But on the northernmost tip of the island, at Chagar Hutang beach, a dedicated team is rewriting the narrative for sea turtles.
For decades, sea turtles at Pulau Redang – green turtles and occasionally hawksbill turtles – faced a bleak future. The poaching of their eggs and the degradation of their nesting grounds threatened their very existence.
Yet, in 1993, a glimmer of hope emerged with the establishment of the Chagar Hutang Turtle Conservation project at Chagar Hutang beach.
“We can see the increasing numbers of returning turtles to Chagar Hutang,” beamed Dr Kalsitinoor Set, a senior tourism lecturer at the University of Malaysia Terengganu (UMT).
The project was co-founded by Dr Chan Eng Heng and Liew Hock Chark. Chan, a professor at UMT, played a key role in establishing the Sea Turtle Research Unit (SEATRU).
Chagar Hutang Beach became a Turtle Sanctuary in 2005, and its waters have been protected since 1994. Visiting hours are limited to May through September, Sunday to Thursday, from 9am to 11am.
The conservation project has seen a significant increase in turtle nesting activity. From just 200 to 300 nests annually, the number has grown to over 1,000 to 1,500 nests per year, thanks to the conservation project.
This surge in nesting activity, Kalsitinoor believes, is a direct result of the turtle release programme, a collaborative effort between UMT, NGOs, and local stakeholders on Pulau Redang.
However, she explained that the turtle conservation programme goes beyond simply releasing hatchlings back into the ocean. It’s about fostering a sense of responsibility.
“Turtle conservation creates a sentiment, an awareness not just for locals, but also for tourists – domestic and international. This awareness translates into action, making them appreciate and protect marine life, particularly sea turtles,” she pointed out.
To that end, educational day trips to Chagar Hutang are available. Visitors will experience on-site briefing by SEATRU scientists on sea turtle conservation and research conducted at the sanctuary, site visits, nest checking, and if you’re lucky, nest excavations.
Picture this: a clutch of tiny turtle hatchlings, brimming with life, emerge from their sandy cradle and embark on their perilous journey towards the ocean.
Witnessing a hatchling release is an experience that will leave an indelible mark on your soul. It’s a powerful reminder of the beauty and fragility of nature, and the incredible power of conservation efforts.
Kalsitinoor noted that conservation works are important to sustain the marine environment as turtles are “key players in the marine ecosystem.”
She warned the oceanic food chain can be severely affected if turtle populations decline as they are one of the “main contributors to balancing marine life.”
Despite the project’s success, challenges remain, however. Kalsitinoor acknowledged the looming threat of climate change and the ongoing need for funding.
But amidst these hurdles, there’s a powerful source of hope – you.
“Say no to consuming turtle eggs. Don’t support this blackmarket trade. A mother turtle lays over 200 eggs at a time, but it takes more than 20 years for them to mature, facing numerous predators along the way,” Kalsitinoor emphasised.
Choosing eco-friendly accommodations, like The Taaras Beach & Spa Resort, which arranges turtle hatchling release activities at its beach, and engaging in activities that actively support turtle conservation programmes can make a positive impact.
Pulau Redang beckons you to witness the wonder of turtle conservation first hand. Become part of the solution and join the journey towards a healthier planet, one hatchling release at a time.
Remember, your actions, no matter how small, can contribute to the ongoing success story of Chagar Hutang beach and its magnificent inhabitants.
For more information, visit the Chagar Hutang Turtle Sanctuary website or follow the Sea Turtle Research Unit on Instagram.