Unexpected Turtle Encounter Leaves Singaporean Snorkeler in Pain
When 59‑year‑old retirement veteran Liang took a trip to Malaysia on September 3, she didn’t imagine that a casual snorkeling adventure would turn into a real-life turtle-touch fiasco.
The Breathtaking Scene at Redang Island
Three days into her holiday, on September 5, the group – including her husband, aunt, and granddaughter – made their way to the famed Redang Island, a go-to spot for Singaporeans looking for crystal‑clear waters and friendly marine life.
What Happened?
While gliding through the turquoise waters, Liang found herself surrounded by more than ten sea turtles. One, a cheeky little greenie, drifted just a metre away from her.
“When it leapt toward me, I felt a stinging pain on my right arm,” she said, recalling the moment at around 3 pm.
Back on the dive boat, she noticed a big patch of skin – roughly 7 cm – on her arm that was clearly swollen.
“Several tourists offered me medicated oil to slip on the wound, but since there was no bleeding, I decided I wouldn’t go to a clinic,” Liang explained. The whole incident was a major disappointment for her snorkeling adventure.
Conveying Confusion & Bittersweet Revelation
Long‑time staffer on Redang Island mentioned that, to their knowledge, turtles never bite tourists. That, coupled with the boat captain’s repeated reminder to the 30‑person group to “see and not touch” the sea turtles, left Liang bewildered over why she’d been bitten.
“I still want to go snorkeling in the future, but I’ll steer clear of any sea turtle encounters,” Liang concluded politely.
Insights from Aquarium Staff
In response to the Chinese daily’s inquiry, a spokesperson from the Animal Concerns Research and Education Society (ACRES) said that while turtles normally keep their bite far from humans, they will defend themselves if they feel threatened. The large number of visitors on the beach, they warned, might increase the turtles’ stress levels.
They urged everyone to avoid overcrowding turtles’ natural spaces, especially during the peak nesting season, when Terengganu beaches host an average of 2,000 nests every year – one of Malaysia’s biggest sea turtle populations.
While rare, Liang’s bite incident isn’t the first of its kind. Yet the story serves as a gentle reminder that even the humblest marine creature can surprise you if you get a bit too up close.
<img alt="" data-caption="Guang Liang went snorkelling in Redang and was bitten by a sea turtle. PHOTO: Sina Weibo” data-entity-type=”file” data-entity-uuid=”02f8ef8c-8882-4ead-ac74-076a02c19c1e” src=”/sites/default/files/inline-images/20220913_guangliang.jpeg”/>
Turtle Blues: How a Zip‑Zig Reptile Got a Rough Ride in Terengganu
Picture it: a sunny July day in the Malaysian paradise of Terengganu, the sun up, the sea sweet, and Guang Liang—the pop‑star‑turned‑tourist—just rolling around with his family. Then—POP—one of the local wildlife decides it’s the perfect moment to chew out on the singer’s backside. China’s micro‑blogging platform Sina Weibo caught the moment, and the clip went viral in May 2018.
What Actually Happened
- Guang Liang was vacationing with his parents and a handful of his company’s staff.
- A curious turtle, apparently feeling adventurous, latched onto the bass line of his quiet vacation.
- The animal’s jaws closed on the buttocks—yes, that’s an official incident, not a typo.
- Over the next few minutes, the singer was rattling the shell, trying hard not to laugh (or cry).
- The situation escalated into a surreal “laugh‑at‑the‑moment” video that flooded social media.
The Reactions
Followers on Twitter and Weibo barely caught a breath before the clip went viral. The responses were a mix of:
- “What was that? I’m not ready to see a turtle but‑clacking action!”
- “Only in Malaysia can a turtle take a selfie with your backside.”
- “If you’re not careful, wildlife can bring you the back of the spectrum!”
- “I hope he’s okay. That’s a tough vibe. Check the tinder for injuries!”
Post‑Incident Care
Guang Liang apparently survived the encounter—no serious injuries, just a story that couldn’t stay tucked away until days later. He comfortably returned to his routine, picking up the next pop‑solo from an unexpected rehearsed segment of a “turtle kind of beach mash‑up.”
Wrap‑Up and Moral of The Story
When you’re in the tropical “beautiful, beachy” portion of Malaysia, look out for shore critters, not just photo‑opportunities. The incident reminds us that everyone—humans, turtles, and even you in your Sunday tee— wants a moment of peace at the beach. Let’s keep the shell line safe and the music kinder!
