Since the creation of a turtle hatchery and sanctuary in 2013, over two thousand baby turtles have been released into the wild, with The Oberoi, Bali playing an active role in Bali's sea turtle conservation programme.

Just as in years past, 2014 saw The Oberoi, Bali's Turtle Protection Programme flourish to the delight of the iconic resort's guests, employees and most of all; the Olive Ridley Sea Turtle (Lepidochelys Olivacea).

Each year, the 500m of beach frontage at The Oberoi, Bali is visited by the endangered species of sea turtle named for the olive colour of its heart-shaped shell.  It is one of the smallest species of sea turtle in the world, with adults reaching up to 70cm in length, and weighing up to 50kg at maturity.

Female turtles come ashore to lay their eggs between May and October along the sandy beach in front of the resort every year.  To protect and assist the survival of the species, The Oberoi, Bali safeguards the eggs by moving them to a sandy area within the property until they hatch approximately 60 days later.  The successful programme at The Oberoi, Bali saw a total of 30 clutches or nests laid between May 10th and August 25th.  The team oversaw the hatching and release of 1,183 baby turtles to the sea.  The first group was released on July 8th, and the last ones were brought to the oceans edge on November 4th. 

The females return faithfully to the same beach each time they are ready to nest.  Not only do they appear on the same beach, they often emerge within a few hundred metres of where they last nested.  Males almost never return to land once they leave the sand of their natal beach.

Typically these little turtles orient themselves towards the brightest horizon, and dash toward the sea in a perilous journey where, if they don't make it to the ocean quickly, many would die of dehydration in the sun or be caught by predators.  With the The Oberoi's turtle sanctuary, the vulnerable hatchlings are fed and cared for in custom-built saltwater holding tanks until they are about two weeks old, by which time their chances of survival in the ocean dramatically increase.

Coming into 2015, there will be ample opportunities for guests to witness this miracle of nature and the spectacular The Oberoi, Bali.  The idyllic Balinese resort is situated within six-hectares of mature tropical gardens lining famous Seminyak beach. The resort features fourteen authentically inspired villas crafted in local stone with either a private courtyard or pool, and sixty spacious, light-filled lanai rooms with their own individual terrace.  Guests may enjoy the resort's four traditional dining venues, and its incredible spa, specialising in signature Balinese treatments.  Along with The Oberoi, Bali's Turtle Conservation Programme, guests may immerse themselves in Balinese culture by visiting local temples and villages, all of which are within walking distance from the property.

About The Oberoi Group

The Oberoi Group, which was founded in 1934, presently operates 30 five star hotels, a Nile cruiser and a motor vessel in the backwaters of Kerala under the luxury 'Oberoi' and five-star 'Trident' brands in several countries.  The Group is also engaged in flight catering, managing airport restaurants, travel and tour services, car rentals, project management and corporate air charters.

For Further Information

For enquiries and reservations please contact
The Oberoi Hotels & Resorts via telephone or email:

T: +91-11-2389 0606
E: reservations@oberoigroup.com

MEDIA CONTACTS

The Brandman Agency
Susie Westwood / Richard Butler / Nadina Stening / Paige Lewis
susie@brandmanpr.com / richard@brandmanpr.com/ nadina@brandmanpr.com /paige@brandmanpr.com
T. +61 (0)2 9299 6448 M. +61 (0)416 109 160