The number of turtles had dwindled due to a number of
factors such as the illegal use of drag nets in the prohibited zones and
indiscriminate disposal of plastic bags (plastic bags looks like
jellyfish which is a part of turtle’s food). There are foreign fishermen
who catch turtles for its meat and shells used to make souvenir items.
These are a few contributing factors that led to the dwindling number of
turtle landings in most part of the world. From the late 1980’s up
until 2000, the Fisheries Department records the lessen number of
landings. Now conservation efforts are undertaken by the state
government in doing research on the turtles’ conservation and setting up
turtle hatchery sites.
Situated 22 km north of Dungun town and 80 km south of
Kuala Terengganu, Rantau Abang was the most talked about tourist spot in
Terengganu which associates the branding of Terengganu as a tourist
destination. Local villagers believed that the giant leatherback turtles
are attracted to Rantau Abang every year because of the presence of a
large rock formation resembling a giant turtle. However, the local
believe that the turtles are attracted by two giant turtle stones (Batu Penyu)
one lies between the bushes on a little hill in the village off the
coast and another submerged underwater. The mysterious stone on the hill
is accessible by a 30 minutes short walk passing through the village.
There is sign board along the way or you may get a villager to bring you
there. Whereas the other one is covered by sand and water and is not
visible any more. For more information on turtles, there is a Turtle
Information Centre managed by the Department of Fisheries at Rantau
Abang.
How To Get Here
By Car:
To reach Rantau Abang from Kuala Lumpur, take the New East Coast Highway heading towards Kuantan, Pahang. Then head north towards Kuala Terengganu. As you drive along the road, you will see a large gateway portal that says you've entered the state of Terengganu. Drive until you reach Dungun town. Around 18km north of Dungun, you'll reach Rantau Abang.
By Bus:
Bus service are available in most major towns and cities in Peninsular Malaysia. Pick the nearest destination of Dungun. The bus ride will be between 4 1/2 hours to 6 hours, depending on weather and traffic conditions. Taxis are available at Dungun Taxi Terminal.
By Air:
There are daily direct flights by Malaysian Airlines, Air Asia and Firefly from Kuala Lumpur to Kuala Terengganu. Taxi and car rental services are available at the airport and the ride to Rantau Abang takes around 1 ½ hours driving.
Where To Stay
- D'Teratai Beach Resort
- Merantau Inn
- Turtle De' Village Inn
- Dahimah's Guest House
- Mini Eco Resort & Recreation Camp
Where To Eat
- C.B. Wee Seafood Restaurant
- Karimas Sulong Restaurant
- Mek Har Restaurant
- Nabila Khan Restaurant
- Sri Dungun Restaurant
