What Is the TCEC?
The Turtle Conservation and Education Center (TCEC) on Serangan Island is one of Bali’s most important marine conservation facilities. Established in 2006 by the Desa Adat Serangan (traditional village) with initial support from WWF, the TCEC is now managed entirely by the local community. It houses green turtles (Chelonia mydas), hawksbill turtles (Eretmochelys imbricata), and lekang turtles (Lepidochelys olivacea) — all critically important species in Indonesian waters.
Conservation Activities: What the TCEC Does
The TCEC conducts: (1) Turtle maintenance and health monitoring in dedicated pools and tanks. (2) Egg incubation — turtle eggs are relocated to semi-natural hatchery conditions, protecting them from predation. (3) Hatchling care — baby turtles are raised until strong enough for ocean survival.
(4) Turtle releases — seasonal release events invite public participation. (5) Community education — raising awareness about why consuming turtle eggs and meat is harmful. The center monitors carapace size, sand temperature, nest depth, and hatching success rates.
Visiting the TCEC: Practical Guide
Location: Jl. Tukad Punggawa, Serangan, Denpasar Selatan. Entry fee: from IDR 25,000. Opening hours: typically 8am-5pm daily.
Visitors can walk around the turtle pools, observe feeding and care routines, and — during seasonal releases — participate in returning hatchlings to the ocean. Photography is permitted. Contact: 0813-3849-0357. The TCEC is an excellent educational experience for families, school groups, and eco-conscious travelers.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I release a turtle at Serangan Island?
Turtle release events happen seasonally at TCEC. Contact the center directly or book a guided experience through Bali Premium Trip.
What types of turtles are at TCEC Serangan?
Green turtles, hawksbill turtles, and lekang turtles are all housed at TCEC Serangan Island.