We are dedicated to conserve turtle eggs to make sure the turtles population is preserved Learn how do we do it
WHO ARE WE?

TAT Turtle Sanctuary is a unique initiative to maintain and increase the turtle population in Tioman Island, managed by a working committee consisting of members of the Pahang royal family and volunteer conservationist in partnership with the Department of Fisheries, Malaysia.

Each year, starting from April to October, this beautiful island is a perfect destination and landing beach for Green Turtles (Chelonia mydas), Hawkbills (Eretmochelys imbricata), Olive Ridley (Lepidochelys olivacea) and Leatherback (Dermochelys coriacea) to lay their eggs. According to official statistic, in 2008, there were 90 nests recorded in Tioman Island with more than 80% belonging to the Green Turtles.

Our hatchery is set up to ensure that every turtle egg is well incubated to ensure healthy hatchlings are produced. We have dedicated staff to collect the eggs, and place them in our hatchery. Learn more on how we play a role in the turtles’ Journey.

 

The Pahang state government provided the stage for the partnership. Funding is by sponsorship and donations with HRH Sultan of Pahang sponsoring RM50,000.00 to kick start the project.



BACKGROUND

The plight of the sea turtles in Tioman Island has caught the attention of non other than the Sultan of Pahang himself. HRH Sultan Ahmad Shah, upon hearing about the plight of the sea turtles, immediately consented to the setting up of a watch group to oversee the overall conservation of sea turtles in Tioman Island. HRH graciously agreed to name the watch group TAT Turtle Sanctuary after his youngest son Tengku Arif Temenggong.

TAT Turtle Sanctuary was officially launched on 9h May 2009 with the setting up of its hatchery in Teluk Sri Intan, Tioman Island. The event was officiated by HRH Sultan of Pahang, Sultan Ahmad Shah Ibni Almarhum Sultan Abu Bakar who released baby turtles to the sea.

In addition, we are keeping track of a Green Turtle named “ Puteri Tioman” which is fitted with a Satellite Transmission Devise. The devise is for scientific research to monitor and to study the migratory pattern of sea turtles.

“Puteri Tioman” has been monitored by satellite, to have travelled as far as to the Riau Archipelago in Indonesia.

TAT TURTLE SANCTUARY MISSION
  • To ensure that turtle eggs laid in Tioman Island are protected from its natural enemies and poachers.For this purpose we plan to built a few turtle hatcheries on the island so that eggs collected can be safely monitored by professionals and hatch in a protected environment.
  • Educational – To educate the public and local community on the plight of the sea turtles and the need to protect them.
  • Awareness – To encourage community/tourist involvement in the conservation programs through volunteer and holiday with turtles programs.
  • Tourism – To promote the turtle hatchery as a tourist destination in Pulau Tioman
  • Funding – To raise enough funding to ensure the program sustainability in the future.through various programs such as adopt a turtle/nest programs, individual/corporate sponsorship and other fund raising programs. It is our vision that a TAT Turtle Sanctuary Trust Fund to be set up in the near future.