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BB7E

Sandakan Wildlife Safari

A 4D3N tour itinerary perfect for wildlife lovers where you’ll be able to experience the rare hatching of the lay of turtles and releasing of baby turtles to the sea.

from MYR 4,730 / person

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Selingan island also known as Turtle island welcomes turtles 365 days of the year Watch as the wildlife ranger records and tags each turtle Transplanting of turtle eggs Selingan island accommodation Sepilok orang utan rehabilitation centre Nursery area Route from Sandakan to Sukau Speedboat to Sukau Arriving Sukau Rainforest lodge Borneo Villa, Sukau Rainforest lodge Borneo Villa, Sukau Rainforest lodge wildlife photography outside the villa Attenborough boardwalk Dip Pool 2 Hornbill boardwalk River view Melapi Restaurant at dusk Morning cruise Attenborough Boardwalk Kadai shop Breakfast at Melapi restaurant Ape Talk by Resident naturalist Wildlife Cruise Bornean pygmy elephants Estuarine crocodile Wild orang utan wild orang utan Alpha male proboscis monkey Blue-eared kingfisher Rhinoceros hornbill Stork-billed kingfisher Wrinkled hornbill White-bellied sea eagle Blue hour at Melapi Restaurant Morning cruise Lesser adjutant stork Storm stork Proboscis monkey female Scarlet-rumped trogon Rainforest Discovery Centre Black and yellow broadbill Wallace's hawk eagle
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Overview

  • East Sabah
  • Duration: 4D 3N
  • Booking Pax: Min. 2
  • Physical Level: Soft

Introduction

A 4D3N tour itinerary perfect for wildlife lovers where you’ll be able to experience the rare hatching of the lay of turtles and releasing of baby turtles to the sea. Explore more wildlife when you arrive at the award-winning 4-star rated Sukau Rainforest Lodge where you’ll be able to get a chance to spot for Borneo’s Big 5.

Key Highlights of this Tour

Turtle Conservation
Turtle Conservation Experience Green Turtles laying their eggs and releasing baby turtles back to the sea.
Travel by Speedboat
Travel by Speedboat Travel to Sukau Rainforest Lodge by speed boat, offering a higher chance of spotting wildlife along the river.
River Safari Cruise
River Safari Cruise Navigate Borneo's wildlife haven as you embark on a river cruise safari in Kinabatangan.
Ape Talk & Guided Nature Walk
Ape Talk & Guided Nature Walk Enjoy the Ape Talk by our in-house ape specialist and guided nature walk along the Hornbill boardwalk to learn about the rainforest.

Featuring Stays at

  • Sukau Rainforest Lodge Sukau Rainforest Lodge
Description Rates Children Rates Single Supplement
Day 1Selingan Turtle Island : Standard Room
Day 2 – 3Sukau Rainforest Lodge : Borneo Villa
 MYR 5,250.00
Room Sharing w/ 2 Adults MYR 4,660.00
Room Sharing w/ 1 Adult MYR 4,660.00
MYR 1,385.00
 MYR 4,660.00 MYR 1,385.00
Day 1Selingan Turtle Island : Standard Room
Day 2 – 3Sukau Rainforest Lodge : Deluxe Room
 MYR 4,730.00
Room Sharing w/ 2 Adults MYR 4,140.00
Room Sharing w/ 1 Adult MYR 4,140.00
MYR 985.00
 MYR 4,140.00 MYR 985.00
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Price Remarks

  1. Validity
    Rates are valid for travel dates from 01 January 2026 until 31 December 2026.
  2. Availability
    This tour runs everyday. Prior booking required.
  3. High Season Surcharge
    MYR 70.00 at Selingan Turtle Island (June – September)
    MYR 300.00 per person at Sukau Rainforest Lodge (March, July – August)
  4. Children Discount on Room Sharing Basis at Sukau Rainforest Lodge
    • 3 years old and below:
      • FREE STAY
    • Children rates: Applicable for ages 4 years - 11 years old
    • 12 years and above are considered adult rates
    • This is a kid friendly tour, discount is applicable to children based on their birth year and following room sharing policy in certain property. Contact our consultant to know more.
  5. Transfer Inclusion
    This tour package rates include pick-up and drop-off from Sandakan Airport or hotels in Sandakan Town. Additional charge per person applies for pick-up and drop-off outside this area and pick up time may vary.
  6. Wheelchair Accessible Rooms
    Currently, only two (2) Villa Rooms at Sukau Rainforest Lodge are wheelchair accessible.

Itinerary

Sandakan Wildlife Safari - Day 1 Sandakan Wildlife Safari - Day 1

Day 1

Sandakan - Selingan Island

Arrive at Sandakan Airport by morning flight, then transfer to the jetty for a 40-minute journey by sea with our modern twin-engine all weathered speedboat to Selingan Island. After lunch, we take an orientation tour of the facilities including turtle hatchery, and other wildlife with our guide. The rest of the afternoon, swim and snorkel in crystal clear water. After dinner, watch a video presentation on turtle conservation on the island.

Depending on the tide level, green turtles will start coming up after dark to find the best spot to begin the long laborious process of digging a hole in the sand with their hind flippers. To minimize disturbance of the turtle, Park Rangers on the island will alert us before the turtles start laying. They will then measure and tag the turtle if it has not been tagged, collected the eggs and you will witness the transplanting of eggs to the hatchery and everyone has opportunity to release baby turtles to the sea.

Lunch and Dinner
Overnight at Selingan Island
Sandakan Wildlife Safari - Day 2 Sandakan Wildlife Safari - Day 2

Day 2

Selingan Island - Sepilok - Sukau Rainforest Lodge

Return to Sandakan and head straight to Sepilok Orangutan Rehabilitation Centre. There, you'll get to learn about the rehabilitation effort done at the centre through a short video screening. Make your way to the feeding platform to witness the feeding of orangutans and other monkeys around. You can also spend time observing the cheeky little younglings in an enclosed nursery area.

After lunch, embark on a 2.5 hour boat journey to Sukau Rainforest Lodge.

Right after checking-in, go on board for a late afternoon cruise in search of Borneo's wildlife and birds. Return to the lodge to savor a scrumptious dinner at Melapi restaurant, followed by a slide presentation and interpretation by a naturalist guide.

Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Overnight at Sukau Rainforest Lodge
Sandakan Wildlife Safari - Day 3 Sandakan Wildlife Safari - Day 3

Day 3

Sukau Rainforest Lodge

Rise and shine for the morning river cruise up the Kinabatangan River to Kelenanap oxbow lake to view more birds and wildlife. After breakfast, join in the nature walk along the lodge's Hornbill Boardwalk with the in-house naturalist. It will be free at leisure after lunch. In the afternoon, proceed for another river cruise to check off your wildlife sightings.

Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Overnight at Sukau Rainforest Lodge
Sandakan Wildlife Safari - Day 4 Sandakan Wildlife Safari - Day 4

Day 4

Sukau Rainforest Lodge - Sandakan - Transfer out (by boat)

Have breakfast before leaving for Sandakan via boat. Once we reach Sandakan we’ll stop by for lunch.

For flights in the afternoon we’ll proceed to the airport for the 1430hrs flight.

For those taking the evening flight, you'll have a chance to visit Rainforest Discovery Centre. Take a bird view of the centre from the canopy walk and hanging bridge, explore the botanical garden, home to various species of flora before leaving for the airport.

Breakfast and Lunch

Optional ToursExtra Adventures Await

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Night Cruise

Join our Sukau Safari night cruise to spot nocturnal wildlife under the stars, with free photo set.
S06 Sukau Rainforest Lodge

Borneon Pygmy Elephant Search

Early river cruise to spot Bornean Pygmy Elephants, exclusive to Sukau Rainforest Lodge.
S03 Sukau Rainforest Lodge

Gomantong Caves Wildlife Experiences

Explore Gomantong Caves, spot wild orangutans, and witness a breathtaking bat exodus at sunset.
S02 Sukau Rainforest Lodge
Tour Details
Sandakan Wildlife Safari
Est. Price
MYR 0.00

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Tour Details
Sandakan Wildlife Safari
  • East Sabah
  • Duration: 4D 3N
  • BB7E
Estimated Package Price
MYR 0.00
High-season surcharge incurred.
Stay extension surcharge incurred.
Single-supplement surcharge incurred.
Type of Rooms
Reservation Details
Personal Details
Children Details
Other Things I'm Interested In
Other Requests
The tour package price displayed serves as an estimate for reference only. Following your enquiry submission, our team will provide you with a more personalised tour tailored to fit your specific needs.
1Tour Details 2Personal Details 3Summary

Type of Rooms *

Day 1
Selingan Turtle Island Standard Room ( 2 pax )
Day 2 – 3
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Reservation Details

 
 

Personal Details

Children Details

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Type of Rooms
Reservation Details
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Notes[Expand All]

Tour Includes

  • Tours and transfers
  • Accommodation and meals as specified
  • And English speaking guide.
  • This tour package rates include pick-up and drop-off from Sandakan Airport or hotels in Sandakan Town.

Tour Excludes

  • Domestic airfare (Kota Kinabalu(BKI) - Sandakan(SDK) - Kota Kinabalu(BKI))
  • Camera fee and items not mentioned
  • Tourism Tax (TTx) flat rate of RM10 per room per night.

Things to Bring

  • Sunblock lotion
  • Personal toiletries
  • Torchlight
  • Insect repellent
  • Drinking water bottle
  • Walking shoes
  • Binoculars
  • Camera
  • Hat
  • Raincoat

Additional Notes

  1. Travel light to Selingan
    Please make sure that you travel light to Selingan Island.
  2. Selingan photography
     Note on Camera Use at Selingan Island: For any camera (phone, digital or still camera) for personal use are chargeable at RM10.00 PER UNIT for conservation permit purposes. Please note that FLASH PHOTOGRAPHY AND VIDEO TAKING IS STRICTLY PROHIBITED.
  3. Snorkeling at Selingan
     Snorkeling gear is currently not available for rent at Selingan Island. 
  4. Selingan weather condition
     Note: (November-February) Please be advised that our trip to Selingan Island involves boat journey via the Sulu Sea. In the event of inclement weather condition during or before the boat journey, the company will have the absolute discretion to cancel or postpone the trip if it is deemed that the journey will jeopardize the safety of our passengers. In the event of cancellation, a replacement tour will be offered. The company will not be liable for any compensation.
  5. Camera Fee at SOURC
    Note on Camera Use at Sepilok Orang Utan Rehabilitation Centre: Cameras and video camera equipment for personal use are chargeable at RM10.00 per unit. Mode of payment is cash only.
  6. Travel light to Sukau Rainforest Lodge
     For the comfort and convenience of our guests, it is recommended to travel light by preparing an overnight bag for your stay in Sukau Rainforest Lodge. Complimentary storage in Sandakan will be provided for any extra luggage. (For guests departing & returning to Sandakan Only).
  7. Night Cruise
     Optional River Night Cruise tour at Sukau Rainforest Lodge is highly recommended to all our guests (available with a small fee)
  8. Bring Your Own Bottle
     Borneo Eco Tours has moved towards a single-use plastic free environment! So, please join our movement by bringing your own refillable water bottle during your time with us. Our vans and coaches are prepared with water dispensers so that you can refill your bottle anytime throughout the tour.
  9. Double or Twin Bed
     Double or twin bed cannot be guaranteed and are subject to availability upon check in.
  10. Room Amenities
    As part of its commitment to reducing waste, Sukau Rainforest Lodge does not provide disposable toiletries like toothbrushes and toothpaste for guests.
  11. Wheelchair Accessible Rooms
    Currently, only two (2) Villa Rooms at Sukau Rainforest Lodge are wheelchair accessible.
  12. Change in Tour Itinerary
    Kindly note that the tour itinerary may change without prior notice as we continue to improve your experience or adapt to uncertain weather conditions. We appreciate your understanding and flexibility!
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FAQ[Expand All]

Which flights should I book to reach Sukau Rainforest Lodge (SRL)?

For SRL, book an early morning flight from Kota Kinabalu to Sandakan. If early flights aren’t available, no worries. Simply stay overnight in Sandakan (for SRL) the night before your tour, and you’ll be all set for a smooth start.

When is the best time to see turtles nesting?

Turtles nest on Selingan (Turtle Island) all year round, which means there’s always a chance to witness this special moment. That said, July to October is peak season when nesting activity is at its highest.

Is it safe to travel along Sabah’s east coast?

Yes, it’s safe. Tourist areas like Sandakan, Kinabatangan, and Turtle Islands are well-guarded and regularly patrolled by the Eastern Sabah Security Command (ESSCOM). Travellers visit every day without issues.

Which hotels do you recommend in Sandakan and Kota Kinabalu?

In Sandakan, we would recommend Sabah Hotel, Elopura Hotel or Hotel Sandakan. In Kota Kinabalu, you’ll find everything from luxury (Shangri-La Tanjung Aru, Hyatt Regency, Hyatt Centric, Hilton, Le Méridien) to comfortable mid-range stays like Luma Hotel or Horizon Hotel.

Can I see orang utans in the wild?

Spotting orangutans in the wild is a magical experience and yes, you have a good chance! While sightings are never guaranteed, places like the Kinabatangan River and Sepilok Orangutan Rehabilitation Centre are among the best locations to encounter them.

What’s the weather like in Borneo?

Borneo enjoys a warm tropical climate all year round, with temperatures averaging between 27–32°C. Generally, the dry season runs from March to September, while the wet season lasts from October to February. However, these seasons are becoming less distinct, so you can often expect a mix of sunshine and short rain showers, usually sunny mornings followed by brief rain in the afternoon or evening. Light, breathable clothing and a rain jacket will keep you comfortable whatever the weather.

Is malaria a concern when travelling to Borneo?

Malaria risk in the main tourist areas of Sabah and Sarawak is very low. While rare cases may occur in very remote villages or deep forest areas, most travellers never encounter it. You can enjoy your holiday with peace of mind.

Do I need to take malaria pills for my trip?

We recommend checking with your doctor before you travel. Some guests prefer to take malaria pills for extra reassurance, but honestly, the best protection is simple: apply mosquito repellent and wear the right attire such as long sleeves and light trousers, and you’ll be well covered.

Do I need leech socks, and where can I buy them?

If you’ll be trekking in the rainforest, especially after rain, leech socks are definitely handy. You can bring your own or pick them up at outdoor shops in Kota Kinabalu or Sandakan. Some lodges including Sukau Rainforest Lodge (SRL), Utan Rainforest Lodge (URL), and Borneo Rainforest Lodge (BRL) also have them available for guests. They may not be stylish, but they work perfectly! Tip: Tuck your pants into your leech socks for extra protection and peace of mind during your jungle walks.

What should I wear for trekking, river cruises, and city walks?

Keep it light and comfortable! For trekking, quick-dry long pants, breathable tops, sturdy shoes, and leech socks are best. For river cruises, casual wear with sandals or trainers is perfect. In the city, just go with comfortable clothes and walking shoes. A rain jacket or umbrella always comes in handy.

When is the best season for birdwatching in Borneo?

Birdwatching is rewarding all year, but April to October is extra special thanks to breeding and fruiting seasons. Migratory species also pass through around September to November, which is a bonus for keen birders!

What’s the difference between your river tours and the “Klotok tours” I’ve read about?

Great question! “Klotok tours” are traditional wooden boat trips in Kalimantan, Indonesia (mainly to see orangutans in Tanjung Puting National Park). However, we don’t offer these tours. Our river journeys are based in Sabah, Malaysian Borneo, where you’ll explore the Kinabatangan River and stay at Sukau Rainforest Lodge, which is a completely different experience, but just as memorable.
Room Availability
Sukau Rainforest Lodge D : Deluxe Room | V : Borneo Villa
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