A Turtle Evening near Kuantan

A Turtle Evening
near Kuantan

There is little else that can top seeing a turtle laying eggs. Home of a leading turtle hatching
site along Malaysia’s east coast, it is one of the few beaches where visitors can
admire leatherbacks contributing to the next generation of turtles.

WHY THIS TOUR?

With an extensive coastline like Malaysia, protecting the lushness of its verdant jungle landscape and cultural heritage is not exclusively reserved within the heart of both the Peninsula and Borneo. Wildlife living below the ocean’s surface – and those regularly transiting between the land and the water – areas vulnerable to the effects of modern-day society as the more land-based mammals. A leading example is the turtle, in particular the leatherback turtle.

The importance of keeping these magnificent animals among us for as long as possible has been the cornerstone core value of designated protected zones along the Malaysia east coast. Seen as a pioneer in turtle conservation lies near the beachside town of Kuantan. During this half-day, family-friendly tour, see how local officials at Teluk Mak Nik Beach (Monica Bay) work tirelessly to get the leatherback population back on track.

Malaysia

Kuantan

1 Day

Authentic Trails

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TRAIL ITINERARY

A Turtle Evening near Kuantan

21:00 - 01:00

This evening-only excursion starts with meeting with your driver at your booked resort in Kuantan. The approximately 1-hour drive in a northern direction towards the shores of charming Chukai deliver ample moments of the laid-back lifestyle, still preserved and kept, of the Malaysian population at this side of the peninsula.

Upon arrival at Monica Bay, you are welcomed by a representative of the Fisheries Department and introduce you to what’s in store for the coming hours. This secluded bay is one of the few places where the public is permitted to watch nesting turtles. As part of a chain of turtle-preservation centres crisscrossing through Malaysia, this beach region is a breeding location for the world’s largest turtle – the endangered leatherback turtle.

Guests on this private tour may witness leatherback turtles crawl up the beach and lay eggs. The return of the seafaring turtles to east-coast beaches is a yearly affair and has positively impacted the turtle population released back in the ocean. Although not guaranteed, it is an amazing feeling to see these large animals drop dozens of eggs at the same time before returning to the ocean. The local beach rangers can provide ample information about these giant leatherbacks, with their unusual black, rubbery skin, and their sustainable work.

Today, these nesting grounds are monitored by the Malaysian Fisheries Department. The only period to witness this is from May to September, especially during high tide. The tour comes to an end with a comfortable transfer back to your Kuantan accommodation.

THINGS YOU SHOULD KNOW

THINGS YOU SHOULD KNOW

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INCLUSIONS

  • An evening tour with a professional English-speaking guide-cum-driver. Other languages are on request and may be subject to supplementary charges
  • All entrance fees for visits as mentioned in the description.
  • All applicable taxes and service charges

EXCLUSIONS

  • Tours, inclusions of any kind and other services that are not outlined in the tour description
  • Personal expenses such as meals, drinks, tips and gratuities, shopping, portage fees and optional tours, unless otherwise stated
  • Hotel accommodation in the destination of commencement.
  • Compulsory Christmas, country-specific festival and/or New Year dinner at included hotels
  • Single supplement charges for single travelers, where applicable
  • Any airline tickets, visa fees, additional transportation cost from and to the general meeting point
  • Supplements for transfers for customers arriving or departing from any airport or resorts located outside the general pick-up and drop-off locations
  • Hotel expenses of a personal nature, should an overnight be included: this includes mini-bar consumption, laundry, room service, any telephone or other communication cost not mentioned in the program
  • Travel insurance coverage for customers (highly recommendable)

GOOD TO KNOW

  • The tour is only available from May to September
  • This tour is operated on full private basis with English-speaking guide-cum-driver. Other languages are on request / subject to availability and supplementary charges may apply
  • Return transfers for this excursion apply only / are inclusive for customers staying inside downtown Kuantan and Cherating. Transfers outside these areas, including any accommodation outside this area such as any cruise and ferry terminal and Kuantan Airport are excluded. Supplements apply for customers who want to join this excursion outside one of these regions
  • We regret to inform you that this excursion is not suitable for wheelchair users; We always will make efforts to confirm the exact pick-up time upon reservation. For any operational issues in which are not able to confirm the exact pick-up time in advance, we reserve the right to inform you the day before the departure of the tour
  • Please note pick-up and drop-off services may not be confirmed for customers staying at private residences, apartment complexes, or other non-registered tourism accommodations. Customers may be asked to meet at a nearby hotel for pick-up and drop off
  • The mentioned excursion durations are approximations; we are unable to exactly predict the total duration from pick-up to drop-off based on unforeseen circumstances such as traffic and weather conditions and the routing the driver has to take to get all customers on the vehicle
  • Customers are allowed to take pictures at the mentioned site freely
  • Natural elements of any kind have a destructive effect on electronic equipment. It is the customer’s own responsibility to ensure that any camera, mobile telephone or other device is properly wrapped and protected against these elements. We cannot be held responsible in any way for negligence and/or not following suggestions for any damage related to this
  • We reserve the right to make necessary changes to the excursion in case of unfavourable weather conditions or situations where we are forced to make alterations to guarantee the safety of our guests
  • The protection of the country’s flora and fauna is of immense importance for us. We will not pursue any activities for guests that are not in line with our animal, wildlife and environment protection principles
  • It is the responsibility of the customer to provide us with the correct hotel information, should pick-up and drop-off services be included in the package. Any changes in accommodation outside 24 hours will be handled accordingly: changes within 24 hours may be on request
  • In the event of no-show or change of accommodation without prior consent and confirmation from us within 24 hours may result in the applicable cancellation charges as outlined in the terms and conditions
  • We recommend bringing a light jacket / sweater with you on this tour as part of this excursion is in the late evening, where the average temperatures can drop to lower levels.
  • It is important to understand that we are not able to guarantee that the turtles will be laying eggs during one’s visit. Seeing turtles laying 80-120 eggs during one evening heavily depends on the sea, weather and conditions of the tides.

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