[2025 Sandakan Attraction] Travel Guide for Libaran Island (Updated Jun)

Libaran Island also has a number of activities for visitors to take part in namely, turtle sighting, scuba diving, sight-seeing as well as getting on-board on a river cruise. For visitors who love all things related to turtles – you’re in luck because Libaran Island is the perfect place for you! Libaran Island has a turtle sanctuary whereby visitors will have the opportunity to release baby turtles from the hatchery as well as witnessing turtles coming onto the shores of Libaran Island to lay their eggs. On Libaran Island, Walai Penyu Resort is the one and only resort on the island which offers extraordinary accommodations for visitors who intend to spend a night or two at Libaran Island. Apart from that, one of the unique facts about Libaran Island is that visitors are also able to witness Sabah’s breathtaking sunset view as well as the crystal blue waters surrounding the island. #awesomepic #couplestrip

Baliblan Island This is a very very small island in Sabah, Malaysia. Few tourists come here, no internet, no clutter, and can only live in a tent, but Such an island has had a fatal appeal to me. Under the embrace of nature, calm your eyes and listen to the crabs rustling on the beach, the seabirds hovering in the sky. aerial photography this island you will think that you have come to the city of the sky, the beauty is amazing!

Lying on the beach watching the stars in the sky, listening to the gentle singing of the waves, it is both familiar and long-lost. It seems like drifting wood is quietly waiting for a woman who will appreciate it on the low tide. I passed by it and thought it was beautiful. I wear t-shirts and shorts, consciously destroying the picture without going over, maybe regret will let us see each other again. I want to give you a better self, between the sky and the ocean. (in Balan Turtle Island)

🌟 Highlights: Libaran Island is located in the Sulu Sea, off the northeast coast of Sandakan. This small island is an ideal place for a relaxing vacation. Imagine snorkeling in the blue ocean, drifting and playing in the mangrove river, fishing at night, and experiencing the work of a local farm. The white sandy beaches, swaying casuarina trees, and beautiful sunsets will give you an extraordinary experience. ✅ Must-try: Participate in turtle conservation activities, learn about turtles under the guidance of professionals, watch turtles lay eggs, and release baby turtles by hand. ✅ Must-try: Explore the village and experience the culture, hike to visit the island's villages, and learn about the local residents' lifestyle, traditions, and cultural characteristics. 👍 Enjoy beach leisure time: sunbathe and stroll on the white sandy beach, snorkel, drift, fish, and enjoy the beautiful sea view and underwater world. 🍲 Experience local cuisine: taste fresh seafood barbecue, such as grilled fish and shrimp, as well as local specialties. 🏨 Accommodation options: Walai Penyu Conservation Park: offers tent accommodation with complete facilities, allowing visitors to get close to nature and feel the tranquility of the island. There may be other resorts or homestays on the island, which can be selected according to your budget and needs. 📍 Address: Pulau Libaran, Sabah, Malaysia 🚉 Transportation: You can first arrive in Kota Kinabalu, the capital of Sabah, Malaysia, and then fly from Kota Kinabalu to Sandakan, which takes about 40 minutes. To get to Libaran Island from Sandakan, you need to take a boat from the Sandakan Jetty at Jalan Buli Sim Sim or the Sandakan Yacht Club in Sabah Park, which takes about 1 hour. 📝 Tips: Learn about the boat schedule in advance and book tickets and accommodation to avoid delays. Take sun protection and mosquito repellent measures, and prepare necessary medicines. Respect local customs, protect the environment, and do not destroy the ecology.

History and Culture Sandakan's history dates back to the British colonial period, when it was known as "Little Hong Kong" and was home to many Chinese migrant workers. American writer Agnes Keith's novel "Land Below the Wind" made Sandakan famous around the world, attracting many Western tourists every year. The city has preserved many buildings from the British colonial period, such as St. Michael's and All Angels Church, an old church founded in 1888, which showcases Sandakan's rich religious and cultural heritage. Natural Ecology Sandakan is the best place in Sabah to see wildlife. The Kinabatangan River nourishes a vast jungle area, and the entire basin remains in its original tropical rainforest state. Here, you can observe sea turtles laying eggs, primitive swallow caves, various monkeys and orangutans, and experience the fun of exploring the jungle. Tourist Attractions • Turtle Island and Libaran Island: These islands are visited by sea turtles almost every day, especially during the peak nesting season from July to October, making them a popular choice for family trips. • Sim Sim Water Village: A row of stilt houses in the shallow sea area forms a large village, where the seafood restaurants are affordable, and you can enjoy the sunset and sea view while dining in the evening. • Labuk Bay Proboscis Monkey Sanctuary: Get up close and personal with proboscis monkeys, a representative species with surprisingly large noses that sway when excited. • Kinabatangan River: Take a boat ride along the river and you may see a variety of beautiful hornbills, completely wild proboscis monkeys, and orangutans. Food Experience Sandakan's seafood is famous for its freshness and value for money. In Sim Sim Water Village, you can taste a variety of Southeast Asian delicacies, especially seafood, which is delicious and affordable, leaving you wanting more.