Bali’s Marine Tourism Adventures Just Got A Boost As Nusa Penida Releases Turtles Into The Wild

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Bali’s Natural Resources Conservation Agency has confirmed the release of five adult Hawksbill turtles in Nusa Penida.

The turtles were rescued from wildlife poachers and underwent a serious rehabilitation process before returning to the wild. 

Marine adventures in Bali have been named among the top seven adrenaline-pumping destinations in the world by travel booking platform Agoda.

In a press statement Andrew Smith, Senior Vice President, Supply at Agoda said: “Adventure is a big part of travel, and Agoda aims to connect people with exciting destinations in Asia Pacific that offer remarkable experiences.”

“With Agoda, travelers can easily book accommodations, flights, and activities all in one place, enjoying great deals that make every adventure both exciting and affordable.”

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Agoda cites scuba diving, or diving of any kind, in Indonesia to be one of the best adventure activities in the world.

The platform says “Bali, Raja Ampat, and Komodo National Park are must-visit spots for underwater exploration.”

Bali is one of the most exciting and accessible marine tourism destinations in Indonesia and Nusa Penida is where most tourist head to get in on the action. 

The most famous marine life in Nusa Penida is of course the majestic manta rays. Though while tourists are diving and snorkelling to encounter manta rays, sunfish and incredible coral reefs, they should always be on the look out for turtles too.

With this latest release of five turtles back into the waters around Nusa Penida the chances of encountering one of these magical beings just go even higher. 

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Speaking to reporters during the release the Head of the Bali BKSDA, Ratna Hendratmoko, said the five turtles had undergone a rehabilitation process to ensure their condition was healthy and ready to be released back into nature. 

The release of the five hawksbill turtles was a big occasion attended by the West Java KSDA Center, PKBSI (Indonesian Zoo Association) Bali Region, KPP Bulih Bali Nusa Penida, Nusa Penida Sub-district Head, Nusa Penida Police Chief, Ped Village Apparatus, conservation partners, and the surrounding community. 

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The Deputy Chief of Nusa Penida Police, AKP I Nyoman Sudana, said that the reason why it was decided to make it public that the turtles were being released was to help increase public awareness of turtle conservation.

He shared “The Nusa Penida Police fully supports environmental conservation efforts and will continue to synergize with related parties to maintain the sustainability of nature, especially in the Nusa Penida area.” 

During the event’s speeches, leaders from BKSDA Bali emphasized the importance of maintaining the natural habitat of turtles to help keep healthy populations sustained. The public was once again urged not to capture, trade, or keep protected wildlife without permission.

BKSDA Bali also shared its hopes that the release of hawksbill turtles will be a fine example of the Balinese philosophical teachings of Tri Hita Karana which highlights the importance of maintaining the balance of the relationship between humans and nature. 

Tourists visiting Bali who wish to embark on underwater adventures are advised to do their research to find a reputable tour provider who adheres to the essential guidelines and best practices for ethical marine encounters.

Organizations like the Coral Triangle Center have some sensible and easy-to-follow advice for tourists who are snorkeling, diving, or free diving anywhere in the world, but especially within the waters surrounding Nusa Penida.

Basics include never touching marine life, never feeding marine life, leaving at least a 5m distance between wildlife as well as not stepping on coral, or disturbing sediment.

The waters around Nusa Penida are some of the most environmentally significant and highly protected in the world. In November 2024 the waters around Bali’s Nusa Islands were officially designated as a Particularly Sensitive Sea Area (PSSA) by the International Maritime Organisation, which is part of the United Nations.

This puts its global importance on par with other PSSAs like the Great Barrier Reef, the Sabana-Camagüey Archipelago in Cuba, Paracas National Reserve in Peru, and The Galapagos Archipelago in Ecuador.