Sea Turtle Adoption Programme
Magnificent marine turtles are threatened species the world over. It was to protect these wonderful sea-going creatures that Sarawak created its first marine area National Park at Talang Satang.
The group of four islands has the largest concentration in Sarawak of nesting green and hawksbill turtles, which are both endangered species. The water bodies around islands are also abreeding, nursery and feeding ground for thousands of other marine species.
Though its primary purpose is conservation, like all the other National Parks, Talang Satang is open for nature tourism. Because of the sensitive nature of marine turtles and the small area of its four islands, visits to these islands are restricted. Visitors are only allowed to visit Satang Island for day trips. Land and water recreation activities are permitted indesignated areas only. At Talang-Talang Kecil & Talang-Talang Besar, only those involved in a specialized volunteer program are allowed.
Overview
Pulau Satang Besar, the largest of the islands, is open to visitors, but conservation takes priority over tourism. Parts of both the island and the surrounding sea are off-limits to visitors, who must remain within the designated area and be accompanied by Sarawak Forestry wardens at all times. Despite these very necessary restrictions, Pulau Satang Besar is a fascinating and beautiful place to visit. The turtle hatchery is the main land-based attraction, where visitors can learn all about the conservation programme.
The island itself is steep and thickly forested, and unsuitable for trekking. However, a white sand beach stretches across the entire southern side of the island. The surrounding waters are a deep emerald green with coral reefs just a short distance from the shore, which offer good snorkelling possibilities. The sea-bed slopes gradually to a depth of about 12 metres, with some attractive hard coral formations, soft corals, gorgonian sea fans and feather stars, surrounded by their attendant small fish. The colours can be fantastic, but visibility is frequently limited to between 3 and 10 metres, so only serious snorkellers and divers will see the corals at their best. Large pelagic fish are rare, but Green Turtles can occasionally be seen gliding gracefully through the water.
