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Sandakan serves as the gateway to Sabah’s incredible wildlife and storied past. From the sanctuary of the world’s smallest bears to the colonial echoes of "Little Hong Kong," this journey blends meaningful conservation encounters with the atmospheric charm of a historic port city overlooking the Sulu Sea.
Programme Details
The day begins with a journey into the rainforest at the Sepilok Orang Utan Rehabilitation Centre. Boardwalks provide a vantage point to observe these iconic primates during their morning activity and learn about the vital efforts to return orphaned orangutans to the wild. Just a short walk away, the tour continues to the Bornean Sun Bear Conservation Centre. Here, the centre’s founder, Dr. Wong Siew Te, provides a rare opportunity to learn firsthand about the world’s smallest bear species and the challenges of their protection.
Leaving the jungle canopy behind, the scene shifts toward the coast for a colonial-inspired lunch at the English Tea House & Restaurant, situated on a grassy knoll overlooking Sandakan Bay. The afternoon unfolds with a walk through time at the Agnes Keith House, where the "Land Below the Wind" was penned; the restored wooden bungalow offers a glimpse into the life of the American author during the British North Borneo era. The historical narrative continues at St. Michael’s and All Angels Church, a stunning stone structure that miraculously survived the bombings of World War II (the Sandakan War Memorial is visited as an alternative on days when the church is closed). After a stroll past the bustling markets of the Sandakan Waterfront and a visit to a local Chinese Temple, the day concludes at the Ormond Hotel’s rooftop bar. A refreshing drink is served as the harbor transforms under the glow of a tropical sunset. (L)
Inclusions:
🥘 Lunch
Notes:
- Min. 2 persons
- Pick-up times: City Area 08:15 hrs / Sepilok Area 08:45 hrs.
- St. Michael’s and All Angels Church is closed every Tuesday, Sunday, and Public Holidays. The Sandakan War Memorial will be visited as an alternative on these days.
- Dr. Wong Siew Te’s presence is subject to availability.
- Please note that the orangutans at Sepilok are free‑ranging and sightings are never guaranteed. In Sabah, higher fruiting generally runs from around April–August, when orangutans have abundant natural food in the forest and may not come to the feeding platforms, even at scheduled feeding times. Wildlife viewing always depends on luck, timing and natural conditions, so any orangutan encounter should be considered a special privilege rather than a certainty.
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