SABAH TOURS

Sandakan Region Safari
Turtle Island, Orang-utans and Sukau

Tour Code: SDK1

Duration - 4 days/3 nights

Day 1

On arrival at Sandakan Airport, you will be met and transferred to Sandakan jetty for the one hour boat trip by speedboat to Turtle Island (Pulau Selingan) which is about 40km out of Sandakan. On arrival, check into chalet. Free at leisure to explore island, swim and snorkel for the rest of the day.

After dinner, wait for the signal from the Park Ranger before proceeding in small groups to watch the Green Turtle lay eggs on the beach, the transplanting of eggs to the hatchery, and the release of baby turtles to the sea. The island has been part of a park conservation area since 1977, and turtles nest here every night throughout the year. Overnight in Twin Share room. (Lunch and dinner included)

Photographing turtles is strictly prohibited between 18.00 hrs and 06.00 hrs.

Day 2

Return to Sandakan by boat. Proceed to Sepilok Orang-utan Rehabilitation Centre for an audio visual presentation in the theatrette. Walk ten minutes through the rainforest on timber boardwalks to witness the feeding of the orang-utans at 10.00hrs. You will have plenty of time to watch the orang-utans until they disappear back into the jungle.

Return to Sandakan for lunch, and then head to the jetty for a boat trip to Sukau Rainforest Lodge, travelling along Sabah's longest river, the Kinabatangan River, with opportunity to view birds and wildlife in virgin mangrove, wetland and rainforest habitats. Check into the Lodge on arrival.

In the late afternoon, take a river cruise using boats powered by electric motors, in search of some of the 10 primate species, including Proboscis monkeys, as they settle down on treetops for the night along the Kinabatangan River. Return for solar heated hot shower, candle light dinner and slide show conducted by naturalist guide.

Overnight at Sukau Rainforest Lodge. (Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner included)

Please note that Sukau Rainforest Lodge underwent extensive renovations to upgrade all its facilities in 2010. The new Sukau Rainforest Lodge offers guests added facilities to enhance their jungle experience.

Day 3

Wake up to the calls of gibbons and hornbills. A 06 00hrs morning river cruise up the Kinabatangan River to view more birds and wildlife. Proceed to the Kelenanap ox-bow lake for a short jungle walk (if weather permits). The area is known for its herd of Asian elephants. Experience the wilderness of Borneo. In the afternoon, proceed on another river cruise in search of more wildlife. Wild Orang-utan are often encountered on this cruise. After dinner an optional (at a surcharge) night safari cruise spotting nocturnal animals, crocodiles and birds.

Overnight at Sukau Rainforest Lodge. (Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner inclulded)

Day 4

After breakfast, return to Sandakan by boat. Lunch in the town before proceeding on a short tour of Sandakan including the Australian War Memorial. Transfer to airport for early evening flight to Kota Kinabalu, or transfer to your Sandakan accommodation for the night. (Breakfast and Lunch)

Sukau Rainforest Lodge

The 20 rooms, multi international award winners, is managed by Borneo Eco Tours. It was originally built in 1995 in traditional Malaysian architecture using several Borneo hardwood species. It is built on stilts with a lounge, gift shop, education centre, Hornbill Boardwalk with two elephant passes, three open deck for wildlife viewing, an enclosed garden, a riverside Melapi restaurant, open sun-deck, river jetty. Electricity is supplied by acoustic generator, and hot water by solar heaters. All rooms are twin bedded, with ceiling fan, mosquito netting, attached bathroom, hot shower and toilets. River tours are conducted by boats powered by electric motors and four stoke outboard engines.

Birdlife is especially rich here including eight species of hornbills, kingfishers, egrets, darters, owls, kites, eagles, broadbills, doves, storm storks, herons, hawks, ospreys, falcon, pheasants, parakeets, bee eaters, woodpeckers, pittas, bulbuls, forktails, babblers, warblers, flycatchers, orioles, flowerpeckers, spiderhunters, among others.
Note that a non-refundable deposit of $A100 per person (twin share) is required at the time of booking this trip.

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Tour Code	Destination	Duration	Inclusions	1 Person	2 People	3 People
SDK1	Turtle Island, Sepilok & Sukau	4d/3n	Full Board	$2,142	$1,071

Prices per person in Australian Dollars and valid 01 April 2011 to 31 March 2012 (E.O.E.)
Peak season surcharge applies 01 July to 31 August - $170 per person (twin share)

Accommodation is limited to two adults per room. It is possible for one child to sleep in the same room as the parents, however, the bedding will be a mattress on the floor.
Photograph courtesy of Katie Seeger, Phil Youdale, Penny Favilla and Borneo Eco Tours