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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.
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.
Sungai
Kinabatangan
 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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