Sandakan Orang Utan & Sun Bear Tour
Local Taxes and Service Charges
Sightseeing & Excursions
Transportation
Drinking Water
Entrance Fees
Lunch
Meals as stated
From Price per person
price based on 2 persons travelling or
per person for join-in tours.
$219
Excursion Highlights
- Experience the world's largest Orang Utan Sanctuary and witness the rehabilitation efforts firsthand.
- Engage with the unique Malayan sun bears at the Borneon Sun Bear Conservation Centre, the smallest bear species in the world.
- Explore the vibrant landmarks of Sandakan, including the Central Market and the scenic Puh Jih Syh Buddhist Temple.
Sandakan Orang Utan & Sun Bear Tour
Meet your guide at your hotel in Sandakan or upon arrival at Sandakan Airport. Your journey begins with a visit to the world’s largest Orang Utan Sanctuary, the Sepilok Orang-Utan Rehabilitation Centre. Here, orphaned and injured Orang Utans are cared for with the ultimate goal of returning them to the wild. You will have the opportunity to witness the feeding of these magnificent creatures from a platform nestled within the lush forest. Additionally, a 25-minute documentary will provide further insight into their rehabilitation.
Following this, you will proceed to the Borneon Sun Bear Conservation Centre (BSCC), where you can observe the dedicated efforts to care for, rehabilitate, and eventually release orphaned and captive sun bears. This center also aims to raise awareness about the Malayan sun bear, the smallest bear species in the world, which is native to Southeast Asia.
After a fulfilling morning, enjoy lunch at a local restaurant before embarking on a city tour of Sandakan. This exploration will take you through various landmarks, including the bustling Central Market, the picturesque Sim-Sim Water Village, and the Puh Jih Syh Buddhist Temple, which offers a breathtaking panoramic view of Sandakan Bay from its hilltop location in Tanah Merah. At the conclusion of your tour, you will return to your hotel in Sandakan or be transferred to Sandakan Airport for your evening flight back to Kota Kinabalu.
Destination Information
Sandakan
Sandakan occupies a distinctive position along the northeastern coast of Borneo, where the tropical rainforest meets the South China Sea, creating a landscape rich in biodiversity and cultural history. The town’s layout reflects its colonial past, with wooden shop houses and modest markets lining streets that bustle with local trade and daily life. The nearby Kinabatangan River shapes much of the surrounding environment, offering a lush corridor for wildlife that contrasts with the urban fabric. Sandakan’s atmosphere is marked by a blend of natural and historical elements, where visitors can observe orangutans in rehabilitation amidst dense forest, explore remnants of wartime history at memorial parks, and experience local commerce at the central market. The presence of heritage sites such as the Agnes Keith House Museum adds depth to the town’s narrative, connecting its colonial-era stories to the present day. This combination of ecological richness, historical layers, and everyday community activity defines Sandakan as a place where nature and history coexist within a working town environment.Travel Notes
- Ensure clients arrive at Sandakan Airport on time to catch the recommended flights from Kota Kinabalu, as delays may affect the tour schedule.
- Inform clients about the camera/video fees at Sepilok Orang Utan Rehabilitation Centre, which must be paid at the venue.
- Advise clients to wear good walking shoes and bring a raincoat or disposable poncho, as weather conditions can change rapidly in the rainforest.
- Insect repellent and sunblock are essential for protection against insects and sun exposure during outdoor activities.
- Long pants and a sun hat are recommended to ensure comfort while exploring the outdoor areas of the Orang Utan Sanctuary and the Sun Bear Conservation Centre.
- Clients should be prepared for a moderate level of physical activity, including walking on uneven terrain during the visits to the rehabilitation centres.
- During the Sandakan city tour, clients may encounter local markets and cultural sites; remind them to respect local customs and etiquette, especially at religious sites like the Puh Jih Syh Buddhist Temple.
- Be aware that the tour is subject to availability on specific dates, particularly around the end of May and early February, and clients should book in advance to secure their spots.
Included Services
- Transportation as outlined in the itinerary
- Services of a local guide in the selected language (where applicable)
- Sightseeing and excursions as specified in the itinerary
- Entrance fees to sites and attractions mentioned in the itinerary
- Meals as stated in the itinerary
- Drinking water during touring where provided
- Applicable local taxes and service charges
- Lunch
Excluded Services
- International and domestic flights unless specifically stated
- Travel insurance
- Meals and beverages not mentioned in the itinerary
- Personal expenses of any kind
- Gratuities and tips for guides, drivers and other service providers
- Any items not specifically mentioned under "Included in Your Excursion"
- Camera/video fees at Sepilok Orang Utan – MYR10 (camera) and MYR10 (video camera)
