
Spiritual & Wellness Travel Destinations in Sandakan, Sabah, Malaysia
1. Sepilok Orangutan Sanctuary
Rehabilitation and adoption center for orphaned or rescued orangutans, offering a unique experience to learn about these amazing creatures.
- Orangutan Encounters: Rare opportunity to observe orangutans up close in their semi-natural habitat.
- Education Programs: Informative talks and exhibits about the plight of orangutans and their conservation efforts.
- Contribution to Conservation: Support for the preservation and rehabilitation of endangered orangutans.
2. Shangri-La's Rasa Ria Resort & Spa
Luxury resort offering spa treatments and yoga classes amidst tropical rainforests.
- Rainforest Retreat: Nestled in the heart of Sabah's lush rainforest, providing a serene and peaceful environment.
- Spa Village: Authentic Malay-inspired spa treatments for holistic wellness.
- Yoga Classes: Daily yoga sessions with breathtaking views of the South China Sea.
3. Gomantong Caves
Limestone caves housing thousands of bats and swiftlets, offering a unique cultural and ecological experience.
- Bat Watching: Witness the spectacular exodus of millions of bats from the cave at dusk.
- Swiftlet Nest Souvenirs: Purchase bird's nest, a delicacy in Chinese cuisine, collected from the caves.
- Cultural Significance: Discover the traditional practices of the local Bajau and Dusun tribes who live nearby.
4. Bum-Bum Longhouse
Authentic Iban longhouse experience offering cultural immersion and traditional healing practices.
- Cultural Immersion: Learn about the customs, traditions, and daily life of the Iban people.
- Healing Practices: Participate in traditional healing rituals using local herbs and remedies.
- Community Support: Contribute to the local community by purchasing handicrafts and artwork.
5. Danum Valley Conservation Area
Primatial Rainforest reserve offering guided tours, wildlife spotting, and jungle treks.
- Guided Tours: Expert guides lead you through the rainforest to discover its diverse wildlife.
- Wildlife Spotting: Encounter Borneo's unique flora and fauna, including orangutans, pygmy elephants, and proboscis monkeys.
- Research Stations: Visit research stations to learn about ongoing conservation efforts in the region.
6. Kinabatangan River Cruise
Boat tour through the Kinabatangan River, offering wildlife spotting and birdwatching opportunities.
- Wildlife Spotting: Spot Borneo's diverse wildlife, including pygmy elephants, orangutans, and proboscis monkeys.
- Birdwatching: Discover a rich avian diversity with over 300 species found in the area.
- River Safari: Travel through the heart of Sabah's rainforest aboard traditional riverboats.
7. Lynn Kan Hybrid Resort
Eco-resort offering yoga, meditation, and wellness programs amidst the rainforest.
- Rainforest Retreat: Experience the tranquility of Sabah's pristine rainforests.
- Wellness Programs: Participate in daily yoga, meditation, and wellness workshops.
- Sustainable Practices: Support the resort's commitment to eco-friendly practices and minimal impact on the environment.
8. Maliau Basin Reserve
Rainforest reserve offering guided tours, jungle treks, and wildlife spotting.
- Guided Tours: Explore the rainforest with knowledgeable guides to discover its diverse wildlife.
- Wildlife Spotting: Encounter endangered species such as the Bornean pygmy elephant and the clouded leopard.
- Jungle Treks: Embark on challenging treks through Sabah's untouched rainforest landscapes.
9. Mabul Island
Scuba diving and snorkeling paradise with abundant marine life.
- Dive Sites: Explore numerous dive sites teeming with colorful coral reefs and diverse marine life.
- Marine Conservation: Contribute to marine conservation through responsible diving practices.
- Island Living: Experience the laid-back island life and vibrant local culture.
10. Selingan Turtle Island Park
Turtle conservation park offering guided tours and turtle nesting observations.
- Turtle Nesting Observations: Witness green and hawksbill turtles laying their eggs on the beach.
- Conservation Efforts: Support turtle conservation through admission fees and educational programs.
- Guided Tours: Learn about the park's history, conservation efforts, and local ecosystem.
11. Kundasang War Memorial & Agricultural Park
Memorial for the fallen soldiers during World War II and agricultural park showcasing local produce.
- Historical Significance: Honor the sacrifices of the Allied forces during World War II.
- Local Produce: Discover a variety of locally grown fruits, vegetables, and flowers.
- Mount Kinabalu Viewpoint: Enjoy panoramic views of Mount Kinabalu, Sabah's highest peak.
12. Sukau Rainforest Lodge
Eco-lodge offering wildlife spotting and birdwatching opportunities in the Kinabatangan River.
- Wildlife Spotting: Spot Borneo's diverse wildlife, including orangutans, pygmy elephants, and proboscis monkeys.
- Birdwatching: Discover a rich avian diversity with over 300 species found in the area.
- Sustainable Practices: Support the lodge's commitment to eco-friendly practices and minimal impact on the environment.
13. Labuk Bay Proboscis Monkey Sanctuary
Conservation center offering feeding sessions and wildlife spotting opportunities.
- Proboscis Monkey Feeding Sessions: Participate in daily feeding sessions to observe the unique proboscis monkeys.
- Wildlife Spotting: Discover other local wildlife, such as macaques and hornbills.
- Conservation Efforts: Support the sanctuary's conservation efforts to protect these unique creatures.
14. Kinabatangan River Lodge
Eco-lodge offering jungle treks, wildlife spotting, and birdwatching in the Kinabatangan River.
- Guided Tours: Explore the rainforest with knowledgeable guides to discover its diverse wildlife.
- Wildlife Spotting: Spot Borneo's diverse wildlife, including orangutans, pygmy elephants, and proboscis monkeys.
- Sustainable Practices: Support the lodge's commitment to eco-friendly practices and minimal impact on the environment.
15. Borneo Rainforest Lodge
Eco-lodge offering jungle treks, wildlife spotting, and birdwatching in Danum Valley Conservation Area.
- Guided Tours: Explore the rainforest with knowledgeable guides to discover its diverse wildlife.
- Wildlife Spotting: Encounter Borneo's unique flora and fauna, including orangutans, pygmy elephants, and proboscis monkeys.
- Sustainable Practices: Support the lodge's commitment to eco-friendly practices and minimal impact on the environment.