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Borneo Post
18-05-2025
- Borneo Post
A Sandakan wildlife affair
Beyond the allure of the majestic granite massif that's Mount Kinabalu, a lot of Sabah's natural charms are tucked away on its East Coast — some six to eight hours' drive from Kota Kinabalu. Depending on your interest, the East Coast of Sabah – specifically Sandakan and Tawau – carries a smorgasbord of offerings, from awe-inspiring dive sites and lush virgin rainforests to delightful wildlife encounters! Sandakan is the perfect destination for the average tourist who is eager to see the cheeky orangutans beyond the one-dimensional postcards. If you are a nature and wildlife aficionado, get ready for a wonderful treat in lush Sandakan! Orangutan in Sepilok. A wild man encounter For anyone coming to visit Sandakan for the first time, the Sepilok Orangutan Rehabilitation Centre is a tourist staple. Located circa 25 kilometres away (about 30-40 minutes drive) from Sandakan City, this orangutan sanctuary is the first ever centre that is opened to rehabilitate rescued and orphaned orangutans. Established in 1964, the centre's main purpose is to help young orangutans fend for themselves and equip them with the skills required to survive in the wild. As soon as the young orangutans have begun to show independence, they will be released back into the wild to live in their natural habitat. For visitors, the highlight of their Sepilok tour would be to witness the orangutan feeding at the feeding platform, which takes place at 10 a.m. and 3 p.m. daily. Although about 60 to 80 orangutans live in the 4,294-hectare area, these primates seldom make an appearance other than during feeding time. The viewing deck is located several metres away from the feeding platform, however, visitors are advised not to bring plastic bags or anything shiny that might attract the orangutans to grab them. As of October 2014, the centre has also introduced a new indoor viewing area from which visitors can get a peek at the baby orangutan activities in the nursery. In addition to that, visitors can also opt to watch a video documentary on orangutan rehabilitation by the Sabah Wildlife Department. Be one with nature at the RDC Nestled within the Kabili-Sepilok Forest Reserve, the Rainforest Discovery Centre (RDC) once only served as a centre for environmental education for students and teachers. Today, it is playing a bigger part as a gateway to discovering the significance of the Bornean rainforest. Situated 23 kilometres from the city and within proximity of the Sepilok Orangutan Rehabilitation Centre, RDC is a sprawling establishment equipped with an exhibit hall that houses plenty of educational displays, a botanical garden with samples of tropical plants, as well as a short one-kilometre lakeside trail. If you're more adventurous and have no issue with height, you would also appreciate venturing atop the eight canopy towers that are connected by a network of 363-metre-long wooden canopy walkways. As you climb on these towers, you will be served with a breathtaking bird's-eye view of the rainforest, covered by a canopy of trees. The RDC is also a popular birdwatching destination in Sabah, having been chosen as the event venue for the annual Borneo Bird Festival (BBF) several years in a row. Among the endemic birds that have been spotted in RDC are the Blue-headed Pitta, Blue-banded Pitta and the large Bornean Ground Cuckoo. The RDC is open daily from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. and from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. (night walk). The best times to visit are in the morning before 10 a.m. and after 5 p.m., as wildlife tends to hibernate during midday when the sun is high. Apart from birdwatching, you can also enjoy a night walk at the RDC to spot nocturnal animals. The night walk will take you along the 620-metre-long Rainforest Skywalk and through the many looped trails within the centre. You can expect to encounter the elusive flying squirrel, tarsiers, scorpions, owls and more. Get up close with the Bornean sun bear The Malayan sun bears, which are only found in Southeast Asia, are the smallest in the world. Unfortunately, these elusive bears are also greatly endangered due to poaching and the black market trade of their body parts, which are believed to possess medicinal properties. The Bornean Sun Bear Conservation Centre (BSBCC) hopes to make a difference in these bears' lives by providing rescues with a rehabilitation facility and a safe place to call home. The BSBCC currently homes 44 rescued ex-captive sun bears that are kept in large forest enclosures, allowing them to explore and be rehabilitated in a natural habitat before being released back into the wild. As these bears are shy and elusive, sometimes visitors won't be able to see them at all. Most of the time, though, if you keep your eyes peeled, you may just be able to get a sneak peek of the sun bears feeding behind a tree bark or napping on a tree branch somewhere. Nonetheless, rest assured that your visit and donation will help save these sun bears fight extinction. In addition to the viewing platform overlooking the forest enclosure, you can also learn more about these adorable animals by watching a documentary video, signing up as a volunteer or participating in the 'Adopt a Bear' programme. Cruising along the mighty Kinabatangan Each year, the Kinabatangan floodplain welcomes a throng of travellers who are keen to check out what it's got up its immensely diverse sleeves. Recognised as one of the most biodiverse regions in Southeast Asia, the Kinabatangan floodplain is home to iconic Bornean wildlife such as the Bornean elephants, the proboscis monkey, orangutans, crocodiles and many species of birds such as hornbills, kingfishers, and egrets. Depending on the season and luck, you will be able to spot these iconic creatures during the river cruise, which usually happens in the morning, afternoon and night. Depending on the areas along the Kinabatangan River, you may also spot beautiful fireflies in their Christmas light-like glory during the night cruise. Just remember to always carry mosquito repellent and a light raincoat during your cruise. On Borneo, there's always a 50 per cent chance of rain on any given day! Selingan Turtle Island. A turtley awesome time on Selingan Island Located circa 40 kilometres north of Sandakan, the Selingan Turtle Island — one of the three islands that make up the Turtle Islands National Park — is one of the most important nesting grounds for green and hawksbill turtles in the world. If you're looking for fancy accommodation to go with your stay at Selingan Island, you're out of luck, as this island is purely designed as an educational conservation ground where visitors can learn more about turtle conservation, managed by the Sabah Wildlife Department. You can take part and do your bit for conservation by signing up for the turtle adoption programme. Depending on the time of the year, the island usually welcomes up to 30 mother turtles coming ashore to lay eggs each night. As part of the package, visitors will get the chance to witness a turtle laying eggs, watch as the ranger digs up and relocates the eggs to safety at the hatchery and coo in admiration as newly hatched baby turtles get released back into the sea. In addition to turtle watching, you can also do other usual beach activities on the island, such as snorkelling, swimming and going on romantic walks. However, be warned that the sand on Selingan Island is coarse and may feel rather uncomfortable to walk on. The water visibility is also quite low for snorkelling to be enjoyable. Nonetheless, rest assured that the turtle-watching experience will very much make up for them!
Daily Express
02-05-2025
- Daily Express
French tourists rescued after going off Sepilok trail
Published on: Thursday, May 01, 2025 Published on: Thu, May 01, 2025 By: Jessie Lee Text Size: Pierre (right) and Charlene at Sepilok Laut Reception Centre. Photo credit: Bernadette Joeman. Kota Kinabalu: Two French tourists were guided back safely after going off-trail in Sepilok, highlighting the swift response and strong safety commitment of Sabah's eco-tourism operators. Rainforest Discovery Centre (RDC) Manager Bernadette Joeman said Santarelli Antoine Pierre and Girodet Charlene were eventually brought back to RDC by rangers. The incident serves as a reminder of the importance of trail awareness, she said. She said the trail system is designed to keep visitors safe and help them enjoy the experience without worry, as long as they stay on the designated paths. 'Our trails are wide, five to six feet, maintained and cleaned regularly by the Forestry Department. 'There are clear markers every few hundred metres and large maps showing 'you are here',' she said. Bernadette said it is important to keep our tourists safe, adding that international visitors are vital to sustain the centre's long-term operations. Bernadette said the incident coincided with a temporary disruption in RDC's landline, prompting the tourists to call emergency services. 'I received a call from the fire and rescue department asking if anyone had gone hiking to Sepilok Laut. 'I checked with our reception and confirmed that they had bought permits to hike the Mangrove Trail in the Kabili-Sepilok Forest at around 8am. 'During the hike, they went off-trail and became lost,' she said, adding that her team immediately coordinated with the fire and rescue department and the police after having pinpointed their location via a phone call. 'The rangers, arranged by the Sandakan District Forest Office, guided them back to the main trail and a boat was arranged to meet them at the Sepilok Laut Reception Centre,' Bernadette added. * Follow us on Instagram and join our Telegram and/or WhatsApp channel(s) for the latest news you don't want to miss. * Do you have access to the Daily Express e-paper and online exclusive news? Check out subscription plans available. Stay up-to-date by following Daily Express's Telegram channel. Daily Express Malaysia
The Star
02-05-2025
- Science
- The Star
Youth camp takes learning out of the classroom and into Sabah's rainforest
KOTA KINABALU: Climate change education took a meaningful turn for 40 Sabah youths this week when they ventured from the classroom into the rainforest as part of a three-day experiential learning camp in Sandakan. The Youth Camp on Climate Change 2025, launched Friday (May 2) at the Rainforest Discovery Centre (RDC), is organised by the Sabah Forestry Department and sponsored by the state Youth and Sports Ministry. Running until Sunday (May 4), the camp brings together participants aged 17 to 25 from Universiti Malaysia Sabah, Politeknik Sandakan, Kolej Komuniti Sandakan, Kolej Vokasional Sandakan II, and Kolej Komuniti Lahad Datu. Participants were randomly assigned to five groups and given tasks related to climate issues to encourage teamwork, critical thinking and leadership skills. Their results will be presented to the group at the end of the camp. By empowering participants to share what they learn with their peers and communities, the programme aims to expand its reach beyond the three-day camp. About 70% of the activities are held outdoors, with support from members of the Sabah Environmental Education Network, including the Sabah Wildlife Department and the Bornean Sun Bear Conservation Centre, along with researchers from the Forest Research Centre in Sepilok. To deepen their understanding of climate impacts, the youths also visited a landfill managed by the Sandakan Municipal Council to learn about the connection between waste management and environmental sustainability. Youth and Sports Ministry deputy permanent secretary Mary Paul Mijong Dagul, who officiated the launch on behalf of Minister Datuk Ellron Angin, said the camp was a reminder that learning can happen beyond the classroom. 'Knowledge can also be shared in the field, amid nature, and within communities struggling with the impacts of climate change. 'Camps like this give youths the chance to see, understand and take action," she said. Also present was Forest Research centre head Dr Arthur Chung, representing chief conservator of forests Datuk Frederick Kugan. 'Climate change is not just an issue for experts, it's something that everyone should understand,' Chung said. The organisers said early education is vital for building future leaders who can respond to climate challenges and help drive long-term solutions.
Daily Express
29-04-2025
- Daily Express
RDC proves safety standards after french duo rescued from off-trail detour
Published on: Tuesday, April 29, 2025 Published on: Tue, Apr 29, 2025 By: Jessie Lee Text Size: The rescued french duo KOTA KINABALU: The Rainforest Discovery Centre (RDC) in Sepilok has reaffirmed its strong safety protocols and swift emergency response after two French tourists, who strayed off a marked trail, were safely rescued with coordinated support from local authorities. RDC Manager Bernadette Joeman said the incident underscores the importance of adhering to designated paths, which are clearly marked and regularly maintained to ensure a safe visitor experience. 'Our trails are wide, well-kept, and equipped with directional markers and maps to help visitors navigate confidently,' she said, stressing that the centre prioritises tourist safety as part of its environmental education mission. The tourists, Santarelli Antoine Pierre and Girodet Charlene, had gone off-trail along the Mangrove Trail in the Kabili-Sepilok Forest on Monday. A coincidental landline outage prompted them to contact emergency services directly. RDC quickly verified their permits and activated a response involving the fire department, police, and Sandakan District Forest Office. Rangers located the pair and escorted them to the Sepilok Laut Reception Centre, where Bernadette personally ensured their wellbeing. 'They were safe and thankful,' she said, adding that the centre's efficient system worked exactly as intended. * Follow us on Instagram and join our Telegram and/or WhatsApp channel(s) for the latest news you don't want to miss. * Do you have access to the Daily Express e-paper and online exclusive news? Check out subscription plans available. Stay up-to-date by following Daily Express's Telegram channel. Daily Express Malaysia
The Sun
26-04-2025
- Business
- The Sun
MCMC conducts 1,257 wireless broadband quality tests nationwide
SANDAKAN: The Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) has carried out a total of 1,257 mandatory standards testing sessions for wireless broadband service quality (MSQoS) across the country in the first quarter of this year. Communications Minister Datuk Fahmi Fadzil said that of the total, 196 testing sessions were conducted in Sabah. He said that based on monitoring and regulatory activities, this year, 135 notices under Subsection 51(2) of the Communications and Multimedia Act 1998 have been issued to telecommunications companies. 'Between 2023 and 2024, a total of 46 penalties amounting to RM6.55 million in compounds were imposed for non-compliance with MSQoS,' he told reporters after attending a coverage testing session at the Tourism Centre in Sepilok Orangutan Rehabilitation Centre and the Rainforest Discovery Centre (RDC) here today. Fahmi stressed that MCMC would continue its monitoring and regulatory efforts and would not hesitate to enforce the legal provisions in place to ensure that service providers comply with the current MSQoS coverage standards. The Minister also noted that MCMC is working closely with mobile network operators to ensure continuous efforts by telecommunications companies to improve network quality and coverage. 'All service providers are urged to take public complaints seriously and act swiftly to resolve them,' he added.
