Kili Kili Turtle Beach

Kili-Kili Turtle Beach Conservation is a beacon of hope on Java's South Coast. The hidden gem behind green hills and the rolling waves of the Indian Ocean, Kili-Kili Beach in Trenggalek, East Java, not only offers stunning natural beauty but also serves as a beacon of hope for sea turtle conservation. This area has developed into a key sea turtle conservation center on Java's south coast, playing a crucial role in maintaining the population of this ancient marine animal.

Kili-Kili Beach is a natural habitat for several protected sea turtle species, such as the olive ridley turtle (Lepidochelys olivacea), the green turtle (Chelonia mydas), and occasionally the hawksbill turtle (Eretmochelys imbricata). Every year, especially during the nesting season, mother turtles return to this beach to lay their eggs.
Conservation at Kili-Kili involves various systematic and integrated efforts:

  • Nest and Egg Protection: Regular patrols are conducted by local conservation groups and the surrounding community to identify turtle nests. The recovered eggs are then moved to a semi-natural hatching site safe from predators and human disturbance.
  • Hatchling Hatching and Release: After hatching, thousands of hatchlings (baby turtles) are cared for in temporary holding tanks before being released back into the open sea. These hatchling releases often serve as a compelling educational tourist attraction for visitors.
  • Community Education and Empowerment: Educational programs are continuously conducted to raise awareness among local communities and visitors about the importance of turtle conservation. Community involvement in patrols and care activities is also key to the success of conservation at Kili-Kili.

Kili-Kili beach conservation not only maintains the balance of the marine ecosystem but also offers a meaningful tourism experience. This is a rare opportunity for visitors to not only enjoy the beach's beauty but also to learn and contribute directly to the rescue of one of the world's most charismatic marine creatures. Kili-Kili's success is proof that tourism and conservation can go hand in hand, creating a brighter future for turtles in Indonesia.

Indonesia Tourism: 
East Java Tourism