
Eco-Tourism & Sustainable Travel Destinations in Sandakan, Sabah, Malaysia
1. Sepilok Orangutan Rehabilitation Centre
Observe the endangered Bornean orangutans in their semi-wild habitat, learning about conservation efforts.
- Wildlife Preservation: Provides a sanctuary for injured or displaced orangutans, rehabilitating them to be released back into the wild.
- Education and Awareness: Raises awareness about the importance of preserving orangutan habitats and their threats in the wild.
- Sustainable Tourism: Uses tourism revenue to fund conservation efforts, ensuring a balance between wildlife protection and visitor experiences.
2. Kinabatangan River Cruise
Explore the Kinabatangan River's rich ecosystem, spotting wildlife like pygmy elephants, proboscis monkeys, and various bird species.
- Wildlife Viewing: Offers unique opportunities to observe Borneo's diverse and elusive wildlife in their natural habitats.
- Environmental Education: Promotes awareness of rainforest conservation and the importance of preserving biodiversity.
- Sustainable Practices: Operates with eco-friendly practices, minimizing impact on the environment and supporting local communities.
3. Danum Valley Conservation Area
Explore one of Borneo's last untouched primary rainforests, home to numerous wildlife species and ancient plant life.
- Primary Rainforest Preservation: Protects a vast expanse of pristine rainforest, maintaining its rich biodiversity.
- Scientific Research: Supports scientific research to better understand the rainforest's ecosystem and its inhabitants.
- Community-Based Tourism: Empowers local communities by creating job opportunities and supporting sustainable tourism practices.
4. Labuk Bay Proboscis Monkey Sanctuary
Interact with the proboscis monkeys and learn about their conservation at this sanctuary.
- Conservation Efforts: Rescues, rehabilitates, and protects the critically endangered proboscis monkeys.
- Educational Programs: Offers educational programs to raise awareness about the importance of conservation and protecting endangered species.
- Sustainable Tourism: Uses tourism revenue to support the sanctuary's operations, ensuring a balance between visitor experiences and conservation efforts.
5. Gomantong Caves
Explore the limestone caves inhabited by thousands of swiftlets, whose edible nests are a local delicacy.
- Swiftlet Conservation: Provides a sanctuary for the critically endangered swiftlets and their habitats.
- Sustainable Harvesting Practices: Harvests swiftlet nests in a way that minimizes harm to the species and maintains population levels.
- Cultural Heritage: Offers insights into local culture, particularly its traditional bird's nest harvesting practices.
6. Sandakan Memorial Park
Pay tribute to the Allied prisoners of war and civilian internees who perished during World War II.
- Historical Significance: Commemorates the sacrifices made by the Allied POWs and civilians during WWII.
- Educational Opportunities: Provides historical context and raises awareness about the experiences of the prisoners and internees.
- Peaceful Reflection: Offers a tranquil space for reflection, contemplation, and honoring those who suffered during WWII.
7. Borneo Rainforest Lodge
Stay in an eco-lodge situated deep within the rainforest, offering unique wildlife encounters and educational programs.
- Rainforest Immersion: Provides a chance to immerse oneself in the rich biodiversity of the Bornean rainforest.
- Sustainable Accommodation: Operates with eco-friendly practices, minimizing its impact on the environment and supporting local communities.
- Educational Programs: Offers educational programs to raise awareness about the importance of rainforest conservation.
8. Mabul Island
Experience pristine island life while diving among some of the world's most diverse marine ecosystems.
- Marine Conservation: Supports marine conservation efforts through research, education, and sustainable diving practices.
- Diverse Marine Life: Offers opportunities to encounter diverse marine life, including turtles, sharks, and colorful coral reefs.
- Sustainable Tourism: Operates with eco-friendly practices, minimizing its impact on the environment and supporting local communities.
9. Selingan Turtle Islands Park
Witness the turtle hatchlings' journey to the sea during nesting season.
- Sea Turtle Conservation: Supports conservation efforts to protect the critically endangered green and hawksbill turtles.
- Educational Opportunities: Offers educational programs about sea turtle conservation and the importance of protecting marine ecosystems.
- Sustainable Tourism: Operates with eco-friendly practices, minimizing its impact on the environment and supporting local communities.
10. Kota Kinabalu Wetland Centre
Learn about the importance of wetlands and their role in supporting biodiversity.
- Wetland Conservation: Protects and preserves wetlands, which are crucial habitats for numerous species.
- Educational Programs: Offers educational programs about the importance of wetland conservation and the diverse wildlife found in them.
- Sustainable Practices: Operates with eco-friendly practices, minimizing its impact on the environment and supporting local communities.
11. Maliau Basin Reserve
Explore one of Borneo's last untouched primary rainforests, home to numerous wildlife species and ancient plant life.
- Primary Rainforest Preservation: Protects a vast expanse of pristine rainforest, maintaining its rich biodiversity.
- Scientific Research: Supports scientific research to better understand the rainforest's ecosystem and its inhabitants.
- Community-Based Tourism: Empowers local communities by creating job opportunities and supporting sustainable tourism practices.
12. Mataking Island
Experience pristine island life while diving among some of the world's most diverse marine ecosystems.
- Marine Conservation: Supports marine conservation efforts through research, education, and sustainable diving practices.
- Diverse Marine Life: Offers opportunities to encounter diverse marine life, including turtles, sharks, and colorful coral reefs.
- Sustainable Tourism: Operates with eco-friendly practices, minimizing its impact on the environment and supporting local communities.
13. Borneo Rainforest Foundation
Learn about rainforest conservation efforts and support sustainable initiatives through educational programs and volunteering opportunities.
- Rainforest Conservation: Supports projects focused on the preservation of Borneo's rainforests and their biodiversity.
- Educational Opportunities: Offers educational programs about the importance of rainforest conservation and sustainable practices.
- Community Empowerment: Empowers local communities by creating job opportunities and supporting sustainable livelihoods.
14. Sukau Rainforest Lodge
Stay in an eco-lodge situated deep within the rainforest, offering unique wildlife encounters and educational programs.
- Rainforest Immersion: Provides a chance to immerse oneself in the rich biodiversity of the Bornean rainforest.
- Sustainable Accommodation: Operates with eco-friendly practices, minimizing its impact on the environment and supporting local communities.
- Educational Programs: Offers educational programs to raise awareness about the importance of rainforest conservation.
15. Shangri-La's Rasa Ria Resort & Spa
Relax and enjoy luxury accommodations while supporting sustainable tourism practices.
- Luxury Accommodation: Offers high-quality accommodation, amenities, and services.
- Sustainable Practices: Operates with eco-friendly practices, minimizing its impact on the environment and supporting local communities.
- Community Empowerment: Empowers local communities by creating job opportunities and contributing to their socio-economic development.