Embark on an enriching journey into the heart of Borneo with our Sandakan Wildlife and Cultural Experience. Your adventure begins with a comfortable pickup from your hotel in Sandakan, followed by a scenic 40-minute drive to the Sepilok Orangutan Rehabilitation Centre. Here, you’ll register and proceed to the Outdoor Nursery for an intimate encounter with the younger orangutans. A guided walk along the boardwalk to the Feeding Platform allows you to explore the lush lowland rainforest and witness the fascinating feeding of orangutans. Continue your wildlife exploration with a visit to the nearby Sun Bear Conservation Centre, where you can observe the world’s smallest bear in its natural habitat. After the morning tours, enjoy a hearty lunch at SJR before returning to the Sepilok Orangutan Center for the second feeding of the day. In the late afternoon, shift gears and immerse yourself in local culture with a transfer to a traditional fisherman village. Enjoy a tea break and learn about the village life and the enchanting firefly activities planned for the evening. Stroll around the stilt-built houses, interact with local children playing village games, and embark on a boat cruise to delve deeper into the mangrove forests, with an option to engage in tree-planting activities. As dusk falls, prepare for the magical sight of fireflies illuminating the night. Conclude your day with a delightful dinner before being transferred back to your hotel for a restful night.
Highlights
Visit the Sun Bear Conservation Centre to learn about and see the world’s smallest bears.
Experience the enchanting display of fireflies lighting up the evening sky, a truly magical end to the day.
Experience up-close interactions with orangutans at the Sepilok Orangutan Rehabilitation Centre, including witnessing two separate feedings.
Explore a traditional fisherman village on stilts, participate in local games, and learn about village life.
Embark on an enriching journey into the heart of Borneo with our Sandakan Wildlife and Cultural Experience.
What to Expect
Your adventure kicks off at the renowned Sepilok Orangutan Rehabilitation Centre, where you’ll witness these incredible primates in their natural habitat, swinging gracefully through the trees. Next, immerse yourself in the world of the Sun Bears at the Bornean Sun Bear Conservation Centre, gaining insight into efforts to protect these endangered animals. After a delectable lunch/dinner, depending on the tour option chosen, your journey continues with a choice of experiences. Whether it’s a mesmerizing fireflies cruise along the mangrove-lined riverbanks, a tranquil exploration of the mangrove forests, or an immersive village walk, each option promises unique insights into the local ecosystem and culture. With knowledgeable guides and unforgettable experiences, our tour guarantees a day filled with wonder, discovery, and appreciation for Borneo’s natural and cultural treasures.
Things to Note
Weather: Bring Raincoat (wet season Nov-Feb)
Dress Code: Good walking shoes, socks, comfortable cotton T-shirt with long or short pant
Start your day with a comfortable pick-up from your hotel in Sandakan.
Enjoy a scenic drive of approximately forty minutes to Sepilok Orang Utan Rehabilitation Centre.
Begin with registration and then proceed to the Outdoor Nursery for a close-up encounter with the younger orangutans.
Follow a guided boardwalk leading to the Feeding Platform, providing an opportunity to explore the lowland rainforest trees.
Witness the feeding of the orangutans, a fascinating experience. After Sepilok, take a leisurely walk to the nearby Sun Bear Conservation Centre to observe the world’s smallest bear in its natural environment.
Conclude the morning tours and depart to SJR for lunch.
After lunch, Visit Sepilok Orang Utan Center for the second feeding.
Late afternoon, transfer to a fisherman village for a change of scenery.
Upon arrival, enjoy a simple tea break and a short briefing about the village and the upcoming fireflies activities.
Explore the village, known for its houses built on stilts, and take a stroll around.
Kids often engage in playtime during this hour, and you’re welcome to join them in some interesting village games.
Proceed to a boat cruise to learn more about the mangrove forests, with an opportunity to plant trees in the area.As it gets darker, witness the mesmerizing display of fireflies lighting up the trees around you.
The program concludes with a delightful dinner. After dinner, transfer back to your hotel for a restful night.
What to bring (recommendations):
Raincoat
cap/hat
insect repellent
sun cream
good walking shoes
socks
comfortable cotton T-shirt with long or short pant