Sandakan Turtle Island Park

The Turtle Islands Park in Sandakan, Which comprise several uninhabited islands lying within the Sulu Seas, offers a unique wildlife experience cum beach holiday not found any where in Borneo. The marine park is essentially gazetted way back in the 1960s for turtle conservation and is the best destination for observing nesting sea turtles, mostly the Green Turtles.

For tourists, the best known island is Selingan or sometimes referred to as Turtle Island. Selingan is the largest island in the marine park and has been developed to house the park’s visitor centre, basic tourist facilities and a turtle hatchery.

There is also a privately-run chalet accommodation at Selingan. Turtles nest all year round but the best times to visit the island are between July and October when the seas are calmer, although it is not as predictable as it used to be.

The other islands are usually off bounds to the casual visitors except for the nearby Libaran Island, where there is also a privately–run chalet accommodation. To get to Selingan, you will need to take boat trip from a jetty downtown Sandakan town. It takes about an hour by speed boat to reach Selingan.

Upon arrival, you will notice that the island appears to be deserted and inhabited. Don’t worry, Selingan has been carefully developed and most facilities are neatly tucked away in the centre of the island, keeping the beach vegetation intact.

As turtle landings usually occur at night after dinner (or sometimes early morning), you can simply enjoy an island-beach relaxation during the day. Snorkeling is a perfect activity and the most ideal location is on the western part of Selingan.

For educational purposes, you can visit a small Visitor’s Center, which opens daily from 5.00pm to 9.00pm. This is a good place to learn about the sea turtles as well as other wildlife and nature in Sabah.

At night, once there is landing, you will be notified by the park ranger immediately. You will be escorted tot he nestling turtle to witness the unique egg-laying activities.

Some rules like not making too much loud noise or shining your torchlight directly on the nesting mother will be conveyed to you by the Park Ranger or a guide. The ‘show’ will end with the mother turtle covering sands on her nest and proceed gingerly back to the sea.

You may also visit the protected turtle hatchery to witness young turtles being released into the sea after a period of incubation (normally 50-60 days).

For more Selingan Island wildlife tour info, please visit the URL below:

http://www.e-borneo.com/travel/tours/eb-sdk05.shtml

Sarawak Cultural Village

The Sarawak Cultural Village is a MUST visit destination for anyone who is visiting Sarawak, Malaysia Borneo, especially on a Family Adventure Vacation.

Located about 35km from Kuching city and tucked away on the foothills of legendary Mount Santubong, the Sarawak Cultural Village is built on a 14-acre site of equatorial vegetation, next to a scenic man-made lake.

Sometimes referred to as a living museum, the Village depicts the heritage of the major racial groups in Sarawak and conveniently portrays the respective lifestyle.

The village boasts seven ethnic houses representative of the Malay, the Chinese, the Penan and the longhouses of the Bidayuh, Iban, Orang Ulu and the Melanau.

Take a stroll around the village and observe the inhabitants of the various houses displaying their skills in making traditional handicrafts such as beading, wood-carving, bamboo-carving, pua-weaving, etc. You can also view traditional methods of making sago, and crushing sugar cane.

One of the highlight is to take a look at how the Penans make blowpipes and other hunting instruments, and try out your blow piping skill..., aimed normally at a balloon from a distance.

Another highlight is the 45 minutes live cultural dance show at the theatre. You will be entertained in the comfort of the air-conditioned mini-theatre where award-winning dancers and musicians present their famous multi-cultural performances.

Their spectacular costumes and elegant dance routines will provide an entertaining and educational introduction to Sarawak's ethnic groups and their cultures. There are two cultural performances each day, scheduled at about 11:00am (morning show) and 4.00pm (afternoon show).

You can also have your lunch at the village at Restaurant Budaya. On offer is an exciting array of refreshing drinks, beverages pastries traditional cuisines and fruits. And don't forget to taste the rice wine of Sarawak, called 'tuak' - What better way to end your tour.

Some of the annual events held at the Sarawak Cultural Village include the Gawai Open House (Dayaks' Harvest Festival) in June and the Rainforest World Music Festival, usually in July of each year. The Sarawak Cultural Village is indeed a unique destination for a memorable family adventure vacation.

For more tour info, refer to the URL below:

http://www.e-borneo.com/travel/tours/eb-kch03.shtml