Selingan Turtle Island, Sepilok Orangutan & Sun Bear
Combine an overnight Selingan Turtle Island stay with Sepilok Orangutan Rehabilitation Centre and the Bornean Sun Bear Conservation Centre.
See turtles, orangutans and sun bears in one compact Sandakan wildlife escape.
Begin with a boat journey to Selingan Turtle Island, where the afternoon is yours to swim, relax or snorkel when conditions allow. After dinner, join the park ranger for the island’s turtle conservation program, with the chance to witness nesting activity, egg transfer to the hatchery and hatchlings released to the sea.
The next day, return to Sandakan and continue to Sepilok for two of Sabah’s best-known conservation experiences: the Sepilok Orangutan Rehabilitation Centre and the Bornean Sun Bear Conservation Centre. It is a short tour, but it brings together three signature wildlife highlights with transfers, meals and guiding arranged for you.
Tour Overview
Start: Sandakan
End: Sandakan
Duration
Departure Time
1 day, 1 night
8:45 AM daily
Minimum guests
Meals
2 persons per booking
Fullboard meals
hotel within Sandakan or Sandakan Airport
Accommodation
Twin-share chalet
In-house English-speaking guide
Why you'll love this trip
- Spend a night on Selingan Turtle Island and join the ranger-led evening turtle program, where nesting, hatchery work and hatchling release may be witnessed depending on natural activity.
- Visit Sepilok Orangutan Rehabilitation Centre, one of Sabah’s most recognised wildlife conservation sites, and watch orangutans from the rainforest viewing area.
- Enjoy an easy Sandakan-based itinerary with hotel or airport pickup, return boat transfer, meals, entrance fees and guiding arranged for you.
- Continue to the Bornean Sun Bear Conservation Centre and observe rescued sun bears from raised forest walkways.
- Break up the day with lunch at Borneo Sepilok Rainforest Restaurant before the afternoon conservation visit.
- Good for travellers short on time who want to combine Turtle Island with Sepilok’s two headline wildlife centres.
Itinerary
Day 1 • Sandakan / Selingan Turtle Island
Welcome to Sandakan, the gateway to Sabah’s east coast wildlife experiences. Your journey begins with pickup from your hotel within Sandakan or Sandakan Airport, then a transfer to the jetty for the boat ride to Selingan Turtle Island.
On arrival, check in to your chalet and enjoy the afternoon at your own pace. Swim by the beach, relax on the island or go snorkelling if weather and sea conditions allow. After dinner, wait for the park ranger’s call and join the evening turtle program on the beach. Depending on the natural activity of the night, you may see a turtle laying eggs, watch eggs transferred to the hatchery and see hatchlings released safely to the sea.
Overnight at the chalet on Selingan Turtle Island.
Day 2 • Selingan / Sepilok / Sandakan
Wake up on Selingan Turtle Island and enjoy breakfast before returning by boat to Sandakan. From here, continue to the world-renowned Sepilok Orangutan Rehabilitation Centre, established to help orphaned and displaced orangutans return gradually to forest life. Watch from the viewing area during the feeding session and take in the surrounding rainforest setting.
Lunch is served at Borneo Sepilok Rainforest Restaurant. After lunch, continue to the Bornean Sun Bear Conservation Centre, home to the world’s smallest bear species. Walk the raised viewing platforms and observe rescued sun bears in forest enclosures while learning about the centre’s work in animal welfare, conservation, rehabilitation, education and research.
Your tour ends with drop-off at Sandakan Airport or your hotel within Sandakan.
Inclusions and activities
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Transfers and boat journey
Travel from your hotel within Sandakan or Sandakan Airport to the jetty, continue by boat to Selingan Turtle Island, then return to Sandakan on a seat-in-coach arrangement.
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Accommodation and fullboard meals
Stay overnight in twin-share chalet accommodation on Selingan Turtle Island, with lunch, dinner, breakfast and lunch included as stated in the itinerary.
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Guide and entrance fees
Relevant entrance fees and an in-house English-speaking guide are included for the scheduled tour arrangements.
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Evening turtle program
After dinner, join the park ranger for the turtle conservation experience on the beach, managed directly by the park team.
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Sepilok orangutan visit
Visit Sepilok Orangutan Rehabilitation Centre and watch the feeding session from the viewing area, subject to centre operations.
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Bornean sun bear visit
Continue to the Bornean Sun Bear Conservation Centre and observe the world's smallest bear species in forest enclosures.
Before you book you should know
- Compact wildlife itinerary: This tour combines Turtle Island, Sepilok Orangutan Rehabilitation Centre and Bornean Sun Bear Conservation Centre in just two days, so the pace is practical and structured.
- Simple island stay: Accommodation is in a twin-share chalet on Selingan Turtle Island. Expect a nature-focused stay rather than a resort-style beach holiday.
- Wildlife timing: Turtle activity, orangutan feeding visibility and sun bear activity depend on animal behaviour, weather and centre operations.
- Walking and conditions: Expect boat transfers, beach time, boardwalks and outdoor viewing areas. Comfortable shoes, light clothing and rain protection are recommended.
Malaysia entry requirements depend on your passport, nationality and travel history. Please check the latest visa and entry rules before booking your flights.
Travellers are responsible for holding valid passports, visas, onward travel documents and any arrival requirements set by Malaysian authorities or airlines.
If you are unsure, contact your nearest Malaysian embassy, consulate or airline before travelling.
This tour includes one night in twin-share chalet accommodation on Selingan Turtle Island. Rooms are simple and practical, designed for travellers spending the night on the island for the turtle conservation experience.
You can view the chalet and facilities here: Selingan Turtle Island rooms and facilities.
Please note that room allocation and facilities are subject to island availability and operational arrangements.
Camera rules and fees
- Camera use during the Selingan evening turtle program is chargeable at RM10 and must be strictly without flash.
- Video cameras are strictly prohibited after 6:00 PM on Selingan Turtle Island.
- Camera or video fees at parks and centres are not included and must be paid directly if applicable. Fees may change without prior notice.
What to bring
- Sunscreen lotion, insect repellent, cap or hat, raincoat or poncho
- Sandals or sturdy shoes for walking and boardwalk areas
- Camera, binoculars if preferred and reading material while waiting for the turtle call
- Personal items and comfortable light cotton casual attire with long or short pants
Important notes
- Wildlife experiences are subject to natural behaviour, weather, sea conditions and park or centre operations. Turtle nesting, hatchling release, orangutan visibility and sun bear activity cannot be guaranteed.
- Accommodation on this tour is based on twin-share chalet rooms. A single room request may be possible, subject to island availability and surcharge. Please check with us before booking.
- Meals are arranged in advance and options may be limited, especially on Selingan Turtle Island. Please advise any dietary requirements at the time of booking so we can check what can be accommodated.
- Camera fees, beverages, porterage, airfare, tipping, personal expenses and items not stated as included are excluded from the package price.
- Please arrange onward flights with enough buffer after the tour, as boat transfers and return timing may be affected by sea or weather conditions.