Kota Kinabalu: Two French tourists were guided back safely after going off-trail in Sepilok, highlighting the swift response and strong safety commitment of Sabah’s eco-tourism operators.
Rainforest Discovery Centre (RDC) Manager Bernadette Joeman said Santarelli Antoine Pierre and Girodet Charlene were eventually brought back to RDC by rangers.
The incident serves as a reminder of the importance of trail awareness, she said.
She said the trail system is designed to keep visitors safe and help them enjoy the experience without worry, as long as they stay on the designated paths.
“Our trails are wide, five to six feet, maintained and cleaned regularly by the Forestry Department.
“There are clear markers every few hundred metres and large maps showing ‘you are here’,” she said.
Bernadette said it is important to keep our tourists safe, adding that international visitors are vital to sustain the centre’s long-term operations.
Bernadette said the incident coincided with a temporary disruption in RDC’s landline, prompting the tourists to call emergency services.
“I received a call from the fire and rescue department asking if anyone had gone hiking to Sepilok Laut.
“I checked with our reception and confirmed that they had bought permits to hike the Mangrove Trail in the Kabili-Sepilok Forest at around 8am.
“During the hike, they went off-trail and became lost,” she said, adding that her team immediately coordinated with the fire and rescue department and the police after having pinpointed their location via a phone call.
“The rangers, arranged by the Sandakan District Forest Office, guided them back to the main trail and a boat was arranged to meet them at the Sepilok Laut Reception Centre,” Bernadette added.
