Sandakan is a starting point for ecotourism destinations such as the Sepilok Orang Utan Sanctuary, Labuk Bay Proboscis Monkey Sanctuary,Turtle Islands Park, Kinabatangan River and Gomantong Caves.

Pulau Redang (or Redang Island)  is a beautiful tropical island off the east coast of peninsular Malaysia in the state of Terengganu. Most travellers visiting Redang come on pre-booked packages from one of the resorts on the island. It is a more up-market destination than Perhentian Islands.