Orangutans/Jungle side-trip on Sipadan Trip

[leo]

I'm looking at doing a trip to Sipadan in October. I've managed to find various flight options which are straight through to KLU or HKG - allowing me to avoid any forced overnights mid-travel in Tawau or Kota Kinabulu. (I think one direction I can connect BKI, the other has a KLU/TWU nonstop).

I thought that was optimal, but now I've read some nice trip stories about both Orangutans in Sepilok and a jungle canopy tour (not Sepilok and closer to KK? - there was no location detail in it's trip report).

We're looking for this side trip to be only a couple of days, minimize the travel and connection aspect (most all our time is allocated to Sipadan). We'd stay at the attraction location for a night or two, if accommodations are nice and not too budget/backpacker.

- What is the minimum time required for a nice side trip of such?

- Is there a good plan for combining Sepilok and jungle canopy, or is it two different locations? (Danum Valley?)

- Which city minimizes travel time/difficulty to the attractions? What are the travel options (e.g. taxi, hired car, car rental, bus)?

- Any accommodation recommendations, both at attraction location (or nearby of course) and at the required transit city?


Thanks!

 

[jeja26]

Hi Leo
I found some good help and ideas here
Malaysia - Lonely Planet travel forum

 

[Dreamdivegirl]

Hi Leo,

I live in Sabah (we run a dive business and Tour Operator business here in KK) so can hopefully help you a little.

The canopy walk you have read about closer to Kota Kinabalu is at Poring Hot Springs. We get mixed feedback about Poring - some love it, some find it boring. Personally I would suggest you go to the Rainforest Discovery Centre near Sepilok Sanctuary near Sandakan - it has a Canopy walk, nice rainforest trails and a beautiful garden with orchids and endemic flowers.

Sandakan is worth visiting if you have at least 3 days spare. You can arrange 2D1N or 3D2N trips which include Sepilok, Kinabatangan River and Gomantong Caves. There are a range of Lodges at the Kinabatangan River (from backpacker to comfortable Chalets). Don't expect 5* resorts, but you can get comfortable Lodges.

There are flights from Tawau - Sandakan. Then you can catch a flight from Sandakan to Tawau at the end of your stay there. Check out Malaysia Airlines website for daily flight timetable.

I hope this helps you get the most from your diving holiday to Sabah.

Thanks,


DG

 

[leo]

Hi Leo,

I live in Sabah (we run a dive business and Tour Operator business here in KK) so can hopefully help you a little.

The canopy walk you have read about closer to Kota Kinabalu is at Poring Hot Springs. We get mixed feedback about Poring - some love it, some find it boring. Personally I would suggest you go to the Rainforest Discovery Centre near Sepilok Sanctuary near Sandakan - it has a Canopy walk, nice rainforest trails and a beautiful garden with orchids and endemic flowers.

Sandakan is worth visiting if you have at least 3 days spare. You can arrange 2D1N or 3D2N trips which include Sepilok, Kinabatangan River and Gomantong Caves. There are a range of Lodges at the Kinabatangan River (from backpacker to comfortable Chalets). Don't expect 5* resorts, but you can get comfortable Lodges.

There are flights from Tawau - Sandakan. Then you can catch a flight from Sandakan to Tawau at the end of your stay there. Check out Malaysia Airlines website for daily flight timetable.

DG

Yes, I did a lot of research in the last couple of days (SB, TA, LP) and I think now the trip will include a night or two at the Myne Resort with river cruises, and a stop at Labuk Bay for a feeding (Sepolik seems too crowded/touristy for my tastes).

Once I finalize the rough plan, I will create a new thread as I have some very specific questions on putting the specific pieces/destinations (Lankayan, Kinabatagan, Kapalai, travel to each, sequence, and some details) together on a single plan.

 

[under water]

You are going to love your trip. We went to Borneo last October, spent a week at Sipadan and a week in the forest. We split the forest part up into Tabin for 3 days, then Sukau Rainforest Resort for 3 days and ended up at Sepilok for a day. They were all terrific.

Yes Sepilok is a bit touristy, but we did see 3 mothers with their babies come there to feed and several younger males and even though we preferred the more remote locations, we were glad we went there. We saw Orangutans at Tabin and Sukau as well. October is not the season for elephants.

I have some pictures of our trip and more details at Borneo

 

[gee13]

hi leo im in a similar position trying to decide whether 2 days en route to sipadan may be enough to do some rainforest/ overland sightseeing. I dont have all the time in the world though and would rather maximise my time in sipadan. please keep us in the loop at what options you can find.

 

[leo]

I'm closed to decided on staying two nights at Myne Resort. Tripadvisor has great reviews, and I'm not in need of budget level. For travel between SDK and the resort (about 2-2.5 hrs) I might rent a car or might hire taxi, either way I would hit up Sipelok+Labuk during the trip (I'm not interested in a "tour" with set times).

Once I make all my final plans, I'll post to my broader trip thread.

 

[Nishan]

check Air Asia flights between Tawau and Sandakan. generally cheaper than Malaysian Airlines. i flew Tawau/Sandakan/KL on the way back from a trip to Sipadan to fit in some rainforest and orangutans in Sepilok. on the way to Sipadan you will probably have to spend one night in Semporno, the departure point for Sipadan transfers.

 

[Centrals]

How about Turtle Island? It was a good experience to watch Green Turtle laying eggs.
But you have to sit up and wait till wee hrs in the lounge. Just like an anxious father waiting outside the delivery room!!!!!
Not to be missed.

 

[The Wolf]

Word of warning on driving on the east coast roads; lots of pot holes and a lot of silly drivers driving at mach 10 speeds with very little care about over taking at corners and bus drivers driving well beyond the speed limits.

Drive with care if you are renting a car.