Turtle Island Park

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 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 mother turtles and releasing of baby turtles into the sea.

Getting There

The boat from the Sabah Parks jetty at Jalan Buli Buli Sim leaves at 9.30am and the ride to Selingan takes an hour.

Visiting Period

Throughout the year

Fees

Adult - RM10.00

Children - RM6.00

Night photography of turtle landing (unaided by flash) - RM10.00

Further Information

Permission to visit the Park must be obtained from Sabah Parks and is currently co-ordinated by the sole agency of Crystal Quest, located at Sabah Park Jetty in Sandakan.

Address

Crystal Quest Sdn. Bhd

Sabah Park Jetty

Jalan Buli Sim-Sim

P. O Box 848,

90719, Sandakan

Tel : 6 089 212711

Fax : 6 089 212712

Email : cquest@tm.net.my

Sabah Parks

Email : info@sabahparks.org.my

Website : http://www.sabahparks.org.my

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Sandakan Memorial Park

This site commemorates a tragedy and atrocity which struck Sandakan between January and August 1945. The Memorial Park witnessed the death of approximately 2400 Australian and British prisoners of war held by the Japanese in the Sandakan POW camp, within the sight of Allied victory in the Pacific war.



Situated about 11 km outside of Sandakan, the former site of the notorious WWII prisoner of war camp now locates the suburb of Taman Rimba. The clearly sign-posted Sandakan Memorial Park is well maintained and beautifully landscaped, which makes it ideal for solitary soul-searching strolls.

The park also includes a small museum that serves as a memorial to the thousands of Australian and British who lost their lives in the hands of the Japanese during WWII.

The memory of WWII is emphasized by the rusting remains of an excavator and a generator and a boiler which still lie in their original positions near the steps leading up to a small Commemorative Pavilion.

A must-see for history enthusiasts.

Getting there

Transportation	Fare (one way)	Departure	Return Point	Remarks
		Point
Bus (direction	RM1.50	Bus stop	From the drop
to airport)	Per person	(opposite to	off point
		navy base)
		Sandakan
Taxi	RM30.00	Any taxi	Arrange with
	per taxi	station in	the same taxi
		Sandakan
		town

* All prices are estimated and subject to change.

More info

Majlis Perbandaran Sandakan

P.O.BOX 221

90702 Sandakan,

Sabah

Tel: 089 275400 / 217343

Fax: 089 272112

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Sepilok Orang Utan Sanctuary

The Sepilok Orang Utan Rehabilitation Centre was set up in 1964 to rehabilitate orphaned baby orang utan. Set in the lush 4,300-hectare Kabili-Sepilok Forest Reserve, the Centre under the administration of the Wildlife Department of Sabah attracts tourists and researchers alike, giving them the opportunity to watch the orang utan up close in their natural habitat. A boardwalk leads you to a viewing gallery and feeding platform where the apes are fed milk and bananas twice a day at 10.00am and 3.00pm by rangers. Feeding time also attracts long-tailed macaques to the area.

While orang utan rehabilitation is still the primary goal at Sepilok, it also focuses on public education on conservation, research and assistance on other endangered species such as the rhinoceros.

Visitors are restricted to walkways. Some orang utan have become familiar with people but touching them is strongly discouraged, and while the apes are naturally shy and gentle, the more mischievous ones may try to grab your camera or hat, in which case you should call for a ranger as trying to wrestle the 200 pound apes may not be a good idea.

For the more adventurous, there is trekking through mangrove forest. As this is under the Forestry Department, you will have to get a permit from them before trekking the 5km trail which runs through Sepilok Laut. You can also arrange for a boat return or accommodation in chalets in the forest.

Getting There

If you are not on any tour, public buses and taxis are available from Sandakan town. The Labuk Road Bus Company vehicles depart from the front of the Sandakan Town Council (Majlis Perbandaran Sandakan or MPS) from 6.00 am onwards. Fares are RM2.10 one way, but it will only stop at the junction to the Centre. You will have to walk about one and a half km in. You can hire a taxi for a return trip for about RM100.00 negotiable. The distance between town and the Centre is approximately 23km.

Opening Hours

Security Gate: Daily from 8.00am till 5.00pm

Reception & Ticketing Counter: Daily from 9.00am till 11.00am and 2.00pm till 3.30pm

Exhibition Hall: Daily (except Fridays) from 9.00am till 4.30pm

Centre: Daily from 9.00am till 12.00pm and 2.00pm till 4.00pm Fridays 9.00am till 11.00am, 2.00pm till 4.00pm

Admission Rates

                                 Adult             Below 18 years old                 

MyKad Holders      RM5.00                 RM2.00

Others                    RM30.00               RM15.00

Use of Cameras, camcorders, camera phones etc will be charged RM10.00

Address

Batu 14, Jalan Labuk Sandakan Sabah

WDT200, 9009 Sandakan Sabah

Tel : 6 089 531180

Fax : 6 089 531189

Email : soutan@po.jaring.my

Webpage : http://www.sabah.gov.my/jhl/

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Travel Package - Mt Kinabalu , River Rafting , Island Hopping

	Mt Kinabalu , River Rafting , Island Hopping Welcome to Sabah East Malaysia. We are specialist in ground vacation, hotel reservation, car rental & coach chatter. We are local travel agency in Kota Kinabalu Sabah. Starting at US $500 Per Person >> Click For Details & Pictures
RealAdventures | Kota Kinabalu, Malaysia Travel Agency | Malaysia Travel Agency | Malaysia Vacations | Travel Agency | Kota Kinabalu, Malaysia

Services

Tour Package: 5D 4N Mt Kinabalu, Padas Rafting & Island Hopping

Itinerary:

Day 1 (3D 2N Mt Kinabalu Climbing)

Pick up from hotel lobby at 1000 hours and transfer to Kinabalu Park. On your way to National Park our driver will drop you at Nabalu Market for 20minute rest or souvenier shopping. Continue your journey to Kinabalu park. Check in at your Hostel either Grace Hostel or Rock Hostel. Lunch by your own expenses. Free & leisure till dinner time at 1800hrs. Overnight (D)

Photo #3 - Mt Kinabalu , River Rafting , Island Hopping - sabah malaysia travel agency kota kinabalu

Day 2

Breakfast at Balsam restaurant at 0730hrs, After breakfast meet your mountain guide at Sabah Park Registration office and then continue to the Power Station by coach (approx. 15 minutes) for the start of the climb. Commence climb to Laban Rata with packed lunch. The climb will take approximately 4 hours. Check-in at the Mountain Guesthouse. Free at leisure for the rest of evening. (B,PL,D)

Day 3

Wake up as early as 0200 hours and commence to the summit by torchlight. The climb will take about 3 hours. Witness the beautiful sunrise from the summit. Descend to Laban Rata Guesthouse for your breakfast, then to the Power Station. Transfer to Park HQ and lunch at park’s restaurant. Collect your certificate before transfer back to hotel at Kota Kinabalu & stay at Hotel Shangrila - 3 star(B,L)

Photo #4 - Mt Kinabalu , River Rafting , Island Hopping - sabah malaysia travel agency kota kinabalu

Day 4 (Day Trip Padas White Water Rafting)

0800 hrs

Pick up from hotel and transfer by coach to Tenom. Tenom is a town located in interior division of Sabah, east Malaysia on the Island of Borneo. The town was formally called Fort Birch in the colonial period.

1145 hrs

Arrive at Tenom and proceed to a village near Pangie, get change and get ready for the train ride up to Pangi.The thrilling yet scenic ride will take around 30 minutes.

Your luggage will be storing at our van and will be transferred to Beufort Town.

1300 hrs

Upon reaching starting point, light refreshment will be served. Equipment will be provided to the guests; after gearing up, safety briefing will be given by river guide

1330 hrs

The 30km white water rafting, making it the longest rafting journey in Borneo begins. After the 9th kilometers of rafting which covers seven classes III-IV rapids, a quick stop for a sumptuous lunch at Rayoh Station before continuing the rafting journey down the majestic rainforest of Borneo. Ending point will be at Halogilat then Speed Boat Ride to Beaufort town.

1800 hrs

Freshen up and onboard the coach back to Hotel Shangrila. (B/L)

Day 5 (Day Trip Manukan & Sapi Island with BBQ Lunch)

09.00am - Pick up from your hotel lobby at 0900 hours and transfer to Jesselton Point Jetty. Upon arrival, on board to Manukan Island which takes approximately 15 minutes boat ride. Upon reaching Manukan Island which look like boomerang shape. This island offer you white sandy beach with crystal clear water where you can swim or snorkel around or simply lie down on the beach and enjoy the tropical climate

12.15pm - Depart to Sapi Island

12.30pm - Upon reaching Sapi Island, enjoy your sumptuous BBQ lunch served on the buffer style at the beach. After lunch, continue for the snorkeling activity which this island offer you one of the best snorkeling area. Free at leisure.

15.30pm – Depart back to Jesselton point Jetty and back to airport. End the trip (B/L)

Destinations

1. Mount Kinabalu & Kinabalu Park

2. Padas River

3. Manukan & Sapi Island

Specialties

1. Mount Kinabalu Climbing & Via Ferrata

2. Island Hopping

3. Diving & Snorkelling

4. Culture Village

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Rainforest Discovery Centre (RDC)

The Rainforest Discovery Centre (RDC) is the gateway to getting to know the uniqueness and importance of Borneo’s rainforests.

Situated 23 kilometres from Sandakan Town and not too far from the Sepilok Rehabilitation Centre, the RDC’s main highlights are its exhibition halls, the Plant Discovery Garden, the Kapili-Sepilok Forest Reserve, environmental education programmes and a small lake for boat rides.

The RDC also gives visitors a chance to get intimate with nature through its Nature Experience programme which includes a guided walk to the Plant Discovery Garden, Rainforest Walk and indoor/outdoor activities.

As of 2009, RDC has also become the official venue for the annual Borneo Bird Festival which attracts the participation of birding enthusiasts from all over the world.

The centre is open 7 days a week, including public holidays, from 8.00am-5.00pm

Getting There

The RDC is reachable by bus and taxi. From the Sandakan town centre bus station take bus number 14 to the Sepilok Rehabilitation Centre, bus fare is RM3 per way. By taxi, the fare is RM35 per taxi per way. The journey will take about 45 minutes.

If you are driving, the RDC is 30 minutes away from the airport.

Tariffs

Malaysians: RM2.00 per child; RM5.00 per adult

Internationals: RM10.00 per adult/child

* All prices are estimated and subject to change

Contact

Contact Person: Miss Cecilia

Phone: +60 89 533 780 / 533 781

Fax: +60 89 535 201

Email: rdcsepilok@yahoo.com

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Libaran Island

In the northeast coast of Sandakan lies the island of Libaran. This small island is ideal for those searching for some quiet time and in need of a relaxing trip. Many agree that the charm of this island lies in its simplicity: a long stretch of beach, crystal blue waters and beautiful sunsets. In the evening, you can enjoy a river cruise in the mangrove forest or have the unique experience of night fishing. A great place to get away from it all!

Getting there:

Take a boat from the Sabah Parks jetty located at Jalan Buli Sim Sim Sandakan. The boat departs at 10:00am and returns at 7:00am.

For bookings and enquiries:

Wildlife Expeditions Sdn. Bhd.

Mailing address: P.O Box No. 3507, 90739, Sandakan, Sabah

Tel: +6089-219616

Fax: +6089-214570

Email: enquiry@wildlife-expeditions.com

Website: www.wildlife-expeditions.com

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Kinabatangan River - The World's Richest Ecosystems

Stretching 560km from the Crocker Range in the southwest of Sabah to the Sulu Sea in the east, the Kinabatangan River sustains one of the world's richest ecosystems. The surrounding areas along the river consist of five distinct habitats - dipterocarp or dry, waterlogged and limestone forests, and freshwater and saline swamps. The lower basin of the river itself is the largest forest covered floodplain in Malaysia and has the largest concentration of wildlife in the South East Asian region.

Other than being home to Borneo's indigenous orang utan and proboscis monkey, the surrounding forest is also one of only two known places in the world where 10 species of primates are found. All the eight species of hornbill found in Borneo make the area their home.

A trip up the river at dawn or dusk is the best opportunity to see the wildlife. You might even sight an Asian elephant or a Sumatran rhinoceros wandering through the trees. Optional tours can be arranged for night safaris as well to spot crocodiles, birds and nocturnal animals.

Many major local tour companies run lodges in the Sukau area with packages that include accommodation, transportation, meals and guided tours. Alternatively, you may want to experience the homestay programme which is available at surrounding villages and which provides a good opportunity to truly experience the life of the Orang Sungai. Join in their cultural activities or even try your hand at the local way of farming!

Getting There

The overland trip from Sandakan to Sukau covers 135km where 42km of the journey is on gravel road through palm oil plantations. A 350km drive from Kota Kinabalu is also possible but will take at least six hours. Transportation can be arranged with local tour operators.

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Labuk Bay Proboscis Monkey Sanctuary

In the centre of the mangrove forests of Semawang is the Labuk Bay Proboscis Monkey Sanctuary, where you can see Borneo's indigenous proboscis monkeys. This privately-owned sanctuary located within an oil palm estate gives you the chance to observe these animals up close and personal.

The remarkable males sport big dangling noses, reddish flat-top hairstyles, white tails and markings, and pot bellies. The females on the other hand, are much smaller and have up-turned noses.

Take a night tour for a chance to see wild boars, flying squirrels, fireflies and crocodiles. The sanctuary also has a lodge with aircondtioned twin or double rooms, family chalet and dormitaries for those who wish to stay overnight.

Getting There

Travel along Jalan Labuk (heading towards Kota Kinabalu) and turn off at the SPS 3 junction at Mile 19 (adjacent to Consolidated Sabah Farms). From here, the sanctuary is a 15km further along the road.

The sanctuary also provides transfers, daytrips and overnight stays. You can also go through a local tour operator.

Hours / Feeding times

Platform A : 09:30am & 02:30pm Daily

Platform B : 11:30am & 04.30pm Daily

Admission                 FeesAdult       Below 12 years old

MyKad Holders        RM15.00              RM5.00

Others                       RM60.00              RM30.00

Further Information

Labuk Bay Proboscis Monkey Sanctuary

Yet Hing Oil Palm Estate, Off Jalan Labuk

Sandakan.

Tel : 6 089 672133, 672177, 674880

Fax : 6 089 672136

E-mail : labukbay@proboscis.cc

Website : http://www.proboscis.cc

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Gua Gomantong - Homes For Birds

Described by WWF as 'the best-managed edible birds' nest cave in the world', Gomantong Caves in the heartland of the Gomantong Rainforest Reserve have been the focus for birds' nests for centuries.

Since the 13th century, Chinese traders have come to Sandakan in search of birds' nests, a prized delicacy among the Chinese and found nearly 100 metres up on the ceilings of the Gomantong Caves. Harvesters put their lives on the line literally, climbing networks of rattan ladders and ropes to get to the nests. The risky nature of nest collecting has only helped made the commodity a pricey one.

There are two cave complexes - Simud Hitam (Black Cave) soaring up to 90 metres high and the more accessible of the two, and Simud Putih (White Cave), where the more valuable nests are found. Simud Hitam is a five- minute walk from the registration centre. A well-maintained boardwalk gives you easy access to do some exploring or watch the skilled harvesters at work.

The resident creatures of the caves include swiftlets (from which the nests are collected) and bats among others. Outside, other birds such as serpent eagles, bat hawks and kingfishers can be seen. You might even spot an orangutan or two. You will need to make prior arrangements for exploring the more challenging Simud Putih which calls for more serious caving.

Facilities include a picnic area as well as the Gomantong Rainforest Chalet which can accommodate up to 30 people a night.

Getting There

A 1½ hour bus ride leaves from Sandakan to Sukau for the 95km trip. Fares are about RM17.00 each way. You can arrange your visit through local tour operators or the Forestry Department. Check our Directory for listings.

Visiting Hours

Daily from 8.00am till 6.00pm

Admission Fees

                                               Adults                            Below 18 years

MyKad Holders                     RM5.00                                RM2.00

Others                                   RM30.00                              RM15.00

(There will be charges made on use of photographic equipment)

Further Information

Birds' nest collecting is done usually between February and August.

Address

Sabah Forestry Dept

Website : http://www.forest.sabah.gov.my

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Batu Tulug contained a thousand ancient mystery

Located in Kampung Batu Putih, as far as 41 km from the town of Kota Kinabatangan. Agop Batu Tulug is a 39 meters high limestone cliff and some formed Labang limestone aged 20 -25 million years. Agop means cave in "Orang Sungai" language. There are three main caves, the agop suriba (below) on the forest floor, lintaga (middle) and sawat (top) each with a height of 12-15 m.

There are caves on the middle and at the top which contains more than 100 old carved wooden coffin 200-250 years old, guarded by bats and swifts. You can also see the village of Batu Putih from here.

That coffin is unique where inscribed a various animal characters. Some of the inscriptions associated with animism belief of "Orang Sungai" but there were also a report saying that the coffins were Chinese whom have occupied this area with the discovery of Chinese artifacts with the remains.

Date Opened

Every day starts around 9:00 am to 5:00 pm

Admission Fees

MyKad holders RM 2.00 (Adult)

Other RM15.00

Uniform student, children under 12 years old, the disabled and senior citizens -  will be allowed in for free.

How to get there?

Driving to Batu Tulug took an hour and a half from Sandakan, while 45 minutes from Lahad Datu. You can drive yourself or use the services of tour operators.

Contacts

Tel: +6089565145 (Ticket counter), +6089551062 (Office)

Laman Web: http://www.mzm.sabah.gov.my/agoptulug/cyber_tulugmuseum.htm

E-mel: muzium.sabah@sabah.gov.my

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