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  • Tioman or Sandakan?

    So following on from SQFG's suggestion of Tioman as a potential side visit when in Malaysia, let's move the discussion on a little more beyond the idea phase....


    Tioman got a positive feedback from my travelling companion, so investigations need to be progressed in that regard.

    However, they made a counter-suggestion - Sandakan, to go to the orang utan santuary. It's the second time they've suggested is, so I figure they're quite keen on that. I notice from a forum search that MAN Flyer seems to like Sabah (generalisation perhaps)

    So, anyone ever been to Sabah/Sandakan and, more to the point, any personal recommendations of where to stay in Sandakan? Uneducated searches aren't really "hitting the spot"........
    If God had really intended men to fly, he'd make it easier to get to the airport.

  • #2
    Originally posted by Javaman View Post
    I notice from a forum search that MAN Flyer seems to like Sabah (generalisation perhaps)
    It's not a generalisation, I love the place!. However, I would not recommend spending more than a day in Sandakan. Definitely stay in Kota Kinabalu (KK), and do the day trip to Sepilok (the Orang-utan sanctuary you are talking about), which I would recommend.

    Many travel companies based in KK can arrange a day trip to Sepilok from KK, which entails a very early MH flight from KK to SDK, coach transfers etc and return MH flight. Get an 'A' window seat for the outbound flight for fabulous views of Mount Kinabalu, if it's not cloudy.

    One little bit of advice. In KK there are two Shangri-La Hotels, the Tanjung Aru near town (our favourite) and the Rasa Ria about 45 minutes out. The Rasa Ria has it's very own Orang-Utan rehabilitation facility adjacent to it and guests from both properties can visit. You used to be able to just roll up but they've limited the numbers now so you need to book in advance. I would strongly recommend going there as you get much closer to the Orang's than you do at Sepilok.

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    • #3
      thank you so much for the advice. I shall do my best to persuade my companion to opt for Rasa Ria. Wish me luck! ( though they'd argue I'm as close to an oran Utan as is genetics allows..... )
      If God had really intended men to fly, he'd make it easier to get to the airport.

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      • #4
        Originally posted by Javaman View Post
        thank you so much for the advice. I shall do my best to persuade my companion to opt for Rasa Ria. Wish me luck! ( though they'd argue I'm as close to an oran Utan as is genetics allows..... )
        Yes, everytime someone plan a trip to the Singapore Zoo, another would tease, "Going to see your cousins today??".......
        .
        .
        This is a computer generated message, no signature required....

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        • #5
          Originally posted by Javaman View Post
          thank you so much for the advice. I shall do my best to persuade my companion to opt for Rasa Ria.
          We stay at the Tanjung Aru and just visit the Rasa Ria. Not sure how long you were intending staying but there is not a lot else around the Rasa Ria other than the golf course. The Tanjung Aru is near the city of KK, which has improved a bit in recent years.

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          • #6
            I've always wanted to go out thataway....... my excuse as to why I haven't is because it's nearby and I can always do it later

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            • #7
              Originally posted by SQflyergirl View Post
              I've always wanted to go out thataway....... my excuse as to why I haven't is because it's nearby and I can always do it later
              is the beginning of October late enough?

              The only thing I've put off doing is going to my fathers native land in south America. Just not ready for that level of culture shock.

              Anything and everything else..."carpe diem" applies!
              If God had really intended men to fly, he'd make it easier to get to the airport.

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              • #8
                Apologies for resurrecting this thread,
                but
                I booked the Shangri-La Rasa Ria, Ocean Wing - last night.
                Got all the confirmation mails.
                Then opened my email this morning to find an email from the General Manager, regarding flight arrival times, airport transfers and so on......
                Probably an automated mail based on me not supplying that information at time of booking, but it does leave a warm glow that, someone, somewhere, took the time to think it all through properly.
                If God had really intended men to fly, he'd make it easier to get to the airport.

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                • #9
                  That's impressive stuff from the hotel!

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                  • #10
                    Indeed. Never have I experienced such a painless way of parting with money.... the "reservations manager" has emailed me again to confirm dates and times of my desire to visit the orang utans and made the booking for that too......
                    Would it be against forum rules to name the staff member in question as worthy of being singled out for high praise?
                    If God had really intended men to fly, he'd make it easier to get to the airport.

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                    • #11
                      here's a good Heritage Trail suggested by the tourism board there & i'd suggest u to visit Gomantong Cave or go off-shore from Sandakan to Lankayan & Seringan Island (Turtle Island) or south to visit Semporna & Mabul/Sipadan Islands, if u like nature alot... the white water rafting at the Kinabatangan River will be an adventure as well.

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                      • #12
                        Sadly, I'm only going to be there for 48 hours....1-3 October. I'll do as much as my travelling associate will allow - they tend to stay in bed a lot given the chance.
                        Thanks for the tips. Turtle islands sounds like it mght be worth getting up early for - can it be done in a few hours, or is it more of a day trip?
                        If God had really intended men to fly, he'd make it easier to get to the airport.

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