Borneo Wildlife Encounter
- Duration
- 3 Days
- Prices From:
- US$ 857
MODERATE | TAILOR-MADE: Sandakan is the gateway to wonderful nature centres including the Sepilok Orangutan Sanctuary, Turtle Islands Park and the Gomantong limestone caves. An unparalleled area for nature lovers.
The historical city of Sandakan is the second-largest city in the state of Sabah. Located on the east coast of Borneo, Malaysia, Sandakan is known for being the gateway to eco-tourism destinations in Sabah such as the Sepilok Orangutan Sanctuary, Turtle Islands Park, and the archaeological Gomantong Caves.
On arrival at Sandakan Airport, you'll be met and transferred to the jetty to begin your journey with a 45-minute speedboat ride to Selingan Island which is part of the Turtle Islands Park. Check into your simple lodge. The day is free to go swimming, snorkeling or just explore. After dinner, observe the famous Green and Hawksbill Turtles coming ashore to lay their eggs.
The next morning, you'll head back to Sandakan and onwards to explore the Gomantong Caves, famous for the bird’s nests that are the basis of the Chinese delicacy, birds nest soup. Check into your lodge in Sukau/Bilit and then take a cruise along the river in search of the wildlife of which the best known is the strange-looking Probosci's monkey.
The following morning, continue to Sepilok Orangutan Sanctuary where the orangutans are rescued from the surrounding plantations and rehabilitated to allow them to go back to living in their natural habitat, the jungle. One highlight is the feeding time when they are up close. You will also have a short walk in the rainforest.
Afterwards, you'll be returnedto Sandakan and transferred to your hotel or the airport.
- Duration
- 3 Days
- Prices From:
- US$ 857
Itinerary View Trip Map
Sandakan to Selingan Turtle Island
Pick up from hotel in Sandakan or airport and transfer to the jetty, for a 75-minute boat ride to Selingan (Turtle Island). Check into your chalet. Rooms have twin beds with air conditioning and attached toilet and shower. Spend the rest of the day swimming or lazing on the beach. After dinner, you will be invited by a ranger to observe the turtle laying eggs on the beach. Later the eggs are transferred to the hatchery and if there are young turtles around, you can watch their release to the sea.
| Meal Plan | Lunch and Dinner |
|---|---|
| Duration | 1 Night |
| Accommodation |
Selingan Turtle Island Chalet |
| Location | View map |
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Selingan Turtle Island Chalet
Selingan, the largest of the islands in the Selingan Marine National Park, houses the park's headquarters, a turtle hatchery, tourist accommodation and basic facilities.
Selingan, the largest of the islands in the Selingan Marine National Park, houses the park's headquarters, a turtle hatchery, tourist accommodation and basic facilities.
Facilities
- Air Conditioning
- Bathrooms with hot/cold shower
- Beach Access
Photo gallery
Photo 1 of 1
Selingan Turtle Island to Gomantong to Bilit
Breakfast in the cafeteria before you depart the island at 7:00 am for Sandakan. Proceed overland to the Gomantong Caves (about 2-hour ride), passing oil palm plantation and villages. Explore this fascinating cave, which is home to millions of swiftlets and bats. The swiftlet's nets are collected for the famous Chinese Bird's nest soup. Continue on to Sukau/Bilit and check into your lodge. Lunch at the lodge and some leisure time before your late afternoon cruise along Kinabatangan River in search for Proboscis monkeys and other forms of Wildlife. Return to the lodge for dinner. Overnight in twin bed rooms with attached hot water showers.
| Meal Plan | Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner |
|---|---|
| Duration | 1 Night |
| Accommodation |
Bilit Rainforest Lodge |
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Bilit Rainforest Lodge
On the bank of Sabah's longest river, the Kinabatangan River, Bilit Rainforest Lodge is situated strategically in the heart of numerous intriguing wildlife and fascinating habitats such as oxbow lakes, limestone caves, mangrove swamps and various types of tropical forests. Bilit Rainforest Lodge offers the …
On the bank of Sabah's longest river, the Kinabatangan River, Bilit Rainforest Lodge is situated strategically in the heart of numerous intriguing wildlife and fascinating habitats such as oxbow lakes, limestone caves, mangrove swamps and various types of tropical forests.
Bilit Rainforest Lodge offers the best rainforest experience by being a world-leading eco-lodge in the tropical region. Built largely from local-hardwood material, the lodge is designed to allow visitors experience the best of the unique local nature. Amidst the enfolding wildlife of flora and fauna, the lodge most importantly provides visitors a clean, safe and lovely environment to make your stay here a remarkable one.Facilities
- Gift Shop
- Hairdryers
- Internet Hotspot
- Laundry Service
- Restaurant
Photo gallery
Photo 1 of 1
Bilit to Sepilok to Sandakan
After breakfast, depart overland for the Sepilok Orangutan Centre. Experience a close encounter with the "Man of the Forest", who are undergoing a rehabilitation program to return to the wild. After tour, transfer to your hotel or to the airport for your onward journey.
| Meal Plan | Breakfast |
|---|
Other Information
DEPARTURES:
Daily (based on a minimum of 2 passengers traveling)
PRICE INCLUDES:
- Shared arrival transfer from Sandakan Airport or hotel to boat jetty
- Shared departure transfer to Sandakan Airport to hotel following tour
- 1 night moderate chalet accommodations on Selingan Turtle Island
- 1 night moderate lodge accommodations in Bilit
- Shared guided tours by air-conditioned vehicle as per itinerary
- All applicable entrance fees
- English-speaking guide
- Breakfast daily (excluding day 1), 2 lunches, 2 dinners
PRICE EXCLUDES:
- Travel insurance
- International and domestic airfare & airfare taxes.
- Visa fees if applicable
- Meals and beverages not specifically indicated
- Items of a personal nature
TERMS AND CONDITIONS:
Prices are "from" per person based on double occupancy in an inside cabin. Balcony and other cabin categories available on request. Prices are based on current exchange rates and subject to change. Single rates available on request. Subject to availability, limited seats available, seasonal surcharges may apply
NOTES:
- This program requires a minimum of 1 pre night in Borneo (either Kuching, Kota Kinabalu or Sandakan). For wildlife lovers, we recommend extending your stay at Bilit Rainforest Lodge.
- Conservation fee of approximately USD 15.00 (60 MYR) per visitor will be levied and payable directly by clients upon arrival at the island
- Usage of cameras is allowed but without flash. This is because flashes of lights can be stressful on the creatures
- Video/Digital Video Cameras are not allowed
- Visitors are not allowed from going around the island on their own from 1800hrs – 0600hrs
- Package does not include airfares
- We recommend for your onward flight on Day 3 to be after 3:00pm
- Although daily sightings of turtles laying eggs have been reported, it cannot be guaranteed
21 Oct 2023
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