Subscribe in a reader | Subscribe by Email The Cherating Turtle Santuary is located along Cherating Beach, Km45 Jalan Kuantan-Kemaman, just next to Club Med. Its a government owned centre officially named as Pusat Penerangan dan Santuari Penyu Cherating (Cherating Turtle Sanctuary and Information Centre) and comes under the Department of Fisheries.
The place was quiet, and we were the only visitors there. It is a traditional wooden Malay architectural building, and there were 3 workers at the front desk. Entrance is free.
We went there in the morning and were welcome by an official who encouraged us to visit the mini musuem on turtles and other sea inhabitants. He also took the trouble to show us little hatchlings, and asked us to return at night…coz that’s when they release the turtles in the sea! And the public can join in too!
We spent about half an hour there, and promised to return later at night.
We came back at 10pm and joined about 30 other visitors. Most of the tourists were part of a tour group from Singapore. There were about 3 other families, and some couples as well. First, there was a video show on the turtle conservation efforts in Malaysia, sponsored by HSBC. The video lasted for about 20 minutes and was quite informative.
Then came the turtles. the worker bought them in a blue basin. There were about 30 of them, all eager and excited by the call of the ocean. According to the staff, the turtles can hear the ocean waves and will be guided by the sound and moon light to reach the sea. The turtles are released into the sea when they are about 4 days old.
The staff led us to the beach, which is a 3.5km long protected area. We lined up along the beach and squatted. After that, each of us were given a turtle and taught how to hold them carefully, lest we end up squeezing them. Those feisty fellas were squirming to be released, and tried to huff and puff their way out. Then said it felt “geli” (squirmish) to hold the turtles. On the count of 3, all of us released our baby turtles on the sandy beach. The race has begun! The turtles sped away, guided by the ocean lullaby and moonlight. I think mine was the first to reach the sea, and was engulfed away by the waves, much like a mother embraces her child.
We waited till the last one entered the sea. It was a very touching moment indeed to see those turtles returning back to their home.
According to the staff, only 2% of the turtles have a chance of survival, so we can only pray that they make it.
This turtle releasing activity happens daily, so visitors to Cherating should not miss this.
In case you are wondering on the absence of photos at the beach, we are not allowed to take photos/videos while at the beach since the light will disrupt the turtles. All photos were taken while at the hall.
We stayed behind to take some shots of the night scene at the beach and left the place at about 11pm.
