3D2N Turtle Island / Sepilok / Sukau / Gomantong / Sandakan City Tour

Embark on a thrilling 3-day adventure through Sandakan’s breathtaking natural wonders, from turtle conservation to wildlife safaris in Borneo’s rich rainforests.

Begins with a scenic boat ride to Selingan Turtle Island, the main nesting site for green turtles. Enjoy a day of swimming or snorkeling in the clear waters before witnessing the incredible sight of turtles laying eggs under the guidance of park rangers. Learn about turtle conservation efforts and watch as baby turtles are released into the sea. Spend the night in a chalet on the island, immersed in the natural beauty of this marine sanctuary.

Return to the mainland and visit the Sepilok Orangutan Rehabilitation Centre, where you’ll witness rescued orangutans in their natural habitat and watch a documentary about their rehabilitation. Then, journey through rustic countryside before arriving at Borneo Nature Lodge along the Kinabatangan River, one of the best places in Southeast Asia for wildlife spotting. Embark on a river safari, where you may see proboscis monkeys, pygmy elephants, hornbills, and more.

Day 3 starts with a visit to the famous Gomantong Cave, home to edible bird’s nests and diverse cave-dwelling wildlife. Afterward, enjoy a delicious local lunch before a city tour of Sandakan, visiting the Central Market, Sim-Sim Water Village, and Puh Jih Syh Buddhist Temple, which offers stunning panoramic views of Sandakan Bay. Finally, transfer to the airport for your evening flight back to Kota Kinabalu, concluding your unforgettable Borneo wildlife experience.

Full Itinerary

Departure: Morning

DAY 1
Early morning, transfer to airport to board a plane for Sandakan. Meet and greet at the airport and transfer to jetty. At 10:00 AM, boat departs to Turtle Island. It takes about an hour to reach Selingan Island which lies 40km north of Sandakan in the Sulu Sea off Sabah's east coast. Selingan Island is the main nesting area for the green turtles. A day of relaxation for you to swim or snorkel at the island. After dinner, prepare to wait for the Park Ranger to inform us of the sighting of a turtle laying eggs. Learn about the conservation of these turtles; witness the collecting of eggs from the nesting site, planting them in the hatchery and see baby turtles scrambling to the open sea upon released on the shore. Overnight stay at the island chalet, room with attached bathroom.

DAY 2
6:30 AM check out, have breakfast and embark for another boat ride back to the mainland Sandakan. Proceed to drive for about half an hour to Sepilok Orang-Utan Rehabilitation Centre where orphaned and injured Orang-Utan brought to Sepilok to be rehabilitated to return and fend for themselves back to the wild. Sepilok is a primary lowland forest; a fine showcase of Borneo’s remaining rainforest. Witness the feeding of Orang-Utan from a platform in the forest and later watch the 25 minutes scheduled video documentary show. Drive for about 2.5hrs drive through rustic countryside studded with villages. Take a short boat transfer to Borneo Nature Lodge. Time for orientation, have lunch and check in. Relax by the river before embarking by boat up-river at 4:00 PM along Sabah's longest river, Kinabatangan with opportunity to view wildlife and birds in its virgin rainforest habitat. Search for some of the primates species including the endemic Proboscis Monkeys as they settle down on treetops. Kinabatangan Wildlife Sanctuary is on the best places in Southeast Asia to observe wildlife. Overnight at Borneo Nature Lodge.

DAY 3
After breakfast, check out from Borneo Nature Lodge. Take a short boat transfer to Lapit jetty and continue journey back to Sandakan. En-route, stop to visit the Gomantong Cave, famed for its edible birds' nests. Take about 15 minutes’ boardwalk to the opening of Simud Hitam cavern and explore the cave system on boardwalk. Lunch at local restaurant. At 2:00 PM after lunch proceed for a city tour and explore the various landmarks of Sandakan which may include Central Market, the most amazing variety of fresh seafood and agricultural products, Sim-Sim Water Village where houses are all built close to the water surface while observing the fascinating view of the sea, visit Puh Jih Syh Buddhist Temple which offers a panoramic view of Sandakan Bay situated on the hilltop of Tanah Merah. After tour, transfer to airport for your evening flight back to Kota Kinabalu. Upon arrival at Kota Kinabalu International Airport, meet and greet, transfer to your hotel.

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What's included

Package Includes: English speaking guide, land/boat transfers based on joining basis, entrance fees, accommodation and meals as stated

Package Excludes: Camera/video camera fees, airfares, insurance and beverages (alcoholic/carbonate/juice)

What to bring

Recommended Personal Gear:

Insect repellent, raincoat (umbrella not recommended), hat, binocular and sun screen (sweat proof). Wear good walking shoes and comfortable cotton T-shirt with long or short pants.

Notes

NOTES FROM SABAH PARKS:

Only cameras of unaided flash are allowed to photograph the turtles. This is because shining a light on them or using camera flashes can be stressful on the creatures.
Video/Digital Video Cameras are not allowed.
Visitors are forbidden from going around the island on their own from 6:00pm – 6:00am
Selingan Island Chalet is about 500m away from the beach and there are NO PORTERS on the island. Therefore, you will have to carry you own luggage from the boat to your chalet. It is highly recommended to pack and travel light during the tour.

Notes:

Optional tours e.g. Night Cruise, Night Walk & Tree Planting can be arranged at the lodge with minimal rates depends on the weather condition (Optional night activity starts at 8:00 PM)
Agnes Keith’s House entrance fee not included & Sandakan War Memorial is upon request
Recommended flights (details & timings) subject to change by airlines