The Beautiful Place In Malaysia Where Sea Turtles Might Swim Up To You

For animal lovers who love to travel, choosing the next destination often revolves around the chance to experience a once-in-a-lifetime encounter with nature. Swimming with dolphins or meeting a quokka in Australia have become bucket list experiences, as both are considered some of the friendliest wild animals that love humans. However, Malaysia's scenic Sipadan Island offers a unique experience where visitors can have sea turtles swim right up to them.

The tiny island, covering only 40 acres in the Celebes Sea just off Borneo's coast, has become a haven for many travelers seeking a connection with nature. Here, green sea turtles are plentiful, often spotted near the water's surface resting on coral reefs. As a protected area, visitors must follow strict rules when interacting with wildlife. One user on Reddit shared their unforgettable encounter with Sipadan Island's turtles stating, "The numbers I saw there were insane. Almost like a busy airport with multiple turtles going up for air and some coming down back on the wall to rest."

@simplegreensoul

Scuba diving Sipadan has been on the bucket list for a long time! On this dive we saw 40+ turtles! It was beyond incredible. I'm in total aw of the beauty of the underwater world of Sabah! #sabahtravel #sabahmalaysia🇲🇾 #sipadan #scubadivinggirl #malaysiatravellers

♬ In The End – Mellen Gi Remix – Tommee Profitt & Fleurie & Mellen Gi

The beautiful Sipadan Islands, with their surrounding reefs and rich biodiversity, make it a top destination for visitors wanting to see green sea turtles up close. However, a meet-up with a shelled cutie is just one of the few memorable wildlife experiences visitors to the small Malaysian island can have.

Although Sipadan Island itself is small, the surrounding protected area offers over 200 designated sites for divers to explore. The marine life is plentiful, and it is common for visitors to see over 20 green and hawksbill turtles during a single dive. However, with the site home to more than 3,000 marine species, visitors have the opportunity to swim alongside many other remarkable sea creatures.

A visit from a shark or a stingray is almost guaranteed for those diving into the sea waters near Sipadan Island. For those intrigued by the ocean's other sea life, divers can also expect to find themselves in the middle of a tornado of barracuda or swimming alongside a parade of bumphead parrotfish. Rarer sightings, such as the appearance of a scalloped hammerhead shark, ensure that every dive into the deep is a new experience.

Sipadan Island is cherished by visitors, especially those eager to see turtles up close and personal. For anyone who has ever dreamed of such an experience, now could be the ideal time to plan a trip. For enthusiasts interested in turtles, check out how they communicate and how fast they can run.