Releasing Turtles In Bali, Indonesia (The Bali Sea Turtle Society)

Last Updated: January 10 2024

Famous for its beautiful beaches, intricate temples, and incredible culture, the island of Bali has so much to offer. You won’t be short of things to do here, but there’s one activity that you don’t want to leave off your itinerary!

Releasing turtles in Bali is a bucket list experience for sure and it can be done with the reputable Bali Sea Turtle Society. This organisation strives to save sea turtles (nearly all of which are endangered), and you can help. Honestly, it’s something you won’t soon forget!

This guide is going to cover everything you need to know when it comes to releasing turtles in Bali. That includes where to go, when it takes place, and information about the society that runs these releases!

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Where to Release Turtles In Bali

Address: 75G9+MWV, Jl. Pantai Kuta, Kuta, Kec. Kuta, Kabupaten Badung, Bali 80361

When it comes to releasing turtles in Bali, you’ll need to visit the Bali Sea Turtle Society Conservation Center. This place is located in the tourist destination of Kuta, which is just a 10-minute drive from the island’s international airport. Canggu is around a 30-minute drive away too.

This conservation centre is located off Kuta Beach, just along from the Hard Rock Hotel. There’s a huge sea turtle statue outside so it’s hard to miss!

Saying that we did miss it, but that’s because we walked along the shoreline, rather than the path along the front (be wiser than us!)

Who are Bali Sea Turtle Society?

The Bali Sea Turtle Society (BSTS) is a charity-led society which works tirelessly to protect the sea turtles that call this island home. This non-profit organisation has been around since 2011 and was founded by the Balinese people.

They aim to protect the local sea turtles and their habitat through several projects, which focus on raising public awareness.

Unfortunately, due to a combination of plastic waste, fishing nets, public disturbance, and sea turtle trading, sea turtle numbers have dwindled in Bali over the years. It’s estimated that only 1 in 1,000 make it to adulthood, but the Bali Sea Turtle Society aim to give them a fighting chance!

What does the Bali Sea Turtle Society do?

There are several things that this charity does, and these fall under campaigning, human education, and sea turtle nest protection. When it comes to releasing sea turtles in Bali, it’s the latter that we’ll talk about in this article!

Sea turtles lay eggs on many of the island’s beaches. If left, these nests can be crushed by the public, dug up by dogs, stolen by poachers, or swept away during high tide, so they face a number of challenges!

The Bali Sea Turtle Society works to protect these eggs, by either cutting off areas of the beach to the public or collecting the eggs and placing them into a hatchery. The eggs can then hatch safely, and the baby turtles are left to grow until they can be released.

Although this may seem unfair and unnatural, it’s done for their safety. Unfortunately, they have a relatively low chance of survival otherwise!

What is their reputation like?

Whenever we do any activity involving wildlife, we always look into the organisation’s reputation. This is so important to us, as we only believe in ethical animal encounters.

We found BSTS had mixed reviews because to some people it’s just a tourist gimmick. However, we can honestly say that from our experience, that’s just not the case!

Everything the society does is for the protection of sea turtles and they don’t make any money out of this, it’s by donation only. All the funds go into running the organisation and everything we saw showed that this charity cares greatly for the turtles and only works to educate people.

By collecting the eggs, the Bali Sea Turtle Society gives them the chance to hatch safely, which helps ensure the species’ survival. Although this activity is popular with tourists, it’s not a ‘gimmick’. Instead, it allows people to involve themselves with the conservation process and raises awareness with the public.

How Does Releasing Turtles in Bali Work?

Releasing baby turtles in Bali is a once-in-a-lifetime experience! To ensure you have the best time, we’re going to go through how it all works.

Step 1:

First of all, check the charity’s Facebook page as this is where they announce their releases. They’ll typically post in the morning to give people a chance to get to Kuta. You could always go down and ask too!

Generally, the release takes place at 4 pm but you’ll want to get here earlier. Sometimes, the number of baby turtles is fairly low, so we’d recommend getting in the queue around 3 pm if you can.

Step 2:

To join in with the release, you’ll need to line up first. This is when tokens are distributed, and you’ll be given one for each person (this usually takes place around 3:30 pm). These tokens are used to control how many participants take part in the release so it’s not overcrowded.

Although the turtle release program is free to take part in, we’d recommend making a donation. Your donation will go towards the charity, so they can continue their work in turtle conservation.

Step 3:

Once you have your token, you’ll then give it back to exchange it for a baby sea turtle. This happens when you line up at 4 pm. When you get to the front of the queue, the excitement begins!

Your turtle will be in a small plastic container with a little bit of water inside. Before the release, you’ll be given a briefing on what to do (and specific rules/instructions), so make sure you pay attention.

Step 4:

After, you’ll head to the beach. Here, there’s a cordoned-off zone so the public can’t disturb the release. Interestingly enough, you need to release them away from the sea, so they can make their own way there. This is super important!

The Bali Sea Turtle Society will put a rope out which you’ll have to stand behind. Once you’re given the go-ahead, you’ll gently tip the container near the floor.

Step 5:

Once your little one is on the floor, it will slowly start making its way toward the sea. The race begins, as dozens (if not hundreds) of baby sea turtles make their way to the ocean.

This incredible experience will take your breath away, and you’ll have memories to last a lifetime. The one thing we will say is to enjoy the moment, but still take plenty of photographs!

Is this release process ethical?

The Bali Sea Turtle Society ensures that its baby turtle release program is entirely ethical. It allows people to get involved with the conservation process, and they can learn all about the threats to these wonderful creatures.

Not only that, but the charity ensures that the sea turtles’ welfare takes priority. No one can touch or stroke them and the charity makes sure of this! They also outline strict guidelines to ensure that the turtles get as natural of a release as possible.

This Bali sea turtle release program benefits the turtles, and everything this charity does goes toward their survival. Honestly, you don’t have to worry about unethical practices here (certainly not from our experience).

When can you release baby sea turtles in Bali?

Although the Bali Sea Turtle Society is technically open every day, they only do turtle releases at certain times. However, even if there’s not a release on that day, you’ll still be able to take a look at the hatchery (unless they have to shut it for some reason).

The sea turtle hatching season typically runs from April to October every year. This is when the turtle releases take place, although they don’t occur every day.

The Bali Sea Turtle Society will post on their Facebook on the day they’re doing a release. These typically start at 4, but allow yourself enough time to get there early.

Important Things to Remember when Releasing Turtles in Bali

There’s nothing better than watching hundreds of baby turtles running to the sea! A must for any Bali bucket list for sure. However, there are a few things that we need to mention:

• Be ethical when releasing the sea turtles – That means no touching or stroking! As you’ll be given a hatchling in a container, there’s no need for you to touch it.

• Don’t use flash photography – You’ll certainly want to take photographs of this experience, but make sure your flash is off. This can agitate the baby turtles.

• Keep your container still – Although this may seem obvious, keep your container as still as possible. You don’t want to put the turtle in any distress.

• You can purchase souvenirs at the society – This includes t-shirts and handmade jewellery, and the money will go towards the conservation process.

• Keep an eye on the Facebook group – To ensure you don’t miss a sea turtle release in Bali, turn your notifications on for the charity’s page. This way, you’ll know when to visit Kuta.

More Information about Sea Turtles in Indonesia

Indonesia is home to over 17,000 islands (crazy, we know). That’s a lot of coastline, so it’s no wonder there’s so much marine life here!

There are seven species of sea turtle in total, and you can find six of these in Indonesia. These are the Flatback turtle, Green turtle, Hawksbill, Leatherback, Loggerhead, and the Olive Ridley turtle.

The largest of these species is the leatherback and you can occasionally see them in the waters surrounding Bali. However, you’re more likely to spot Green turtles or Hawksbill turtles.

In terms of the baby turtle release, the main species that lays eggs in Bali is the Olive Ridley turtle.

Where to Stay in Kuta

As the baby sea turtle release program doesn’t run every day, we’d recommend staying in Kuta for a couple of days. This way, you’ll be around for when they do post on their Facebook group so you can be first in line!

Here are some of our top accommodation recommendations:

Budget: H-ostel Bali

This hostel is just a short walk from Kuta Square and the Bali Sea Turtle Society! Not only is this hostel in a great location, but the dormitory beds are extremely cheap – perfect for low-budget travellers.

Boasting spacious dorm beds, a 24-hour front desk, and WiFi, this place has a lot to offer considering the price. You’ll also benefit from air conditioning which is always a bonus in Bali!

Mid-range: YELLO Kuta Beachwalk Bali

YELLO Kuta Beachwalk Bali is another popular option in Kuta! It’s located right by Kuta Beach and offers modern rooms with plenty of amenities, including a private bathroom, WiFi, and air conditioning.

This hotel has a garden, an on-site restaurant serving both Indonesian and Western food, and a communal area. You’ll also benefit from free private parking and room service.

Luxury: Sheraton Bali Kuta Resort

This gorgeous 5* hotel overlooks Kuta Beach and is right next to Beachwalk Shopping Mall. With an outdoor swimming pool, three restaurants, and an on-site spa, this place has everything!

The rooms here are spacious and modern, with plenty of amenities. Many of them even offer stunning ocean views and a private balcony. What more could you ask for?

Booking.com

Frequently Asked Questions about Releasing Turtles In Bali

Where do you release baby turtles in Bali?

The popular tourist destination of Kuta is where you’ll be releasing turtles in Bali. Specifically, you’ll need to head to the Bali Sea Turtle Society, which is located along Kuta Beach.

Kuta is around a 30-minute drive from the beach town of Canggu (which is where many people choose to stay). However, you’ll need to allow extra time for this journey, as the traffic in this area is notoriously bad!

Can you touch the sea turtles in Bali?

Absolutely not! The phrase ‘look, don’t touch’ fits perfectly with this situation. Although these turtles have been born in a hatchery, the whole purpose is to release them back into the wild.

As such, human contact is limited as much as possible so you can’t touch them. The turtle will be placed in a plastic container and then you’ll just have to tip the container (slightly) onto the beach.

What time of year do turtles hatch in Bali?

The sea turtle hatching season typically runs from April to October every year. During these months, the Bali Sea Turtle Society runs releases frequently, and they announce these on their Facebook page.

Sometimes, this charity also runs releases outside of these months, but it’s far less common. If this is a must for your Bali itinerary, then you’ll want to visit here between April and October. We had this experience in September and it was amazing!

Can I swim with turtles in Bali?

You certainly can, just make sure you keep your distance. The waters around Bali are teeming with marine life, but you’ll want to visit the more secluded areas to see turtles. One of these is Pemuteran, which is located in North Bali.

However, for the best chance of swimming with turtles, we’d recommend heading to the Gilli Islands or the Nusa Islands. You can easily reach these island groups by ferry from Bali.

Final Thoughts on Releasing Turtles in Bali

In our opinion, releasing baby sea turtles in Bali is a must! Not only will you get to donate to a worthy cause but you’ll have memories to last a lifetime.

For the best experience, make sure you time your visit to Bali with the turtle hatching season. You’ll also want to turn on notifications for Bali Sea Turtle Society on Facebook so you know exactly when they’re doing the releases.

If you have any questions about releasing turtles in Bali then be sure to get in touch with us via Facebook, Instagram, or in the comments!

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