In recent years, tourism in Paloh Sub-district has begun to rise. Facilities and infrastructure continue to be built, making it easier for tourists to reach this sub-district that is rich in natural resources. Located in the north of Sambas Regency, Paloh is also known as the longest turtle nesting beach in Indonesia. Along ± 63 km, turtles make the beach in Paloh as a place to lay eggs.

Turtles are one of the attractions for tourists to visit Paloh. Besides turtles, the underwater waters of Paloh have a beauty that spoils the eyes of tourists. Not only the nature is interesting, but the local coastal traditions and culture have their own uniqueness. Among them are Besiak Ritual, Antar Ajung Ceremony and Ngamping tradition as a form of gratitude of coastal communities for the abundant harvest. This tradition is carried out in the middle of the year around June and July, which is also the peak season for Paloh turtle nesting.

Since long time ago, the coastal community of Paloh celebrated the turtle nesting season by holding the "Turtle Egg Throwing Festival". Unfortunately, for almost 10 years, this tradition has no longer been carried out due to its declining population and violation of applicable laws in Indonesia.

FESPA IV

Restoring the local community's longing for a celebration to welcome the turtle nesting season, DKP and BKSDA of West Kalimantan Province, BPSPL and PSDKP Pontianak, Temajuk Village Government together with WWF Indonesia initiated the Festival Pesisir Paloh (FESPA). The festival will be organized without violating conservation norms, while promoting the potential of coastal tourism. Local traditions and culture as well as community awareness efforts are one aspect that will be emphasized. So that there is a sense of pride and community efforts to preserve it.

will be held again from May 28 to 30, 2015. With the theme "Keeping Sea Turtles at the State Boundary", the festival will be held in Temajuk Village, Paloh District, Sambas Regency and Paloh Turtle Nesting Beach. This series of festivals is held in order to celebrate several important days such as World Turtle Day which falls on May 23, Environment Day on June 5 and of course in the framework of the 2015 Paloh Turtle Nesting Peak Season.

Tourism activities such as underwater tours, hatchling release, and night tours when turtles are laying eggs are activities that are presented to visitors. In addition to these activities, it was also enlivened with cultural performances and several competitions to the election of the 2015 Paloh turtle ambassador. FESPA IV 2015, in addition to promoting the coastal potential of Paloh, is also expected to stimulate the role of the Government, coastal communities and related agencies to be involved in coastal and sea turtle conservation activities, to the supervision and law enforcement of sea turtle species conservation and aquaculture.

Writer: Dynta Munardi (Website Writer)