Sandakan Wildlife Adventure
Borneo- Sandakan
1nt escorted tour from
£ 499pp
Sandakan
Gateway to extraordinary wildlife and eco-tourism
Virtually destroyed during World War II, for many Sandakan is a mere stepping stone to Sepilok and the Kinabatangan River. Linger in this buzzing city, and you can view its scattering of religious relics, iconic temples and colonial mansions, or glimpse local life at colourful markets and fishing villages. The world-famous Sepilok Orang-Utan Sanctuary represents your best chance of seeing the flame-haired‘ men of the forest’. Walkways cut through the natural jungle habitat allowing you to watch these adorable creatures as they swing on vines and snack on roots. Additionally, a viewing gallery overlooks the feeding platform where twice daily rangers lay out food for those apes less able to forage independently. At the adjacent Bornean Sun Bear Conservation Centre learn about the refuge’ s efforts to protect and rehabilitate captured bears. Within Kabili-Sepilok Forest Reserve the Rainforest Discovery Centre boasts a canopy walkway providing a superb vantage point for spotting creatures inhabiting the treetops. A boat trip along the Kinabatangan River gives chance to spy wildlife, including proboscis monkeys, lizards and macaques.
Bilit Rainforest Lodge
UNIQUE Bilit, Sandakan
This 24 room lodge, which nestles alongside the Kinabatangan River, offers comfort without compromising the local environment. Built largely from local hardwood material, the lodge’ s design allows visitors to experience the best of the unique wildlife. Facilities include a restaurant and lounge, with WiFi available in the restaurant.
Getting there: The flight from Kota Kinabalu to Sandakan takes around 45 minutes.
Best time to go: March to October are considered the best months for travel as November to February can bring more rain. However, rainforest areas can be unpredictable so rain can occur at any time, even if just a short sharp downpour.
Sandakan Wildlife Adventure
1nt escorted tour
marvel at orang-utans • enjoy a canopy walk • see rescued sun bears
DAY 1 Kota Kinabalu / Sandakan
Early morning flight to Sandakan and travel onwards by road to the Rainforest Discovery Centre, which is situated within the famous Kabili-Sepilok Forest Reserve. During the visit you’ ll learn about nature in the area and have a chance to walk on a suspension bridge and enjoy the Canopy Walk. Later, proceed by road to Bilit Village within the Kinabatangan area( about 2 hours drive) followed by a short boat trip to the lodge. In the late afternoon embark on a river cruise in search of wildlife. If lucky, you may spot the unusual looking proboscis monkeys.
DAY 2 Sandakan / Kota Kinabalu
After breakfast transfer to the Sepilok Orang-Utan Sanctuary, where
orphaned and captive orang-utans are rehabilitated in preparation for a return to the wild. Join a guide for a stroll along a boardwalk through the lush jungle to the feeding platform where you will hopefully catch a glimpse of these lovable creatures as they are fed milk and bananas. Continue to the
Bornean Sun Bear Conservation Centre, which looks after rescued bears within an enclosed forest. Later, transfer back to Sandakan Airport for your onward journey.
2nt escorted tour from
£ 779pp
The two night tour includes an additional river cruise to hopefully spy more wildlife, and time at leisure.
What you need to know:
Daily departures from Kota Kinabalu. Minimum of two passengers.
In standard rooms at Bilit Rainforest Lodge. Accommodation is simple with en suite hot shower / toilet.
Full board.
The price shown includes return flights from Kota Kinabalu, transfers to and from Sukau, entrance fees, accommodation and services of an English speaking guide.
Note: This tour is not recommended for the less mobile. Direct flights between KL and Sandakan are also available.
www. premierholidays. co. uk Borneo 83