Selingan Turtle Island and Sepilok Orang Utan
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
Single Supplement Rates
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Twin Share Rates
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Tour Itinerary
Day 1
Boat ride to Selingan Island to explore and enjoy sea activities
- 0500hrs: Pickup from the hotel send to Kota Kinabalu Airport (recommended ETA 0800hrs) and depart for Sandakan.
- On arrival, you will be greeted by guide and transferred to the jetty for 1 hour boat ride to Selingan 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 turtles to the sea.
- Stay overnight in Twin-Share room Standard (L/D).
Day 2
Return to Sandakan and proceed to visit other wildlife conservation centres
- Return to Sandakan by boat and proceed to the Sepilok Orang Utan Rehabilitation Centre.
- We proceed to watch a video show of 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 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, we will have a chance to visit Rainforest Discovery Centre.
- Take a birds eye view of the center 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 in late afternoon.
- Once you arrive at the Kinabalu International Airport, you will be met by our representative and transferred to your hotel (B/L).
Important Notes:
- Please note that Flash photography and video taking is strictly prohibited
- 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.
What’s Included
- Tours and transfer as per itinerary
- Meals as stated
- English speaking guide
- Entrance fee
- 1 night accommodation
- Return domestic airfare (Kota Kinabalu – Sandakan – Kota Kinabalu)
What’s NOT Included
- Camera fee
- Tourism tax
- Any items not mentioned
Recommendations
- Please make sure that you travel light to Selingan Island
- Wear good walking shoes and comfortable clothing
- Please bring along your passport, insect repellent, raincoat, sun hat/ cap and sun block
- Bring camera, binoculars and touch light
- Snorkelling gear is available for hire at a surcharge
