Talang Satang National Park
After my first time experience in Iban Long House, we were brought to Telaga Air Homestay and introduced to our adoptive family. After having our lunch, we were brought to the nearby jetty to be transferred to Talang Satang National Park.
Talang Satang National Park is Sarawak’s first marine national park. It was established to conserve Sarawak’s marine turtle population. The park comprises of four islands of the southwest coast of Sarawak; Pulau Satang Besar, Pulau Talang Besar, Pulau Satang Kecil and Pulau Talang Kecil. These four “turtle islands” are responsible for 95% of turtle landings in Sarawak.
Pulau Satang Besar
From the jetty near Telaga Air Homestay, it took 45 minutes before we reached Pulau Satang Besar which is the largest among the park’s islands. Pulau Satang Besar is accessible by boat from Santubong/Damai Beach or Telaga Air Village. It was a beautiful day with blue skies. As our boat dashed against the strong current, we were bitched by the majestic Mount Santubong which overlooked Pulau Satang Besar.
Personally, I have never been to Mount Santubong. But I could say from the view of it, it looked so tempting than ever.
As we approached the shore, we could see how clear the water was and that it had great visibility. We explored the island’s turtle eggs shelter which was situated not far from where our boat docked.
Further on, we walked around the private chalets area to have a look. Other than our group of six, there was a family who just checked-in the chalet when we arrived. Of course, the island is a place to find peace and privacy.
About Accommodation at Pulau Satang Besar
There is basic chalets in the island. However, you have to call the owner, Mr. Abol for booking.
Snorkelling at Pulau Satang Besar, Sarawak
All geared with snorkelling equipments, we jumped into the sea. You shouldn’t expect white fine sand because the shore was scattered with small rocks. It hurted my feet to even walk on it. As suggested by Lauren, you have to glide in the water. Although the visibility is very good, we could see nothing but rocks. And maybe one or two fishes. We did not go the reefs as we did not know the exact location of the reefs.
Notwithstanding the lack of fishes in the sea, swimming in the water that overlooked the beautiful mountain of Santubong was the kind of leisure one needed away from the hustle bustle of city life. The island is also beautiful for bird watching and sunset watching.
How to go to Pulau Satang Besar
The drive from Kuching to Telaga Air takes approximately 1 hour meanwhile the boat ride takes 45 minutes to Pulau Satang Besar. You have to pay RM150 per pax min of 4 pax. There is an entrance fee to enter the national park.
Best time to visit
During the turtle landings and the release of hatchings which is from month of April until October.
3 Comments
Hello Farah,
Did you hire any tour agency to this or was this d-i-y kind of trip?
thatsofarah -43199 seconds ago (Reply)
I went with Mr. Abol. You can see his contact number on the above post. Another way to book it is via Sarawak Tourism Board’s page : http://www.sarawakforestry.com/htm/snp-np-satang.html
I went with Mr. Abol. You can see his contact number on the above post. Another way to book it is via Sarawak Tourism Board’s page : http://www.sarawakforestry.com/htm/snp-np-satang.html