April Update from Bubbles Turtle Conservation: A Quiet Start to Turtle Season in Perhentian Island
- Conservation Bubbles
- 4 hours ago
- 4 min read
By April, we usually have our first nesting mother turtle.
Last month, we shared the beginning of a new turtle season in the Perhentian Islands, with hopes of welcoming our first nesting mother soon.
Now that April has passed, we wanted to share an honest update from the beach.
So far, the season has been quiet.
Day 44.
No turtle tracks.
No nests.
No nesting mothers yet.
And in turtle conservation, this is sometimes exactly how the season begins.
Why Are There No Turtles Nesting Yet?
Sea turtles, especially green turtles, do not nest every year.
After an active nesting season, many females take time to recover and rebuild energy before returning to lay eggs again. Last season, Bubbles Turtle Conservation (BTC) recorded 201 turtle nests, making it one of our busiest seasons.
Because of that, we expected this year to be quieter.
A slower turtle season does not mean conservation has stopped. It simply means the work happening behind the scenes becomes even more important.
What Turtle Conservation Looks Like on Quiet Nights
Every night, our team patrol the beach at Tanjung Tukas, Perhentian Island, Malaysia.
They walk a 300-metre stretch of beach, every hour from 9PM to 7AM, using only red headlamps to reduce disturbance.
They are looking for:
Turtle tracks in the sand
Signs of nesting activity
Bright white lights that may confuse nesting turtles
Marine debris washed ashore, including plastic bottles and fishing line
Then they rest, wake up, and do it again the next night.
This daily consistency helps prepare a safe nesting habitat for when the first turtle finally arrives.
Think of it as rolling out the red carpet before the guest of honour appears.
Started Our Ocean & Conservation Experiential Program
As we anticipated a slower turtle nesting season, we curated our Ocean & Conservation Experiential Program in Perhentian Island, Malaysia for the early season (available from March to mid-June 2026) to include hands-on ocean experiences that build awareness while still supporting turtle conservation.
These experiences are designed to help participants understand and protect the ocean - the natural habitat of sea turtles, while enjoying it responsibly.
This means guests can still have a meaningful conservation experience even when turtles are not actively nesting.
What Participants Experience During the Early Season
Some of the key ocean activities included in the Ocean & Conservation Experiential Program:
Water Safety Workshop
Many people love the ocean but have limited exposure to it.
Less familiarity often creates fear.
Led by professionals from Bubbles Dive Resort, this workshop teaches:
Basic ocean safety skills
Proper use of equipment
Floating techniques
Safe movement in sea
This is especially valuable for beginners or those who feel nervous in the sea.
Mini Buoyancy Clinic
Good buoyancy control is one of the most important skills for responsible diving.
Participants learn how to:
Move underwater without touching coral reefs
Protect marine habitats
Improve comfort underwater
Join clean-up dives responsibly
Take photos without harming wildlife
Responsible divers create less impact on the ocean.
Introduction to Underwater Imaging
Through this workshop, participants learn how to capture underwater photos responsibly while respecting marine life.
Topics include:
Camera basics underwater
Safe distances from marine animals
How to photograph without chasing wildlife
Sharing ocean stories through images
Photos often inspire awareness more powerfully than words alone.
What Our Experiential Program Participants Say
Meaningful Eco-Tourism in Malaysia
This is how we support eco-tourism in Perhentian Island.
Not just sightseeing.
Not just consuming nature.
But learning, participating, and giving back.
Our participants join beach patrols, marine education sessions, ocean workshops, and conservation activities that support real environmental work.
For travellers looking for a meaningful experience in Malaysia, this offers a deeper connection than a typical beach vacation.
Why Conservation Matters Even Without Turtle Sightings
Conservation is not always dramatic.
Sometimes it is:
40 nights with no turtle sightings
Hundreds of kilometres walked on patrol
Picking up trash before sunrise
Reducing harmful lights near nesting beaches
Showing up consistently when no one is watching
But because of this effort:
Beaches stay cleaner
Nesting habitats stay safer
Awareness keeps growing
The next turtle has a better chance when she returns
That is real impact.
Join Our Turtle Conservation Internship in Malaysia
If you are looking for a marine conservation internship, gap year program, or wildlife volunteer experience in Malaysia, our internship offers real field experience.
Internship Details
Duration: 10 Weeks
Location: Perhentian Island, Malaysia
Includes: Beach patrols, conservation operations, turtle monitoring, marine education, eco-tourism support
No prior experience required. Curiosity and commitment matter most.
Learn more and submit your resume here: https://www.bubblesturtleconservation.com/internship
Join Our 6D5N Turtle Conservation Experiential Program
If you want a short but meaningful conservation holiday, our 6 Days 5 Nights Turtle Conservation Experiential Program is ideal.
You May Not See a Turtle
We work with wild animals, so sightings can never be guaranteed.
But You Will Experience:
Real conservation work
Ocean education
Beach patrols
Marine workshops
Responsible island living
A stronger connection with nature
Learn more about our program and register here: https://www.bubblesturtleconservation.com/experienceorvolunteer
Interested in Joining?
Whether you are searching for:
Turtle conservation Malaysia
Perhentian Island volunteer program
Marine internship Malaysia
Eco-tourism Malaysia
Meaningful travel experiences in Southeast Asia
We would love to welcome you.
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