Orangutan mother with her young one
by zrim
My words are superfluous as compared to the photo. Take a good look at this orang and her young one. Is it not imperative that the orangutan habitat be preserved. Is palm oil more important than the lives of these gentle beings? My answer is a resounding No! What is yours?
It is safe up in the trees
by zrim
Orangutans are arboreal animals. They are perfectly comfortable in the trees. They nest each night in the jungle canopy hundreds of feet off the jungle floor. Much of their food is found in the upper reaches of the jungle trees and there is no predator (other than man) that can harm the orangutan in the trees. Seldom will you spot an orangutan on the floor of the jungle. It is a dangerous spot for them. Not only are they slow and cumbersome walkers, but there could be a tiger around the next bend (well not these days, but historically tigers would have been a natural enemy of the orangutan).
Sandakan Slums
by Pieter11
If you take the direction connection from Sandakan Airport towards Sepilok, you will see some poor looking areas, with bad living conditions and strange looking building. But if you drive along the coastline, or if you are on your way to the Turtle Island Boatconnection, you will see the real slums of Sandakan.
At the coast, mosty the Philippine immigrants live. In houses built on posts above the water they live with thousands. Their conditions are very bad, because they are illegal and don't get any social care from the Malaysian government. Some of them work at fishermen, owning an own boat, other work in construction. From the water it is a great sight to see all the colourful houses above the water, but if you get close you'll realize it's not that great after all.
Sandakan Biggest Wet Market
by daryll
This is Sandakan Biggest wet Market.
Sandakan knowns for its best vege, fruits and seafood in Sabah. Seafood its been the best here, i always get to eat fishes and crutaceans easily and i miss it so much. Indeed, it is the place to get your groceries with a few bucks. Basically is damn cheap!
Orangs in Sepilog or KK ?
by WStat
I think, it is absolutely worth the money to take the trip to Sandakan!
I've not been at the KK orang-station, but friends told me, that it's very similar to a zoo.
Sepilok Sanctuary near Sandakan, where I've been, is a vast area of 43sqkms in the rainforest, where former captured Orangs are trained to adapt slowly to the wilderness. There are more than 60 Orangs of all ages and visitors are allowed to walk the jungle-paths from the station to the feeding-platforms(but ofcourse not to touch or feed the animals).You will never forget to watch an Orang Utan walking slowly downhill through the forest to collect his lunch !