Sandakan, 28 April 2025 – A hiking adventure turned tense for two French tourists when they lost their way deep in the rainforest at the Rainforest Discovery Centre (RDC) in Sandakan, Sabah. Thankfully, quick action by local rescue teams ensured their safe return.
The Sabah Fire and Rescue Department received a distress call at 1.24pm on Monday, alerting them that two foreign visitors were in trouble. A search operation involving seven firefighters, along with experienced RDC rangers, was immediately launched.
The couple, identified as Santarelli Antoine Pierre and Girodet Charlene, both 36 years old, had ventured about 7km away from the RDC entrance before realising they were lost. Using their mobile phone, they managed to contact the authorities and request help.
After nearly two hours of searching, RDC rangers found the couple safe and unharmed at around 3.08pm. Instead of the longer and riskier land route, the rescuers chose to transport the couple by boat to nearby Kampung Bambangan, a shorter and safer option.
From there, they were brought back to the RDC by Forestry Department rangers for further checks and assistance. Officials confirmed that both tourists were in good health and needed no medical treatment.
This incident serves as a reminder for all visitors to always inform the authorities before entering forested areas, to stay on marked trails, and to carry sufficient supplies and communication devices.
Local authorities praised the swift teamwork between the Fire and Rescue Department, RDC rangers, and the Forestry Department, ensuring another positive outcome for Sandakan’s reputation as a safe eco-tourism destination.
Sabah remains a top choice for nature lovers, but safety and preparedness must always be top priorities when exploring its lush rainforests.
