Sandakan Safari and Selingan Turtle Island
Tour Overview
The Turtle Island Park (gazetted 1977) lies 40km north of Sandakan in the Sulu Sea and consists of Selingan, Bakungan Kecil and Gulisan islands. The park is a safe haven for the endangered green and hawksbill turtles and gives you the rare opportunity to watch turtle landings. Selingan, the largest of the islands, houses the park's headquarters, a turtle hatchery, tourist accommodation and basic facilities. The other two islands are more for conservation activities. As turtle landings usually occur after dusk, an overnight stay would be the best plan to see the turtles as they come ashore to lay their eggs, but shining a light on them or using camera flashes should be avoided as either can be stressful on the gentle creatures. Turtles lay their eggs throughout the year, but the best time to head there is between July and October when the sea is calmer. Observe the collection of eggs, tagging of tagging of mother turtles and releasing of baby turtle into the sea.
Tour Rates
This tour package requires minimum 2 persons
Standard Rates
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Request for rates
Tour Itinerary
Day 1
Explore Selingen Island in Sandakan to explore and enjoy swimming and snorkelling by the beach
- Pick-up from hotel lobby/resort lounge and send to Kota Kinabalu Airport taking flight (recommended ETD 0700hrs).
- Once arrive at Sandakan Airport, you will be greeted by guide and transferred to jetty for a 1 hour boat ride to Selingan Turtle Island.
- Free at leisure to explore island, swim and snorkel.
- After dinner, wait for signal from the Park Ranger before proceeding to watch Green Turtle lay eggs on the beach, transplanting of eggs to hatchery and release of baby to the sea.
- Stay overnight in Twin-Share room.
Day 2
Visit Sandakan wildlife conservation centres and take river cruise at Kinabatangan in search of wildlife and birds
- Return to Sandakan by boat.
- Transfer to Sepilok Orang Utan Rehabilitation Centre.
- We proceed to watch a video show about the plight of the Orang Utans and the rehabilitation efforts ongoing at the Centre.
- Walk ten minutes through the rainforest on wooden boardwalks to witness the feeding of the Orang Utans at 1000hrs, and then we continue to the newly completed enclosed nursery area for young Orang Utans.
- Thereafter visit the Borneo Sun Bear Conservation Centre to learn about conservation of the world’s smallest bear.
- After lunch, transfer to Sandakan jetty for 2 ½ hours boat journey to the multi awards winning Sukau Rainforest Lodge along Sabah's longest river, Kinabatangan with opportunity to view birds and wildlife.
- Take a river cruise using electric motor in search of wildlife and birds.
- Enjoy candle light dinner overlooking the riverbank followed by slide presentation and interpretation by naturalist guide.
- Stay overnight at the Sukau Rainforest Lodge.
Day 3
Join morning and afternoon river cruise to view more birds and wildlife with educational tour in-between
- Take a 0600hrs morning river cruise up the Kinabatangan River to Kelenanap oxbow lake to view more birds and wildlife.
- After breakfast, proceed for an educational tour along the lodge’s Hornbill Boardwalk with our in-house naturalist.
- After lunch, join our in house Orang Utan Talk activity.
- In the afternoon, we proceed for another river cruise for more wildlife.
- Stay overnight at the Sukau Rainforest Lodge (B/L/D).
Day 4
Return to Sandakan by boat journey and prepare for return flight to Kota Kinabalu
- After breakfast, return to Sandakan by boat journey.
- After lunch we will proceed to airport for the 1430hrs flight to Kota Kinabalu.
- For those taking the evening flight, we will have a chance to visit Rainforest Discovery Centre.
- Take a bird view of the centre from the canopy walk and hanging bridge, explore the botanical garden, home to various species of flora.
- Proceed to Sandakan Memorial Park for a short visit before taking the flight to Kota Kinabalu city (recommended flight 1800hrs).
- Once you arrive at the Kinabalu International Airport, you will be met by our representative and transferred to hotel/ resort lounge.
Important Notes:
- Flash photography and video taking is strictly prohibited.
- Please make sure that you travel light to Sukau Rainforest Lodge.
- From November to February, please be advised that our trip to Selingan Island involves boat journeys via Sulu Sea. In the event of adverse sea condition during or before the boat journey, the company has the absolute discretion to cancel or postpone the trip if it is deemed that journey will jeopardize the safety of our passengers. In the event of cancellation, a replacement tour will be offered. The company will not liable for any compensation.
- In accordance to the Malaysia Tourism Tax Act 6451, with effect from 1st Sep 6451, all foreign tourists/Non Malaysians will be changed a flat rate of MYR 10 per person per night in any registered tourist accommodation premises and this is collected directly by the hotels/resorts/lodge upon check in. The Tourism Tax (TTx) is mandatory under Malaysian Law. Tourism Tax is not included in all tour package.
What’s Included
- Meals as stated
- English speaking guide
- Entrance fee
- 3 nights accommodation
- Return domestic airfare (BKI-SDK-BKI)
What’s NOT Included
- Camera fee
- Tourism tax
- Any items not mentioned
Recommendations
- Please make sure that you travel light to Sukau Rainforest Lodge.
- Wear good walking shoes and comfortable clothing
- Please bring along passport, insect repellent, raincoat, sun hat/ cap, sun block lotion, personal
- toiletries, drinking water bottle and swim wear
- Bring camera, binoculars and touch light
Terms and Conditions:
- All bookings are subject to availability at the time of booking.
- Child rate applies for children between 3 – 11 years old.
- Private tour is available upon request. Please inform us when making bookings.
- Cancellation less than 14 days or No show is subject to 100% cancellation fee.
- No refund will be entertained for any cancellation.
