My Wild (& Slightly Sweaty) Adventure in Sandakan Rainforest Park 🌿🐒

#kotakinabalutrip Okay, so I *finally* visited **Sandakan Rainforest Park**, and wow—Borneo’s jungle does NOT disappoint! 🌴 Here’s the lowdown on my muddy-shoes, bug-spray-scented, absolutely-worth-it day. ### **First Impressions: Hello, Jungle Vibes!** Stepping in, the air was **thick with humidity** and smelled like earth and rain (in the best way). The second I walked in, a **giant monitor lizard** casually strolled past like it owned the place. 😂 The trees were so tall I got neck cramps looking up—totally felt like a tiny human in a giant green cathedral. ### **The Canopy Walkway: AKA My Fear-of-Heights Test** The **canopy walkway** was the highlight—and also the moment I realized I’m *slightly* scared of heights. Walking 20 meters up on a wobbly bridge, I clung to the ropes while my brave friend laughed at me. 🫣 But the view? **UNREAL.** Saw a family of macaques playing tag in the treetops, and the sunrise colors peeking through the leaves? *Chef’s kiss.* ### **Hidden Gem: The Quiet Pond at RDC** Most people rush to the main trails, but the **hidden pond near the Rainforest Discovery Centre (RDC)** was magic. Sat there for 20 mins just listening to frogs croak and watching dragonflies zoom. Felt like a scene from *Avatar.* ### **Unexpected Moment: The Sneaky Orangutan** We were about to leave when—**BAM**—a **wild orangutan** casually snacked on fruits right above us! 🦧 No fences, no guides, just a chill jungle dweller living its best life. My phone storage died from all the pics. ### **Food Detour: Sandakan’s Seafood Fix** After all that hiking, we hit **Sim Sim Water Village** for fresh **butter prawns & chili crab**. Messy fingers, 10/10 would recommend. ### **Quick Itinerary (For Lazy Adventurers Like Me)** 🕘 **9:00 AM** – Arrive, snap pics at RDC 🕙 **10:00 AM** – Canopy walk + freak out over heights 🕛 **12:00 PM** – Lunch at Sepilok Café (try the laksa!) 🕒 **3:00 PM** – Pond chill session + orangutan spotting 🕔 **5:00 PM** – Seafood feast by the water ### **Final Tip:** Wear **sturdy shoes** (I slipped in flip-flops, RIP my dignity), bring **bug spray**, and **don’t rush**—the jungle rewards slow explorers. Would I go back? **100%.*** Even the sweat stains were worth it. 😆 **Anyone else been? Spill your fave spots below! 👇**