Friday, 24th April 2026
Depart Hotel: 8:15am
Return: about 5:00pm
Travel about 25 minutes west of Sandakan, to visit the Sepilok Orangutan Rehabilitation Centre where the orangutangs are prepared for introduction back into the wild. Walk along the boardwalk through the jungle and look out for these amazing animals. Arrive at the ‘Nursery’ where you will see firsthand, mothers and babies undergoing their daily routine. Next door, visit the Sun Bear Conservation Centre and observe the smallest of the bear species.
Return to Sandakan late morning and have lunch (own expense) at the English Tea House. Perched on the side of a hill with spectacular views overlooking Sandakan, this colonial style restaurant serves a mix of English and Asian delights.
After lunch, walk next door and visit the Agnes Keith House, a museum dedicated to this famous American author who wrote about life in British North Borneo. Continue your local tour of Sandakan observing places of interest such as the stilt houses at Sim-Sim Water Village, the Puh Jih Shi Buddhist Temple.
Arrive at the Sandakan Memorial Park, the site of the Sandakan POW Camp in WWII and where the Anzac Day Dawn Service will take place the following day. Use this time free of crowds, to walk around this lush and serene park seeing relics that still exist today. Visit the park’s Interpretive Pavilion which tells the story of the camp and the infamous death marches.
Return to your hotel but on the way, visit St Michael’s and All Angels Church and discover the magnificent stain glass Windows of Remembrance and the Friendship Windows before having a moment of quiet reflection in the POW Chapel. Your evening is free.
Meals: Breakfast
Hotel: Livingston Hotel (or similar)