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.
This tour package requires minimum 2 persons.
Stay an extra day in Sandakan to explore wildlife conservation centres and spend more time with the orang utans, sun bears and proboscis monkeys.
Visit Sandakan wildlife conservation centres and travel to Kinabatangan for a river cruise in search of birds and interesting wildlife within their habitats.
Explore Danum Valley through jungle trekking for wildlife sighting and reach to its high canopy walkway for up-close observation of the tropical rainforest.