Discover the enchanting wildlife and natural beauty of Sandakan, located on the east coast of Sabah in Malaysian Borneo. This dream destination for nature lovers offers a unique opportunity to witness conservation efforts at Turtle Island Parks, Sepilok Orangutan Rehabilitation Center, and Kinabatangan Wildlife Sanctuary. Additionally, explore the Gomantong Caves, home to the largest collection of edible bird's nests. Experience the thrill of seeing endangered species and diverse ecosystems up close in this remarkable corner of the world.
Turtle Island Park, situated 40 km north of Sandakan near the Philippines border, encompasses three tropical islands—Pulau Selingan, Pulau Bakungan Kecil, and Pulau Gulisan—along with the surrounding coral reefs and sea, covering a total of 1,740 hectares. The park is a critical nesting site for Green and Hawksbill Turtles, which come ashore throughout the year, with peak nesting from July to October. Visitors can engage in various activities such as snorkeling, beach relaxation, and observing turtle tracks while awaiting the nocturnal arrival of these majestic creatures.
Park Rangers guide guests to witness the nesting process, egg-laying, and the careful transfer of eggs to hatcheries to protect them from predators. The hatchlings are later released into the sea, a critical step in their life cycle, with the hope that they will return to the park to nest in the future.
The Sepilok Orangutan Rehabilitation Centre, located 25 km from Sandakan, is a renowned facility dedicated to rehabilitating orphaned and displaced orangutans. Established in 1964, the center spans 43 square km of lush rainforest and provides medical care and a safe haven for these endangered primates to learn survival skills. Visitors can observe the orangutans during feeding times and learn about the center's efforts through an Information Nature Education Centre and a mini-theatre showcasing a documentary video.
The Kinabatangan Wildlife Sanctuary, part of the lower Kinabatangan River floodplain, boasts 27,000 hectares of one of the most biodiverse ecosystems on Earth. The sanctuary is home to ten primate species, including the endangered proboscis monkey and orangutan, as well as 200 bird species and 50 mammal species. River cruises offer a unique vantage point to observe wildlife and the vibrant local communities living in stilt houses along the riverbanks.
The Gomantong Caves, nestled in limestone hills near the Kinabatangan River, have been famed for centuries for their edible bird's nests, highly valued for their medicinal properties. Harvesting these nests is a lucrative but regulated activity, with collectors using traditional rattan and bamboo ladders to reach the nests perched high above the cave floor.
Sandakan's natural attractions offer a profound glimpse into the world of wildlife conservation and biodiversity. Whether it's the sight of baby turtles scurrying to the sea or the gentle gaze of an orangutan, the experiences here are both humbling and exhilarating, reminding us of the delicate balance between humans and nature.
