My Heart Soars: Mabul & Sandakan : Part 7 - Journey from Mabul to Sandakan to Sepilok

23.01.2015 - Today morning, I leave Mabul Island. But first, I do my final dive for the trip at 8.30am. I was scheduled for a 10am boat, but all boats had left for Semporna. So, Mr Jeff asked what was my plan. I said that I am supposed to take the 2pm bus to Sandakan. He said that I can take the 5pm bus. And I tell him that there is no 5pm bus. Fortunately, a speedboat passed by and the crew whistled the boat to stop and off I was to Semporna. Well, this is what happens when you are a solo guest. You are sort of taken lightly. So, I reached Semporna jetty at noon.

I hurried to find the bus station that will bring me to Sandakan. I have done my research and Dyana Express (089-784494) goes there. So, I walked to the bus station which was a 7 minute walk from the jetty, or could be lesser if I was sure of my way. There were 2 timings for Sandakan which were 7.30am and 2pm. It was going to be a 6-hour ride. For me, it took 7 hours because it rained and there were 3 checkpoints by the police. The police requested to see passports and identification cards of all passengers. Anyhow, for lunch, I ate at the cafe operated by Dyana too. Well, the name is similar and I conclude it is by Dyana too

At about 9pm, I reached Sandakan town. I did not realise that the bus will stop at a 5km distance from town. In fact, I did not realise there are 2 separate bus stations. The bus station in town operates for Sandakan town. Whereas the bus station that is 5km away is for buses that operate long distance. So, I took a taxi that costs RM20 to the hostel. The hostel I booked is Sandakan Backpackers for RM21 a night in a dorm. Fortunately, for me, I was the only guest in the dorm, and I could hang my damp clothes (due to my first dive in the morning) in the room. The place is clean. And after 4 days, I finally managed to enjoy some hot shower! For RM21, I get free breakfast of toast and coffee or tea. So, I took the local Sabah black tea.

By the way, surrounding the Sandakan Backpackers is other hostels too. There is Sandakan Borneo Backpackers. I got confused by that initially. There is also Ibis Hotel. The place where I stayed is strategically located at the Water Front (i.e. facing the sea) and has lots of eatery (which are pricey) and the local market (which I ate there) and near the local bus station (that operates the bus in Sandakan town).

24.01.2015 - My plan today was to go to Sepilok Orang Utan Rehabilitation Centre. I have researched and the bus to take is nearby Gentingmas Mall. Now, there is a bus station in front of Gentingmas Mall. But this is not the one. I walked slightly further up, and there is another bus station / van station located opposite the Navy Base. I took the minivan that is scheduled to leave at 9am. The distance from the hostel to the bus/van station is about a 5-minute walk. Yes, it is very near. There are 4 timings to Sepilok - 9am, 10.30am, 11.30am, 1pm and 2pm. There are labels on the van and the van to take is No. 14 and make sure it is written 'Mile 14 Sepilok' but here it was in Malay - Batu 14 Sepilok. Fare is RM5. The locals take the bus and it costs RM2.50.