Day three was a little hectic as usual as we had to check out of our cosy jungle chalet rooms early… I was out at 6am to hear the chirping of birds around the chalet…

The view of the Kinabatangan at dawn was definitely surreal and almost magical.. I was brought back to the time I fell in love with Ireland.. because the scenery was almost similar except that it much more humid and instead of meadows and farmhouses covered with mist, this was the Kinabatangan, Sabah’s longest river and the trees and plants that surround it…

I took the opportunity to venture onto the Ara Boardwalk and was pretty amused with the “animals” I spotted since the management of Bilit Adventure Lodge had a sense of humour to add wooden animal pictures on a tree, the wooden railing etc… however since I wasn’t too sure where the boardwalk ended I turned back.. (the boardwalk actually is a circular walk that would lead us back to our chalet if we followed it)

When we finished breakfast, we boarded the boat back to land and hopped onto our bus and headed to Miso Walai , where we were given safety briefing etc before we took our leech socks and rubber boots as well as life jacket…

There was even a safety briefing as to how to wear and handle yourself if you were unlucky enough to capsize ( yeah – you are to hold on to your life jacket , and calmly float to the side- do not make too much noise or you might attract unwanted attention from the denizens of the Kinabatangan)

We got onto the boat and headed off to a little forest clearing which had been identified as a tree planting site for the Rainforest Reforestation Program…

It was pretty fun especially when my “guide” was deaf and can’t speak but he was truly animated and funny in how he taught us what to do… watch him here!!!

We managed to plant our plants and hope they grow up healthy and strong and give shelter to the animals in the forest…

We manage to catch sight of a pretty big crocodile basking lazily in the sun on our way to the next destination….

Then we headed to the Tungog Rainforest Eco Camp which is hidden away in a meander belt forest on the fringe of the lovely Tungog Lake where half of us got busy in assisting with the preparation and cooking of their traditional dishes for our lunch

We were to have taken a little trek around the Tungog Lake but it began pouring, so we did not go for it and instead returned to Miso Walai…

Miso Walai which is operated by KOPEL is which is located in the heart of the Lower Kinabatangan River at the Batu Puteh Village where we got to watch the cultural performance at Miso Walai and also indulge in a simple afternoon tea..

We then headed to Kenalanmu Steamboat Restaurant where we indulge in a feast of delicious and fresh seafood Roasted Crispy Chicken, Steamed Grouper Fish, Sea Snails,
White clams Halia, Prawns with ” Feng Sha”, Sotong with Salted Egg and Mix mushroom with Broccoli & Cauliflower… we ended our lovely dinner with some Mango Pudding…

Once our appetite was satiated, we headed back to Hotel Sandakan for a much needed rest… while those with more energy headed to town for a little sight seeing and drinks …

And that was the end of our 3rd day in Sandakan…

This trip was made possible by Tourism Malaysia Sabah, Tourism Malaysia, Malaysia Airlines, Mas Wings, Sandakan Tourism Association