Rantau Abang

Rantau Abang is said to be one of the few places in the world where the giant leatherback turtles lay their eggs.

From Kuala Lumpur, you would have to drive towards Kuala Terengganu. When you reach the town of Dungun, head north, then you'll pass by Tanjung Jara (another tourist area), before you reach Rantau Abang.

There is a Turtle Santuary in Rantau Abang where you can get some information on the turtles and view the exhibits on show. However, you do not get to see live turtles there (as the MATA Team found out, much to our regret).

The turtles only come out at night to the beaches, during certain seasons. Nowadays, it even harder to see a live leatherback turtle as their numbers are dwindling and they have become an endangered species. The leatherback turtles have become victims of sea pollution, egg-poaching by locals who consider their eggs as a delicacy and accidently being caught in fishing trawlers' nets.

You can go to Rantau Abang to see the turtle exhibit and enjoy the beautiful sandy beach.

Learn more about: Malaysia Turtles.