4D3N Turtle Island & Kinabatangan River
|
|
Spend the night on Selingan island and witness baby turtles hatching and being released on the beach before making your way to the wildlife sanctuaries of Sepilok. Visit both the orang-utan and sun bear sanctuary before continuing on to the Kinabatangan river for 2 nights in a riverside lodge. From there you will cruise the Kinabatangan river in search of pygmy elephants, orangutans, proboscis monkeys, hornbills and more before returning to Sandakan.
If you want to venture further afield, we can help you to add-on a trip to Danum Valley or Tabin Wildlife Reserve after your stay at the Kinabatangan river. We also arrange transfers to or from Semporna and other destinations, just contact us to discuss your travel plans. Our regular departure days for this tour are on Wednesdays, Fridays and Sundays however additional or alternative departures may be offered in peak season. |
Itinerary
DAY 1: SANDAKAN - TURTLE ISLAND
Pick up from your hotel in Sepilok, Sandakan airport* or Sandakan city between 08.30 - 09.15am and transfer to Sandakan Jetty ready for departure to Turtle Island. *If you are flying on the same day, please ensure your flight is landing before 8.45am. The journey to Selingan Island is around 45 minutes by boat. Upon arrival, register at the park headquarters and check into your chalet (twin share). At around 12:00 pm, lunch will be served in the restaurant. You are then free for the afternoon to wander around the island, swim and snorkel as you like.
After dinner, you will wait for park rangers to call and alert everyone to turtles coming onto the beach to lay their eggs. If turtles have laid any eggs, the rangers will transfer them to the Sabah Parks Turtle Hatchery. If there are any hatchlings ready for release, you will have the opportunity to observe them as they make their way to the ocean. Meals- L, D
If you are traveling with large suitcases, we advise packing a small overnight bag for Turtle Island and leaving your main luggage in storage on the mainland due to limited space on the boat.
After dinner, you will wait for park rangers to call and alert everyone to turtles coming onto the beach to lay their eggs. If turtles have laid any eggs, the rangers will transfer them to the Sabah Parks Turtle Hatchery. If there are any hatchlings ready for release, you will have the opportunity to observe them as they make their way to the ocean. Meals- L, D
If you are traveling with large suitcases, we advise packing a small overnight bag for Turtle Island and leaving your main luggage in storage on the mainland due to limited space on the boat.
DAY 2: TURTLE ISLAND - SEPILOK - KINABATANGAN RIVER
After breakfast you will get the boat back to Sandakan and then transfer to Sepilok. Head first to the orang-utan sanctuary to watch the younger, playful orang-utans in the nursery before catching the 10am feeding. Around 11am your guide will take you to the sunbear sanctuary to watch the sunbears (the world’s smallest species of bear!) from raised walkways. From there you will travel 2 hours overland to Hornbill Lodge and have lunch on arrival.
Check-into your room and take a moment to relax before heading out on your first river cruise at 4pm. Over the next 2 hours, your guide will be on the lookout for proboscis monkeys, long-tail & pig-tail macaques, silver leaf monkeys, orang-utans, crocodiles, birds and more! After your river cruise, return to the lodge for dinner before joining your guide on an included night walk . Meals - B, L, D
Check-into your room and take a moment to relax before heading out on your first river cruise at 4pm. Over the next 2 hours, your guide will be on the lookout for proboscis monkeys, long-tail & pig-tail macaques, silver leaf monkeys, orang-utans, crocodiles, birds and more! After your river cruise, return to the lodge for dinner before joining your guide on an included night walk . Meals - B, L, D
DAY 3: KINABATANGAN RIVER
As day dawns, join your second river cruise and watch as the river comes to life. Keep an eye out for bird life including Borneo’s endemic hornbills and have another chance to spot multiple species of primates. Return to the lodge for breakfast then join your guide for a jungle walk looking for signs of orang-utans such as nests in the trees or even orang-utans themselves if you are lucky! Enjoy lunch overlooking the river and a chance to rest before joining your afternoon river cruise in search of more of the area's unique wildlife. After dinner, join your guide for a night walk or add-on a night cruise in search of nocturnal wildlife along the river bank. Meals - B, L, D
Optional add-on: night cruise: RM100 per person
Optional add-on: night cruise: RM100 per person
DAY 4: KINABATANGAN RIVER - SANDAKAN
Wake up early and join your guide for a final dawn river cruise, return to the lodge for breakfast then check out and get dropped off at your hotel in Sepilok or Sandakan or Sandakan airport between 11 - 11.30am. Meals - B, L
Transfers to other overland destinations such as Lahad Datu, Semporna or Tawau are available on request and subject to additional charges.
Transfers to other overland destinations such as Lahad Datu, Semporna or Tawau are available on request and subject to additional charges.
|
HAVE EXTRA TIME ON YOUR LAST DAY?
Stop off for a guided tour of Gomantong caves on your way back to Sandakan, enjoy lunch in Sepilok then visit Sabah's longest canopy walk at the Sepilok Rainforest Discovery Centre with us after check-out! This add-on costs RM300 per adult and is suitable for guests staying overnight in Sepilok or Sandakan or taking a flight leaving Sandakan airport from 5.30pm onwards. Just ask for more details at the time of booking! |
|
Honest Pricing
|
At River Junkie, we like to keep our pricing as fair, honest and transparent as possible. If you find the exact trip that we are offering for a lower price, we will either match it or beat it - this is our guarantee in providing you with honest pricing.
*Our price guarantee is for published rates only and not applicable to flash deals or last-minute promotions
|
Price per person
|
4D3N Turtle Island, Sepilok & Kinabatangan river safari:
Private room at Turtle island & Hornbill Lodge RM2850 per person Notes:
Optional extras:
|
PRICE INCLUDES
- Return road/boat transfers as mentioned - Private ensuite chalet with air-conditioning at Selingan Island (1 night) & Kinabatangan river (2 nights) - Nature guide, guided activities as mentioned - Entrance & conservation fees - Meals as per itinerary - Coffee, tea & water refills. PRICES EXCLUDES
- Camera fee (see below) - Tourism tax (RM10/room per night) - Soft/alcoholic bevarages and tips (optional). Note on Camera Use at Sepilok Orang Utan Rehabilitation Centre and Turtle Island: For any camera with zoom lens from 100 to 400mm, video camera or other video recording equipment for personal use are chargeable at RM10.00 per unit. For any camera (fixed-lens - 400mm and above ) or any film-making equipment are chargeable at RM1,000.00 per unit. |
Additional info
Who is this trip suitable for? This trip is suitable for visitors of all fitness levels, most activities are done by boat or by walking on flat, sometimes muddy terrain.
Children are welcome to join and discounts are available for children under 10 (please contact us for a quotation). The accommodation at Turtle Island is strictly limited to 2 adults & 1 child 10 years old or younger per chalet. Families with 2 or more children or children over 10 will be required to book 2 rooms due to the policy of the accommodation provider.
Solo travellers can join existing departures.
What should I bring? Binoculars, insect repellent, sunscreen, long sleeve shirts & long pants, raincoat, sun hat, swimwear, comfortable trekking shoes, torch light, water bottle, personal toiletries, leech socks and some cash (no ATMs in Turtle Island, Sepilok, or the Kinabatangan).
Pick up & drop off locations: Pick up is provided on the first day from any hotel in Sandakan or Sepilok or from Sandakan airport (pick up time between 08.30 - 09.30am, subject to change according to boat schedule) . Drop off is at Sandakan airport or hotels in Sepilok or Sandakan between 11 - 11.30am. Guests taking a late afternoon flight can join a complimentary visit to Sepilok rainforest discovery centre in the afternoon. Transfers to or from other locations can be arranged upon request, costs vary depending on the location.
Air-conditioning is available at Turtle Island & the Kinabatangan river lodge, all areas visited have 24 electricity although power cuts are not uncommon!
Staying connected: Charging points are available at all lodges and are 3 pin UK style plugs. Phone & 4G signal is good around Sandakan & Sepilok but limited at the Kinabatangan River and turtle island . Wifi is limited and shouldn't be relied upon during the trip.
Medical advice: Please consult your physician for up to date advice on vaccinations & anti-malarials and any pre-existing medical conditions that may affect your ability to join the trip. Guests are advised to always take out appropriate travel insurance to cover any unforeseen circumstances during your trip.
Children are welcome to join and discounts are available for children under 10 (please contact us for a quotation). The accommodation at Turtle Island is strictly limited to 2 adults & 1 child 10 years old or younger per chalet. Families with 2 or more children or children over 10 will be required to book 2 rooms due to the policy of the accommodation provider.
Solo travellers can join existing departures.
What should I bring? Binoculars, insect repellent, sunscreen, long sleeve shirts & long pants, raincoat, sun hat, swimwear, comfortable trekking shoes, torch light, water bottle, personal toiletries, leech socks and some cash (no ATMs in Turtle Island, Sepilok, or the Kinabatangan).
Pick up & drop off locations: Pick up is provided on the first day from any hotel in Sandakan or Sepilok or from Sandakan airport (pick up time between 08.30 - 09.30am, subject to change according to boat schedule) . Drop off is at Sandakan airport or hotels in Sepilok or Sandakan between 11 - 11.30am. Guests taking a late afternoon flight can join a complimentary visit to Sepilok rainforest discovery centre in the afternoon. Transfers to or from other locations can be arranged upon request, costs vary depending on the location.
Air-conditioning is available at Turtle Island & the Kinabatangan river lodge, all areas visited have 24 electricity although power cuts are not uncommon!
Staying connected: Charging points are available at all lodges and are 3 pin UK style plugs. Phone & 4G signal is good around Sandakan & Sepilok but limited at the Kinabatangan River and turtle island . Wifi is limited and shouldn't be relied upon during the trip.
Medical advice: Please consult your physician for up to date advice on vaccinations & anti-malarials and any pre-existing medical conditions that may affect your ability to join the trip. Guests are advised to always take out appropriate travel insurance to cover any unforeseen circumstances during your trip.
|
GETTING TO SANDAKAN
There are direct flights from both Kuala Lumpur (KUL) and Kota Kinabalu (BKI) to Sandakan airport (SDK). If you are coming from Kota Kinabalu and are keen to see a few sights on your way over to the East coast then hop aboard our West to East shuttle and explore Kinabalu Park, Poring hot springs and Sabah Tea Plantation before being dropped off in Sandakan or Sepilok! |
To book |
|
