Pantai Kerachut Turtle Centre Penang
Discover baby turtles and serene sunsets at Pantai Kerachut, accessible via hike or boat through Penang National Park.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Increased chance of sightings
Pantai Kerachut Turtle Centre Penang
Best Time
Increased chance of sightings
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Discover baby turtles and serene sunsets at Pantai Kerachut, accessible via hike or boat through Penang National Park.
"A humble sanctuary with dedicated staff, offering a chance to see baby turtles and enjoy stunning beach sunsets."
👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes
Essential for the hike! Trails can be muddy. Take them off at the sanctuary.
💰 Boat vs. Hike Cost
Boats are convenient but costly (RM100+). Hiking is free and offers nature immersion.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Baby Turtle Tanks
Turtle Sanctuary
Observe adorable baby turtles recently hatched, preparing for their journey to the sea. A heartwarming sight for all ages.
Nesting Grounds
Pantai Kerachut Beach
Witness the protected nesting areas where turtle eggs are incubated, a crucial part of conservation efforts.
Scenic Beach Views
Pantai Kerachut
Enjoy the natural beauty of Pantai Kerachut, a tranquil beach perfect for relaxation and sunset viewing.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Hike or Boat to Reach
Conservation Efforts & Timing
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes
Essential for the hike! Trails can be muddy. Take them off at the sanctuary. +1
💰 Boat vs. Hike Cost
Boats are convenient but costly (RM100+). Hiking is free and offers nature immersion. +1
💧 Bring Water & Snacks
Limited options available. Bottled water costs around RM5.
🐢 Ask Staff for Info
Staff are knowledgeable and happy to share details about turtle conservation.
Tips
from all over the internet
👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes
Essential for the hike! Trails can be muddy. Take them off at the sanctuary. +1
💰 Boat vs. Hike Cost
Boats are convenient but costly (RM100+). Hiking is free and offers nature immersion. +1
💧 Bring Water & Snacks
Limited options available. Bottled water costs around RM5.
🐢 Ask Staff for Info
Staff are knowledgeable and happy to share details about turtle conservation.
☀️ Protect from Sun
Bring sunscreen and a hat, especially if hiking.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Reviews for Pantai Kerachut Turtle Centre are mixed. While some visitors are deeply moved by the conservation efforts and the dedication of the staff, others express concerns about the sanctuary's effectiveness and the welfare of the turtles. The natural beauty of the beach and the chance to see baby turtles are often highlighted as positives.
"This didn’t feel like a true conservation center. There was no clear explanation of how they help the turtles. just small tanks with turtles looking stressed and trying to escape.
It was upsetting to see. If you care about animals, especially sea turtles, it’s best to skip this place."
Manoj Kizhakkoot
"Visited the Turtle Sanctuary in Penang on 4/7/25. It was genuinely touched by the experience. It’s not just a place, it’s a heartfelt effort to protect and nurture one of nature’s most vulnerable creatures.
The sanctuary itself is humble yet rich with meaning, and what truly made the visit special was the two amazing crew members on site. Both were incredibly friendly, passionate, and highly knowledgeable, they took the time to share detailed, eye-opening information about the life cycle of turtles, conservation challenges, and the efforts made to ensure their survival.
It’s rare to see such dedication up close, and their enthusiasm made the whole experience even more engaging and meaningful.
I truly hope this place receives more sponsors and stronger public support. With a little more help, it has great potential to grow into an even more impactful conservation and educational center. If you’re in Penang and looking for something real and memorable visit this sanctuary, learn, and support.
The turtles (and the people who care for them) deserve it."
Vinnie Subra
"Might initially seem like a small area with nothing much, but the staff on duty was happy to share info about turtles and how they care for the eggs/babies when we asked - was informative! We enjoyed staring at the cute little baby turtles in their tanks too.
What is there:
- 2 tanks with baby turtles that were recently hatched. These would be released about a week later when they are better at swimming.
- 1 tank with an adult turtle
- small exhibit with turtle specimens to show the growth stages
- metal cuboid cages in the sand outdoors that contained about 100 eggs each, awaiting them to hatch
- sheltered egg incubation area a short walk away
The turtle centre itself is free admission, but need to pay the National Park’s entrance fee.
We took the motorized boat from the National Parks entrance (about RM200-270 per trip for whole boat). Approximately 20 minutes there and 20 minutes back. Boarding and alighting was from the sandy shore, not jetty. Boat had a short metal ladder, life vests provided.
Could walk to the nearby meromitic lake if there’s time! We didn’t. Left after about an hour at/around the turtle centre."
Kai
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
You can reach Pantai Kerachut by hiking through Penang National Park (approx. 8km round trip) or by hiring a boat from the park entrance. The hike is considered beginner-friendly but can be wet. +2
From the park entrance, you can either hike to Pantai Kerachut or take a motorized boat. Boat hire can be around RM100-270 per trip for the whole boat. +1
Yes, there is parking available at the fisherman's jetty near the Penang National Park entrance, typically costing around RM6.
The hike is estimated to be around 8km round trip, and it can take approximately 1-2 hours each way depending on your pace and trail conditions.
Yes, you can use Waze and search for 'Taman Negara Pulau Pinang' to find the national park entrance.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
The Turtle Sanctuary itself has free admission. However, you need to pay the entrance fee for Penang National Park, which is RM10 per adult.
No, advance booking is not typically required for the Turtle Centre as it's free entry. However, it's advisable to check for any special events or conservation activities.
The operating hours for the Turtle Sanctuary are generally during the day, aligning with the park's opening times. It's best to visit during daylight hours.
While the sanctuary is free, there might be small fees for certain facilities or activities within the national park. It's always good to inquire at the information counter.
Access to Pantai Kerachut, where the Turtle Centre is located, is primarily through hiking or by boat from the national park entrance. +1
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
You can see tanks with baby turtles, an adult turtle, exhibits on turtle life stages, and outdoor nesting areas with protected eggs.
Sightings are not guaranteed, especially outside of nesting and hatching seasons. However, the baby turtle tanks are usually active.
Afternoons are great for enjoying the beach and potentially catching a beautiful sunset.
Observing the baby turtles is a highlight for children. The staff can also provide engaging information if asked.
Yes, swimming is possible at Pantai Kerachut, but be mindful of currents and any advisories.
📸 📸 Photography
Capture the baby turtles, the serene beach, and especially the stunning sunsets. The natural landscape offers many beautiful shots. 
Photography is generally allowed, but be respectful of the animals and avoid using flash, which can disturb them.
A versatile lens for landscapes and close-ups of the turtles would be ideal. A wide-angle lens is great for the beach and sunset.
Drone usage might be restricted within national parks. It's best to check with park authorities before flying a drone.
Golden hour, just before sunset, offers the most dramatic lighting for beach and landscape photography.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
🚶♀️ Hikers & Nature Lovers
Pack binoculars if you enjoy birdwatching and keep an eye out for other wildlife along the way. The natural beauty and the sense of accomplishment after the hike are significant draws for this audience.📸 Photographers & Sunset Chasers
The beach provides a serene backdrop for capturing the golden hour. Beyond sunsets, the opportunity to photograph the baby turtles in their tanks offers unique and heartwarming shots. Consider bringing a versatile lens that can handle both wide-angle landscapes and close-ups. Remember to be mindful of lighting conditions and avoid disturbing the wildlife with flashes. The natural, untouched beauty of the beach and the conservation efforts make for compelling photographic subjects. Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Journey: Hiking vs. Boat
Many visitors find that combining both experiences offers the best of both worlds. For instance, you could hike one way and take a boat back, or vice versa. This allows you to enjoy the natural scenery on foot and save time or energy on the return journey.
Understanding the Turtle Conservation Efforts
The center features tanks for baby turtles awaiting release, an adult turtle, and exhibits detailing the turtle life cycle. Outdoor areas are designated for protected egg incubation, with cuboid cages safeguarding nests from predators. Visitor experiences with the sanctuary's effectiveness vary. Some find it a humble yet meaningful place, appreciating the dedication of the staff who share detailed information about conservation challenges and efforts.
Experiencing Pantai Kerachut Beach
+1A significant draw for visitors is the possibility of witnessing stunning sunsets. The way the sun dips below the horizon over the water creates a magical ambiance, making it a memorable experience for photographers and couples alike.
While the primary focus for many is the turtle sanctuary, the beach itself offers a peaceful retreat. Remember to take off your shoes before entering the sanctuary area. 
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit