Padang Kemunting Turtle Conservation and Information Center is located at Padang Kemunting, Masjid Tanah, Melaka. It is a Conservation Center which is under the management of the Department of Fisheries Malaysia and has the support of the Melaka State Government. This center is known as Padang Kemunting TCIC which recorded the highest landing of Hawksbill Turtles in Peninsular Malaysia.
The center is open for daily visit except on Mondays and public holidays. Visiting hours are from Tuesday-Sunday from 10.00 am to 4.30 pm while on Friday at 10.00 am – 4 pm.
Conservation activities began in 1989 in Pulau Besar, Melaka. The center was built in the area of Padang Kemunting Beach in 1990 with an area of 0.2953 ha.
The location of Padang Kemunting TCIC which is near to the beach makes this Center one of the tourist attractions in the State of Melaka. There are fishermen villages here that make fishing and marine life activities as a source of income. Padang Kemunting Beach area is also recognized as one of the popular beach resorts in the State of Melaka.
Padang Kemunting Beach is just next to Pengkalan Balak Beach and Tanjung Bidara overlooking the Straits of Melaka. One of the attractions in Tanjung Bidara is the Falak Al-Khawarizmi Complex which is used to see the new moon for the determination of fasting and Hari Raya.
Padang Kemunting TCIC has the following facilities:
- Hatchery
- Turtle Pool
- Showrooms
- Audio room
- Muslim prayer room
- Toilet
Around Padang Kemunting Beach, Pengkalan Balak Beach and Tajung Bidara there are many chalets, hotels and resorts and restaurants. This coastal area is also a major attraction for those who want to enjoy seafood dishes. Visitors have many options for accommodatio, food and drinks here. Also, in Tanjung Bidara, there are many facilities such as clinics, shops, school, mosque and others.
The activities conducted at Padang Kemunting TCIC are:
- Preserve, conserve, protect and manage Hawkbill Turtle species in the State of Melaka
- Provide educational information and awareness activities to the public such as holding exhibitions in schools and the Melaka State Institute of High Education and organizing Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) / Community Service activities for school students, universities and private companies.
- Perform incubation, hatching, conservation and research on Hawksbill Turtles
By Land Road
Start your journey to the State of Melaka. The easiest and most convenient route to the state is via the North-South Highway. Exit at the intersection of Ayer Keroh Toll Plaza. From there, continue the journey through Lebuh Ayer Keroh towards Masjid Tanah via Lebuh SPA. You will go through Tanjung Bidara before reaching Padang Kemunting. The journey from Ayeh Keroh Toll Plaza to Padang Kemunting TCIC takes 45 minutes.
