Spend a night on Selingan Turtle Island to watch nesting turtles and hatchlings, then return to the rainforest for an up-close orangutan feeding at Sepilok. This 2-day trip combines coastal conservation with Borneo’s iconic wildlife encounters.
More ways to explore the area's outdoor wonders
Night falls slow and deliberate over the South China Sea as a ranger’s flashlight slices through humid air and the ocean calls the next generation forward. On Selingan (Turtle) Island you watch the sea dare a line of tiny hatchlings toward the surf — a ritual of survival staged under the stars — then wake to the hush of palms and a morning boat ride back toward Sepilok’s lowland dipterocarp forest.
Difficulty
moderate
Duration
2 days (approx. 48 hours)
Fitness Level
Suitable for most people in light to moderate fitness; requires short beach walks, boarding small boats, and standing during wildlife viewings.
Wildlife
History
Sepilok was established in 1964 to rehabilitate orphaned orangutans; Turtle Islands Park is a long-standing cross-border conservation effort protecting nesting beaches in the Sulu Sea.
Conservation
Park fees and ranger programs support nest protection and rehabilitation; visitors should avoid flash photography, stay on boardwalks, and use reef-safe products to minimize impact.
Reserve your spot on the From Sandakan: 2D1N Turtle Island & Sepilok Wildlife Experience today and enjoy a trusted, highly rated experience designed to help you make the most of your adventure.
Book transfers in advance
Arrange boat pickup and drop-off through the tour operator to match flight or hotel schedules—boats run on set times and seats are limited.
Respect night rules
No flash photography and keep noise low during turtle watches; follow the ranger’s instructions to avoid disturbing nesting turtles.
Pack reef-safe sunscreen
Coral-friendly sunscreen protects marine life during snorkeling and reduces regulations-related issues on protected islands.
Bring cash
Small purchases, tips, and some park fees may not accept cards—carry Malaysian ringgit for convenience.
Reef-safe sunscreen
Protects coral and reduces harmful chemicals while snorkeling near the island.
summer
Snorkel mask and fins
Useful for exploring the shallow reef flats and juvenile marine life close to shore.
summer
Insect repellent
Keeps mosquitoes at bay during evening turtle watches and forest visits at Sepilok.
Headlamp or flashlight
Required for safe night walks on the island and for navigating chalets after dark.