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Turtle Islands Park
Also known as Pulau Penyu National Park,
this park comprises of three small islands: Pulau Selingan, Pulau Bakungan
Kecil, and Pulau Gulisan. They are covered with a variety of plant life.
However, the main attractions are the turtles, which come ashore to nest.
Pulau Selingan and Pulau Bakungan Kecil is the main nesting area for the
green turtles, while the hawksbill turtles seem particularly fond of Pulau
Gulisan. Both species lay their eggs on these shores throughout the year
although the best months are between July to October. The islands were
categorized as Marine Parks primarily to save these two species from extinction.
Libaran Island
Drive 2 1/2 hours to
the town of Sandakan before taking an hour boat ride to Libaran Island.
Enjoy the tropical shoreline vegetation as you travel North East from
Sandakan to the Sulu Sea. The coast line is covered with dense mangrove
vegetation with numerous species of wildlife. A boat trip to the mangrove
in the afternoon will be rewarded with sighting of squirrels, monkeys,
bearded pigs, pangolins, sea eagles, hornbills, green herons, sandpipers,
pigeons, bulbuls, bablers, flycatchers, swiftlets and sunbirds. Megapode,
a chicken-like bird which lays its eggs in mound of sand at the edge of
the beach may be sighted on a small island just off Libaran Island.
Gomantong Caves
 These
limestone caves are Sabah's most famous source of swiftlets' nests used
for Chinese panacea, bird's-nest soup. The caves are on the opposite side
of the bay from Sandakan. They have two cave complexes, the main and more
accessible Simud Hitam (Black Cave) and Simud Putih (White Cave), which
is higher in the mountain. Simud Hitam contains black nests whereas Simud
Putih contains the more valuable white nests. Both trails are steep and
involve some rock climbing. The area around the caves is covered in forest
and dense vegetation.
Sukau & Kinabatangan
River
 The
Sungai Kinabatangan is the longest river in Sabah, measuring 560 km from
its headwaters in the southwest side of the state to where it merges with
the Sulu Sea, east of Sandakan. This is one of the best places to observe
wildlife. Furthermore, the river promises excitement all year round. Here,
visitors can find a great concentration of wildlife in Malaysia, perhaps
the best in all of Borneo. Wild orang utan, macaques, red and silver leaf
monkeys, elephants, dozens of beautiful birds including several species
of hornbill, crocodiles, civet cats and otters may all be viewed in this
region.
The most famous creature of all is undoubtedly
the bizarre Proboscis monkey. Found only in Borneo, the Proboscis monkeys
are very easy to spot, thanks to their habit of socializing in the mangrove
trees along the riverbanks during late afternoons. The male Proboscis
monkey has a large pendulous nose, fat belly, thick white tail, and a
peculiar mixture of colors that make him look as if he is wearing gray
tights, white underpants and an orange jacket!
There are also many dramatic and beautiful
birds at the Kinabatangan region. Amongst them are the elegant Egrets,
several species of Kingfisher, the Oriental darter or snake bird which
dives underwater to catch its prey, swift and vividly colored Bee-eaters,
and Hornbills, which are huge ungainly birds with heavy wings.
Tourists may be able to see the place in
half a day by taking an afternoon boat tour across the Sandakan Bay. From
there, move through the salt-water swamp forest into the mouth of the
Kinabatangan River and then on to the first settlement, Kampung Abai,
before returning to Sandakan at night. If that is not enough, visitors
can get an in-depth look at the area's wildlife by staying overnight at
Sukau, which is located two hours by road from Sandakan. Local tour operators
will provide accommodations. It is advisable to visit the place with a
tour operator as the journey to Sukau lacks the convenience of the public
transport. The tour would include a two-hour 'trek' in the late afternoon
through a fresh-water swamp forest in the comfort of a boat.
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