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Malaysia travel unveils breathtaking landscapes, and there's a hidden haven known to few, where Hawksbill sea turtles choose to make their homes – Kuala Penyu.
Embark on a Malaysia journey – Visit the Sanctuary of Sea Turtles
In Bahasamalayu, Kuala means estuary, where river water merges into the sea, and Penyu means turtle. The name accurately describes the geographical location and the most important feature of this town. From the capital Kota Kinabalu of Sabah, or KK for short, a 2-hour drive through lush green forests, river-spanning bridges, hills, and slopes brings travelers to this serene village far from the urban hustle.
Nightfall Awaits Turtle Hatchlings
Kuala Penyu, the coastal gateway for turtles, follows the coastline and extends into the forest. Villages (kumpung) are often nestled between hills, river bends, or stretches of forest. Kumpung Menumpang is where I set foot and decided to stay.
Elizabeth Miasin and Ferdinand Kimlin, a couple with a low-roofed house nestled right by the beach, surrounded by lush, long-standing coconut trees. Besides their work in constructing Christian structures, they have dedicated multiple rooms in their home to host volunteers from around the world. Many young individuals from various continents come to support charitable activities in the town.
The day I traveled to Malaysia to visit Kuala Penyu coincided with the nesting season for Hawksbill mother turtles. A Borneo nature conservation organization supervised the area, marked the turtle nests, and installed protective fences. Two turtle nests right in front of Elizabeth's house hatched after three months, producing over 200 healthy hatchlings. The turtle hatching event is a significant day for the entire town. On the predicted night of the hatching, adults and children from the village gather on the beach, eagerly waiting until midnight to witness each tiny creature emerging from the sand. The turtle hatching season also attracts sharks near the shore at night, so the villagers keep them until the next morning before releasing them back into the sea. Children in the village personally pick up and release each baby turtle onto the sandy shore, a practical way to educate them about nature. Sea turtles in the wild are becoming scarce due to climate change, ocean pollution from waste, and illegal fishing practices. Hence, the efforts of the locals here not only preserve the marine ecosystem but also restore faith in humanity.
Sunny April
As if to repay the kindness of the land and sky, Kuala Penyu enjoys beautiful sunny seasons. With an 80km-long coastline and a dense coral reef barrier not far from the shore, the beach in Kuala Penyu remains calm and tranquil regardless of the tide. The sea's food supply includes shrimp, rays, anchovies, and abundant crabs. In the late spring and early summer, fishermen merely need to cast their nets near the shore, and each catch yields several kilograms of fresh white shrimp leaping lively. Pulling the nets, bathed in the radiant sunlight, is a sight akin to ripe oranges. In April, the sky is clear, and the sea reflects like a gigantic mirror. During this season, a stroll by the beach offers a view of the 'parade' of various marine creatures swimming near the shore, such as squids, rays, crabs, and jellyfish. Fresh coconuts are freely available for self-picking if you fancy climbing the trees yourself.
About a 30-minute canoe ride away from the town lies the beautiful Pulau Tiga island. The red hues of sunrise or sunset here are enough to mesmerize any traveler, making them reluctant to leave. This island is part of the Tiga conservation area, a haven for a diverse range of flora and fauna: the Hornbill bird, water monitor lizard with a body as large as a crocodile, and countless Hermit crabs on the coastline. In the evening, they climb trees to sleep.
Culture and Colorful Religious Festivals
Bang Sabah, specifically, and Malaysia, in general, are lands of religious harmony. People following Islam, Christianity, and Buddhism coexist in the same community, engaging in communal activities and festivals. The Tamu market kicks off every Monday afternoon, lasting until the end of the following day, offering all necessities for Muslim residents, including local seafood, fresh fruits, and vegetables. The standout item is the unique and delicious red Sabah durian, exclusive to this region.
The mangrove areas and the Klias River flowing around the landscape nurture the Sago palm, with its resin processed into a starchy white powder, becoming a traditional cuisine of Borneo islanders. In the first week of July, the Sago festival called Pesta Rumbia takes place. Locals dress in traditional attire, showcase products made from Sago palm, indulge in local cuisine, and dance around a bonfire.
Kuala Penyu is nurtured by the goodness of nature, resulting in a serene and peaceful life for its inhabitants. An ideal sanctuary for those seeking seclusion to rediscover balance for weary souls. Travelers need not prepare much; just come and immerse yourself in harmony with nature and humanity.
Travel Tips for Malaysia
From Kuala Lumpur (KL) to Kota Kinabalu (KK), Air Asia offers daily affordable flights. Malaysian visa is free for Vietnamese citizens for 30 days. Customs will stamp passports when traveling across different states.
To reach Kuala Penyu, take a bus from KK to Beaufort town. From Beaufort, you can take a taxi, mini-bus, or hitchhike to the center of Kuala Penyu, approximately a 50-minute journey.
The dry season spans from January to April, with high temperatures and no cold season; it's advisable to avoid major storms from August to October. The most beautiful sea sunsets are observed from February to June.
According to Elle.Vn
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Reference: Travel guide from Mytour
MytourJune 2, 2017
