Cherating Turtle Sanctuary
A beachfront sanctuary dedicated to turtle conservation, offering a glimpse into the lives of hatchlings and adult turtles.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Beat the heat and crowds
Cherating Turtle Sanctuary
Best Time
Beat the heat and crowds
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A beachfront sanctuary dedicated to turtle conservation, offering a glimpse into the lives of hatchlings and adult turtles.
"A heartwarming and educational stop to learn about turtle conservation and see adorable baby turtles."
Free Entry, Donations Welcome
Entry is free, but donations are encouraged to support the sanctuary's operations. :heart:
Check Baby Turtle Release Times
Inquire about evening slots for baby turtle releases; it's a magical experience! :turtle:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Baby Turtle Pools
Hatchery Area
Observe adorable baby turtles in various stages of development, a heartwarming sight for all ages.
Educational Exhibits
Exhibition Room
Learn about different turtle species, their life cycles, and the challenges they face in the wild.
Adult Turtle Ponds
Main Ponds
See larger, resident turtles up close in their dedicated habitats.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timing Your Visit for Turtle Encounters
Understanding Turtle Seasonality
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Free Entry, Donations Welcome
Entry is free, but donations are encouraged to support the sanctuary's operations. :heart:
Check Baby Turtle Release Times
Inquire about evening slots for baby turtle releases; it's a magical experience! :turtle:
Visit Early to Avoid Heat
The place is small and can get warm. Morning visits are more comfortable. :sunwithface:
Learn About Conservation
Take time to read the informative boards; it's a great learning opportunity. :books:
Tips
from all over the internet
Free Entry, Donations Welcome
Entry is free, but donations are encouraged to support the sanctuary's operations. :heart:
Check Baby Turtle Release Times
Inquire about evening slots for baby turtle releases; it's a magical experience! :turtle:
Visit Early to Avoid Heat
The place is small and can get warm. Morning visits are more comfortable. :sunwithface:
Learn About Conservation
Take time to read the informative boards; it's a great learning opportunity. :books:
Souvenirs Available
You can purchase souvenirs at the front desk to support the sanctuary. :shopping_bags:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors find the Cherating Turtle Sanctuary to be a worthwhile and educational stop, especially for families. While small, the opportunity to see baby turtles and learn about conservation efforts is appreciated. Some visitors note that it's a brief visit and suggest combining it with other local attractions.
"Anyone can enter to this place. The sanctuary only closed in Monday and public holiday. Good for child, school student to know more about the turtle with story about types of turtle and 1 pool with baby turtle less 1 month, 1 pool with turtle 2month dan 4month and another pool with big turtle live there."
Peaze2014 Rex
"Still worth your half an hour to 45 mins visit, an informative display gallery, a few ponds with isolated (maybe injured) / 2 big turtles, and a pond with lots of baby turtles.
We visited it on Saturday afternoon. The front counter staff was friendly. We were told the centre will be closed at 4.30pm. And we can come back at 6pm if we are interested in joining the baby turtles release. And it is free to join.
If we want to see the big turtle lay eggs on the beach, there is only one place which is Teluk Mak Nik. And a fee and booking in advance is required."
anniexa. c
"Free entrance, but you are encouraged to donate some for the sanctuary daily operation. Highly recommended to bring your kids here and learn about turtle hatching, their life and challenges after the turtles were released to the sea.
There are 3 to 4 pools available for the visitors to see the real turtles.
There were also explanation board in the exhibition room.
The place is small, very near to the beach. If you don't like hit weather, come early in the morning.
Souvenirs were also being sold at the front desk area."
Ida Latif
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The Cherating Turtle Sanctuary is located about 30 minutes from Cherating town. It's easily accessible by car, with clear signage. Many visitors combine a trip here with other Cherating attractions like the Natural Batik Village or a river cruise. 
Yes, there is parking available at the Cherating Turtle Sanctuary for visitors arriving by car.
While ride-sharing services might be available in the Cherating area, it's advisable to check their availability and coverage beforehand, especially for the return journey. Renting a car or using local taxis might be more reliable.
The sanctuary is relatively small and has some paved areas, but it's best to inquire directly about specific accessibility features if you have concerns. The main viewing areas are generally manageable.
The sanctuary is located near the beach and is often visited by guests staying at resorts like Club Med Cherating.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Entry to the Cherating Turtle Sanctuary is free! However, donations are highly encouraged to support their conservation efforts.
The sanctuary is typically open from 9:30 AM to 4:30 PM. It is closed on Mondays and public holidays.
No advance booking is required for general entry as it is free. However, if you wish to participate in specific activities like turtle egg-laying viewings, it's best to contact them for details and potential group bookings.
Seeing turtles lay eggs is a seasonal event, typically between March and August. You may need to book in advance and join a group for this experience, which might incur a fee. The sanctuary itself focuses more on the hatchery and rehabilitation.
Yes, the sanctuary sometimes organizes baby turtle release programs, often in the evening. It's advisable to inquire about the schedule and seasonality upon arrival.
🎫 🐢 Onsite Experience
You can see various pools with baby turtles, juvenile turtles, and adult turtles. There's also an informative exhibition gallery detailing turtle species and conservation efforts.
A visit to the Cherating Turtle Sanctuary is usually quite short, often taking between 30 minutes to 45 minutes to see everything.
Absolutely! It's a fantastic educational experience for children to learn about turtles and marine conservation.
While there isn't always a formal guided tour, the staff are usually available to answer questions, and the exhibition boards provide a lot of information.
No, touching the turtles is generally not allowed to ensure their well-being and prevent the spread of any potential diseases.
📸 📸 Photography
Yes, photography is generally allowed within the sanctuary. However, please be mindful of any signs or staff instructions, especially regarding flash photography near the turtles.
The pools with baby turtles and the larger adult turtles offer great photo opportunities. The exhibition area also has interesting displays.
Avoid using flash photography directly at the turtles, as it can startle or harm them. Be respectful of the animals and other visitors.
Drone usage is typically restricted in wildlife sanctuaries to avoid disturbing the animals. It's best to assume drones are not permitted unless explicitly stated otherwise.
Visitors often share photos of the baby turtles in their tanks, the larger resident turtles, and the educational displays.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Encourage your kids to read the educational displays and ask questions. If you're lucky enough to be there during a baby turtle release, it's an unforgettable experience that teaches valuable lessons about conservation and nature. Remember to bring water and hats, as it can get warm.
Eco-Conscious Travelers
Take the time to understand the challenges sea turtles face and how you can contribute to their survival, such as reducing plastic use and being mindful of marine ecosystems. The sanctuary provides a tangible connection to conservation work happening on the ground.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Conservation Mission
Visitors can learn about the challenges sea turtles face, such as plastic pollution, habitat loss, and bycatch in fishing gear, through informative displays and staff interactions. The sanctuary aims to raise public awareness and encourage responsible tourism practices that protect marine life.
While the sanctuary is a hub for conservation, it's important to note that the prime season for seeing turtles lay eggs on the beach is typically between March and August. For these specific sightings, advance booking and inquiries are often necessary, as they are natural events and not always guaranteed.
A Glimpse into Turtle Life Stages
Beyond the hatchlings, the sanctuary houses juvenile turtles in separate ponds, allowing them to develop further before release. You'll also find adult turtles in larger enclosures, some of which may be resident due to injuries or other reasons that prevent their return to the wild. These larger turtles offer a chance to appreciate their size and presence.
Each pool is accompanied by explanatory boards that detail the species, their age, and any specific care they are receiving. This makes the visit not just visually engaging but also highly educational, providing insights into the daily life and needs of these magnificent marine creatures.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit