Sandakan : 2 Days 1 Night At Turtle Island

The "Sandakan: 2 Days 1 Night At Turtle Island" tour offers an opportunity to take in nature and witness the remarkable process of turtle nesting. Priced at $541.41 per person, this eco-adventure includes a scenic bus and speedboat ride to Selingan Island, where visitors can relax on the beach, snorkel, and learn about turtle conservation efforts. With a flexible booking policy and an overnight stay in chalet-style accommodations, this tour promises an unforgettable experience for nature enthusiasts. What secrets might the island hold, and what wonders await those who venture there?

Key Points

• A 2-day, 1-night tour package that takes visitors to Selingan Island, a turtle conservation site, featuring turtle nesting activities and snorkeling opportunities.
• The tour is priced from $541.41 per person and includes hotel pickup, transportation, accommodations, meals, and various activities related to turtle conservation.
• The itinerary includes a 1-hour bus ride to CQ Jetty, a 1-hour speedboat ride to Selingan Island, and an evening visit to the Turtle Information Centre for an educational slide show.
• The tour is not suitable for wheelchair users, as there is no wheelchair access or elevator in the accommodations, and assistance with boarding boats and accessible restrooms is unknown.
• Recommended items to bring include comfortable shoes, a hat, a camera, sunscreen, insect repellent, and a reusable water bottle, as the tour emphasizes conservation and respect for wildlife.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Overview and Pricing

This tour, titled "Sandakan: 2 Days 1 Night At Turtle Island," is priced from $541.41 per person.

Booking is available with a reserve now, pay later option, and free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

Booking offers a reserve now, pay later option, and free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

The tour lasts 2 days, providing an opportunity to witness sea turtles nesting and baby hatchlings being released, as well as explore the island’s marine life through snorkeling.

Inclusions cover transfers, an English-speaking guide, meals, accommodation, and park entrance fees.

While turtle sightings aren’t guaranteed, the tour offers an immersive educational experience focused on turtle conservation efforts.

Itinerary Highlights

The 2-day, 1-night tour begins with pickup from the traveler’s Sandakan hotel, followed by a 1-hour bus ride to the CQ Jetty.

From there, a 1-hour speedboat ride takes them to Selingan Island, where they’ll check into standard chalet-style accommodations.

After a buffet lunch, they’ll have free time for snorkeling or beach relaxation.

In the evening, they’ll visit the Turtle Information Centre and attend an educational slide show, then witness the awe-inspiring turtle nesting experience at 8 PM.

The next morning, they’ll depart the island by 7 AM, arriving back at CQ Jetty by 8 AM before transferring to their final destination.

Day 1 Activities

After being picked up from their Sandakan hotel, travelers embark on a 1-hour bus ride to the CQ Jetty. From there, they take a 1-hour speedboat ride to Selingan Island, their home for the next 24 hours.

Upon arrival, guests check into their standard chalet-style accommodations. The day continues with a buffet lunch at the island café, followed by:

1. Free time for snorkeling in the clear waters and exploring the vibrant marine life.

2. A visit to the Turtle Information Centre and an educational slide show.

3. An evening turtle nesting experience starting at 8 PM, and an overnight stay on the island.

Day 2 Activities

Guests rise early at 0630hrs for breakfast before departing the island by 0700hrs. The speedboat ride back to CQ Jetty takes approximately 1 hour, arriving by 0800hrs. From there, guests are transferred to Sandakan Airport or their hotel, concluding the 2-day turtle island experience.

| Time | Activity |

| — | — |

| 0630hrs | Breakfast |

| 0700hrs | Depart Selingan Island |

| 0800hrs | Arrive at CQ Jetty |

| 0800hrs | Transfer to Sandakan Airport or hotel |

| – | Tour ends |

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Tour Features and Inclusions

This tour offers a range of engaging activities and comprehensive inclusions to provide guests with a memorable Turtle Island experience.

The key highlights include:

1. Witnessing the awe-inspiring sight of sea turtles nesting and baby hatchlings being released.

2. Snorkeling in the crystal-clear waters to explore the vibrant marine life.

3. Gaining valuable educational insights into the important turtle conservation efforts on the island.

The tour includes round-trip transfers, an English-speaking guide, meals, and one night’s accommodation in the island’s chalet-style lodging.

Park entrance fees are also covered, ensuring a hassle-free and immersive Turtle Island adventure.

Accessibility and What to Bring

How accessible is this tour for guests with mobility challenges? According to the provided information, while the tour offers wheelchair accessible options, it is noted that the tour may not be suitable for wheelchair users. This suggests there may be some limitations or difficulties for those with certain mobility constraints.

To help potential guests with disabilities better understand the accessibility, here is a table outlining key details:

| Accessibility Feature | Available |

| — | — |

| Wheelchair Access | Yes |

| Wheelchair-Friendly Accommodations | No |

| Elevator/Lift Access | No |

| Assistance with Boarding Boats | Unknown |

| Accessible Restrooms | Unknown |

Guests are advised to bring comfortable shoes, a hat, camera, sunscreen, insect repellent, and a reusable water bottle for the tour.

Turtle Sightings and Photography

One important aspect of this tour is the opportunity to witness sea turtles nesting and baby hatchlings being released.

However, turtle sightings aren’t guaranteed. To enhance your experience:

1. Refrain from using flash photography during nesting events, as it can disturb the turtles.

2. Be mindful of the conservation efforts and follow the guidance of the park staff to minimize any disruption.

3. Consider visiting during the off-season when there are fewer crowds, for a more intimate and personal encounter with these amazing creatures.

Customer Feedback and Recommendations

Travelers who booked this tour praised the knowledgeable guide for providing excellent information throughout the experience.

While the accommodation was basic but adequate, guests felt the friendly staff and satisfactory food made for a comfortable stay. Some recommended visiting during the off-season to avoid larger crowds.

Overall, customers highly recommended this tour for the chance to witness sea turtles nesting and hatchlings being released, as well as explore the vibrant marine life through snorkeling.

With clear water and an educational focus on turtle conservation, this Turtle Island experience left a lasting impression on those who attended.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the Tour Suitable for Children?

The tour can accommodate children, though it may not be suitable for very young kids. The evening turtle nesting experience may be too late for some families. Families should consider their children’s interests and abilities when booking this tour.

Can I Bring My Own Food to the Island?

Yes, guests can bring their own food to the island. However, a buffet lunch is included in the tour package, and the island café offers additional food and beverage options for purchase. Bringing your own snacks is permitted.

Are There Any Medical Facilities on the Island?

There is a basic medical clinic on the island to handle minor emergencies. However, for serious medical issues, guests would need to be transported back to the mainland to access more comprehensive healthcare facilities.

What Is the Maximum Group Size for the Tour?

The maximum group size for the tour is not specified. The tour operator likely limits group sizes to provide an intimate experience, but the exact maximum is unclear from the available information.

Can I Extend My Stay on the Island Beyond 1 Night?

The standard tour package includes a 1-night stay on Selingan Island, but guests can’t extend their stay beyond that. Visitors wishing to spend more time on the island would need to book a separate, longer package.

The Sum Up

The "Sandakan: 2 Days 1 Night At Turtle Island" tour provides an immersive nature experience with a scenic journey, turtle conservation activities, and comfortable accommodation. With flexible booking options and inclusions that cater to nature enthusiasts, this tour offers an excellent opportunity to witness the wonders of Selingan Island’s turtle population up close. Customers rave about the memorable turtle sighting and nesting experience, making it a must-try for those seeking a unique and eco-friendly getaway.

You can check availability for your dates here: