Turtle Island & Sepilok Eco Adventure
Day 1 – Arrival and Turtle Island Experience
Begin your adventure by meeting your guide at your hotel in Sandakan or upon arrival at Sandakan Airport. At 10:00 AM, board the boat for a scenic journey to Turtle Island, located approximately 40 kilometers north of Sandakan in the Sulu Sea. This stunning island serves as a primary nesting ground for both Green Turtles and Hawksbill Turtles. Upon arrival, enjoy a leisurely lunch followed by free time to relax, swim, or snorkel in the crystal-clear waters. As evening approaches, prepare for a unique experience as you await the Park Ranger's signal indicating a turtle sighting. Witness the fascinating process of collecting eggs from the nesting site and planting them in the hatchery, culminating in the heartwarming sight of baby turtles making their way to the sea. Spend the night in a cozy chalet on the island, complete with an attached bathroom.
Day 2 – Sepilok and Sandakan City Tour
On the second day, check out at 6:30 AM and enjoy breakfast before embarking on the boat trip back to the mainland. Upon arrival in Sandakan, proceed to the Sepilok Orang-Utan Rehabilitation Centre, where orphaned and injured Orangutans are nurtured to return to the wild. This primary lowland forest is a remarkable showcase of Borneo’s remaining rainforest. Witness the feeding of Orangutans from a forest platform and enjoy a 25-minute documentary that highlights their rehabilitation journey. After lunch, set off on a city tour of Sandakan, exploring its notable landmarks such as the Central Market, the picturesque Sim-Sim Water Village, and the Puh Jih Syh Buddhist Temple, which offers breathtaking views of Sandakan Bay from its hilltop location. After your enriching day, you will either return to your hotel in Sandakan or be transferred to Sandakan Airport for your evening flight back to Kota Kinabalu.
Travel Notes
- Guests should arrive at Sandakan Airport early to ensure timely transfer to the hotel or the boat departure for Turtle Island.
- It is advisable to travel light to Selingan Island, as luggage can be left at the hotel in Sandakan or Kota Kinabalu.
- During the boat journey to Selingan Island, be prepared for potential cancellations due to adverse weather conditions; always check local forecasts prior to departure.
- Visitors are restricted from exploring the island independently from 1800hrs to 0600hrs, so plan activities accordingly.
- For the turtle watching experience, guests are permitted to use cameras without flash; however, video cameras are not allowed.
- At Sepilok Orang-Utan Rehabilitation Centre, a camera/video fee is applicable and should be prepared for at the venue.
- Recommended items to bring include insect repellent, a raincoat, flashlight, hat, binoculars, and sunscreen. Good walking shoes are essential for exploring the forest areas.
- Rooms on Selingan Island are subject to availability, and extra beds can only be confirmed closer to the date of travel due to capacity limits.
Indicative Travel Distances
- Sandakan to Selingan Turtle Island: Approx. 40 km / approx. 1 hour by boat.
- Selingan Turtle Island to Sandakan: Approx. 40 km / approx. 1 hour by boat.
- Sandakan to Sepilok Orang-Utan Rehabilitation Centre: Approx. 25 km / approx. 30 minutes by road.
- Sepilok to Sandakan City: Approx. 15 km / approx. 20 minutes by road.
- Sandakan City to Sandakan Airport: Approx. 15 km / approx. 20 minutes by road.
All travel distances and travel times are indicative only and may vary depending on traffic, weather, road conditions, routing, sightseeing stops and local operating conditions. Distances and travel times are based on direct routing and do not account for optional visits, detours or sightseeing activities included during the journey.
Included Services
- P/up & D/off Hotel in Sandakan City
- Return boat transfers
- One night stay at Selingan Island
- 1 x Full Board Meals (Breakfast + Lunch + Dinner)
- Entrance Fees: Sepilok Orang Utan
- Guided Tour - English Speaking
- 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
Excluded Services
- Camera/video fees at Sepilok Orang Utan – MYR10 (camera) and MYR10 (video camera)
- Flight tickets
- 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"
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| Validity Period | Guide | 2 pax | Child Price | | 01/04/2026 - 31/03/2027 | English Speaking Guide | 423 | 317 |
Prices above are NET costed per person, non-commissionable.
