Borneo, the captivating island of lush rainforests and diverse wildlife, beckons adventurers to explore its natural wonders. This comprehensive tour promises an immersive experience, allowing visitors to witness the remarkable proboscis monkeys, rehabilitated orangutans, and the enigmatic Bornean sun bears. From the tranquil Labuk Bay to the renowned Sepilok Orang Utan Rehabilitation Centre, and the Bornean Sun Bear Conservation Centre, this journey delves into the heart of Borneo‘s conservation efforts. Complemented by a delightful lunch featuring authentic Bornean cuisine, this tour offers a well-rounded exploration of the island’s remarkable wildlife and cultural heritage. Prepare to be enchanted as you uncover the secrets of this enchanting destination.
This experience made our list of the 5 Best Lunch Experiences In Sandakan.
Key Points
- A full-day wildlife tour in Sandakan, Malaysia showcasing the rehabilitation efforts at Sepilok Orang Utan Centre and the endemic proboscis monkeys at Labuk Bay Sanctuary.
- Visit the Bornean Sun Bear Conservation Centre to observe the world’s smallest bear species and learn about their conservation challenges.
- Explore Sandakan’s cultural highlights, including a hilltop temple and the vibrant Central Market, with a complimentary lunch featuring authentic Bornean cuisine.
- Transportation, entrance fees, and guide assistance are included, making the tour accessible for families, groups, and solo travelers.
- Tour is highly rated for its quality wildlife encounters, experienced guides, and small group sizes, providing a personalized and memorable experience.
Tour Overview and Highlights
This full-day tour in Sandakan, Malaysia showcases Borneo’s diverse and captivating wildlife.
Visitors will venture to the renowned Sepilok Orang Utan Rehabilitation Centre to observe the rehabilitation of orphaned and rescued orangutans.
The tour then continues to the Labuk Bay Proboscis Monkey Sanctuary, home to the unique and indigenous proboscis monkeys.
Guests will also explore the Bornean Sun Bear Conservation Centre to learn about the world’s smallest bear species.
Plus, the tour includes a visit to a hilltop temple with panoramic views and the lively Sandakan Central Market.
Suitable for families, the small group experience offers discounts for children and is free for infants.
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Inclusions and Amenities
The tour package includes a complimentary lunch at a local restaurant, providing guests with an opportunity to savor authentic Bornean cuisine.
Transportation is provided in an air-conditioned vehicle for the duration of the tour.
Entrance fees to all wildlife sanctuaries and conservation centers are covered, ensuring a seamless and hassle-free experience.
The sales and service tax is also included in the tour price.
However, personal incidentals and beverages during lunch aren’t covered.
Tips and gratuities for the driver and tour guide are also not included, allowing guests to provide discretionary gratuities based on their satisfaction with the service.
Pickup and Meeting Information
Pickup is available from guests’ hotels or specified meeting points in Sandakan.
The tour company offers convenient pickup options to make the start of the day seamless. Guests can choose to be picked up directly from their hotel or meet the group at a designated meeting location.
To ensure a prompt departure, travelers are advised to be in the hotel lobby 10 minutes prior to the scheduled pickup time.
Should any questions or concerns arise, the provided hotline number is available for immediate assistance at +603 2330 3300.
At the tour’s conclusion, guests will be returned to the original meeting point.
Accessibility and Participation
The tour offers wheelchair-accessible transportation and surfaces, accommodating guests with mobility needs. Strollers are also permitted, and infant seats are available upon request.
Most travelers can participate in the tour, with a maximum group size of 15 individuals. This ensures an intimate and personalized experience for all guests.
Whether you’re traveling with young children or have accessibility requirements, the tour is designed to be inclusive and cater to diverse needs.
The tour guides are experienced in providing assistance and ensuring everyone can fully enjoy the wildlife encounters and other activities.
With this level of accessibility and inclusivity, the tour is an excellent choice for families, groups, and solo adventurers alike.
Reviews and Feedback
Guests have shared their experiences through 19 reviews, resulting in an overall rating of 4.5 stars for the tour.
Positive feedback highlights the quality of the wildlife encounters and the tour guide’s expertise. Guests appreciated the opportunity to see orangutans, proboscis monkeys, and sun bears in their natural habitats.
While some guests experienced changes to the itinerary, they found the alternative options satisfactory. The general recommendation for the tour is based on the overall enjoyable experiences.
The tour’s small group size, discounts for children, and inclusion of transportation and lunch also contributed to the positive reviews.
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Sepilok Orang Utan Rehabilitation Centre
One of the highlights of the tour is a visit to the Sepilok Orangutan Rehabilitation Centre, where guests can observe orphaned and rescued orangutans in their natural habitat. The center plays a crucial role in rehabilitating these endangered primates and preparing them for a return to the wild.
Visitors can expect to witness several key activities at the center:
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Feeding time, where the orangutans emerge from the forest to enjoy a nutritious meal.
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Interactions between the orangutans as they socialize and navigate the suspended walkways.
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Educational talks by the center’s knowledgeable staff, providing insights into the threats facing orangutans and conservation efforts.
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The chance to see baby orangutans being cared for, a heartwarming experience that underscores the importance of this rehabilitation program.
Lab Bay Proboscis Monkey Sanctuary
Another highlight of the tour is a visit to the Labuk Bay Proboscis Monkey Sanctuary, where travelers can observe the unique and endangered proboscis monkeys in their natural riverine habitat.
These large-nosed primates are endemic to the island of Borneo and can often be spotted congregating on the mangrove trees lining the Labuk River.
The sanctuary provides an opportunity to witness these fascinating monkeys in their natural environment, as well as learn about the efforts to conserve this vulnerable species.
With guided tours and viewing platforms, visitors can get up-close glimpses of the proboscis monkeys’ behaviors and adaptations.
This stop on the tour offers a memorable wildlife encounter and insight into Borneo’s rich biodiversity.
Bornean Sun Bear Conservation Centre
Why does the tour also include a visit to the Bornean Sun Bear Conservation Centre? This centre serves as a critical sanctuary for the endangered Bornean sun bear, the world’s smallest bear species.
Visitors can observe these unique bears, which are endemic to the island of Borneo, in their natural habitat and learn about the efforts to protect this vulnerable population.
The tour’s inclusion of the Bornean Sun Bear Conservation Centre provides the opportunity to:
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Witness the sun bears’ behaviors and natural habitat.
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Understand the conservation challenges facing this species.
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Support the centre’s mission through admission fees.
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Educate visitors about the importance of protecting Borneo’s biodiversity.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Is the Duration of the Tour?
The duration of the tour is not explicitly stated in the provided information. However, it appears to be a day tour, based on the description of the various stops and activities included throughout the day.
Can I Bring My Own Camera or Binoculars?
Yes, guests are encouraged to bring their own camera and binoculars to capture the wildlife and scenic views during the tour. Personal photography equipment is allowed and can enhance the overall experience.
Are There Any Age Restrictions for the Tour?
There are no age restrictions for this tour. It’s suitable for all ages, including families with children. Infants can join for free, while discounted rates are available for young travelers.
Can I Request a Vegetarian or Halal Meal During Lunch?
Yes, you can request a vegetarian or halal meal during the lunch included in the tour. The tour provider is able to accommodate dietary preferences with advance notice, ensuring all guests can enjoy the meal.
How Can I Make Changes to My Booking if Needed?
To make changes to the booking, guests should contact the tour provider’s hotline at +603 2330 3300 as soon as possible. The provider will accommodate changes to the booking, subject to availability and any applicable fees.
Recap
The Labuk Proboscis, Sepilok, and Sun Bear Sandakan City Tour offers an immersive wildlife experience in Borneo.
Visitors can observe the unique proboscis monkeys, witness the conservation efforts for orphaned orangutans, and explore the Bornean Sun Bear Conservation Centre, all while enjoying authentic Bornean cuisine.
This tour provides an unforgettable opportunity to connect with the diverse and fascinating wildlife of the region.
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