Silversea Luxury Cruises A Sandakan

The Kinabatangan River, which empties into the Sulu Sea, east of Sandakan, is the second longest river in Malaysia. At a length of 350 miles (560 kilometres), it is known for its amazing wildlife as well as the environs - limestone caves, forest, lakes and mangrove swamps. Search along the river banks, from your riverboat, for the resident primates on this half-day, adventure.

Depart the pier for the brief drive to the river jetty, passing Sandakan City Centre and the Sandakan mosque to board your long boat and begin the cruise. Pass by Buli Sim Sim, the water village of early settlers who still choose to live by the sea, as you make your way to the Kinabatangan River. It provides a unique and rich ecosystem and the concentration of wildlife in the lower reaches is believed to be the most varied and easily accessible wildlife in all of Southeast Asia.

Search for Borneo's elusive primates in their natural habitat at the Abai area located at Lower Kinabatangan River Sanctuary for approximately two hours. The World Wildlife Fund states that the Kinabatangan River in Sabah, Borneo, Malaysia is one of only two known places on Earth where 10 primate species can be found, including Orang Utan, Proboscis Monkey, Macaques, Maroon Langur and Bornean Gibbon, most of which are endemic to Borneo. Stop for refreshments at Abai, before re-boarding the long boat for the return cruise to Sandakan. Along the way, look for crocodiles, hawks, eagles, hornbills, kingfishers and other wildlife indigenous to the area. Occasionally, one can see Bornean Pygmy Elephant feeding on the edge of the river.

The coach meets you at the river boat jetty for the return ride back to the ship.

Please note: This tour requires a moderate amount of walking; however, guests must be able to manoeuvre in and out of the riverboat from a jetty which requires some agility. Approximately 3.5 hours is spent in the long boats cruising the river, which can become choppy at times. This tour is recommended for guests in good physical condition, and not suitable for pregnant guests, guests with back/neck injurie, guests with limited mobility,guests who utilise a wheelchair and for those guests who suffer from seasickness. There are no toilet facilities inside the boat. We suggest you bring insect repellent, a raincoat with head covering (umbrellas not permitted), a hat, binoculars, and sun block. Guests should wear flat walking shoes with non-slip soles and comfortable cotton T-shirt with long or short trousers. Although the wildlife mentioned are generally sighted on this river cruise, their appearance cannot be guaranteed. Tour operates in all weather conditions.

Travel to two sanctuaries renowned for the protection and preservation of two of Borneo's most famous residents, the Orang utan and the Proboscis monkey, on this half-day nature exploration.

Depart the pier and begin the 45-minute drive to the Sepilok Orang utan sanctuary.

Sepilok Orang Utan Sanctuary

Established in 1964 to aid orphaned baby Orang Utan, this rehabilitation centre resides in the Kabili-Sepilok Forest, an enormous area of virgin rainforest. Found only in Borneo and Sumatra, the Orang Utans' survival is constantly threatened by forest fires, felling of trees, poaching, and illegal hunting. Here, the Orang Utan (in Malay 'man of the forest') are rehabilitated and returned to the wild, if possible. Witness Orang Utans, the 'Wild men of Borneo' emerging from the jungle to be fed.

Labuk Bay Sanctuary

In the centre of the mangrove forests of Semawang is the Labuk Bay Proboscis Monkey Sanctuary, where you can see Borneo's indigenous proboscis monkeys.

This privately-owned sanctuary located within an oil palm estate gives you the chance to observe these animals up close and personal during their late morning feeding time. Endemic to the island, the Proboscis monkey is famous for its big pendulous nose and distinctive pot belly. As sources of their food dwindle due to diminishing habitats, the sanctuary has made efforts to supplement the monkey's diet with fruit and water daily to ensure the conservation of these animals. Watch the monkeys from a viewing platform. Silver Leaf monkeys may also be seen feasting on green beans.

Your tour concludes with the 1.5 hour return drive to the pier.

Please note: This tour requires a moderate amount of walking for a total distance of approximately a half of a mile (850 metres), including a 15-minute hike on a wooden walkway with steps and inclines; the walkways can become slippery if wet. Flat, non-slip soled walking shoes are suggested. This tour is not suitable for guests with limited mobility or those who utilise a wheelchair. Avoid wearing the bright colours; it excites the Orang Utan. We recommend you bring a raincoat with head covering, a hat, binoculars, and sun block. Guests should apply insect repellent before embarking the coach; Bring minimal items for this excursion as backpacks, handbags, insect repellent, food, drink, and/or any medications are not permitted inside the sanctuary. Complimentary lockers are available at the entrance.

Each guest are entitled maximum 1 camera per guest. Additional cameras must be paid directly to the Sepilok Centre (US $5 per camera; professional/commercial lens cameras are not permitted) and the Labuk Bay Sanctuary (US $5 per camera/video), at the time of printing. The sighting of wildlife cannot be guaranteed. Dress in lightweight cotton clothing in light of the humid conditions.

Discover some of the rarest wildlife species of the Bornean rainforest during this panoramic, half-day sightseeing excursion.

Sepilok Orangutan Rehabilitation Centre

Depart the pier for the scenic, approximately 45-minute drive to the Sepilok Orangutan Rehabilitation Centre, the largest orangutan rehabilitation sanctuary in the world. The Bornean orangutan (Pongo Pgymaeus) is a species of orangutan native to the island of Borneo. Together with the Sumatran orangutan, it belongs to the only genus of great apes native to Asia. The Bornean orangutan shares up to 96.4% of the human genetic makeup, and is gentle, shy and curious by nature. Upon arrival, take a short, guided walk through the lowland dipterocarp forest to the observation platform. Here, watch the orangutans emerge from the forest to be fed by the rangers.

Sun Bear Conservation Centre

Next, proceed to the Sun Bear Conservation Centre. The sun bear, also known as the 'honey bear', is a bear found primarily in the tropical rainforests in Southeast Asia, Northeast India, Bangladesh and Southern China. The smallest member in the bear family, the sun bear has only eight known species in the world. In Sabah, Sun Bears are a totally protected species, with the same status as the Bornean orangutans and Sumatran rhinoceros. During your guided tour, view the sun bears from an observation platform whilst learning about their habits and habitat. Following your visit and a refreshment stop, re-board your coach and commence the approximately 45-minute drive back to the pier.

Please note: This tour involves a moderate amount of walking for approximately 0.8 miles (about 1.3 kilometres), at times over slippery surfaces, with a few steps to negotiate to get on/off the coach and 80 steps at the Sun Bear observation platform. This tour is not suitable for guests with limited mobility and guests who utilise a wheelchair. Guests are advised to wear lightweight, comfortable, long-sleeve pants and a short-sleeve shirt with flat, non-slip walking shoes, and bring sun protection, raingear, a change of clothing and insect repellent from the ship; shorts and bare shoulders and midriffs are not permitted. Bags, duffle bags, camera bags, knapsacks, bottled water, and insect repellent are not permitted inside the Sepilok feeding platform. Guests may opt to leave their bags in the complimentary lockers available at Sepilok; however Sepilok is not responsible for any missing items. Guests may spray their insect repellent at the parking lot upon arrival at Sepilok, but not inside the jungle. No smoking is permitted at the feeding platform. Each guest will be given a drink coupon, which they can claim for their bottled water or soft drink at the Sepilok Canteen after the walk. A US$5 fee is required for cameras and small video cameras at Sepilok; commercial photography equipment is not permitted. Although frequently encountered on this type of tour, animal sightings are not guaranteed.

This tour provides an introduction and overview of Sandakan. Leaving the pier, drive to the water village.

Buli Sim-Sim Water Village

Due to the abundant marine resources, the local people began building over the water at the start of the last century. As the guide leads you through this maze of huts built on stilts, not only do you see the interesting construction of this village, but you can also observe the local lifestyle. Unfortunately, during low tide, rubbish in the sea below the houses can be seen.

St. Michael's Church

Stop by North Borneo's oldest church, the St. Michael's and All Angels church built with granite stones in 1893. One of the four structures remaining after World War II, the church is famous for its stained-glass windows. Designed by a well-known Australian artisan, Philip Handel, the windows were funded by the relatives of prisoners of war.

Agnes Keith's House

Capture a glimpse of the past as you visit Agnes Keith's house, a typical colonial house built in the early 20th century. Agnes Keith was an American author married to the former Conservator of Forest, who popularised the old seafarer's name of Sabah in her book Land Below the Wind.

English Tea House

Enjoy a cup of tea in the English Tea House with a choice of the familiar English scones or try a local hors d'oeuvre. Time permitting, walk to the observation pavilion if you wish, to see the views of the city before returning back to the ship.

Please note: This tour requires a moderate amount of walking, some of which is uphill. It is not recommended for guests with limited mobility or those who utilise a wheelchair. Operation of this tour is subject to a minimum participation. The tour is basic but shows the more interesting sites around the town.

Explore Sandakan at your leisure during your full-day (8-Hour) sightseeing tour via private car. Customise your own itinerary or choose to see an overview of the area's highlights.

Depart the pier with your Driver and English-speaking guide in an air-conditioned car and discover the city and surrounding areas at your own pace. Your exclusive tour concludes back at the pier.

Please note: This tour is non-refundable if cancelled within 72 hours prior to arrival in the port. Actual vehicle type varies depending on availability. Guide is English-speaking. Participation is limited to up to 2 guests per car. The price, exclusive of meals, entrance fees and gratuities, is per vehicle. Therefore, when making your reservation, please indicate the number of vehicles, not the number of guests. Only one person in the party needs to reserve this program. Please see the Shore Concierge Office on board the ship to arrange your individual itinerary.

Explore Sandakan at your leisure during your half-day (4-Hour) sightseeing tour via private car. Customise your own itinerary or choose to see an overview of the area's highlights.

Depart the pier with your Driver and English-speaking guide in an air-conditioned car and discover the city and surrounding areas at your own pace. Your exclusive tour concludes back at the pier.

Please note: This tour is non-refundable if cancelled within 72 hours prior to arrival in the port. Actual vehicle type varies depending on availability. Guide is English-speaking. Participation is limited to up to 2 guests per car. The price, exclusive of meals, entrance fees and gratuities, is per vehicle. Therefore, when making your reservation, please indicate the number of vehicles, not the number of guests. Only one person in the party needs to reserve this program. Please see the Shore Concierge Office on board the ship to arrange your individual itinerary.

Explore Sandakan at your leisure during your full-day (8-Hour) sightseeing tour via private van. Customise your own itinerary or choose to see an overview of the area's highlights.

Depart the pier with your Driver and English-speaking guide in an air-conditioned van and discover the city and surrounding areas at your own pace. Your exclusive tour concludes back at the pier.

Please note: This tour is non-refundable if cancelled within 72 hours prior to arrival in the port. Actual vehicle type varies depending on availability. Guide is English-speaking. Participation is limited to up to 4 guests per van. The price, exclusive of meals, entrance fees and gratuities, is per vehicle. Therefore, when making your reservation, please indicate the number of vehicles, not the number of guests. Only one person in the party needs to reserve this program. Please see the Shore Concierge Office on board the ship to arrange your individual itinerary.

Explore Sandakan at your leisure during your half-day (4-Hour) sightseeing tour via private van. Customise your own itinerary or choose to see an overview of the area's highlights.

Depart the pier with your Driver and English-speaking guide in an air-conditioned van and discover the city and surrounding areas at your own pace. Your exclusive tour concludes back at the pier.

Please note: This tour is non-refundable if cancelled within 72 hours prior to arrival in the port. Actual vehicle type varies depending on availability. Guide is English-speaking. Participation is limited to up to 4 guests per van. The price, exclusive of meals, entrance fees and gratuities, is per vehicle. Therefore, when making your reservation, please indicate the number of vehicles, not the number of guests. Only one person in the party needs to reserve this program. Please see the Shore Concierge Office on board the ship to arrange your individual itinerary.

This tour offers the opportunity to see young Orang Utans in their natural setting. Departing the pier, head out into the lush, lowland rain forest.

Sepilok Orang Utan Centre

One of only five Orang Utan sanctuaries in the world, this Centre occupies approximately a 16-square-mile (43-square-kilometre) patch of lowland rain forest. It was established by the Forestry department, with the backing of the World Wildlife Fund, in 1964 as a retraining centre for Orang Utans liberated by a law that made it illegal to catch or keep them as pets. Young Orang Utans (meaning 'man of the forest' in Malay) are taught survival instincts and to defend themselves.

Once at the station, observe the young Orang Utans as handlers feed them during one of only two feeding periods each day. Although wildlife sightings cannot be guaranteed, feeding time is known and anticipated by the animals. After the feeding is over, return to the centre for a refreshing drink.

Buli Sim-Sim Water Village

Due to the abundant marine resources, the local people began building over the water at the start of the last century. As the guide leads you through this maze of huts built on stilts, not only do you see the interesting construction of this village, but you can also observe the local lifestyle. Unfortunately, during low tide, rubbish in the sea below the houses can be seen.

The tour ends with the drive back to the pier.

Please note: A moderate amount of walking, including a 15 -minute hike on a wooden walkway with steps and inclines, is required; the walkways can become slippery if wet. Flat, non-slip soled walking shoes are suggested. This tour is not suitable for guests with limited mobility or those who utilize a wheelchair. Avoid wearing the color red; it excites the Orang Utan. We recommend you bring a raincoat with head covering, a hat, binoculars, and sun block. Guests should apply insect repellent before embarking the coach; Bring minimal items for this excursion as backpacks, handbags, insect repellent, food, drink, and/or any medications are not permitted inside the sanctuary. Complimentary lockers are available at the entrance. Camera fees must be paid directly to the Sepilok Centre (US $5 per camera, at the time of printing; professional/commercial lens cameras are not permitted). The sighting of wildlife cannot be guaranteed. A minimum number of guests is required for the tour's operation.