While Padar Island is famous for its views and Komodo Island for its dragons, Siaba Island (often called Siaba Besar) holds a different kind of magic. Known locally and internationally as “Turtle Point,” this island is the primary sanctuary for Green Sea Turtles in the Komodo National Park.
If you’ve ever dreamed of gliding through crystal-clear water alongside prehistoric-looking sea turtles, Siaba is the place where those dreams come true.
The Home of the Green Sea Turtle
What makes Siaba so special? It’s all about the geography. The island features a large, sheltered bay with vast beds of seagrass. This seagrass is the favorite food of the Green Sea Turtle (Chelonia mydas).
Because the bay is protected from strong currents, it serves as a “nursery” and a permanent home for dozens of turtles. Unlike other spots where seeing a turtle is a matter of luck, at Siaba, it is almost a guarantee. You will often find them grazing peacefully on the ocean floor or swimming gracefully to the surface for a breath of air.
Perfect for Every Snorkeler
One of the best things about Siaba Island is how beginner-friendly it is.
- Calm Waters: The bay is shielded from the famous “Komodo currents,” making the water as still as a swimming pool.
- Shallow Depth: The turtles often hang out in water only 2 to 5 meters deep, meaning even those who aren’t strong swimmers can see them clearly from the surface.
- Beyond Turtles: While the turtles are the stars, the fringes of the bay are home to beautiful hard coral gardens where you can find mandarin fish, flamboyant cuttlefish, and various colorful reef fish.
A Highlight of the 3D2N Voyage
Because of its location, Siaba Island is a signature stop on our 3 Days 2 Nights (3D2N) Open Trips.
Typically, we visit Siaba on Day 3. It serves as a peaceful, soul-soothing morning activity after the trekking adventures of the previous days. There is no better way to start your final day of the trip than by sharing a quiet moment with a turtle in the morning light.
Responsible Wildlife Watching:
To ensure Siaba remains a sanctuary for years to come, we ask our guests to follow these simple rules:
- Do Not Touch: Turtles have a protective layer on their shells and skin; touching them can cause stress and transfer bacteria.
- Give Them Space: Keep a distance of at least 2 meters. If a turtle swims toward you, stay still and enjoy the moment!
- No Flash Photography: If using an underwater camera, avoid using a high-intensity flash which can startle the animals.
- Eco-Friendly Sunscreen: Help protect the seagrass and coral by using reef-safe sunscreen.
Want to swim with the “Kings of the Seagrass”? Siaba Island is waiting for you. Most of our overnight Phinisi packages include a dedicated snorkeling session at Turtle Point.