Experience an unforgettable four-day adventure through Borneo’s breathtaking landscapes, diverse wildlife, and cultural gems!
Begin with a journey to Sandakan and a boat trip to Turtle Island, a crucial nesting site for green turtles. Spend the day swimming or snorkeling before witnessing the remarkable sight of turtles laying eggs and baby hatchlings making their way to the sea. Stay overnight in a chalet on the island.
Return to Sandakan and visit the Sepilok Orangutan Rehabilitation Centre, where rescued orangutans are rehabilitated for life in the wild. Travel through the rustic countryside before boarding a boat to the Borneo Nature Lodge. In the late afternoon, cruise along the Kinabatangan River, one of the best places in Southeast Asia to observe wildlife, including proboscis monkeys, hornbills, and crocodiles.
Explore the wilderness with an early morning river cruise, followed by free time to discover the nearby village or relax at the lodge. Later, embark on another scenic boat ride to spot more of Borneo’s rich wildlife. Optional night activities such as a night walk or tree planting offer deeper immersion into the rainforest.
Conclude the journey with a visit to the Gomantong Cave, renowned for its edible bird’s nests and limestone formations. After lunch, explore Sandakan’s cultural highlights, including the Central Market, Sim-Sim Water Village, and Puh Jih Syh Buddhist Temple, which overlooks Sandakan Bay. Wrap up the adventure with an evening flight back to Kota Kinabalu.
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
Wake up to the calls of birds, insects and animals. At 6:00 AM take a morning cruise up to The Kinabatangan River and experience the wilderness of Borneo before returning to the lodge for breakfast. Free at leisure to explore the surrounding areas or nearby village. In the late afternoon at 4:00 PM, boat cruise along the river to see many species of flora and fauna of the rainforest and overnight stay at Borneo Nature Lodge. Note: 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)
DAY 4
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.
Package Includes: English speaking guide, land/boat transfers based on joining basis, entrance fees, accommodation and meals.
Package Excludes: Camera/video camera fees, airfares, insurance and fees, accommodation and meals as stated, beverages (alcoholic/carbonate/juice)
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 FROM SABAH PARKS:
Notes:
Unique Tour Operator - Kota Kinabalu, Malaysia 2016
Best M.I.C.E. Agents 2015/16
Customer Favourite Awards 2015 Europcar Kota Kinabalu Airport
Best Local Tour Operator (Domestic) 2014/15
Best Inbound Tour Operator 2011/12