Sandakan is famous as the gateway for eco-tourism destinations in Sabah, Borneo. On this 2-day tour you you will have the opportunity to see Orangutans and Marine Turtles in the natural habitat and learn about the conservation projects to preserve these endangered species.
Upon arrival in Sandakan you will be met at the airport and transferred to Sim Sim jetty to board the boat to Selingan Turtle Island. Selingan has been designated a national park to protect the newly laid eggs and vulnerable hatchlings from predators. The journey to the island will take approximately one hour.
On arrival check into at the lodge and spend the rest of the day at leisure. You can relax on the beach or explore the tropical island’s surrounding.
After dinner, standby at the Cafeteria. Wait for Park Ranger’s signal before proceed in a small group to witness a marine turtle laying the eggs on the beach and the release of the baby turtle into the sea (turtle sightings can never be guaranteed).
Overnight at the lodge Turtle island
LUNCH | DINNER
Early morning head back to the mainland and proceed to Sepilok Orangutan Rehabilitation Centre for up-close orangutan encounter.
Walk 10 minutes through the rainforest on wooden boardwalk to witness the feeding of orangutans from the platform in the forest.
Continue to the outdoor nursery where the juvenile and baby orangutans are taught the skills they need to survive in the forest.
Proceed to Bornean Sun Bear Conservation Centre where the world’s smallest bears are kept and rehabilitated.
After lunch proceed to Labuk Bay Proboscis Monkey Sanctuary. In the centre of the mangrove forests of Semawang is the Labuk Bay Proboscis Monkey Sanctuary, where you can see Borneo’s indigenous proboscis monkeys. This privately-owned sanctuary located within an oil palm estate gives you the chance to observe these animals up close and personal.
After Sepilok transfer to Sandakan airport.
BREAKFAST | LUNCH
If you have limited time in Sabah, but you wish to witness turtle nesting and get to see orangutan and proboscis monkeys in a close range.
Accommodation and facilities on Selingan island are very simple.
Although marine turtles lay their eggs throughout the year and they come ashore every night, there are more landings on clear moonless nights and during the driest season from March to October when the sea is calmer.
If you travel to Selingan Turtle Island in the season from November to February, you might experience rough seas and high waves and the tour can be cancelled due to the bad weather conditions.
