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Padang Kemunting Turtle Conservation and Information Centre

📍 Masjid Tanah, Melaka

★4.4(473 Google reviews)

A free, educational stop for conservation-minded families. Kids can see live Hawksbill turtles at every life stage, explore bilingual displays, and walk to a clean adjacent beach.

✓ Free entry & parking✓ Live turtle tanks✓ Beach access nearby✓ Good for kids✓ Educational displays
“
★★★★★Featured review by Sharon Sloman

Really enjoyed our visit to this government run turtle centre (1hr by public bus ride from Melaka + 25min walk along the beach from Pengkalan Balak bus stop), free entry. The centre had excellent information boards and static displays (in Malay and English), focusing mainly on the Hawksbill turtle. There were live Hawksbill turtles (adults & juveniles) in tanks outside the info centre. Across the road was a fenced off hatchery area. Toilets were available. In season (from April), hatchlings are released on the beach at 7pm. Can highly recommend and looking forward to going back to see a hatchling release.

🏆 Family Action Verdict

This centre is ideal for curious kids and conservation-minded families, offering a hands-on look at Hawksbill turtles across all life stages. School-age children will get the most from the bilingual educational displays and live turtle pools.

â„šī¸ What to Know Before You Go

💡Visit from April onwards and arrive by to catch the hatchling release on the beach — a highlight not to miss
⏰Entry and parking are completely free, making this a budget-friendly half-day trip
đŸŽŸī¸From Melaka, factor in roughly 1 hour by public bus to Masjid Tanah plus a 25-minute beach walk from Pengkalan Balak bus stop
🚗Bring food or plan to eat at nearby stalls and Sayang Beach Resort Restaurant, both within easy reach of the centre

đŸ’Ŧ What Families Are Saying

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4.4
★★★★★

473 Google reviews

Free admission and parking100%
Live turtles to see100%
Clean beach adjacent to centre75%
Educational exhibits on turtle conservation75%
Family-friendly experience50%
S

Sharon Sloman

★★★★★

“Really enjoyed our visit to this government run turtle centre (1hr by public bus ride from Melaka + 25min walk along the beach from Pengkalan Balak bus stop), free entry. The centre had excellent information boards and static displays (in Malay and English), focusing mainly on the Hawksbill turtle. There were live Hawksbill turtles (adults & juveniles) in tanks outside the info centre. Across the road was a fenced off hatchery area. Toilets were available. In season (from April), hatchlings are released on the beach at 7pm. Can highly recommend and looking forward to going back to see a hatchling release.”

B

britr

★★★★★

“The Padang Kemunting Turtle Conservation and Information Center is a modest yet meaningful destination for those interested in marine conservation. The facility is relatively small, featuring several tanks that house turtles of different species and sizes. An egg hatching area is also located opposite the main building, though access to this section is restricted to visitors. The information center itself consists of a single air-conditioned room, displaying dioramas, exhibits, and educational panels that provide insights into turtle species found in Malaysia. While compact, the space offers informative content and serves as a good introduction to the conservation efforts in the area. Admission and parking are complimentary, adding to the convenience of the visit. Beyond the center, visitors can access the adjacent beach, which is generally clean, quiet, and not heavily frequented. However, the seawater tends to appear murky. Do note that the access road leading to the site is narrow, only accommodating two-way traffic with care, and parking outside the designated area can be limited. Overall, this center provides a brief yet educational experience and is a worthwhile stop for those who appreciate wildlife conservation and a tranquil seaside environment.”

C

Cara C.

★★★★★

“Great place to explore sure can get better review had the toilet was better maintained. Free entrance and parking either within the compound or roadside which is free. Not very big centres as compared to other turtle centers in Malaysia therefore the fish aquariums are just a few. After visiting the centre, there was a beautiful beach next to it. Many food stalls, home-stays and toilet/shower place are available. There was even a designated place for camping. A great place for family.”

A

Ai Er Tea

★★★★★

“2025.11.07 First time here. Free entry. There are few parking lot available in this area, or else can just park outside near beach or road side. Small room for explanation, not much things to see. But still worth to bring kids here to explore . Behind area there are few pools for big , small and baby turtles. Nearby beach has clean and nice sand for kids to play with. Toilets available but lock spoilt and no water, need to improve. Can go to Sayang Beach Resort Restaurant for meals and drinks, it is just nearby only.”

Reviews from Google

Overview

This government-run centre in Masjid Tanah focuses on Hawksbill turtle conservation, featuring live turtle pools across multiple life stages and informative bilingual educational displays. Free entry and parking make it an accessible family outing, and a clean beach is a short walk away along the coast. The centre is compact and well-kept, and works best for school-age children who can engage with the conservation content.

🕐 Opening Hours

Monday09:00 – 16:30
Tuesday09:00 – 16:30
Wednesday09:00 – 16:30
Thursday09:00 – 16:30
Friday09:00 – 12:15

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