Sandakan: 2D1N Turtle Island Sanctuary with Transfer & Meals

Planning a trip to Sabah and interested in seeing sea turtles in their natural habitat? This Sandakan Turtle Island tour promises an intimate glimpse into marine life conservation paired with convenient transfers and comfortable accommodations. While it’s primarily aimed at wildlife enthusiasts, it also offers a peaceful escape with some added opportunities for rainforest adventures.

What we love about this experience is its focus on conservation efforts—from the research happening on the island to the small group size ensuring a more personal vibe. The inclusive meals and hotel pickup remove much of the usual hassle of traveling, making it a straightforward, stress-free adventure. Plus, the optional visits to Sepilok Orangutan Rehabilitation Centre and the Bornean Sun Bear Conservation Centre are real highlights for animal lovers.

That said, one thing to keep in mind is the basic accommodation—while it’s clean and air-conditioned, it’s still modest, and the room lacks hot water in the showers. For travelers seeking luxury, this might be a bit of a compromise. This tour suits those who appreciate authentic experiences and are eager to support conservation while enjoying a close-up with turtles and rainforest wildlife.

Good To Know

• Conservation-focused: Tour supports local park management and marine biology research.
• Small group size: Limited to 50 guests for a more intimate experience.
• Inclusive meals and transfers: Hassle-free logistics from Sandakan.
• Rich wildlife experiences: Turtle hatchery, orangutans, and sun bears.
• Basic but comfortable: Clean rooms with AC, but no hot water.
• Flexibility: Optional add-ons available for rainforest and orangutan visits.

What to Expect from the Itinerary

Day 1: From Sandakan to Turtle Island

Your journey begins with a hotel pickup at your Sandakan accommodation or airport, which is a real plus for convenience. The transfer is comfortable, air-conditioned, and hassle-free, setting a good tone for the trip. From there, you’ll head to Sandakan harbor for a boat ride of about 1 hour 40 minutes to reach Turtle Island.

The boat ride is generally smooth, with most travelers noting it’s a scenic start to your adventure. The island is a designated marine sanctuary, established in 1977 to protect sea turtles from threats like fishing and pollution. Upon arrival, you’ll check into your cabin, where the simplicity and cleanliness seem to impress many travelers. The rooms are twin-sharing with private bathrooms and air conditioning—basic but functional.

Turtle Island Experience

The island itself is a quiet, natural haven with fewer than 50 guests staying overnight—this small number ensures an intimate vibe and less environmental impact. During your free time, you’re encouraged to enjoy the water with some light snorkeling or just soak in the views. The clear waters and coral reefs called out to those who love aquatic activities, weather permitting.

A key part of the visit is witnessing the hatchery and the release of baby turtles, which is especially memorable for those who love wildlife encounters. One reviewer called it a “wonderful experience” to see the hatchlings being released. The island’s focus on research is evident, with ongoing studies on how sand temperature influences hatchling sex ratios—a vital aspect of conservation.

Day 2: Return and Optional Rainforest Visits

After breakfast, you’ll leave the island and return to Sandakan, taking approximately 2 hours by boat. The return trip offers peaceful views and a chance to reflect on what you’ve experienced.

Optional add-ons include visits to the Sepilok Orangutan Rehabilitation Centre and the Bornean Sun Bear Conservation Centre. If you choose to extend your day, you’ll spend around 2 hours at each location, witnessing orangutans and sun bears in efforts to rehabilitate and conserve these iconic species. Reviewers have highlighted the expert guides and stunning animal sightings that make these visits memorable.

You’ll be dropped off either at your hotel or the airport, leaving you with a sense of satisfaction from supporting wildlife conservation and enjoying authentic rainforest experiences.

Transportation and Group Size

Transportation is a highlight of this tour—everything from hotel pickup, boat transfer, to drop-off is included, which adds a lot of convenience. The boat ride offers a scenic start to your island adventure, and the group sizes are kept small (a maximum of 12 travelers), ensuring a more personalized experience and fewer crowds.

Accommodation & Facilities

Staying overnight on Turtle Island means sleeping in twin-sharing cabins with private bathrooms and air conditioning. While the accommodation is described as basic, many travelers appreciate its cleanliness and comfort. The main drawback is the lack of hot water in the showers, which could be a minor inconvenience but doesn’t seem to detract significantly from overall satisfaction.

Meals & Included Fees

Meals are included in the package—dinner, breakfast, and lunch are all part of the deal. The food quality is practical and straightforward, designed to keep you energized for the day’s activities. The tour also covers all boat fees, docking fees, and park entry charges, which simplifies billing and budgeting.

Authentic Experiences & Conservation Focus

A major strength of this tour is its emphasis on marine conservation and research. The small group size, limited to 50 guests, helps preserve the natural environment, and the fees paid directly support ongoing conservation activities. Many reviews mention how the guides are knowledgeable, sharing insights about the turtles, island ecology, and ongoing research efforts.

The hatchery visit and turtle releases are particularly impactful. As one reviewer noted, “seeing the turtles hatch and being part of their release” is a highlight that makes the experience memorable. The tour’s focus on conservation is not just a background detail but woven into the entire experience.

Additional Activities and Optional Add-Ons

Beyond the core itinerary, this tour offers optional visits to nearby rainforest centers. The Sepilok Orangutan Rehabilitation Centre and Bornean Sun Bear Conservation Centre are both included if you opt for the add-on package, and reviewers have praised the expert guides and animal sightings. These visits add about 2 hours each and provide a deeper understanding of Borneo’s wildlife, making this tour more than just a marine sanctuary visit.

Price & Value

At $465.03 per person, this tour offers a well-rounded package that covers transportation, meals, accommodation, and entry fees. When you consider the convenience of transfers, the intimate nature of the overnight stay, and the opportunity to support conservation efforts, it’s a fair value for wildlife lovers and eco-conscious travelers. The inclusion of optional rainforest visits adds extra value for those wanting a broader glimpse of Borneo’s biodiversity.

Final Thoughts: Who Is This Tour For?

This Sandakan Turtle Island tour is ideal for travelers who cherish wildlife and appreciate meaningful conservation efforts. It’s perfect for those who want an authentic, eco-friendly experience that combines marine and rainforest wildlife. If you’re comfortable with basic accommodation and enjoy small group adventures, you’ll find this trip rewarding.

It’s especially suited for nature lovers, families, and wildlife photographers wanting a close-up with turtles, orangutans, and sun bears. While it’s not geared toward luxury seekers, the focus on authentic experiences and supporting conservation makes it a worthwhile choice for conscientious travelers.

Is the hotel pickup included?
Yes, hotel pickup at your Sandakan accommodation or airport is included, making the start of your journey seamless.

How long is the boat ride to Turtle Island?
The boat journey takes approximately 1 hour 40 minutes from Sandakan harbor, offering scenic views en route.

What is the accommodation like?
The cabins are twin-sharing with private bathrooms and air conditioning. They are described as basic but clean, with some reviewers noting the absence of hot water in the showers.

Are meals included?
Yes, this tour includes dinner, breakfast, and lunch, all served on the island or during the transfer.

Can I add on rainforest visits?
Absolutely. You can choose to visit the Sepilok Orangutan Rehabilitation Centre and the Sun Bear Conservation Centre at an additional cost, with each visit lasting about 2 hours.

What is the group size?
The tour is limited to 12 travelers, ensuring a more personal experience and less crowding.

Is the tour suitable for children?
While not explicitly stated, the focus on wildlife and small group size suggests it could be suitable for families with children who are comfortable in a natural environment.

What should I bring?
Bring cash for personal expenses, sun protection, and possibly a waterproof camera (note camera fee applies). Be prepared for weather changes as the tour runs rain or shine.

This 2-day Sandakan Turtle Island tour offers a compelling mix of wildlife encounters, conservation support, and hassle-free logistics. Its emphasis on small group sizes and environmental responsibility makes it stand out for eco-conscious travelers eager to connect authentically with Borneo’s marine and terrestrial wildlife. While accommodations are modest, the overall experience is meaningful and educational, making it ideal for those who value authentic, impactful travel.

If you’re passionate about protecting sea turtles and rainforest animals while enjoying the natural beauty of Sabah, this tour provides a well-rounded and supportive way to do so. It’s a fantastic option for wildlife enthusiasts, families, and anyone eager to learn more about the efforts to preserve Borneo’s incredible biodiversity.