Exploring Ecotourism in Sandakan: A Family Adventure
What comes to mind when you think of ecotourism? Perhaps images of wildlife in lush jungles, the vibrant marine life deep in the ocean, or serene rural landscapes far removed from city life. And yes, limited internet access might be part of the picture! From our recent family vacation, we quickly learned that the lack of connectivity isn’t just a perception—it’s often a reality.
Picture this: your phone shows "Full Bars E" or "1 Bar 4G," but neither provides a usable connection. Even the much-anticipated StarLink WiFi on Selingan Island wasn’t a saving grace; once 40+ tourists logged on, the speed was as good as no connection at all! Still, it was better than "Full Bars E."
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This trip revealed three key challenges urban travelers often fear when away from home: lack of internet, a dying phone battery, and getting lost. Thankfully, we came well-prepared, with ample power banks and low expectations for connectivity. As a family of eight adults, we embarked on an immersive ecotourism journey to Sandakan, seeking close encounters with wildlife in their natural habitats—safely, responsibly, and without harming any animals.
Our six-day adventure started at a hurried pace but slowed to a relaxed rhythm, giving us time to truly appreciate the experience. Here’s a day-by-day breakdown of our journey:
Day 1: Arrival in Sandakan
We began our trip with brunch at MyMee and then we checked in at the Sabah Hotel. In the afternoon, we made a visit to The Agnes Keith House and The English Garden, two charming historical sites. The high tea at The English Garden added a touch of indulgence. For dinner, we enjoyed fresh seafood at the Sim-Sim Seafood Restaurant on Bridge #8—a delightful start to our trip.
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Day 2: Selingan Island Turtle Adventure
The highlight of the day was our visit to Selingan Island, renowned for its turtle conservation efforts. After registering at the Sandakan Jetty at 9:30 a.m., we departed at 10:00 a.m. and arrived on the island by 11:00 a.m.
After settling into our rooms and a quick briefing, we had lunch at 12:30 p.m. The afternoon was spent swimming within marked boundaries until high tide approached. At 6:00 p.m., we explored the Exhibition Hall, which shared insights into turtle conservation.
Dinner was served at 7:00 p.m., and we were advised to wait in the dining hall until the first turtle sighting. This could happen anytime between 8:30 p.m. and 2:00 a.m. We were lucky enough to witness a turtle laying eggs—a truly unforgettable moment!
Day 3: Orangutans, Sun Bears, and the Kinabatangan River
After a morning departure from Selingan Island, we arrived back at the Sandakan Jetty by 8:00 a.m. A bus took us to the Sepilok Orang Utan Rehabilitation Centre and the Sun Bear Conservation Centre, located side by side.
Post-lunch, a two-hour drive brought us to Kampung Bilit, along the Kinabatangan River. A short boat ride from the jetty led us to Bilit Adventure Lodge (BAL), a serene spot deep in the jungle.
The evening river cruise was an awe-inspiring experience, where we spotted wildlife including proboscis monkeys, macaques, hornbills, and crocodiles. The second evening cruise even gifted us a rare sighting of an orangutan!
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Day 4: Jungle Trekking and Wildlife Watching
We spent a leisurely day at BAL, starting with a jungle trek around the lodge. Though mosquitoes were plentiful, the lush rainforest was captivating. Another river cruise at 4:30 p.m. allowed us to observe more wildlife as the sun set over the Kinabatangan River.
Day 5: Food Hunt in Sandakan
After breakfast, we returned to Sandakan and checked into the Sabah Hotel. A food tour was next on the agenda, featuring delicious stops at:
- San Da Gen Cafe for drinks and desserts
- Good Taste Seafood Bak Kut Teh
- Empire Seafood Restaurant in IJM, Mile 5
Each meal was a feast, showcasing the rich flavors of Sandakan cuisine.
Day 6: Farewell to Sandakan
On our final day, we packed up and enjoyed a relaxed morning. I managed to squeeze in a visit with a friend to savor Sandakan's famous noodles and stock up on local desserts before heading to the airport.
Reflections on the Trip
This family trip to Sandakan was an unforgettable ecotourism experience. We gained valuable insights into wildlife conservation and saw how local organizations work tirelessly to protect endangered species. Witnessing four of Borneo’s "Big Five" animals—orangutans, proboscis monkeys, hornbills, and sun bears—was a privilege, even though the elusive elephants remained out of sight.
From island adventures to river cruises and jungle treks, this journey reminded us of the beauty of slowing down, connecting with nature, and appreciating the efforts to conserve it.
This was a trip that left our hearts full and our minds inspired—ecotourism at its best!
