River Junkie – fuel the addiction
River Junkie – fuel the addiction

River Junkie Tours Sdn. Bhd. — licensed Kota Kinabalu tour operator (KPL/LN5696), MATTA member, running wildlife safaris, Mount Kinabalu climbs and cave trips across Sabah and Sarawak since 2008.

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Turtle Island Selingan

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Kinabatangan River

4D3N Turtle Island & Sukau Rainforest Lodge

4 days
3 nights
Departs Sandakan
Mid-range
Price fromRM 4,700
Deluxe room, per person, min 2 pax per room
Duration4 days
3 nights on the road
DepartsSandakan
Groupmin 2 pax
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About this trip

Start your journey with an overnight stay at Selingan Island (Turtle Island) to witness the magic of turtles laying their eggs and baby turtles being released into the ocean. The following day return to the mainland and visit the orangutan and sunbear sanctuaries in Sepilok and learn more about some of Sabah’s best loved wildlife. From there you will travel by boat to Sukau Rainforest Lodge, on the banks of the Kinabatangan river. During your stay at the Kinabatangan river you can join river cruises in search of proboscis monkeys, hornbills, pygmy elephants, orangutans and more as well as explore Sukau Rainforest Lodge’s in-house boardwalk. In between activities, treat yourself to a refreshing dip in the plunge pool or relax at the riverside restaurant whilst enjoying the sights & sounds of the river.

Highlights

  • Overnight stay on Selingan Island for turtle watching
  • Ranger-led viewing of green turtles laying eggs
  • Sepilok Orangutan Rehabilitation Centre visit
  • River safari cruises from Sukau Rainforest Lodge

    • Trip facts

    Kinabatangan River, Sepilok, Turtle Island
    Canopy Walk, River Cruise, Snorkelling, Turtle Nesting, Wildlife
    4 days of travel
    Physical difficulty 2 / 5
    Departs from Sandakan
    Minimum 2 pax per departure
    Rates: Prices valid for stays until 31st March 2027
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    Day by day

    Day 1

    Sandakan - Turtle Island (Selingan)

    Pick up from Sepilok, Sandakan City or Sandakan airport and transfer to jetty for one-hour boat ride to Selingan Island. You are then free to explore the island, swim and snorkel. After dinner, wait for signal from the Park Ranger before proceeding to watch Green Turtle lay eggs on the beach, transplanting of eggs to hatchery and release of baby turtles to the sea. Stay overnight in Twin-Share room. Meals: L,D. * If you are travelling with large suitcases, we advise packing a small overnight bag for Turtle Island and leaving your main luggage in storage on the mainland due to limited space on the boat.

    Day 2

    Turtle Island - Sepilok sanctuaries - Kinabatangan River

    After breakfast, return to Sandakan by boat. Transfer to Sepilok Orangutan Rehabilitation Centre where you'll learn about the plight of the Orangutan and see firsthand the conservation efforts. Then proceed to watch a video about the plight of the Orangutans and the rehabilitation efforts ongoing at the Centre. Walk ten minutes through the rainforest on wooden boardwalks to witness the feeding of the orangutans at 1000hrs before continuing to the newly completed enclosed nursery area for young orangutans. If the Orangutans are feeling particularly friendly, you may even get the chance to get up close to the Orangutan so be sure to hang onto your belongings. Guests wishing to visit the Borneo Sun Bear Conservation Centre may do so after the orangutan sanctuary, an entry fee of RM50 is applicable. After lunch, you will head to the Sandakan jetty where you will begin the 2½ hour speedboat journey up the Kinabatangan River to the multi award winning Sukau Rainforest Lodge. Don't worry as the ride is not choppy and it won't be just boat ride as there will be opportunities along the way to view wildlife and birds, and if you're lucky, even the shy Bornean Elephants. Cool down with a refreshing drink and cold towel upon arrival while you check-in. Take a few moments to savor afternoon tea before heading out into the wild on your first river safari. Every boat is equipped with eco friendly outboard engines (used along the main river where the current is strong) and electric motor (used during wildlife viewing in the small tributaries) in search of wildlife and birds. Return for a solar heated hot shower after sunset before enjoying a candle light buffet dinner overlooking the mighty river. Dinner is followed by a slide show and interpretation by the in-house naturalist guide. Meals- B, L, D. * Highly recommended: Night River Cruises can be added at the lodge (additional charge applies)

    Day 3

    Kinabatangan River

    An early morning call at 0530hrs to catch the rainforest waking up is in store. After a light breakfast, you will embark on a morning river cruise in search of waking wildlife and birds which are most active in the morning on your way to the Kelenanap Ox-Bow lake. Return to a full breakfast, after which you will proceed for an educational walking tour along the lodge's Hornbill Boardwalk with the in-house naturalist followed by some time to relax. After lunch, you are free to explore the boardwalk at the back of the lodge to try and catch a glimpse of an orangutan or take a dip in the lodge's pool. After afternoon tea, head out onto the river once again in search of more wildlife, returning at sunset from your final river cruise. Meals- B, L, D.

    Day 4

    Kinabatangan River - Sandakan

    After breakfast, return to Sandakan by boat. Enjoy a quick lunch before proceeding to the airport for flights leaving at 2.30pm or later. For those who are taking an evening flight, you'll have time to visit the Rainforest Discovery Centre which has an impressive information center. Take a birds eye-view of the centre from the canopy walkway and tower before exploring the botanical gardens, home to various species of flora including orchids and agricultural plants. Drop off at Sandakan airport around 4pm for your evening flight. Meals- B, L. * We also offer transfers to/from Semporna or Lahad Datu, just let us know if this is where you are coming from or heading next.

    Where you'll stay

    Selingan Turtle Island

    Selingan Turtle Island Chalets

    Selingan Island, Sandakan, Sabah
    Selingan island is the visitable island of Turtle Islands Park, a Sabah Parks reserve about 40 km north of Sandakan where green and hawksbill turtles come ashore to nest and rangers run a hatchery. Overnight guests stay in simple air-conditioned chalets with ensuite bathrooms, operated under concession rather than by Sabah Parks itself. Rooms are few and capped at two adults and one young child, so the island fills quickly in July and August.
  • Ensuite air-conditioned chalet2 single beds. A limited number of rooms have 1 extra bed.
    • FacilitiesAir-conditioned chalets with ensuite bathrooms. Restaurant on the island. Exhibition centre open 9am to 4pm with free entry, and an evening video show at 7pm.
    Good to knowBring an overnight bag only and leave main luggage in storage in Sandakan, as boat space is limited. Maximum two adults and one child under 10 per room, strictly enforced. July and August are peak season with very limited availability, so book far ahead, and trips can be cancelled outright by weather. The evening turtle watch is conducted under ranger supervision: stay quiet, keep torches off and keep your distance.
    A closer look
    Sukau Rainforest Lodge

    Sukau Rainforest Lodge

    Sukau, Kinabatangan River, Sabah
    Opened in 1995 on the Kinabatangan River at Sukau, this is one of the most comfortable lodges along the river and one of the few to offer guests a plunge-pool between activities. Guests stay in Deluxe Rooms or Borneo Villas all with inverter air-conditioning, ceiling fans and ensuite hot showers. Meals are provided on a wooden deck overlooking the river
  • Deluxe room2 single beds or 1 double bed. 1 extra mattress can be added to a double room. Indoor sitting area, fridge, tea & coffee making facilities, air-conditioning & ceiling fan.
  • Borneo Villa2 single beds or 1 double bed. 1 extra mattress can be added. Private balcony, 60% larger than Deluxe rooms, minibar, air-conditioning, ceiling fan
    • FacilitiesMelapi Restaurant, Gecko Bar and Gecko Lounge. Gomantong Hall library lounge. Ape Gallery interpretation centre with nightly talks. Kadai souvenir shop. The Attenborough Boardwalk. Pool. Complimentary water dispensers.
    Good to knowFree wifi in the lounge, hall, restaurant and in Villa rooms. Mobile coverage is minimal. There are deliberately no TVs or radios, to limit noise. Laundry service is not currently available. Boardwalks are wheelchair-navigable and two villas are set up for wheelchair users. Life jackets are provided for children on all river tours.
    A closer look

    What's included

  • Return road/boat transfers as per itinerary (Sandakan - Turtle Island - Sepilok - Kinabatangan river - Sandakan)
  • Meals, coffee, tea & water refills
  • Accommodation (1 night Turtle Island & 2 nights Sukau Rainforest Lodge)
  • Nature guide & guided activities as per itinerary
  • Entrance & conservation fees

    • Not included

  • Tourism tax (RM10/room per night)
  • Flight tickets
  • Soft/alcoholic beverages
  • Tips (optional)
  • Camera fees at Sepilok Orangutan Rehabilitation Centre and Turtle Island: For any camera with zoom lens from 100 to 400mm, video camera or other video recording equipment for personal use are chargeable at RM10.00 per unit. For any camera (fixed-lens - 400mm and above) or any film-making equipment are chargeable at RM1,000.00 per unit.
  • Entry fee to Borneo Sunbear Conservation Centre RM50 per person (optional visit)

    • Prices

    Deluxe roomRM 4700per person. Air-conditioning & ceiling fan, Ensuite bathroom with amenities, Tea & coffee making facilities, International plugs (no adaptor required), Indoor sitting area with rainforest view
    Borneo VillaRM 5250per person. Air-conditioning & ceiling fan, Ensuite bathroom with amenities, Tea & coffee making facilities, International plugs (no adaptor required), Private balcony with rainforest view, Complimentary minibar, 60% larger living space compared to Deluxe rooms
    Pricing notesHigh season surcharge, per person per night, all nights at Sukau Rainforest Lodge in March, April, July & August — RM 150 High season surcharge, per person, all nights at Turtle Island from 1st June till 30th September — RM 70 Tourism tax per room per night — RM 10 Entry fee to Borneo Sunbear Conservation Centre, per person (optional visit) — RM 50 Camera fee: zoom lens 100-400mm / video camera, per unit — RM 10 Camera fee: fixed-lens 400mm and above / film-making equipment, per unit — RM 1000
    ChildrenPrices based on min 2 pax per room. Solo travellers & families with children under 12 please contact us for rates
    Rate validityPrices valid for stays until 31st March 2027

    Frequently asked questions

    Where will I stay on this trip?
    You spend one night on Selingan Island and two nights at Sukau Rainforest Lodge. There is only one lodge on Selingan Island and it offers clean, basic, air-conditioned chalets with ensuite bathrooms and twin beds; it is no frills accommodation, but the beach is right on your doorstep and your stay there is really all about the turtles.
    What is the difference between the Deluxe room and the Borneo Villa at Sukau?
    The Deluxe room is cozy, has air-conditioning and a ceiling fan, an ensuite bathroom with amenities, tea and coffee making facilities, international plugs (no adaptor required) and an indoor sitting area with rainforest view. The Borneo Villa gives you 60% more space and features a private balcony with rainforest view.
    How much luggage can I take to Turtle Island?
    If you are travelling with large suitcases, we advise packing a small overnight bag for Turtle Island and leaving your main luggage in storage on the mainland, as space on the boat is limited.
    What extra costs should I budget for?
    Tourism tax of RM10 per room per night, flight tickets, soft and alcoholic beverages, tips and camera fees are not included. Entry to the Borneo Sun Bear Conservation Centre is RM50 per person for those who wish to visit, and night river cruises can be added at the lodge for an additional charge. High season surcharges apply: RM150 per person per night for nights at Sukau Rainforest Lodge in March, April, July and August, and RM70 per person for nights at Turtle Island from 1st June till 30th September.
    Can solo travellers or families with young children book?
    Prices are based on a minimum of 2 people per room. Solo travellers and families with children under 12 should contact us and we will provide rates for you.
    What time does the trip finish on the last day?
    A complimentary visit to Sepilok Rainforest Discovery Centre if offered after check out on your last day and is suitable for guests with early evening flights. if you wish to fly earlier in the day then you can skip this visit and book any flight departing from 2pm onwards.
    Am I guaranteed to see turtles laying eggs?
    During peak nesting season from May to October, over 20 female turtles lay their eggs on Selingan island's shores each night. Outside of these months, it is not uncommon to have 5 or more turtles visit in one night. This is nature so there are no guarantees, but it is rare to not see a female turtle laying or hatchlings being released during your visit to Turtle Island.

    Photos from this trip

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    Ready to book, or still deciding?

    Tell us your dates and we will come back with availability, the total cost and honest advice — including when a different trip would suit you better.

    Getting between destinations: we also run private van and 4X4 transfers across Sabah and a daily Kota Kinabalu to Sandakan shuttle — ask us to add either to your trip.

    WhatsApp / phone: +60 11 1265 8581
    Email: info@river-junkie.com
    Hours: 8am–5pm, Monday to Sunday
    Office: Wisma Sabah, Kota Kinabalu, Sabah

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