Selingan Turtle Island Chalet

Selingan Turtle Island Chalet - Sandakan, Sabah

- December 30, 2025

Selingan Turtle Island Chalet is located within Turtle Islands Park, and Crystal Quest Holidays is the only chalet operator on the island. All bookings must be made through them, and the package costs RM 972 for a two-day, one-night stay for two people. As my partner had some difficulty making the payment online, we were advised to pay in person (either by cash or card) at the main office near the jetty on the day of departure. To our pleasant surprise, we were only charged RM 700 for a two-day, one-night stay for two people due to a promotion.

Please note that a conservative fee of RM 20 per adult is payable separately at the Sabah Parks office (via card only), which is located next to the Crystal Quest Holidays main office. To get to the jetty, guests can use Grab and search for Crystal Quest Sdn Bhd using the Waze pin location. The package includes chalet accommodation, meals (lunch, dinner, and breakfast), and boat transfers.

Itinerary overview:

Day 1: Sandakan - Selingan Island

09:30: Registration at Sabah Parks Jetty

10:00: Boat departs for Selingan Island (approximately 45 minutes to 1 hour, depending on sea conditions)

11:00: Arrival at Selingan Island, followed by a short briefing at the cafeteria

12:00: Lunch at the cafeteria

14:00: Free time to explore the island, relax, sunbathe, swim or snorkel (allowed in Section 1 and 2 only)

19:00: Video presentation at the cafeteria

19:30: Dinner at the cafeteria

20:30: Turtle program begins anytime after dinner

The turtle program usually begins after dinner and is scheduled based on when the first mother turtle is sighted. Depending on the tide, green turtles come ashore after nightfall to search for a suitable nesting area, where they slowly dig a nest in the sand using their hind flippers.

To ensure the turtles are not disturbed, park rangers will inform visitors before the egg-laying begins. The rangers will then measure and tag the turtle if it has not already been tagged, collect the eggs, and demonstrate how they are transferred to the hatchery. Visitors will also have the opportunity to help release baby turtles into the sea.

Please note that flash photography and video recording are strictly prohibited during the turtle program to ensure the turtles are not disturbed. Additionally, visitors may choose to adopt a turtle nest as part of the conservation effort.

Day 2: Selingan Island - Sandakan

06:30: Breakfast at the cafeteria

07:00: Departure back to Sabah Parks Jetty (approximately 45 minutes to 1 hour, depending on sea conditions)

The rooms on Selingan Island are simple, each fitted with two single beds and basic amenities such as air conditioning, a ceiling fan, and a private bathroom with a standing shower. The room had a musty smell, and I noticed small bits of dirt falling from the ceiling onto one of the beds. The bed was soft, and the pillow was comfortable.

Please bear in mind that there is no hot water available. My partner took the first shower and commented on how salty the water tasted. When it was my turn, the water was cold but manageable. The water pressure was good, and there was no salty taste. However, the bathroom has no hooks or space to hang clothes or towels. Apart from that, the towels provided were scratchy, and the basin had old stains. We also heard noises coming from the bathroom ceiling, which looked aged and about to collapse. Thankfully it didn't, and the noises could be from creatures dwelling above the ceiling.

There are no potters on the island. Therefore, guests will need to carry their own luggage from the boat to their chalet. Each guest is allowed to bring just one small bag or backpack. The island has Wi-Fi, however, due to its location near the Philippine border, mobile phone signals may be limited or connect to the Philippine network. To help preserve the island's natural environment, the use of drones is strictly prohibited throughout the island.