink one hooded, dark eye.

Continue reading (Incl. Pics) at: Swimming with turtles at Sipadan, Borneo

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Turtle Hatching on Pom Pom

Hatchling sea turtles smaller than the palm of my hand, and cute enough to warm even the stormiest of hearts, tumble onto the beach.

A line is drawn in the sand to keep spectators at a distance, and the hatchlings scurry down the beach attracted to the ocean by the light of the setting sun. 

These tiny turtles are protected from the natural predators of land by our presence and poachers through our nightly turtle walks and eggs collection.

Yet, even with our protection, the onset of a sea turtles life is fraught with obstacles and dangers.

The short stretch of beach leading to the sea is difficult to navigate, footprints present themselves like craters to the hatchling, some of whom must momentarily rest before they struggle up what must be a mighty staircase to their small selves.

Once reaching the water their weight will reduce and the physical struggles of a creature made for the sea moving on land will diminish, but the danger of the ocean and its predators increases– so much so that only 1 in 1000 hatchling turtles will reach sexual maturity.

Just offshore ocean predators wait, even from the beach a barracuda is seen lurking in the shallows.

The first task of a hatchling sea turtle is to find a raft of seaweed, which will provide a degree of shelter from harsh ocean conditions, and under which it can hide from predators.

This refuge-giving raft also provides the fresh hatchlings a chance to rest and makes it easier for the little turtle to reach the oxygen it needs above the surface of the ocean.

If it finds enough cover and has enough luck, baby sea turtles will float with the current in their seaweed raft feeding on smaller crustaceans and fish until the age of 5 or 6 and it is big enough to handle the open ocean.

However, even at this adolescent stage the turtles are still small, roughly the size of a dinner plate, and subject to much predation.

But if they survive the odds, Sea Turtles instinctively return to the beach on which they hatched when they reach sexual maturity at 35.

Continue reading (Incl. Pics) at: Turtle Hatching on Pom Pom

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Turtle Islands National Park – Selingan

This morning, we catch a speedboat from the Sandakan jetty and make for our destination of Turtle Islands National Park.

Selingan island is about a 1.5hr boat ride away and is a conservation island for the Green turtle and the Hawksbill turtle, who come on shore to lay their eggs.

Arriving at a picturesque tropical beach, an afternoon of lazing around is in order.

The water is sparkling clear and warm. The location is idyllic and the salt water provides relief for our still weary legs.

Visitors stay on the island but are asked to vacate the beach by 6pm.

This is because turtles will come up to shore to lay the eggs each night and the rangers do not want them to be disturbed.

There is also a police presence on the island as we are only 30km away from the territory of the Phillipines.

The police serve as both rangers to detect poachers, as well as border patrol. A stint on the island for a police officer lasts 3 months.

At 6pm, an exhibition room opens above the dining room and tells us a little more about the turtles as well as the coral and other marine life around the island.

At 7pm, a short video details a little more about the local turtles.

The fact of the day is that the sex of the turtle is determined by what temperature the eggs mature in.

A variation in 4.3 degrees can mean the difference between a male or a female turtle hatching.

This curiosity means that the keepers on the sanctuary have to aim for an even distribution of male and female hatchlings.

Some eggs are buried in the shade, while others are in the sun.

After dinner, we have to remain in the dining hall.

Now it’s the waiting game as we must patiently await for the ranger to tell us when a turtle has come ashore and we can view her laying her eggs.

The previous evening, the first turtle arrived at 7pm so we are hopeful it won’t be too late.

The clock rolls past 10pm as we wait.

Continue reading (Incl. Pics) at: Turtle Islands National Park – Selingan

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Sea turtle conservation in Sarawak may get Michelle Yeoh’s touch

KUCHING: Malaysian-born international actress Tan Sri Michelle Yeoh is keen to do an international-standard documentary about sea turtle conservation in Sarawak.

Sarawak Forestry Corporation deputy general manager (Protected areas and biodiversity conversation) Oswald Braken Tisen said the proposed documentary could be the first of its kind ever filmed in the state.

A private meeting on the matter was held at a local hotel here yesterday, and present were Yeoh, Sarawak Tourism Minister Datuk Amar Abang Johari Tun Openg, his assistant ministers Datuk Gramong Juna and Datuk Talip Zulpilip, Assistant Minister in the Chief Minister’s Office (Promotion of Technical Education) Datu Len Talif Salleh, Tourism Ministry permanent secretary Datu Ik Pahon Joyik, and Oswald.

The concept for the documentary, which might include other forms of marine life, was discussed during the meeting.

Abang Johari, who spoke to reporters after the meeting, declined to reveal details of the proposed documentary as it was “still in the negotiation and initial stages”.

“What is confirmed for now is that the documentary is on. We are excited that Yeoh has taken the initiative to make a documentary here to promote Sarawak, more specifically its wildlife, to the world,” he said.

Yeoh, who is also a well-known environmentalist and animal lover, visited Talang Talang Island on Sunday. It was her second visit there in as many years.

Continue reading (Incl. Pic) at: Sea turtle conservation in Sarawak may get Michelle Yeoh’s touch

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Expect the unexpected in Borneo

Did I expect to be able to climb Mt Kinabalu to watch the sun rise? Never.

Was I planning on joining orangutans for breakfast? Probably not.

But then these experiences and more were typical of my unexpected highlights in Borneo.

I chose Borneo for my next Intrepid trip because I loved the thought of seeing amazing wildlife, staying in traditional villages and I was prepared to give the mountain climb a go, but what I didn’t anticipate was just how much of a buzz I would get from exploring this fascinating land.

Getting to know the local people was a real privilege. We stayed in a Dusun village near the base of Mt Kinabalu and were warmly welcomed into the community.

It was such fun to learn how to cook regional specialities in their family kitchen and thanks to a colourful cultural show we got to understand more about the proud Dusun heritage.

On Turtle Island we could kick back after our Kinabalu challenge with plenty of swimming and sunning time, but the real thrills came after dark.

Each night green turtles come ashore and we got to watch quietly as mums dug their sandy nests for their precious eggs.

The Turtle Island Marine Park researchers also released a group of hatchlings and like little wind up toys with their flippers flapping they made their frantic scramble to the water’s edge.

Continue reading (Incl. Pic) at: Expect the unexpected in Borneo

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Turtle rescue centre launched in Pulau Gaya

KOTA KINABALU: The first dedicated turtle rescue centre in Sabah was officially launched yesterday, marked with the release of its first rescued turtle back into the sea.

The launch was officiated by Tourism, Culture and Environment Minister Datuk Seri Masidi Manjun, who also helped to carry the turtle, named Bobby, from its temporary holding tank into the water.

The turtle rescue centre is part of the Gaya Island Marine Centre (GIMC), which was also officiated by Masidi yesterday.

Located on Gaya Island within the Tunku Abdul Rahman Marine Park, GIMC also carries out coral reef restoration and marine conservation education programmes.

“The story of Bobby is a happy one, a story of hope,” said Masidi in his officiating speech.

He also launched a hard-cover coffee table book entitled “Natural Wonders” featuring plants, animals and places of interest at and around YTL Hotel properties around the world.

YTL Hotel is the operator of Gaya Island Resort, along with several other resorts and hotels in Malaysia, Thailand, Indonesia, China, Japan, France and UK, including the recipient of 2003 world’s best resort award winner, Pangkor Laut Resort.

The resort’s marine biologist, Scott Mayback, said they found the turtle floating near the island five months ago.

“The turtle tank was not completed yet at the time but we decided to bring it back and try to nurture it back to health. We named it Bobby.

“It was in very bad shape. It could not dive or eat and there were several times I’ve mistaken it to be dead, because it was so inactive.

“In fact, the only thing that it could eat for the first three months were fish oil, which we injected directly to its oesophagus. One day, we took a leap of faith and tried a new antibiotic and the result is the healthy turtle that you see today,” said Mayback before releasing Bobby.

Masidi in his address also touched on the importance of conserving and preserving nature, and turning it into a sustainable economic earner for the State.

Continue reading at: Turtle rescue centre launched in Pulau Gaya

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MoU on joint turtle conservation on Libaran Island signed

TAMPARULI: The Sabah Wildlife Department (SWD) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Trekkers Lodge Sdn Bhd for turtle conservation on Libaran Island.

Both parties are collaborating on establishing a Turtle Conservation Programme on the island which includes, creating awareness programme for the locals and visitors on the conservation value of sea turtles, undertaking research projects to better understand the life cycle of sea turtles of Libaran island area and to create research programmes on the animal for local and international students.

Through the MoU, SWD will offer expertise, advice, training and monitoring assistance at the turtle hatchery and in situ operations to Trekkers Lodge Sdn Bhd in areas related to the collaboration.

The Department will also train Trekkers Lodge staff members Sdn Bhd to become honorary wildlife wardens who can then exercise enforcement with regards to the protection of the species.

The Department and the company were represented by SWD Director, Dr Laurentius Ambu and Trekkers Lodge Sdn Bhd Managing Director, Alexander Yee, at Rumah Terbalik respectively which is also operated by the latter, in Tamparuli recently.

Dr Ambu in his speech commented that there is a dire need to carry out turtle conservation in the state and he welcomed the initiative taken by Yee, describing it as another good example of the state collaborating with dynamic private enterprises and local community to protect the natural resources and environment.

“The department is always ready and supports the efforts of cooperation in managing and carrying out wildlife conservation activities in Sabah. I am confident that this collaboration with a private enterprise and the local community in carrying out conservation works will lead to a success,” added Dr Ambu.

Continue reading at: MoU on joint turtle conservation on Libaran Island signed

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Sabah Tourism Ministry to exploit international direct flights to attract visitors

SEMPORNA: The Ministry of Sabah Tourism, Culture and Environment is taking the initiative to exploit international direct flights from overseas like Hong Kong, Singapore, China to Tawau and Sandakan with an eye of boosting up the economic and tourism industry in the state.

Its Assistant Minister Datuk Pang Yuk Ming said it would be a long-term plan to encourage more international visitors to visit Sabah easily.

Pang said it was undeniable that the East Coast of Sabah has its potential in developing its eco-based tourism products.

Apart from identifying new products, he said his ministry would make an efforts in improving the quality of services, accommodations, methods of serving the tourists as well as logistics measures.

He said this to the media after officiating at the World Turtle Day 2013 at Uncle Chang’s Sipadan Mabul Dive Lodge here yesterday.

“Turtle is a tourism icon for diving industry in Sabah which is always ranked in the top-three. Therefore, the state government would work together with Universiti Malaysia Sabah (UMS) and other corporations in creating awareness among the kids and youngsters on the importance of conserving the turtle population.

“Our children are the future hope of the country. They should possess a noble value of appreciation and love of the ecosystem of our country.

Continue reading at: Sabah Tourism Ministry to exploit international direct flights to attract visitors

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Act fast on turtle conservation in Sabah

SEMPORNA: Minister of Sabah Tourism, Culture and Environment Datuk Masidi Manjun has urged marine scientists from Borneo Marine Research Institute, Universiti Malaysia Sabah (UMS), to work with the corporate sector to help them perform their corporate social responsibility in marine biodiversity conservation efforts in Sabah.

Masidi said Sabah would emerge as a showcase of cooperation among the various sectors of society in joining hands in the conservation of marine biodiversity.

He said their role in conserving the highly complex marine biodiversity of Sabah should be understood so that a comprehensive management framework could evolve.

“This should happen really fast since climate change is happening in a way that the whole marine ecosystem, of which turtles are a part, is facing increasing stress,” Masidi said in a speech was delivered by Assistant Minister Datuk Pang Yuk Ming during World Turtle Day 2013 at Uncle Chang’s Sipadan Mabul Dive Lodge here, yesterday morning.

“Marine turtles are so unique in our ecosystem that they deserve world attention. Although considerable research has been carried out, lifestyles and behavior of these animals are so complex that more investigations are needed to answer some key questions of their natural history.

“Their migration pattern, perception of environmental cues, modes of navigation and even sex differentiation are the aspects of their biology which still need a great deal of research to understand.

“I therefore strongly support the scientific investigations that UMS researchers are carrying out. There has to be a scientific basis for management of natural resources and in this context, studies on turtles assume special importance in their conservation,” Masidi said.

Masidi said such elements of cooperation between UMS academia and the corporate sector would augur well for the conservation of marine living resources of our state.

“This kind of cooperation can deliver a powerful message to all sections of society to develop care for nature and our marine natural heritage.”

He believed that local marine turtle conservation efforts could have a significant impact not only on the resident turtle population but the regional and global stocks of this unique animal.

“Ignoring the importance of local conservation efforts is ignoring the fundamental facts of turtle biology,” he said.

“Sabah is home to a nesting turtle population and a habitat for migrating turtles which spend time here and enrich our marine ecosystem.

Continue reading (Incl. Pics) at: Act fast on turtle conservation in Sabah
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