Pulau Rusukan Besar: A Fascinating Haven for Turtle Nesting

Pulau Rusukan Besar, located southwest of Labuan, is a pristine 30-acre island known for its natural beauty, snorkeling, and scuba diving activities. Beyond its picturesque beaches, the island is also a key turtle conservation site managedby the Labuan Fisheries Department. Between March and September, it becomes a nesting ground for hawksbill turtles, with each nest holding over 100 eggs. Conservation efforts, initiated in 2011, include relocating eggs to a hatchery to ensure their safety from predators and human interference. To date, over 27,000 eggs have been collected across Pulau Rusukan Besar, Pulau Rusukan Kecil, and Pantai Sungai Labu, resulting in more than 21,000 hatchlings released into the sea.

The island's remote location, combined with the dedication of local fishermen and conservation staff, helps create a safe environment for turtles to nest.Visitors can witness hatchlings being released but are restricted from accessing nesting areas to prevent disturbances. The conservation team also monitors nearby waters to protect coral reefs and marine life from damage caused by large boats. Pulau Rusukan Besar's unique role as both a nesting site and tourist attraction highlights its potential to boost awareness of marine conservation while preserving its ecological significance.