satang island trip

Satang Island Day Trip

Book this tour.

0830-0845 hours pick up from hotel. From Kuching drive for about 35 minutes to the Santubong Boat Club. Board a boat and cruise to the mouth of the Santubong River. There is a chance to spot the elusive and rare Irrawaddy dolphin, which is quite common in this area. Continue out to the South China Sea heading for Satang Island. This island is part of the Talang-Satang National Park and is a turtle nesting ground where Green Turtles and the rare Hawksbill Turtles lay their eggs. The turtle hatchery on Satang Island provides an introduction to the conservation work being done to help these highly endangered sea creatures. Relax on the island’s white sandy beach or snorkel over the coral and marine life found in the shallow waters surrounding the island. A picnic lunch and refreshments will be provided. Return to the mainland via the Santubong estuary. Return to your hotel, arriving in Kuching at approximately 1500 hours.

Note: Since you may be exposed to the hot tropical sun we strongly recommend that you bring along a cap, sun shades and sun block. Insect repellent is also recommended. This tour is not always possible during the wet season (November – February) owing to sea conditions.

Pick up and drop off at hotel, tour as stated above and English speaking guide.

Juices, carbonated & alcoholic beverages, tips for guide & driver

2 adults per order

We reserve the right to cancel or postpone this tour in case of heavy rain or bad weather conditions.

These tours operate on the principle that you may be in a small group of other people.

Interested in this tour? For more information on this tour and our other tours contact us

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Learn about local farming traditions and Bidayuh food on this immersive farm, food & cooking tour

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6 days / 5 nights tour includes Kuching, Bako National Park, Semenggoh Orangutan and 2 nights at Cove 55 boutique resort

Mulu Marriott & Showcaves 3D2N

Discover the caves of Gunung Mulu National Park and stay at the Mulu Marriott on this 3 days / 2 nights tour

Enquire about Satang Island Day Trip

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Satang Island Day Discovery

Snorkel to explore the underwater world

7 hour Adventure!

Day trip to Satang Island

Day trip from Kuching to beautiful Satang Island, a nesting ground for Green turtles

Tour Highlights

Scenic boat ride out to the South China sea

Visit the turtle hatchery on Satang Island to learn about the turtle conservation work

Jump off the boat to Snorkel the underwater world

Relax and lunch on the island’s white sandy beach

Click the Tabs to Find Out More

Trip details, good to know.

Adults (12+): MYR 427.00

Children (3-11): MYR 214.00

Departure Time

Meeting point, availability.

Monday to Sunday, April to end of October

Min 2 adults max 8 adults

Difficulty Level

• Land and Boat Transfer
• Snorkeling set and life jacket
• A great time!

What to Bring

• Wear light comfortable clothes that dry easily, swimsuits, shorts are fine;
• Sandals or pair of flip flops;
• Personal care: personal medication, sunscreen, mosquito repellent;
• On day trips, bring snacks and extra mineral water even though we do provide mineral water.
• A towel, change of clothes and plastic bag to keep phone / cameras dry;
• Sun hat / cap and sunglasses.

About Your Guide

Our community guides cum boatmen are from the local villages and are most willing to share their knowledge of local culture and the remarkable diversity of local fauna and flora so that you will have plenty of information about your journey in this beautiful nature area, and at the same time ensure safety and Great FUN in this remote area!

What sets this tour apart:

What you’ll see or do:.

After pickup from your city hotel, we make an hour transfer to a sleepy fishing kampong facing the South China Sea and start our one hour scenic boat ride to Satang Island. On the way, we will stop and observe the many types of birds residing on the small rocky Bird Island.  Upon reaching Satang Island, the boat will park at a snorkeling zone where you can jump off the boat to explore the underwater world.  After snorkeling, we visit the turtle hatchery on Satang Island to get an idea of conservation work being done to help the highly endangered sea creatures such as Green Turtles. Spend time on the island’s white sandy beach. After a packed lunch on the beach, relax by the beach before we head back at around 1pm to the mainland and transfer back to the city!

• Suitable for families and visitors of all ages.
• 1. Cancellation of a tour: • 12% chargeable for cancellation of tour upon arriving at the Boat Club before cruise departure. • 50% chargeable for cancellation of a tour after less than 1 hour into cruising. • Non-refundable for cancellation of a tour after more than 1 hour into cruising. 2. Postponement of a tour: • No extra charge for postponement of tour to the next day for cancellation of a tour (due to bad weather) after less than 1 hour into cruising. • Cruise is forfeited and non-refundable for postponement of a tour more than once. Note: Our tour guide or boatman reserves the right to cancel or suggest the postponement of a tour to the next day due to bad weather condition.

See What Our Guests Are Saying

Josefa lullington ⎥ january 2019.

The whole trip was very well organised and we enjoyed every minute of it. We are very grateful for all your help and we will recommend “Responsible Travel ” to our relatives and friends.

You May Also Like...

Kuching orangutan tour, night frog hunting at kubah national park, danum​ ​valley​ ​wildlife explorer.

• +60 82 570 340 / +60 16 4123 304
• [email protected]
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Satang Island

Satang Island Day Trip

• Description

Discover the Magic of Satang Island: Your Ultimate Day Trip Guide

Embark on an unforgettable adventure to Satang Island, a hidden gem nestled in the azure waters of Southeast Asia. This pristine island, located off the coast of Sarawak, Malaysia, promises a day filled with breathtaking scenery, exhilarating activities, and unparalleled tranquillity. Let's delve into why a Satang Island day trip should be at the top of your travel bucket list.  

Satang Island is renowned for its rich marine biodiversity and is a haven for nature enthusiasts and avid snorkelers. Dive into the crystal-clear waters surrounding the island, and you'll be greeted by vibrant coral reefs teeming with colourful fish, sea turtles, and other fascinating marine life. With its protected status, Satang Island offers a rare opportunity to witness the wonders of an untouched underwater ecosystem.

Satang Island's pristine white-sand beaches provide the perfect setting for those seeking relaxation to unwind and soak up the sun's rays. Lounge under the swaying palm trees, listen to the gentle lapping of the waves and feel the stress of everyday life melt away.

Adventure awaits around every corner on Satang Island. Take a guided nature walk through lush rainforests, where you'll encounter unique flora and fauna, including exotic bird species and elusive monitor lizards. Remember to visit the Satang Turtle Conservation and Information Centre to learn about efforts to protect endangered sea turtles and even participate in a turtle release program.

Book a guided tour to make the most of your Satang Island day trip. Knowledgeable local guides will ensure you get the island's hidden gems and can provide insights into its rich natural history and cultural significance.

A day trip to Satang Island promises a perfect blend of adventure, relaxation, and natural beauty. Whether you're snorkelling amidst colourful coral reefs, strolling along pristine beaches, or learning about conservation efforts, Satang Island offers an unforgettable experience for travellers of all ages. So pack your sunscreen and sense of adventure and embark on a journey to discover the magic of Satang Island.  

Swimming or snorkeling at the island

Rare turtle sighting at Satang Island

MYR 330.00 / per adult MYR 330.00 / per child Validity Date 01/01/2024 - 31/12/2024

Travel Date:

Adult: 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 32 33 34 35 36 37 38 39 40 41 42 43 44 45 46 47 48 49 50 Child: 0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10

No.385-G, 2nd Flr, SL10, Lot 17824, Star Point Angle Commercial Centre, Jalan Stutong, 93350 Kuching, Sarawak, Malaysia

Satang Island Snorkeling & Sea Bird Island Watching from Kuching

• English Speaking Guide
• Hotel pickup and drop-off
• Transport by air-conditioned minivan
• Snorkel Gear & Life Vest
• Entry/Admission - Satang Island
• Entry/Admission - Pulau Satang Besar
• Not wheelchair accessible
• Infants must sit on laps
• Confirmation will be received at time of booking
• Not recommended for pregnant travellers
• Most travellers can participate
• All transfers and half/full day tours - NO refund for cancellation received within 24 hours notice
• Infant free of charge, no seat.
• All guest name list required / Name / Nationality / DOB
• Activities subject to weather condition
• This tour/activity will have a maximum of 18 travellers
• For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours in advance of the start date of the experience.

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More to explore in Kuching

Satang Island Snorkeling & Sea Bird Island Watching from Kuching provided by Magunatip Holidays

Satang Island Snorkeling & Sea Bird Island Watching from Kuching

• English Speaking Guide
• Hotel pickup and drop-off
• Transport by air-conditioned minivan
• Snorkel Gear & Life Vest
• Entry/Admission - Satang Island
• Entry/Admission - Pulau Satang Besar
• Not wheelchair accessible
• Infants must sit on laps
• Confirmation will be received at time of booking
• Not recommended for pregnant travellers
• Most travellers can participate
• All transfers and half/full day tours - NO refund for cancellation received within 24 hours notice
• Infant free of charge, no seat.
• All guest name list required / Name / Nationality / DOB
• Activities subject to weather condition
• This tour/activity will have a maximum of 18 travellers
• For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours in advance of the start date of the experience.

Similar experiences

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• 875sheenak 0 contributions 4.0 of 5 bubbles Day trip to Sepilok Orang Utan, Labuk Probiscos, Sun Bears and Borneo Handicraft centre. The Labuk Bay Probiscos was worthwhile visiting and watching the feeding. Our driver Mr Farhan (+60 11-2532 2699) was very professional, friendly and accomodating. Read more Written 19 February 2024
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• WorldTravellers021 0 contributions 2.0 of 5 bubbles Very disappointed. Could be better Very disappointing visit. Whilst there is no guarantee of seeing the gorgeous orangutans we sit through a 20 minute briefing on the do’s and dont’s and then it falls flat because no orangutan in site. Having been to Sepilok we felt this was a waste of time and money. All there was, was a small presentation video room and a few photos - not even a shop to buy stuff, though there was a stall seller in car park. They should make this a more interesting centre if you are unable to see an orangutan. Felt so flat and will not go again. Read more Written 30 November 2023
• 34tawhidr 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Awesome experience, weather is great.. Food experience is also amazing!! Excellent... We went to BOH tea Garden... Awesome Experience. My wife enjoyed our two day stay over there... Read more Written 29 November 2023
• SoTravel-Prachi 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Excellent💯👍👏 The views were amazing we took a picture of a snake one disadvantage is that there are too many stairs to climb. Read more Written 28 October 2023
• iangA4180GK 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Amazing tour with the best guide. Very friendly and knowledgeable. Great day out. Our tour guide, Mas Daud was amazing. Funny, very knowledgeable and very friendly. The cultural centre was such a great experience and we were lucky to see two orangutans at Semanggoh. Simply amazing. Highly recommend this tour for everyone. Read more Written 20 October 2023
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• Coastal63762977562 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Very enjoyable visit and we went away understanding the different ethnic groups and cultures The guide was fantastic. Enthusiastic, knowledgeable and very articulated. He made the visit so enjoyable and it was wonderful to see all the staff enjoying what they are doing. Certainly recommend this and special mention to Papoi ( not sure if I got it correctly but we joked that his name is similar to Popeye) We know that he is half Bajau. Read more Written 21 August 2023
• Lolyta A 0 contributions 4.0 of 5 bubbles Good experience Good experience , nice guide If you want to see wild animal in Bako you must go with this trip , they not guarante you can see but they guide to see them Thank you Read more Written 25 July 2023
• Voyage42975311995 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Orangutan Experience Thank you Edwin and your team for a wonderful morning trip to Semenggoh Wildlife Centre..Even though it was a rainy day we loved that Anwar appeared for us.. What an amazing experience.. will highly recommend you to all of our family and friends back in Australia. 😊 Read more Written 2 July 2023
• 417agn_sp 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Orang-outangs Semenggoh We were very lucky and saw 2 orangs-outans despite heavy rain. Very nice guide who shared some eatingspots with us in Kuching. Thanks again Edwin! Read more Written 27 June 2023
• NZTraveller20 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Great opportunity to see orangutans The park if home to many rehabilitated orangutans who now call this place home. Given it's been established for so long they are now breeding and having their own offspring. We were super lucky to see the orangutans - 6 in total. One solo near one of the feeding platforms, then a group of 4 which included a mother with a tiny baby as well is 2 older siblings who were all hanging out together and then finally a large male who was really close to the road. The ranger fed him various fruits to keep him occupied while we all snapped shots and then he was finally off. This was a highlight for us on our trip to Borneo - be aware though that there is a degree of commercialism here with many taking the chance to visit Read more Written 24 June 2023
• Curious60928632351 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Very good experience Was good, nice guide, on time pickup. One thing not perfect was the duration , we were back at the hotel in Kuching around 15. But to be honest, we felt satisfied nonetheless. Read more Written 17 June 2023
• jameshC5369MB 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Great one day trip! Fantastic way to see the Park if you have a day. Smooth travel from our hotel through to the Park and a great guide. Highly recommend! Read more Written 8 May 2023

More to explore in Kuching

Satang Island Snorkeling & Sea Bird Island Watching from Kuching provided by Magunatip Holidays

• +60 85 419 337 / +60 16 886 3304
• [email protected]
• English Malay 中文简体 中文繁體
• Chinese Yuan Euro Dollar Malaysia Ringgit US Dollar

Satang Island Day Trip

• Description

Have a fun day trip to Satang Island where you might be able to see Irrawaddy dolphins, Green Turtles or Hawksbill Turtles.

View of Mount Santubong from the river

Irrawaddy Dolphin

Satang Island

Swimming or snorkeling at the island

Rare turtle sighting at Satang Island

MYR 350.00 / per adult MYR 350.00 / per child Validity Date 01/05/2018 - 31/12/2024

Travel Date:

Adult: 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 32 33 34 35 36 37 38 39 40 41 42 43 44 45 46 47 48 49 50 Child: 0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10

Miri HQ: Lot 906, No 12, Ground Floor, Soon Hup Tower Shopping Complex, Jln Merbau, 98000 Miri, Sarawak Kuching: No. 385-G, 2nd Floor. SL10, Lot 17824, Star Point Angle Commercial Centre, Jln Stutong, 93350 Kuching, Sarawak Kota Kinabalu: Lot.No F-3-2, Block F, 3rd Floor, Plaza Tanjung Aru, Jalan Mat Salleh, 88100 Tanjung Aru, Kota Kinabalu, Sabah

Day trip to Satang Island

Drift away into the pristine waters of satang island.

• Attractions

Opening hours

What to expect?

What to bring.

• Change of clothes
• Outdoor mat
• Insect repellant
• Straps for glasses
• At least a litre of water
• Enough food and snacks to last 8 hours

What are the facilities provided?

• Snorkelling equipments
• Diving equipments

Who should I travel with?

Safety tips.

• Follow the instructions of the boat driver and crew for the entire journey.
• Stick close to your friends while diving or snorkelling and don’t drift too far away from them.
• Make sure you have a life vest on during the boat ride and during the snorkelling sessions if you choose. If you did not receive one, insist for it.
• Don’t stay on the island after 4.30pm or so as the waters will become very choppy and you’ll have a rough return trip after that.
• Be wary of the underwater wildlife! There are sea snakes, sea urchins and venomous stonefish near the corals so keep your distance from them and only observe from afar.

Insiders’ tips

• During May to September, there is a Sea Turtle Volunteer Programme held exclusively in Satang Island where you can join.
• Be sure to get there as early as possible in the morning as you can get the chance to see the baby turtles hatching at the turtle conservation and hatchery area. With the Rangers’ permission, you can also handle them (with care of course!)
• Check the weather forecasts ahead of time.

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Tour Details

Satang island turtle conservation and snorkeling day trip from kuching.

Duration: 8 hours 30 minutes

Categories: Sightseeing, Outdoors

Satang Island consisting of two islands Pulau Satang Besar and Pulau Satang Kecil is located in the South China Sea and its surrounding pristine waters are protected as a sanctuary for the turtles. Take time to visit the turtle conservation and hatchery area and learn about the conservation programme on the island. Later, there is plenty of time to snorkel and swim around this beautiful island and enjoy the colourful marine life.

Travel 30-minutes by motorised boat, pass mangrove swamps and picturesque fishing villages on the way to Sarawak's first marine national park. Arrive at Satang Island, one of the three islands set aside by the government for turtle conservation.

First, visit the turtle conservation and hatchery area and learn about the conservation programme. Park rangers collect the turtles eggs, count them and replace them in a beach hatchery. When the hatchlings emerge from their eggs after 40 to 60 days, the rangers record the numbers and release them into the sea.

Then proceed to Satang Island's beautiful white sand beach for snorkeling amidst the wide variety of soft corals, spotting an abundance of colourful marine life. Or an alternatively is to take a stroll through the rugged jungle that covers the island. A packed lunch is included.

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Culture Shock Rating

We have a wide range of tours designed to give you an insight into the destination you're travelling in and there is something for everybody. The culture shock ratings considers the destination visited, transport used, activities undertaken and that "Wow, I'm really not at home now!" factor. While generalisations are always tricky, a summary of our gradings is as follows…

This is the least confronting of our tour range. Transport used on the trip is either private or a very comfortable public option, the activities included are usually iconic sites and locations that are not all too confronting.

The tour can include a mix of private and public transport providing a level of comfort that is slightly below what you would experience at home. Sites visited are usually iconic sites, tours can also include market visits, visits to communities etc that provide the traveller with a fantastic insight into destination.

Expect to rough it for parts of this tour, whether it's a packed public bus where you are forced to stand, a visit to a local market, a local community, you are sure to have an experience that is very different from what you're used to at home.

The comforts of your home town and the environment you are used to are more of a rarity. Expect some challenging transport options, visits to local sites and areas that don't resemble anything at home.

You're out there in the global community! You are likely to be exposed to the elements, travel in whatever means of transport is available and basically take it as it comes, whatever comes! It can be tough.

Physical Rating

Our physical rating gives you an idea of how much huffing and puffing you can expect on the tour. While generalisations are always tricky, a summary of our gradings is as follows…

These tours have very limited physical activity. Usually climbing in and out of the transport provided, walking through sites, markets etc included in the itinerary.

These tours have a bit of physical activity but nothing that should challenge you too much. This could be climbing on and off public transport through to a walk through the destination you're travelling in, they can include walking only tours or a combination of walking and transport.

These tours involve a bit of physical activity from walking up and down hills in the destination you're travelling in or the surrounding areas. Climbing on and off local transport or riding a bike up to 30 kms along predominantly flat terrain or jumping in a kayak for a gentle paddle on flat water.

These Tours will provide you with some solid physical activity. Whether its bike riding, walking, trekking, kayaking or riding on public transport you will need to have a good level of fitness to enjoy this tour.

Be prepared for some serious physical activity. These tours are our most challenging and involve some serious walking, hiking or bike riding. Can involve step climbs by foot or pedal and some challenging public transport options in the destination you are travelling.

Luxury Rating

Some trips are like a stroll on the beach, while others have you trekking alpine passes. Some of you thrive on camping out on the savannah, while others may prefer a hot shower and a comfortable bed in a lodge. Follow the grading systems below to find the right trip for you.

To help you choose the trip that's right for you, we've broken all of our trips down into four service levels. Measuring the comfort level of the accommodation and transport. So whether you're travelling on a budget and want to save money by using public transport, or prefer upgraded accommodation and are happy to pay a little more, then we have a level for you.

This is grassroots travel at its most interesting

Authentic experiences with some of the comforts of home

For those who like to travel in comfort

All the unique experiences wrapped up with a gold ribbon

Satang Island Cruise & Snorkeling

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This cruise passes mangrove swamps and the picturesque Santubong fishing villages on the way to the South China Sea.

After a short cruise through the open sea, we arrive at Satang Island, one of the three islands set aside by the Sarawak government for turtle conservation.  Visit the turtle conservation and hatchery. Enjoy the beautiful white sand beach and snorkel amongst the wide variety of soft corals and colorful marine life. A packed lunch included.

Tour Inclusions

• Entrance Fee
• Packed Lunch
• English Speaking Guide
• Return Transfers

* Pickup Time 0845Hrs

Optional Overnight Stay

2 Days / 1 Night Turtle Watch

* Extremely basic accommodation

* Turtle landings are not assured

Additional Information

Tour Duration- 6 Hours

* Snorkeling equipment is chargeable

Satang Island Cruise and Snorkeling (Daytrip)

0915hrs: Arrive at Boat Club. Once ready, depart for Satang Island which takes about 40 minutes.

1000hrs: Arrive at Satang Island. Leisure activity at the beach followed by snorkeling. Packed lunch is provided.

1400hrs: Cruise back to the Boat Club. Arrive at jetty and transfer to the city.

1500hrs: Arrive at Hotel (approximate).

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Satang Island

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Satang Island - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (2024)

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Day Trip To Satang Island

Pick-Up & Drop

Trip Starting From: Kuching

Trip Location: Kuching

• Begin this enthralling trip by getting picked up from your hotel in Kuching at around 8.30 AM and drive for about 45 mins in the direction of Damai beach.
• Board a small boat and start your cruise at the mouth of the Santubong & Salak Rivers. There is a chance to spot the elusive and rare Irrawaddy dolphin, which is quite common in this area. 
• Aftermath head out to the South China Sea for Satang Island. This island is part of the Talang-Satang National Park and is a turtle nesting ground. Green Turtles and the rare Hawksbill Turtles lay their eggs on Satang Island. 
• In the afternoon at around 1.30 PM enjoy a delicious packed lunch.
• Continue your journey and witness turtle hatchery and get an idea of conservation work being done to help these highly endangered sea creatures.
• Once done, you can just relax on the white and beautiful sands of the beach or can indulge in the snorkeling activity and behold the beautiful marine life
• At around 4.30 PM, head back to Kuching. En route you will have a chance to spot birds at Tukong Ara Island, a protected islet that is a breeding colony for various species of terns. 
• Packed lunch included
• Sightseeing
• Snorkelling

Other Inclusions

• English speaking guide
• Goods & Service Tax
• Pick up and drop to your hotel in Kuching is included
• Transport throughout the tour is included
• Private Vehicle

Things To Carry

• Comfortable Footwear
• This is a private tour

Cancellation Policy

• If cancellations are made 15 days before the start date of the trip, 25% of total tour cost will be charged as cancellation fees
• If cancellations are made 7-15 days before the start date of the trip, 50% of total tour cost will be charged as cancellation fees.
• If cancellations are made within 0-7 days before the start date of the trip, 100% of total tour cost will be charged as cancellation fees.
• In case of unforeseen weather conditions or government restrictions, certain trips or activities may get cancelled. In such cases operator will try their best to provide an alternate feasible. However a cash refund will not be applicable for the same.
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Finding Sea Turtles at Satang Island Kuching …(And a Strange Episode)

There is something so mystical about sea creatures that after my adventurous escapade of finding nemo in Gili islands of Indonesia , I set off to find sea turtles in Satang Island of Malaysia.

So, was I successful? Read on to find out…

If nothing else, the 10 girls on an exotic private island and the strange occurrence  angle of this story would definitely interest you.

Guide to Booking a Last Minute Trip to Kuching

Are you on a short trip to Kuching or have just a few days left before you fly? Well, worry not, with this handpicked list of tours and hotels, you are covered. This will be your base city for Satang Island so be sure to book and plan now.

Must Try Kuching Tours

Bako National Park Tour – Absolute must visit, read my post about Bako here. Semenggoh Orangutan Centre  Sarawak Cultural Village Tour 

Top Hotels in Kuching

Hornbill’s Nest  – Best budget stay with cozy rooms Citadines Uplands Kuching  – Superb fully serviced apartments. Read my full review here . Merdeka Palace  – Good location and fancy stay in heart of Kuching

All You Need to Know about Satang Island in Kuching

Where is this Mysterious Satang Island?

Satang Island, locally known as Pulau Satang Besar, Pulau Satang Kuching (or simply Turtle island Kuching ) lies in one of my favorite parts of Malaysia – Sarawak .

Satang is just 1.5 hours away from the cat city of Kuching , where I spent 2 weeks volunteering at the MonkeeBar (to raise funds for Orangutan Project). The island is known for turtle conservation and popular for day snorkeling / boat trips. However a Satang island day trip is not recommended as spending more time in this beautiful national reserve is the key to experiencing it in its entirety.

Turtles from the South China Sea would often come to the island to lay eggs which would further be protected in a hatchery by the local rangers.

This was the perfect opportunity to travel and learn more about conservation efforts in Borneo, whilst volunteering and doing my bit for animal welfare. One of my responsible travel goals for 2017 was finally accomplished.

Why Did I Zero in on a Visit to Satang?

During some random conversations with expats and locals hanging out at the MonkeeBar, I found out about this lovely island. The prospect of actually seeing a turtle lay eggs – in the wild, was something a nature lover and wildlife enthusiast such as myself, simply could not refuse. After my amazing trip to Bako national park , I knew I had to experience more of Borneo’s nature and wildlife.

Another volunteer and I decided this was something we had to do and reluctantly shelled out $100 to book out trip to Satang Island (Might I add, this money was VERY well spent).

Pre-Trip Ritual – A MUST do!

Okay this might sound totally insane and I don’t know how much weightage it actually holds, but I would say if you want to see the turtles.. DO this…

As a ritual for good luck, we had to drink half shots of local rice wine (and throw the other half as an “offering” of sorts to the gods).

This rice wine, made locally, is incredibly strong – but hey, our guide was very clear about Bornean rituals. She simply asked us, “ Do you want to see turtles “? Hey, we just spent $100 in hopes we would so we frantically nodded our heads and took the shots as instructed – We would dare   not risk annoying the rice wine god!

Our Trip to Satang Islands

Yes, its actually two islands – Besar and Kecil but we were headed to  Pulau Satang Besar in search of some beach time, fun, great food and the elusive sea turtles. This is in the protected marine area of Talang Satang Island national park.

We were accompanied by 8 other girls who were studying medicine in Kuching. Everyone was great and we hit it off from the start.

We got onto our speed boats crossing mangrove forests and scenic views. A quick stop at the bird island offered some photo opportunities of water birds. Well, you can’t really “land” at the bird island but circle around in your boat.

Tip – Don’t get too close unless you want some bird poop all over you!

Within 40 mins, we were at the island….

First look at Satang Island

As soon as we saw the white sand and the cute beach cottages – we gasped with glee. Excitedly, we jumped off our boats to explore this private island.

Before we arrived, we didn’t even know that we would be the ONLY people on the island (Reminded me of Shutter island , Lost and everything else with people stranded on private islands in the middle of nowhere).

This made it 100 times more interesting and exciting.

Imagine – Just us 10 girls having this entire stunning island all to ourselves. How epic is that? 

We were told to get our swim suits on for a quick snorkeling trip and then we will be rewarded with local home cooked lunch. That was motivation enough to get dressed in a jiffy.

Satang Island snorkeling trip

Our hour long snorkeling trip was not fruitful. Unfortunately, it was raining the night before and visibility was poor. After a few dips, I gave up.

On a good day though, we heard, one can spot – angelfish, pufferfish, butterflyfish, parrotfish, snapper, lobster, corals.. and of course turtles.

We were told sea turtles don’t really enjoy this weather or come out to lay eggs. So our chances to see them later at night were quite poor.

Disappointed , we returned .

Our Satang island accommodation in those lovey beach cottages was very basic. These are forest lodges with just a fan and bed – nothing fancy. I would say get your own mosquito repellent or net to keep bugs at bay but be prepared to rough it out a bit.

The private island feel was totally keeping our spirits high and the delicious food was no match for a bad snorkeling trip. We had an hour or so to spare before the sunset and we decided to grab some beers.

Tip – Buy your own booze before you get to the island, the island is ‘almost’ isolated so don’t expect liquor shops :)).

Spectacular Sunset at Satang Island

We were told to expect one of the best sunsets in Borneo. As an avid sky porn freak , I made my way to the designated ‘sunset point’ 30 mins prior to the actual sunset hour.

With my Canon, GoPro and beer, I had to make plenty of stops during this 5 min walk to juggle everything whilst taking some evening shots of the beach. Watching the crabs scurry into their sand holes made for an interesting sight.

We found the perfect long-ish rock which could fit all of us as we chatted, gulped down our beer, gawked at the sun setting over the waves and watched home bound crabs in a frenzy.

The Strange Episode….

This was the perfect chill time for us.. until… we heard a loud screeching sound vibrating through the dense  rain-forests .

Oh yes, did I mention the island was covered in dense jungles? I guess not. So yeah, all those horror scenes from Shutter island, Lost and heck even King Kong were flashing through my mind.

No way, this wasn’t happening!

The loud screeching noise would not stop.

We looked around in hopes to see the ranger or our guide but we were all alone. I was expecting a big dinosaur or a mysterious huge creature pop out of the trees next to me (as it so happened, I was sitting closes to the forest – Stupid girl , I gave myself a mental kick!)

After around  five ear shattering minutes (seemed like hours), the sound stopped. Phew! We were all relieved but in my head that mysterious sound still remains. I kept thinking what it could be.

As a kid, I have always been in the wild so this perplexed me. Was it a screech.. a call? Was it an animal, bird or insect? Gosh, I was totally blank. I could perhaps think of it as the call of  Pterosaurs, the prehistoric flying dinosaurs, and that knowledge of mine was actually from movies too – Hello! Jurassic Park.

So if Komodo dragons can exist on this remote island of Labuan Bajo in Indonesia.. isn’t there a possibility of other prehistoric creatures living in one of these other semi-isolated islands? Well, who knows! Some food for thought for all of us, I guess… as till date this mystery remains unsolved.

I did ask our guide who confirmed she has been to the island multiple times but NEVER heard anything like it before.

We had a few more beers followed by the amazing finger licking home cooked dinner.

Since sea turtles come out at night.. Our next agenda was to find sea turtles laying eggs and witness  turtle conservation at Satang Island , first hand.

And Finally.. Time to Find some Sea Turtles

After all the fun and drama from the day, I simply could not sleep. We were told sometimes sea turtles don’t come to the beach at all – or even if they do, they might decide against laying eggs. So, our chances looked very slim looking at the upcoming stormy weather. Even then, as the night set, our anticipation to see the turtles grew.

Around midnight, I decided staying up was futile and I should retire to bed. Almost everyone followed suit. Few hung around playing cards or finishing the last few beers.

Needless to say, I could not sleep.

Thinking about that mysterious screech and looking for bugs in my room, I managed to kill some time. After around two hours, there was a loud knock on the door.

Just when I was getting drowsy – What now?

“Jo, come out – turtle!” My guide called to me.

I was like – WHAT!!? This better not be a joke!

This was super exciting – Have you ever seen a turtle on the beach at 3 Am? I bet not! 

I woke up hurriedly and stepped out. It was pitch dark outside our cottage (due to the dense trees) but the moon was shining brightly at the beach. We were all advised not to shine our torches as that can startle the turtle.

Tripping and trying to adjust my eyes to the darkness, I finally made my way to the beach. The other volunteer and rangers were already ‘at the scene’.

I could not hold myself for a minute and asked “Where’s the turtle?”.

They pointed to the huge rock like thing right next to me “There!!!”

What? This green sea turtle was HUGE . I have never seen such a big turtle in my life. A quick google search showed that a Green sea turtle can grow upto 5 feet and weigh 160 kgs. Wow! I was impressed.

Turtle Laying Eggs

“To lay or not to lay” , was the question now.

We were told by the rangers that sometimes turtles do come to the beach to lay eggs but if they are startled, or if starts raining or well, if they just don’t feel like it, they might just return to the sea.

The sign to look out for was their hind legs moving to dig a pit. That’s when it is 100% sure that the turtle is ready to lay eggs.

Okay then we watched the big green sea turtle in the amazing moonlight, crossing our fingers and waiting in anticipation for her to start digging.

Finally after around 20 mins, I saw her hind legs moving underneath the huge shell. I asked the ranger to double check. He turned on his special night torch to check and indeed – the turtle had started digging. Y ippeee, this was the absolute high point of the trip for me. 

I came to watch a turtle lay eggs, with no hopes of it happening honestly. Maybe it was the ritualistic rice wine shots but damn, this was happening !

The excitement started fading a bit as the turtle kept digging – yes for over 1.5 hours! Wow these turtles sure can dig. It was pretty epic watching her go – they are hard workers. Digging away into wee hours of the morning just to ensure they have a safe place to lay the eggs, away from the prying predators.

Finally, when she was fully satisfied, she started laying eggs. This was another long process – around 30 mins or so, and she laid 118 eggs – yes, we counted! Also, I managed to take a video to share this once in a lifetime experience with ya all. However, I found this better video by BBC below –

Video of Green Sea Turtle Laying Eggs

Once done, she started putting sand back into the pit to cover it up – there goes another hour. She was slow but sure of what needs to be done. Only when she was convinced her 118 eggs were safe, she returned to the ocean.

As I followed her to ensure her safe return to the big blue sea, I saw something totally amazing – the waves hitting the shore had neon blue stars in them. Yes, that’s right – I finally got to see the bioluminescent planktons again. These magical planktons light up with movement and swimming with them will give you a real Avataar feeling. Saw them for the first time in Koh Rong and had been looking for them in every beach destination I visited ever since – FINALLY saw them out of the blue at Satang Island. The ranger said its a common occurrence so if you are looking for bio-luminescence – that’s another top reason to visit this island.

Turtle Conservation and Hatchery

Okay so whats next I thought. It was a great end to the day and I was ready to retire to bed.

I was shocked to see the rangers digging up the hole and taking the eggs out. All I could think was poor turtle and what about all the hard work she did.

To put my concerns at bay, I was explained that this was done to protect the eggs. The rangers kept them safe in the hatchery where each man made pit was covered with deep fencing to safeguard from monitor lizards and other predators in the island.

A chance of a turtle egg surviving in wild is pretty slim. Out of those 118, perhaps a few would ever make it. However, in the hatchery, they are well protected and most make it back to the ocean. Now this knowledge did make me feel better.

So, our wonderful trip came to an end as we all happily returned to our rooms, thinking about this amazing natural phenomenon we had just witnessed. 

Next morning, we had an amazing breakfast and some chill time at the beach before heading off to Kuching.

How to Reach Satang Island

You need to hire a cab till the Telaga jetty point and then a slow boat or motor boat upto the island. You will be crossing bird island (but you must tell the boat driver to take you closer, if you plan on taking pictures) on the way and it takes 30-45 mins to reach Satang.

How to Book an Overnight Stay at Satang?

We took an all inclusive Satang island package which included our transport from Kuching, all meals, snorkeling, entry fees, basic accommodation and a boat trip around the islands. The entire trip was booked through a local guide and costed us $100. However, this rate can vary depending on how big your group is, I would recommend paying a bit extra and just booking the entire island for two – could be a romantic, thrilling getaway with your better half.

Update March 2023 – The rate for overnight stay is now $145 per person for groups of less than 6 people and $130 for a group of 5-6 or more. This fee includes – transportation, boat entrance fee,  accommodation, snorkeling gear, guide, and food & beverages.

Always Book local! If you would like to use our local guide (Letty Amit), feel free to Call/WhatsApp this number for queries/bookings  +601136316579. She has now been promoted to manager of the area and she is in charge of all bookings directly. 

2022 Update on Travel to Satang Island Kuching – Tourism in Borneo is now on the upswing and my local friends are telling me they are seeing visitors flock from all across the world. They are hoping to see things get back to “normal” or close to how it was by next year. Since Kuching is a small location and not really on the radar for those visiting Malaysia, it is still very underrated (in my opinion). The city is thriving and a mecca for nature lovers.

I recently spoke to our guide Letty who took us on this tour back in 2017 and she said she is still taking tourists to the island. Currently, weather conditions in Satang island are a bit unpredictable and there are rains often though rangers have spotted sea turtles and have reported good things. Day visitors might find it hard to spot these beauties so an overnight stay is an absolute MUST. For snorkelling in Satang Island too it is best to check weather conditions first as dipping in rough waters is no fun. I am already raring to go back and hopefully its on the charts for me in 2023 but if you plan to go, talk to Letty and she can suggest the best time to visit Satand Island to avoid rains and ensure some exciting turtle watching opportunities.

FAQ’s

What should you pack for your satang island trip.

Be sure to carry sunscreen, swimsuit and a good environment friendly mosquito repellent.

Is a day visit to Satang Island enough?

I would recommend spending minimum 1 night in Satang Island.

So have you visited Satang Island or seen turtles in the wild or participated in any turtle conservation efforts? I would love to hear from you in comments below.

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13 thoughts on “finding sea turtles at satang island kuching …(and a strange episode)”.

Wow Incredible island!! I live in SW Florida and volunteer for a local aquarium and participate in their conservation efforts. It is my passion. I have watched Loggerheads nesting several times but the excitement does not change. It is always breath taking to see these amazing “girls” nest. Thanx for sharing your experience. Denise

Hi Denise, That sounds amazing what you did for the aquarium. I know this experience was something “life changing” I would say. Incredible creatures, aren’t they?

Last October me and my boyfriend were in Kuching and I found your blog while looking for a way to see turtles. I contacted the number above and met Letty to plan our trip. Those two days on the island were so special, our encounter with the motherturtle laying her eggs was beautiful. So thank you for sharing your story, because we couldn’t have wished for a better turtle trip!!

Greetings from the Netherlands, Marjolein

OMG I am SO happy you loved turtle island with Letty as much as we did. Thanks for sharing Marjolein – You just made my day 🙂 xoxo

My Kuching friend’s Family owns another island off the coast of Kuching where turtles lay eggs.

Thats interesting John. did you say they “own” it? whats the name of the island?

Just read your article. Ya, it’s owned and actually a private island.

Thanks so much for the information. I have been looking at several tour operators online trying to decide what to do. You have made my decision for me 🙂 Now to decide between Bako NP or Gungung Mulu.

Great to hear you are all set. I havent been to Gungung mulu but Bako is amaaazing, check out my post here – https://www.wanderwithjo.com/bako-national-park-haven-wildlife-enthusiasts-nature-lovers/

We had anamazing trip with our family on Satang island. Letty and Ham are verry friendly and her food is amazing good. During our visit 70 baby turtles were born and one mother turtle was laying their eggs. It was amazing also because we were the only on the island.

This is soooo incredible to hear. Satang island is amazing isn’t it? And so is Letty and her yummy food! How did you find her? I am glad you had an amazing trip and thanks for sharing your experience here. I cant wait to go back.

I thank you a lot for useful informatio and the contact of Lenny. I will go to Satang island at the end of August

thanks wow. pls let me know how your experience with Letty/ Satang was 🙂

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