Orangutans, Turtle Eggs and Jungle Boats
Bite-sized trip
Day 1 – Arrival on Selingan Island
You’ll be picked up from Sandakan in the morning and travel by speedboat (approx 1 hour) to the unique island of Selingan a.k.a Turtle Island. Upon arrival, you will check into your cosy chalet nestled within the national park. Each chalet is equipped with all the comforts your family needs, including a private bathroom and air conditioning, ensuring a comfortable stay. After unpacking and freshening up, head over to the island’s café for a delicious lunch and then you will have free time to explore before dinner. Relax under the shade of the palm trees, or discover the underwater world while snorkelling. Snorkelling equipment and beach mats can be rented on the island for a small fee.
Selingan is called Turtle Island for a reason. Every evening, turtles make their way to the beach to lay their eggs. After a buffet dinner, your English-speaking guide will tell you about the turtles and the island. Then it’s time to wait…and wait…for a sign from the ranger that a turtle has come ashore and started laying eggs and you can head to the beach. The ranger ensures the turtle is not disturbed by your presence. They will then collect the laid eggs, measure the turtle and take the turtle eggs to the hatchery. It’s a magical natural spectacle to watch.
(Please note the best time to see Turtles is between April-September.)
Day 2 – Sepilok Orangutan Rehabilitation Centre
The next morning you’ll return to Sandakan and continue to the Sepilok Orangutan Rehabilitation Centre. This is one of the best places to see orangutans: the furry inhabitants are mainly young orphaned animals who are being prepared for independent life in the wild. Your family’s visit will be timed to coincide with feeding time and you can observe the orangutans from the wooden platforms, enjoying fresh fruit and swinging between the trees. You will then get a guided tour around the nearby Sun Bear sanctuary, to see these endangered and unique bears.
Kinabatangan Jungle River Safari
Later that morning you will head to the boat jetty in Sandakan to board a boat for a one hour journey along the Kinabatangan River. No other spot in Borneo features such a wide variety of wild animals: monkeys, monitor lizards, crocodiles, sun bears, hundreds of species of tropical birds, and if you’re lucky you may even see wild pygmy elephants! Your family will be staying in a wooden jungle lodge on the riverbank in a private room with a fan (air-con is available for a little extra, just let your travel specialist know if you’d like to request this). In the afternoon enjoy a boat cruise with a local guide who will help you spot whichever amazing creatures happen to be about. You’ll sleep with the sounds of the jungle all around you.
Day 3 – Kinabatangan River – Sandakan
After a hearty breakfast at the lodge, it’s time to bid farewell to your jungle retreat. At 9:30 AM, a vehicle will be ready to whisk your family back to Sandakan by road. As you journey back, take in the sights and sounds of the lush surroundings, reflecting on the wonderful memories you’ve made during your wildlife adventure. Once you arrive in Sandakan, enjoy a delicious final lunch at a local restaurant. It’s the perfect opportunity to savour the flavours of Borneo cuisine and reminisce about the highlights of your trip with your family.
Accommodation
