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If you are visiting Penang we HIGHLY recommend a visit to the inspirational Penang Turtle Sanctuary in 2026. This may be one of the most memorable and meaningful things you will do in Penang. If you visit the Penang Turtle Sanctuary you are very likely to see turtles any time of the year. Also if you are lucky and they have baby turtles they are ridiculously cute!
So how do you arrange a visit to this amazing sanctuary? There is a LOT of old and inaccurate information out there about the Penang Turtle Sanctuary. SO we have published this guide to tell you everything you need to know to plan a visit to the Penang Turtle Sanctuary – and we have even included some information on how to arrange a special visit to see BABY turtles being released.
There really are so many AMAZING things to do in Penang – this beautiful island never ceases to amaze us.
What do they do at the Penang Turtle Sanctuary?
The Penang Turtle Sanctuary is committed to CONSERVATION, PRESERVATION and EDUCATION to protect wild sea turtles and prioritize their survival. They achieve their goals by observing and monitoring wild sea turtles which naturally lay eggs on Turtle Beach (Pantai Kerachut). They protect the buried eggs and monitor hatching (it normally takes 7-10 weeks for eggs to hatch).
Baby turtles are placed in a safe pool to allow them to grow stronger before being released into the wild. The Turtle Sanctuary works in collaboration with research departments and with the Penang Department of Fishery to accomplish their goals. The Turtle Sanctuary also welcomes visitors throughout the year to help people LEARN and CONNECT with these majestic animals.
At the Penang Turtle Sanctuary it is possible to see the area where eggs are protected by hatching baskets. The eggs themselves are buried deep in the sand to provide a safe environment and a stable temperature for egg development.
What type of turtles can you see at the Penang Turtle Sanctuary?
At the Penang Turtle Sanctuary you can see Green Sea Turtles. These beautiful endangered animals have fascinating lives. Green Sea Turtles are the backpackers of the ocean. They have been known to migrate over 1,600 miles between their feeding sites and breeding grounds. It is spectacular that a female Green Sea Turtle will return to lay eggs at the same beach she hatched from.
Sometime as long as 30 years later! This behavior is thought to be adaptive – their parents’ reproductive success increases the probability of their own success at the same beach. Egg laying and hatching tends to occur in the safety and cool of the night and early hours. You can see green turtles throughout the year at the Penang Turtle Sanctuary.
Where is the Turtle Sanctuary located?
The Penang Turtle Sanctuary is located on Turtle Beach (also known as Pantai Kerachut) located in the National Park on the North West tip of Penang island. It is amazing how many people visit turtle beach and don’t even know the sanctuary is here. Keep reading to find out the BEST way to get to the Turtle Sanctuary.
What is the BEST way to get to the Penang National Park?
The national park entrance is in the village of Teluk Bahang on the northwest coast of Penang, Malaysia. The main ways to get to the Penang National Park are by bus and by taxi.
Take a bus to Teluk Bahang: Local bus is the cheapest option and will only cost a few ringgits. Take the 101 bus running westbound along Chulia street. The journey to Teluk Bahang may take around 45 minutes depending on stops and traffic. The bus route is as follows:
George Town – Tanjung Bungah – Batu Ferringhi – Teluk Bahang
Take a Grab taxi to Teluk Bahang: The other way to get to the Penang National park is to take a taxi. Grab is the main taxi app in Penang – this is a quick, flexible and convenient way to get around. Expect to pay around RM15 from Batu Ferringhi to the National Park and around RM50 from Georgetown to the National Park. Find out Everything you need to know about using Grab in Malaysia.
What is the BEST way to get to the Penang Turtle Sanctuary?
Don’t miss our FULL GUIDE on how to get to Turtle Beach (The Turtle Sanctuary is located here)
There are TWO ways to get to the Turtle Sanctuary: You can either trek along a beautiful jungle trail to Turtle Beach (3.5km each way) OR you can take a boat from the Penang National Park entrance to Turtle Beach. It is also possible to trek OUT to Turtle Beach and then take a boat back. However, if you choose this option you will need to wait at Turtle Beach for a boat that is ready to return. ALSO beware – there is no phone signal at turtle beach – this really is a wild intrepid location.
1 Trek to turtle beach
The following map shows the trek to Turtle Beach. Once at turtle beach – just keep walking along the beach past the pier to get to the Turtle Sanctuary.
The walk to turtle beach is around 3.5km each way and takes 1 – 1.5 hours to walk depending on your pace and stopping time. If you plan to do this, we recommend getting an early start (the National Park opens for registration at 8am). Here is the route:
1 Walk for 5 minutes along the well paved path (the sea is to your right)
2 Cross the bridge and turn left immediately after the bridge
3 Follow the path up into the jungle- it quickly becomes steep steps up a hill
4 Keep an eye out for a waterfall near the top of the hill
4 You will notice a few smaller paths turn off the main path – don’t take these turnings just stick to the main path
5 Around half way to turtle beach the path starts going back down hill again. You will pass several rest pavilions
6 You may notice a path turning off to the left towards the end of the trek. Don’t turn off. Just stick on the main path.
7 Keep following the main path down some steps and the way to turtle beach. When you arrive at turtle beach there is a small suspension bridge to cross and you will see the meromictic lake to your left.
9 To get to the turtle sanctuary walk along the beach past the pier. The Penang Turtle Sanctuary is near the other end of the beach.
The hiking route to Turtle Beach is pretty challenging. There are some steep uphill sections and the trail is uneven with rocks and roots. The trail is well trodden and navigation is pretty easy. There are signs along the trail and not too many turnings.
2 Take a boat to turtle beach
The other way to get to the Penang Turtle Sanctuary is to go to the National Park entrance and arrange a boat. Boats cost RM100 (around £20 or $25) for a one way trip to Turtle Beach and RM200 (around £40 or $50) for a return trip. You do not need to book a boat in advance. If you are hoping to save some money we recommend asking other travelers at the National Park entrance whether they would like to share a boat with you. Boats can take up to 10 passengers.
How much does it cost to visit the Penang Turtle Sanctuary?
It is FREE to visit the Penang Turtle Sanctuary. BUT you do need to pay the National Park fee to visit the Turtle Sanctuary on Turtle Beach.
To enter the Penang National park you need to purchase a permit from the ticket office:
- There is an entrance fee of RM50 for non-Malaysians and RM10 for Malaysians.
- For children 3 – 12 years old it costs RM15 for mon-Malaysians and RM5 for Malaysians.
- Children under 3 years old are FREE
- Both Malaysian and Non-Malaysian Senior Citizens (60 years and older) are FREE.
- Student discounts available (bring a student card)
What are the opening hours at the Turtle Sanctuary?
Registration at the Penang National Park
Saturday – Thursday 8am – 1pm and 2pm – 4.30pm
Fridays 8am – 12.15pm and 2.45pm – 4.30pm
The Turtle Sanctuary is open daily from 10am – 4.30pm (may close on public holidays such as Hari Raya)
When is the best time to see turtles at the Penang Turtle Sanctuary?
You can see turtles ALL YEAR around at the Penang Turtle Sanctuary. They generally have larger turtles housed at the Penang Turtle Sanctuary. AND if you are lucky you may also be able to see super cute baby turtles at the Penang Turtle Sanctuary. Turtles use this beach for nesting and egg laying all year around. If you are lucky you may get to see baby turtles that have hatched on site. It is also possible to see the baby turtles being released but this will require some LUCK and some planning (more on this soon)
Can you volunteer at the Penang Turtle Sanctuary?
At present the Penang Turtle Sanctuary does not have any volunteering programs. However, if you want to support the conservation and protection of marine animals in the area, one great way to contribute is litter picking on the beach.,
Can you stay overnight at the Penang Turtle Sanctuary?
It is not possible to stay overnight at the Penang Turtle Sanctuary. In the past it was possible to camp at Turtle Beach. However, you are NO LONGER allowed to camp on Turtle Beach without a guide. If you wish to stay in the Penang National Park overnight, there is a small campsite located at Lazyboys cafe on Monkey Beach. It is possible to stay at this campsite on Monkey Beach without a guide. However, it is not easy to get from Monkey Beach to Turtle Beach without a boat.
Can you buy food and drinks at the Penang Turtle Sanctuary?
NO, you cannot buy food or drinks at the Penang Turtle Sanctuary. Actually, you cannot but food or drinks on Turtle Beach. SO, it is super important to be very well prepared if you are planning to visit the Penang Turtle Sanctuary. Bring plenty of water (a few litres per person) and any food that you will need for your trip. There is a small shop located at the National Park entrance – this is the last place you can buy snacks and drinks before your adventures in the National Park.
How do you see baby turtles being released at the Penang Turtle Sanctuary?
It is possible to see baby turtles being released into the wild at the Penang Turtle Sanctuary. If you would like to see super cute baby turtles being released into the wild you will need a little bit of luck and a lot of persistence. If you are able to attend a baby turtle release this is FREE of charge and a remarkable event.
The baby turtles are gently placed on the beach. They instinctively scan their surroundings for dangers and predators. And then starts the turtle waddle to the ocean.
There is no way to predict when they will be releasing baby turtles at the Penang Turtle Sanctuary. Turtles lay aggs at Pantai Kerachut throughout the year. If the Penang Turtle Sanctuary does have baby turtles, they normally release them a week or two after they have hatched – when they are big enough to survive and also when there is a sufficiently large number of hatchlings to be released. The only way to confirm the date and book a baby turtle release is to contact the Penang Department of Fisheries. We found that we needed to be quite persistent to get information from them.
You can also call the Penang Department of Fisheries on +60 465 72 777
Where is the best place to stay in Penang to visit the Turtle Sanctuary
If you are looking for a hotel near the Penang National Park – check out the impressive 5 star Angsana Hotel located 5 minutes from the National Park entrance. Luxury and tranquility combined!
If you are looking for a good vibe and want to be near the Turtle Sanctuary – check out the Hard Rock hotel in Batu Ferringhi.
If you want somewhere VERY special and UNIQUE in Penang – don’t miss the Lost Paradise – the name says it all!
