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Choosing Tours in Sabah: 16 Must See & Dos in Sandakan & Kinabatangan in 2023

October 14, 2022 by Vanessa Workman 4 Comments

Choosing Tours in Sabah; 13 Must Sees in Sandakan & Kinabatangan

Flying into Sandakan will leave you with a chunk of daylight to see and do quite a few things on your very first day, so take advantage of it and explore Sandakan. If you are scheduling a jungle resort stay and Kinabatangan area tours, they often include an airport pick up or hotel pick up, which leaves you to exploring Sandakan on arrival or on the return leg of your journey. Your choice. I’d personally recommend some time in Sandakan first before heading off into the jungle. At any rate, here are 16 things to see and do in Sandakan & Kinabatangan to consider when booking your tours in Sabah.

Choosing Tours in Sabah: Best Things to Do in Sandakan City

1. follow the sandakan heritage trail.

After arriving into Sandakan, one of easiest first things to do, is to follow the well-marked Sandakan Heritage Trail , which visitors can take on their own time and at their own pace. The route takes about one hour and begins at the 100-year-old Masjid Jamik and ends at the Sandakan Heritage Museum .

Choosing Tours in Sabah; 13 Must Sees in Sandakan & Kinabatangan

The Sandakan Heritage Trail is a no brainer for newbie Sandakan visitors and it’s also free. Yet a couple of those stops on the trail may warrant a bit more time, so I’ll give them their own highlights. Like to be prepared? Get a copy of the Sandakan Heritage Trail map HERE

Choosing Tours in Sabah; 13 Must Sees in Sandakan & Kinabatangan

2. Visit the Agnes Keith House

If you’re a fan of colonial style architecture, then you will appreciate the Agnes Keith House. It’s number 4 on the heritage trail map, but it’s a great first stop for new arrivals because there’s also a unique restaurant nearby.

Choosing Tours in Sabah; 13 Must Sees in Sandakan & Kinabatangan

The Agnes Keith Hous e was a British colonial government quarters, known as ‘Newlands’, and was the home to Henry George Keith, his wife Agnes and son George. Henry Keith was the Assistant Conservator of Forests for the governor of North Borneo. However, in addition to the gorgeous refurbishing of the original building (which was destroyed during World War II) it was Mrs. Keith who brought fame and recognition to the property.

Choosing Tours in Sabah; 13 Must Sees in Sandakan & Kinabatangan

Agnes Newton Keith wrote three books based on her life in Borneo; Land Below the Wind in 1939, Three Came Home in 1946, and White Man Returns in 1951. Three Came Home is the only book which was not written from the shores of Sandakan. It was a post-World War II account of the Keith family’s life as prisoners of war, and was written after their temporary, post-wartime departure to Canada.

Choosing Tours in Sabah; 13 Must Sees in Sandakan & Kinabatangan

Newlands was rebuilt after 1946. It became the first government permanent timber building to be built after World War II and was forever referred to as the ‘Agnes Keith House’. The Keith’s permanently left Sabah in 1952.

Choosing Tours in Sabah; 13 Must Sees in Sandakan & Kinabatangan

Today the building has been restored and turned into a heritage house by Sabah Museums and the Federal Department of Museums and Antiquities . It is furnished with reproductions of colonial furniture and antiques and highlights the life of Agnes and her family. To keep in the colonial spirit of things, the English Tea House & Restaurant is right next door.

Agnes Keith House,296, Jalan Utara, Sandakan Open: Daily, 9:00am to 5:00pm, Tel: 089-221 140 Entry: RM15 (Under age 12, free)

3. Get Historical at the Sandakan Heritage Museum

Last but not least, and number 10 on the Sandakan Heritage Trail map is Muzium Warisan Sandakan Wisma, better known as the Sandakan Heritage Museum . Not what you might expect from a Malaysian heritage museum, but the Sandakan Heritage Museum houses several displays which highlight the Borneo movements of American adventurers Martin and Osa Johnson .

Choosing Tours in Sabah; 13 Must Sees in Sandakan & Kinabatangan

The Johnson’s legacy may include a certain degree of exploitation, especially in the case of their time in North Borneo, depending on the source. But on the plus side, their film documentations of Borneo during the 1920s and 1930s has left the world with an incredible, historical glimpse of an amazing part of Malaysia. You can read more about this adventurous couple HERE

Sandakan Heritage Museum, Pusat Bandar, Sandakan Open: Daily, 9:00am to 5:00pm, Tel: 088-255 033 Entry: Free

4. Take a Free Walking Tour

Choosing Tours in Sabah; 13 Must Sees in Sandakan & Kinabatangan

5. Explore the Sandakan Art Trail

Although you will see various street art all-around Sandakan City, there is also an official Sandakan Art Trail with attached information markers which highlights several works of art. Each official marker includes an art trail map, theme inspiration and credits the artists by name, which is something you don’t often see at other street art locations in Malaysia .

Choosing Tours in Sabah; 13 Must Sees in Sandakan & Kinabatangan

The eight locations include a wall at the Sandakan Heritage Museum , the stairs next to the Public Bank , Astaka Padang Bandaran Sandakan , the REX Building , the former Standard Chartered Building , STP PUMP Pasar Umum , the Sandakan Central Market (Pasar Umum Sandakan) and Jalan Servis Harbor Square (more famously known now as Creative Lane ).

Choosing Tours in Sabah; 13 Must Sees in Sandakan & Kinabatangan

6. Shop Till You Drop at Sandakan Central Market

Malaysia markets are always an interesting cultural experience and worth a visit, especially if you like to shop or eat local foods. Located near the waterfront, you can expect to find an abundance of fresh seafood and a whole lot more at the Sandakan Central Market . The massive market has 3 floors worth exploring, so be sure to allot yourself plenty of time.

Choosing Tours in Sabah; 13 Must Sees in Sandakan & Kinabatangan

The ground level is typical of a wet market with loads of fruits and veggies, shrimp pastes, dried fish and Malaysian kuihs taking center stage. The second and third levels have Malay and Chinese food stalls. You will also find clothing, shoes and household goods at the Sandakan Central Market, so keep your eyes open for some great deals.

Choosing Tours in Sabah; 13 Must Sees in Sandakan & Kinabatangan

Sandakan Central Market, Jalan Pryer, Pusat Bandar, Sandakan Open: Daily, 6:00am to 5:00pm

7. Pay Your Respects at Sandakan Memorial Park

Located 11km from Sandakan city, the Sandakan Memorial Park is the site of a former World War II prison camp . With its careful landscaping and modern signboards, the park is almost too sterile, aside from a few rusty pieces of forgotten machinery dotting the grounds. But for those who are acquainted with the past horrors of this site, the quiet whispers of nature could easily be interpreted as the whispers of the dead.

Choosing Tours in Sabah; 13 Must Sees in Sandakan & Kinabatangan

Approximately 2500 Australian and British prisoners of war died at the Sandakan POW camp. Many had initially been captured by the Japanese military during the Battle of Singapore (in February 1942) and were shipped to Borneo to help build an airstrip for the Japanese military. 6,000 Javanese civilians were also used as forced labor on the airstrip construction.

Choosing Tours in Sabah; 13 Must Sees in Sandakan & Kinabatangan

In 1945, the surviving Australian prisoners were, on three separate occasions, used to carry baggage and supplies for the Japanese battalions relocating to the western coast. The hike across North Borneo took its toll on many of the already weak prisoners. Sandakan Memorial Park is the first stop of these prisoner of war routes known as ‘ The Sandakan Death Marches ’. Only six prisoners survived.

Choosing Tours in Sabah; 13 Must Sees in Sandakan & Kinabatangan

Although the park or its small onsite museum has no entry fee, donations are used for daily maintenance and upgrades. The Office of Australian War Graves operates an account for donations, which can be made payable to DVA Official OAWG Contributions.

Sandakan Memorial Park, Jalan Labuk, Taman Rimba, Sandakan Open: Daily, 8:00am to 6:00pm, Tel: 089-275 400 Entry: Free, Donations appreciated

Choosing Tours in Sabah: Best Things to Do in Sepilok

8. get back to nature at the rainforest discovery centre.

Located within the Kabili-Sepilok Forest Reserve (and just 2km from the Sepilok Orang-utan Rehabilitation Centre, the Rainforest Discovery Centre is an environmental education facility run by the Sabah Forestry Department . The Rainforest Discovery Walk is paved for the most part and wheelchair and stroller friendly.

Choosing Tours in Sabah; 13 Must Sees in Sandakan & Kinabatangan

A rather intimidating 347-meter, long Canopy Walkway provides a birds-eye-view of the surrounding forest. It also has sign boards to help non-bird experts identify some of the 300 species of birds (and other wildlife) that call the RDC home. The Rainforest Discovery Centre is so abundant with birds that it’s the official location for the Annual Borneo Bird Festival , which is usually held in October.

Choosing Tours in Sabah; 13 Must Sees in Sandakan & Kinabatangan

An onsite Exhibition Hall offers an introduction to Sabah’s flora and fauna and a Plant Discovery Garden has displays of more than 250 species of native orchids, pitcher plants, ginger plants, and more. You may need a couple of hours, to fully appreciate all that the center has to offer. So be prepared. They also have a Night Walk : Monday, Wednesday & Friday 6:00pm to 8:00pm.

Rainforest Discovery Centre, Kabili-Sepilok Forest Reserve Open: Daily, 8:00am to 5:00pm, Tel: 089-533 780 Entry: Adults RM15, Kids (5-17 years) RM7, Kids under age 5 free

9. Visit the Sepilok Orang Utan Rehabilitation Centre

An absolute not-to-be-missed if visiting the Sandakan district, the Sepilok Orang Utan Rehabilitation Centre is 26-kilometers west of Sandakan. The center opened in 1964, long before rescuing wildlife became trendy. It was the first orangutan rehabilitation project focused on rescuing orphans (and later injured adults) whose lives had been negatively affected by the logging industry, plantations, illegal hunting, and the illegal pet trade. Orangutans are presently only found in the jungles of Borneo and Sumatra.

Choosing Tours in Sabah; 13 Must Sees in Sandakan & Kinabatangan

Baby Orangutans stay with their mothers for 7 to 10 years to learn all of the skills necessary to survive in the jungle. If the mother is killed, the babies have little chance of surviving. That’s why it is essential to have proper rehabilitation.

Sepilok Orang Utan Rehabilitation Centre

It will take up to 10 years for Sepilok rehabilitation graduates to be releasable to the wild, at the cost of 8K Ringgit per Orangutan per year.  It’s a commitment. So please visit them during your visit to Sandakan because the center needs all the support it can get. Plus, the Orangutans are guaranteed to put a smile on your face because they’re so cute.

Sepilok Orang Utan Rehabilitation Centre

The center has a feeding platform and outdoor nursery where visitors can observe the Orangutans (at a distance) and take plenty of photos. Interestingly enough, despite the feeding station looking a bit staged, if it’s fruit season in the jungle then there is a good chance that no Orangutans will show up at the feeding station. During fruit season the jungle has plenty of tasty snacks for the Orangutans to feed on. You can read more about the Sepilok Orang Utan Rehabilitation Centre HERE

Sepilok Orang Utan Rehabilitation Centre, Jalan Sepilok, Sepilok Open: Daily, 9:00am to 11:00pm, 2:00pm to 3:00pm Thursday, 9:00AM to 11:30am, 2:00pm to 4:00pm Tel: 089- 531 180 Entry: RM30 (additional RM10 for cameras)

10. Meet Sun Bears at Bornean Sun Bear Conservation Centre

Established in 2008, the Bornean Sun Bear Conservation Centre (BSBCC) offers a sanctuary and rehabilitation program for injured or (previously) captive sun bears. Sun Bears are the smallest bears in the world and are presently in danger due to habitat loss (development and timber industry), illegal hunting, and they are also at risk of capture for the illegal pet trade industry.

Choosing Tours in Sabah; 13 Must Sees in Sandakan & Kinabatangan

The BSBCC presently has 37 rescued sun bears within their 2.5 ha parcel of forest. Visitors can observe the sun bears via an elevated wooden walkway but are never allowed to come into direct contact with them. Sign boards introduce some of the bears and tell their stories as well as display sun bear information. Education and awareness are a big part of the center’s objective so don’t be shy about asking questions. In Sabah, sun bears are now categorized as a Totally Protected Species under the Sabah Wildlife Conservation Enactment 1997 . Jail time and big money fines are given to anyone ignoring sun bear protection laws.

Choosing Tours in Sabah; 13 Must Sees in Sandakan & Kinabatangan

Since the BSBCC is conveniently located next to the Sepilok Orang Utan Rehabilitation Centre , visitors can easily spend several hours visiting the two sanctuaries, so be sure to give yourself enough time to thoroughly explore both. You can also ‘ Adopt a Sun Bear ’ from the conservation center. Adoptions can be made under your own name or given as a gift. An excellent gift for the wildlife lovers or animal rights supporters in your life.

Bornean Sun Bear Conservation Centre, Jalan Sepilok, Sepilok Open: Daily, 9:00am to 3:30pm, Tel: 089-534 491 Entry: Adults RM30-50, Kids (13-17 years) RM15-25, Kids under 12 free (additional camera fee of RM1,000 for cameras with lenses 500mm or more)

Choosing Tours in Sabah: Best Things to Do in Kinabatangan 

Kinabatangan is one of 5 districts in the Sandakan division of Sabah.  It’s about 8o-kilometers from Sandakan City (a 90+ minute drive away, depending on the traffic and road conditions.). In addition to having loads of jungles and amazing wildlife, Kinabatangan has another story to tell, and that is one of survival. In a non-academic nutshell, the local people of the Lower Kinabatangan have lived off the surrounding rainforests for generations. Rainforests provided them with food, medicine, household goods and trade worthy products.

Choosing Tours in Sabah; 13 Must Sees in Sandakan & Kinabatangan

Due to deforestation issues and efforts to fix things, some of the communities of Kinabatangan eventually found themselves surrounded by a protected forest reserve, which meant there wasn’t much for them to do where traditional livelihoods were concerned, except maybe fishing. Thus began their introduction to eco-tourism.

Choosing Tours in Sabah; 13 Must Sees in Sandakan & Kinabatangan

The Kinabatangan region is especially attractive, not only in an adventurous jungle sense, but tourists are now the direct bread and butter for the various communities. The locals in turn welcome you with open arms and real smiles, and offer you Sabah experiences you will never forget. Here are a few must-dos in Kinabatangan:

11. Spend a Few Nights in a Jungle Resort

I’ve been fortunate to have stayed in several jungle resorts in Sabah , but Bilit Adventure Lodge (in Kampung Bilit) is thus far my favorite, because they are located next to the Lower Kinabatangan River. It also has spacious rooms, it’s clean, well-maintained and has a chilled-out jungle vibe. I just felt especially comfortable there.

Choosing Tours in Sabah; 13 Must Sees in Sandakan & Kinabatangan

Bilit Adventure Lodge has 12 semi-detached and 12 detached chalets. All rooms come with comfortable queen size bed, with exception to 6 detached chalets that come with king size beds. All rooms have air-conditioning, private bathrooms with hot and cold-water showers. Bottled water and coffee and tea sets are provided as well as basic toiletries.

Choosing Tours in Sabah; 13 Must Sees in Sandakan & Kinabatangan

A wooden walkway connects the chalets to the restaurant and dock areas, with a separate ‘nature’ walkway for strolling (or rolling) through the adjacent forest area. The restaurant serves delicious daily buffets or one can order from the menu a la carte. They also have a quiet full bar. WIFI is available at the restaurant, but it may get temperamental at times so do expect that. Other than that, Bilit Adventure Lodge is a sweet choice for a home away from home jungle accommodation.

Bilit Adventure Lodge/ Kampung Bilit Seberang Kota Kinabatangan, Sabah Tel: (+6) 088-448 409

12. Take a Kinabatangan River Cruise

Sungai Kinabatangan ( Kinabatangan River) is the largest and longest river (560km!) in Sabah, Malaysia. A must visit during a trip to Sandakan, especially if you’re a wildlife and nature fan. The 2.5-hour journey from Sandakan to the Kinabatangan River is absolutely worth the effort to take a Kinabatangan River Cruise .

Choosing Tours in Sabah; 13 Must Sees in Sandakan & Kinabatangan

Although mornings and sunsets are more conducive to seeing wildlife, there is still a 99% chance you will indeed see wildlife at any time of the day. The Kinabatangan River is home to a plethora of wildlife including Proboscis and Macaque monkeys as well as Pygmy Elephants , Crocodiles and more!

Choosing Tours in Sabah; 13 Must Sees in Sandakan & Kinabatangan

Be sure to bring a pair of binoculars and/or use a zoom lens (if you have one) because the National Geographic moments on the Kinabatangan River are incredible and offer great photo ops. Kinabatangan River Cruises can be booked from any resort along the river; such as Bilit Adventure Lodge and Myne Travel & Resort.

Choosing Tours in Sabah; 13 Must Sees in Sandakan & Kinabatangan

13. Plant a Tree with KOPEL

Can’t see the forest for the trees is an old idiom that means a person can’t see the big picture because they are basically too busy nitpicking the details. But with KOPEL Rainforest Reforestation Program you see plenty of both! In fact, there are so many trees along the Kinabatangan River that you may wonder why bother adding more. However, KOPEL has a plan.

Choosing Tours in Sabah; 13 Must Sees in Sandakan & Kinabatangan

KOPEL is a community co-op based in Kampung Mengaris, Kinabatangan. It was started by a group of individuals from different villages in the Batu Puteh area to help the Sungai Orang (River People) have livelihoods through ecologically sustainable tourism ventures. Tree Planting is one of those ventures and is part of KOPELS’s forest restoration program. KOPEL has been planting trees since 1999 after realizing the severity of the forest degradation in the Lower Kinabatangan.

Choosing Tours in Sabah; 13 Must Sees in Sandakan & Kinabatangan

You won’t get your name on a tree or any special plaque for your tree-planting efforts, but you will get the satisfaction that you helped the planet as well as the people of Kinabatangan. You’ll also get a pretty fun boat ride to the tree planting area. You can read more about KOPEL’s Tree Planting program HERE

Choosing Tours in Sabah; 13 Must Sees in Sandakan & Kinabatangan

14. Visit a Homestay and See a Cultural Show

The Orang Sungai of the Lower Kinabatangan have more than 20 dialects in their language and have unique stories to tell through music, dance and their daily lives in general. Visitors can arrange a homestay visit through MESCOT KOPEL , a Community Ecotourism Co-operative initiative for the Batu Puteh communities of Kampung Batu Puteh, Kampung Mengaris, Kampung Perpaduan and Kampung Singgah Mata.

Choosing Tours in Sabah; 13 Must Sees in Sandakan & Kinabatangan

Based in Kampung Menagaris, the Miso Walai Homestay Program has been in operation since 2000. At that time there were more than 30 families participating in the program. Today the households range from rustic to more modern, and offer cultural experiences through traditional local food, household and farm ‘chores’, as well as village games and sports.

Choosing Tours in Sabah; 13 Must Sees in Sandakan & Kinabatangan

Homestay visits and other cultural activities can be booked through MESCOT KOPEL, which is also based in Kampung Menagaris. They are under the umbrella of the KOPEL eco-tourism cooperative, which means they work together.

15. Learn Traditional Cooking at TREC

TREC, better known as the Tungog Rainforest Eco Camp is a sustainable tourist’s dream accommodation. Located adjacent to the Kinabatangan River, the rustic camp is designed to ensure zero waste, no chemicals and maximum water conservation. The camp has ten live-in jungle platforms and limit their visitors to a maximum of 20 persons at a time. They also use no electricity. If you need a serious digital detox or simply want to hang out in a hammock and commune with nature, Tungog Rainforest Eco Camp is the place to go. 

Choosing Tours in Sabah; 13 Must Sees in Sandakan & Kinabatangan

All meals are provided and guests can help with food prep (and learn about cooking traditional local food) or just kick back and enjoy the meals that are served. Special non-guest ‘group’ cooking classes can be pre-arranged through MESCOT KOPEL .

Choosing Tours in Sabah; 13 Must Sees in Sandakan & Kinabatangan

Tungog Rainforest Eco Camp/ Kampung Mengaris Kinabatangan, Sabah Tel: (+6) 012-380 1070

16. Don’t Forget to Eat Like a Local

Regardless of where you travel to in Sabah, or what tours in Sabah you sign up for, Sabah has amazing local food. Finding some of the best eateries is much easier now thanks to the launch of Tourism Malaysia Sabah’s SeeEatFood Trail Fun Map . The culinary themed travel brochure comes with a colorful map and highlights 42 seafood restaurants within Kota Kinabalu , Kudat, Sandakan , Lahad Datu, Semporna, Tawau and Labuan. Seven locations in one neat package! But these restaurants don’t just serve seafood, many also serve non-seafood dishes as well as have vegetarian menu listings.

42 Top Seafood Restaurants in Sabah & Labuan

For more information about Tourism Malaysia Sabah’s ‘SeeEatFood’ Trail Fun Map and their fabulous list of 42 top seafood restaurants in Sabah and Labuan, visit their website at www.malaysia.travel . You can also get information at the Tourism Information Center at the Kota Kinabalu International Airport.

That’s a Wrap and My Two Cents on Choosing Tours in Sabah:

Having explored Malaysia for many years now, I’ve learned that locking myself into tight timeline schedules is not the best way to see the country. Malaysia has many layers and sometimes the most interesting opportunities can come up rather randomly.

My best advice for anyone planning a trip to Borneo is to leave yourself some wiggle room when choosing tours in Sabah. You don’t need your hand held in Malaysia. The more you rely on yourself, the more opportunity you will have to mix and mingle with local people in the ‘real’ world, not just the ‘safe’ world of airport pickups and deliveries, and private drivers from point A to point B.

Don’t get me wrong, it’s pretty awesome having those services, but having both experiences is even better. We call it ‘free and easy’ in the blogger/media world; time to do your own thing. And that’s my advice to others, be sure and schedule in some free and easy time for yourselves, because your Malaysia experience will be even more memorable. 

For more information about tours in Sabah, contact Tourism Malaysia

Choosing Tours in Sabah; 13 Must Sees in Sandakan & Kinabatangan

October 14, 2022 at 7:05 pm

Such a detailed guidance and explanation! Hopefully ppl will find Sandakan and Kinabatangan amazing as much as we did! What a great memory to experience this ecotourism with this lovely team and you!! :,)

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October 14, 2022 at 7:39 pm

I hope so too Suzai. Looking forward to going back again sooner than later. :D

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January 20, 2023 at 10:24 pm

great information, solo traveller, planning a borneo trip either this may or in september 2023, coming in from KUL to sandakan, enjoying/sightseeing sandakan and sights around, presently trying to come up with an itinerary, trying to find out best program, and a good driver/guide. then continuing to KK by plane.

January 21, 2023 at 1:55 am

Thanks, hope it helps. Have you considered KK first? That was actually my first Sabah experience and in hindsight I think it was a good introduction for me. I was also alone, but was pretty happy with the things I did get to see and do in the 5 days I was there. Tourism Sabah also has an office there and they can hook you up with recommended licensed guides or drivers that are registered with them. You will be able to base out of KK as well as Sandakan City and can actually use GRAB taxi’s to get to many places near the cities.

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Borneo Holidays | Scuba diving, Snorkelling and Land Tours

Kinabatangan River Cruise | Half Day | Sabah, Borneo

If you are short on time during your holiday and really want to have the chance to see some of the wildlife Borneo is famous for, then the Kinabatangan River Half-Day Trip is an ideal choice. During this trip you’ll join a late afternoon river cruise along the famous Kinabatangan River in search of wildlife along the river banks, followed by dinner at a Lodge located along the Kinabatangan River. Short & sweet!

Note – The price shown above is for 1 person. Simply add the number of persons wishing to book. Choose a date and hit the Check Availability button.

Prices are valid until 31st March 2025 (NLK07).

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Kinabatangan River Cruise – Half Day Tour in Sabah, Borneo

A river cruise along the Kinabatangan River is typically in the ‘top 5’ for most tourists coming on holiday to Sabah, Borneo. The Kinabatangan River offers a relatively easily accessible, and affordable, option for viewing wildlife along the banks the river and in the rainforest fringing the river banks.

Most visitors going to the Kinabatangan River will join a 2D1N or 3D2N Kinabatangan River Cruise Trip as they offer more river cruise activities and, therefore, increased opportunities for seeing wildlife. If you are short on time during your action-packed holiday and only have an afternoon and evening free then this half-day trip is an ideal choice for you. During this trip, you will join a late afternoon river cruise down the Kinabatangan River . Kinabatangan River Cruise , Sabah, Borneo is famous for its astounding multiplicity of wildlife creatures. As well as being home to several species of primates the river is home to underwater inhabitants, crocodiles. From bird watching to seeing snake coiled up on a branch overhanging the river, this half-day river cruise adventure is a match made in heaven for wildlife and nature enthusiasts who are short on time in Sandakan.

Prepare to be amazed on your Kinabatangan River Cruise Half-Day Tour

If you want more wildlife encounters during your holiday in Borneo, and have an extra day available, then you should consider the 2D1N Kinabatangan River Trip as an ideal alternative and join to river cruises and a visit to Sepilok Orangutan Sanctuary.

Trip Itinerary – Kinabatangan River Cruise Half-Day Tour

10:45hrs – 11:00hrs: For those staying in hotels in Sandakan, you will be collected for your tour. You will then be transferred to the Sepilok area.

11:30hrs -11:50hrs: Customers staying in Resort / Lodges near Sepilok will be collected for the Kinabatangan River Cruise Half-Day Trip.

11:50hrs – 12:30hrs: You will stop at Mango Garden Restaurant at Nature Lodge Sepilok, where you will have a chance to have lunch (lunch is included for new bookings from 8th August 2018) and have a toilet break. If you do not want to have lunch, you can relax in the seated area in the Lodge’s large, open reception area.

12:30hrs: You will then be transferred by minibus to Kinabatangan Nature Lodge, which is located on the banks of the Kinabatangan River in the Kinabatangan Wildlife Sanctuary, a ~ 2.5-hour journey (including stop). On the way, you will make a brief stop, typically at Kota Kinabatangan, the nearest town from Nature Lodge Kinabatangan, to refresh (toilet stop plus cafe facilities available). During the journey, you will pass by small towns, oil palm plantations and local villages. Most of the villagers are the Orang Sungei (derived from the Malay words “the river people”). Their main source of living income is fishing, and, in times of low harvest, they build boats. Some of the locals work on the oil palm plantations. During the harvesting season in Gomantong cave, they work as harvesters for the Swiftlet bird’s nest.

~14:45hrs – 15:00hrs (subject to traffic): Arrive at Kg. Bilit and take a short boat ride across the Kinabatangan River to the Lodge, the starting point for your late afternoon Kinabatangan River Cruise. Your Nature Guide will provide a wildlife & conservation briefing in advance of your river cruise (if you arrive at the Lodge after 3:30 pm this briefing will happen after the Kinabatangan River cruise. After the briefing, you can relax in the Lodge’s restaurant area (free flow water, coffee and tea available for free) before your Kinabatangan River cruise starts.

16:00hrs: You will join your late afternoon Kinabatangan River cruise in search of wildlife along the Kinabatangan River (for ~ 2 hours). Life jackets will be provided for your river cruise. The Kinabatangan River is home to at least six different species of primates, including the Proboscis Monkey, Leaf Monkey, Long and Short-Tailed Macaques, Gibbons and even the Orangutan. During certain times of the year, you will also catch the Borneo Pygmy Elephants at the riverbank. There will also be plenty of opportunities to see birdlife such as the White Egret, Oriental Darter, Rhinoceros Hornbills and the Buffey Fish Owl.

18:00hrs: Around 6 pm you will return back to the Kinabatangan Nature Lodge. It’s then time for dinner at the Lodge’s restaurant, set amidst the secondary forest. After dinner, there will be a brief presentation on the wildlife in the Kinabatangan area and also the conservation programme was undertaken by Nature Lodge Kinabatangan. You will have the opportunity to contribute to the Voluntary Conservation Levy-VCL (RM20.00), which was initiated by WWF Malaysia and supported by the Kinabatangan-corridor of Life Tourism Association (KiTA), which goes towards supporting conservation efforts in the area.

20:00hrs: Start your transfer back to your hotel in Sandakan city. The estimated time of return to Sandakan city is 22:00 hours.

Amazing elephants of Kinabatangan River banks

Trip Pre-requisites – Kinabatangan River Cruise Half-Day Tour

The trip is open to all. Minimum 2 persons per booking.

Trip Inclusions

  • Return transfer from Sandakan or Sepilok area to Kinabatangan Nature Lodge (by road).
  • Return short boat transfer from Kg. Bilit to the Kinabatangan Lodge.
  • 1 x late afternoon Kinabatangan river cruise. The Kinabatangan River cruise included with this trip will travel as far upstream as ~7km to Pontian Point and downstream, a maximum of ~ 10 km to Tenegang Besar Point.
  • Meal: Lunch (for new bookings from 8th August 2018), Dinner.
  • Refreshments: free flow water, coffee and tea in the restaurant at the Kinabatangan Lodge.
  • Guiding by a licensed Nature Guide (English speaking).
  • 0% Sales and service Tax on the tour price as applicable from 6th May 2019.

Trip Exclusions

  • Personal spend
  • Other meals not stated. Alcoholic or soft drinks at the Lodge.
  • Single supplement if you book this trip on your own (and no other customers are booked on the same trip).

The Kinabatangan River Cruise trip price is based on a shared trip basis – surcharges are applicable if you would like a private boat for the river cruise or private land transfer via minibus.

Recommended Packing List For The Trip – Kinabatangan River Cruise Trip

Comfortable clothing for a tropical climate, binoculars for viewing wildlife, insect repellent, raincoat, hat, sunscreen, and sunglasses. Please take your passport with you on this trip – your passports will be checked at the Kinabatangan Lodge.

If weather, or other factors (e.g. landslide), makes an activity unsafe, the Lodge will adapt the trip itinerary for safety reasons. There will be no refund if a trip itinerary needs to be adapted on the day due to safety reasons.

The Kinabatangan River Cruise half-day trip price is valid for trips taken up to 31st March 2024.

3 reviews for Kinabatangan River Cruise | Half Day | Sabah, Borneo

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Graeme King – 12/03/2019

Myself, wife and son have recently completed a Kinabatangan River tour and feel compelled to write to confirm what an exceptional experience the whole event turned out to be. Our driver Alan was prompt and very courteous picking us up from the Sheraton hotel in Sandacan and taking us to the lodge for lunch (which was excellent) and the return drive late on in the evening. He was exceptional.

The trip to the river jetty was a little arduous with at times poor road conditions and was hard driving but Alan was an accomplished driver and he remained very courteous throughout the 2 hour journey and felt safe with him

On reaching the River we were impressed with the staff on the lodge side if the river who made us feel very welcome. After a brief tour of the facility we were taken to the River where our guide and ‘pilot was Ramsan. There were a number of competing boats on the river at the time but Ramsan seemed to have an added insight into where the best spotting places were and boy did we see some wildlife. We had the right guy here! When we returned we were treated to another cracking meal prior to departure back to the hotel.

Ordinarily I do not write tour reviews however the experience which we had on our river trip on the day was such that I just had to give praise to those guys that made it such a great day for us.

Jillian Hannah – 18/07/2018

We very much enjoyed our trip, thank you very much. It was the perfect trip for a flying visit, as we’re already now into day 2 of our Hong Kong stop. The half day trip was perfect for us although I’d hope to do a couple of nights next time we’re in Borneo!

We were overjoyed to see the wildlife that we did. Our guide Beatrice was lovely and personable, and tried hard to find every type of wildlife possible for us.

The pick up and drop off were right on time, it was all very smooth and easy. The meal was delicious and our dietary requirements were catered to well. The atmosphere was great at the lodge and we met lots of nice, friendly people.

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IrishAngel1 Rugby (TripAdvisor) – 11/06/2018

Kinabatangan River Half Day Trip – We did the Kinabatangan River Half Day Trip and it was very well organised. It took about 2 hours from Sandakan and we were picked up and dropped off at the hotel. Definitely bring a light raincoat & sunscreen with you as the weather is changeable on the river, Also a pair of binoculars is a must. You will be supplied a life jacket. Whilst on the river we were extremely lucky to see Proboscis Monkeys, Long and Short Tailed Macaques, Borneo Pygmy Elephants, Rhinoceros hornbill and even an Orangutan. It was a buffet for dinner and the food was good, the toilet facilities are undercover, reasonably clean, but are basic and expect a few spiders. Overall a nice trip but you will see over 2 hours of palm oil plantations ( this really does make you consider the use of palm oil at home) so I would bring a book or something to read.

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Kinabatangan River

As far as we know looking at local papers and government announcements There has never been any history of a security or criminal acts in the Kinabatangan area. This also includes Danum Valley, Tabin, Selingan island and Lankayan Island. However, there was a very small isolated incident on the outskirts of Sandakan.

The route to the Danum Valley Feild Centre Office in Lahad Datu is 124 kilometres and takes approximately 1 hour 54 minutes. Here is the normal route:

Take Jalan Sukau to AH150 for 32 min (36.8 km)

Follow AH150 to Lorong Fajar 1 in Lahad Datu for 1 hr 19 min (87.0 km)

Take Lorong Fajar 2 and Lorong Fajar 6 to Lorong Fajar 9 for 2 min (190 m)

The journey from Sandakan Airport (SDK) to Kinabatangan River (Bilit) is 156 kilometres and takes 1 hour 57 minutes approximately. The route it takes is:

Follow Jalan Airport and Jalan Lintas Labuk to Jalan Ranau – Sandakan/Jalan Sapi Nangoh/Route 22 for 8 min (5.1 km)

Follow Jalan Ranau – Sandakan/Jalan Sapi Nangoh/Route 22 and Jln Sandakan-Lahad Datu/AH150 to Kinabatangan for 1 hr 13 min (73.9 km)

Take Jalan Sukau to Jalan Kampung Bilit for 32 min (36.8 km)

Seeing an orangutan in its natural habitat is one of the top reasons for coming to Borneo. In Borneo, there are around 11,000 orangutans in Sabah and 1,600 in Sarawak. In Sabah, the top three places to see orangutans in the wild, along with other wildlife encounters on offer, are the Kinabatangan River, Danum Valley and Tabin Wildlife Reserve. 

Kinabatangan River, Sabah

the Kinabatangan River is one of the best wildlife-watching destinations in Southeast Asia. If you spend a few days here joining river cruises you will have a very good chance of seeing an orangutan in the wild. Wildlife watching on the Kinabatangan is done from boats making this location suitable for a range of ages and fitness levels. The Kinabatangan River is the easiest and most ‘comfortable’ option in Borneo for seeing Orangutans in the wild.

Danum Valley, Sabah

Danum Valley  is the best place to see wild orangutans in pristine, undisturbed forest. Sightings are not ‘guaranteed’ but there is a pretty good chance of seeing an orangutan if you spend a few days at Danum. You will join guided treks into the forest in search of wildlife (including orangutans). The trekking is relatively easy so you don’t need to be super fit. 

Tabin Wildlife Reserve, Sabah

Tabin Wildlife Reserve  is a large protected forest area covering 122,500 hectares. At Tabin, there are reasonable chances of seeing an orangutan by joining guided treks into the forest but they are not as high as Danum or the Kinabatangan. 

Alongside these ‘seeing orang-utans in the wild’ options, you also have the chance to see orangutans at the world-famous Sepilok Orangutan Rehabilitation Centre. At Sepilok Rehabilitation Centre illegally captured, orphaned and injured orangutans are taught to survive in the wild again. The Centre has two feeding sessions a day which is open to the public during which you can go to a raised platform to watch the orangutans come in from the surrounding forest to be fed.

Which one of these options is best for you for seeing orangutans in Borneo depends upon your budget, how to fit you are, how much time you have and the way you want to go in search of orangutan (by foot, boat or 4WD safari). Choose one, or more, of the above options to have the best chance of seeing an orangutan in Borneo.

The pygmy elephant (or Bornean pygmy elephant) are the smallest elephants in Asia and are endemic to Borneo. With only about 1,500 Bornean pygmy elephants left on Borneo, they are classified as critically endangered. For those visiting Borneo to see wildlife, the Bornean Pygmy elephant is likely to be in your top 5 of things to see. Encountering a herd of these elephants is unforgettable, and often once in a lifetime, experience. Whilst Borneo is big (it’s the third-largest island in the world) the pygmy elephant can only be found in a limited area in the forests of northeastern Borneo (with most found in Sabah, Borneo). The pygmy elephants migrate throughout the year, following a traditional corridor, and the top three places to see pygmy elephants in Sabah, Borneo are as follows:-

The Kinabatangan Wildlife Sanctuary is a narrow corridor of Protected lowland rainforest along the banks of the Kinabatangan River. Herds of the Bornean Pygmy elephant migrate through this sanctuary and when they are passing through they can be seen for a few days along the banks of the river as they forage for food. If you are lucky to be visiting the Kinabatangan River whilst they are in the area you will have the privilege of being able to watch the elephants during morning and afternoon river cruises. As with all wildlife encounters, sightings cannot be guaranteed but the more days you spend at a Lodge on the Kinabatangan River (and therefore more river cruises you join) the increased chance of seeing the rarer wildlife finds like the pygmy elephant. 

Danum Valley

Danum Valley , or Danum Valley Conservation Area, is one of the largest protected areas of primary rainforest in Sabah and offers a ‘safe-haven’ for the pygmy elephant and other wildlife found here. Elephants can often be seen along the access roads into Danum Valley, as well as roaming through the forest. There are two locations tourists can stay at in Danum Valley to see wildlife – Borneo Rainforest Lodge and Danum Valley Field Centre. At both locations, you are able to join guided treks into the forest, and guided night drives, in search of wildlife including the Bornean pygmy elephant.

Tabin Wildlife Reserve

Tabin Reserve is considered to be the largest wildlife reserve in Malaysia and covers an area of lowland forest of approximately 300,000 acres. It is home to the Bornean pygmy elephant as well as many other endangered wildlife species. Similar to Danum Valley, the access roads and guided treks into the forest provide the best opportunities to see pygmy elephants. There is one location tourists can stay at in Tabin Reserve –  Tabin Wildlife Resort .

At 560 kilometres long, the Kinabatangan River is Sabah’s longest river with the lower reaches of the River being home to a rich concentration, and diversity, of wildlife. This makes the Kinabatangan River one of the most popular places for tourists to visit during their holiday to Borneo. The simplest way to get to the Kinabatangan River is too join an organised tour. As the Kinabatangan River is located towards the east coast of Sabah the starting point for most tours to the River is from Sandakan (Sandakan Airport or from a hotel in Sandakan). 

How do you get to Sandakan?

Sandakan is a middle-sized city located on the east coast of Sabah and well connected to Kota Kinabalu and Kuala Lumpur. The main ways to travel to Sandakan from within Sabah are by plane, by public bus or by private transport.

Internal flights operate daily from Kota Kinabalu (BKI) and Tawau to Sandakan Airport. Air Asia and Malaysia Airlines operate daily flights from these airports to Sandakan. You can also fly direct from Kuala Lumpur Airport (KUL) to Sandakan Airport on a daily basis. Flying to Sandakan is an easy, quick option and if flights are booked well in advance you can typically pick up low price tickets with the airlines.

By public bus

A slightly cheaper option than flying is to catch a public bus to Sandakan Bus Station. You can catch a public bus from bus stations in Kota Kinabalu, Semporna or Tawau to Sandakan. The most popular bus route is from Kota Kinabalu to Sandakan. In Kota Kinabalu, you will need to go to the northern bus terminal (located in Inanam). There are several buses here going to Sandakan on a daily basis. We’d suggest you try and catch the first buses to depart in the morning as it’s a long journey to Sandakan bus station (a ~ 6 – 7 hour journey). 

By private transport 

This includes hiring a car to drive to Sandakan, using a local taxi or via an organised private coach transfer. 

How do I get to the Kinabatangan River Independently?

For independent travellers wanting to arrange their own way to the Kinabatangan River, there aren’t any direct public transport services to the two main villages on the river which provide access to Lodges on the Kinabatangan River – Bilit & Sukau. You would need to use local bus service and ask to be dropped off at Sukau Junction, followed by catching a transfer with a local van from Sukau Junction to either Bilit or Sukau (a ~ 45km journey). For this option, you still need to have booked a stay at a Lodge near the Kinabatangan River and arranged a transfer with the Lodge from your drop off point. This option may be a cheaper alternative to an organised tour but is a lot more hard work and involves more time for the amount you may save.   

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Dive Into Malaysia

Kinabatangan River Cruise: Best Tours And Everything You Need To Know

Heading to Sabah and looking for amazing experiences? Fantastic! A Kinabatangan river cruise is a great way to explore and appreciate this part of the world.

A Kinabatangan cruise takes you along the Kinabatangan River (or Sungai Kinabatangan in Malay). This river is Sabah’s longest at 560 kilometres and starts in Borneo’s interior before snaking its way to the sea. Its chocolate coloured water is surrounded by forest which wildlife call home.

Kinabatangan River

Sadly, the stretches of forest that line the river are getting smaller and smaller as palm oil plantations grow and grow. However, the upside of this is that it makes it easier to spot wildlife along this river than in most other places.

There are lodges scattered along the river and many Kinabatangan river tours to choose from as a cruise here is a popular option. And for good reason. It’s a great way to see wildlife in their natural habitat in a very easy and accessible way. Plus, there’s some great lodges! This is one of my personal favourite Sabah experiences!

However, there is a lot of choice which can make it confusing. Below, I walk you through everything you need to know to have your perfect Kinabatangan river tour whether you are looking for a Kinabatangan river cruise day trip or a multi-night option. You can easily compare all the options and make up your own mind.

I also share a video walk through from my personal experience of a two day/one night Kinabatangan package which shows you what to expect on your river cruises.

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Why Book A Kinabatangan River Cruise?

As mentioned above, the banks of the Kinabatangan River and the river itself is home to a lot of wildlife. This makes a Kinabatangan tour perfect for any nature lover or anyone who wants to see everything Sabah has to offer.

It’s the one place in Sabah where you can see ten primates including orangutans, Bornean gibbon, macaques, proboscis monkeys and tarsiers. There’s also monitor lizards, crocodiles, wild boars and Borneo pygmy elephants. It’s amazing.

Kinabatangan River Cruise Orangutan spotting

Small groups of mammals can be seen year round and it’s also a fantastic place for bird watchers. You can see all varieties of Borneo’s hornbills, pittas, kingfishers and more.

The good news is that this is all reasonably accessible too. It’s a couple of hours drive from Sandakan or Sepilok to the lodges where your river cruise Kinabatangan will start. I found everything well organised and easy (plus, very enjoyable!).

However, this isn’t an activity where you can just show up. For one, it’s impossible to get to one of the Sungai Kinabatangan river cruise options by public transport. You can take a private taxi, but it’s easier and cheaper to join a tour that will take you there.

You’ll also want to already be booked on a boat before you arrive which is why booking one of the Kinabatangan tours is your only real option.

Compare All The Best Kinabatangan River Tours

Here’s a quick comparison of all of your Kinabatangan river cruise Borneo options.

You can read more about each of these options below. All details are correct at time of publishing but may change before you visit so check before booking that your preferred option has everything you want.

What You Need To Know About A Kinabatangan River Tour

The cruises leave twice a day in the early morning and late afternoon as these are the best wildlife spotting times. There are also night options. When I visited, I had a morning cruise at 6am – my favourite as the air was so still and relatively cool – and 4pm.

At different times of the day, you’re likely to see different animals, so ideally, you want to do all of them. This is why booking at least one night at a lodge to go at these different times is worthwhile if you can spare the time.

Crocodile at Kinabatangan River

Longer is even better. The more days you are there, the more wildlife and better variety you’ll be able to spot.

Otherwise, it is possible to do a Kinabatangan river cruise day trip from Sandakan. I only recommend this if you really can’t spare any longer.

Cruises don’t necessarily stay just on the Kinabatangan River, you may visit its tributaries as well.

Lodges should include the twice-daily river cruises in their prices. Everyone knows you are here to do these cruises. Night cruises, walks and other activities may be extra or they may be included so make sure you read any details carefully.

Take binoculars, a great camera, a poncho or rain jacket and a torch or headlamp for night exploration. Good hiking shoes, a hat, sunscreen and mosquito repellent are essential too.

If you are staying overnight, bring cash (there are no ATMs). It can also be cool in the evenings so a longer shirt is a good idea. I recommend taking some snacks as well as this is a remote area, and there are limited options for food. Don’t expect good wifi or for your phone to work, although my phone worked with Digi at the Borneo Natural Sukau Bilit Resort.

This area can flood in the rainy season (October to March) which can stop tours from lodges affected. Otherwise, river tours run year round.

You can also book a Kinabatangan river cruise package that includes other activities, like exploring Sepilok.

If you want to know more about what to expect when visiting Kinabatangan River, find our full guide here.

Proboscis monkey spotted during a Kinabatangan river cruise

Kinabatangan River Cruise Day Trip

Day trips visit Kinabatangan River for just one cruise which limits your chances to see a range of wildlife. If possible, I recommend you stay overnight. However, if you are short on time, here are your best Kinabatangan river cruise 1 day options…

Borneo Kinabatangan River Cruise Day Trip

If you simply want to get to Kinabatangan River and do a cruise and then return to the Sandakan/Sepilok area, this is your tour!

You’ll be picked up from your hotel from 12 – 1:15pm and driven to Kinabatangan River for your 4pm cruise. On arrival at the river, you’ll have a refreshment as you wait for the cruise to start with your local guide.

The cruises goes for about two hours and then you’ll have dinner (included) before you make the 2-3 hour drive back to your hotel in the Sandakan area.

Click here to see the latest prices and availability.

Time for a boat cruise! Jetty at Borneo Natural Sukau Bilit Resort

Private Full Day Gomantong Cave and Kinabatangan River Cruise

On this private tour, you’ll be picked up around 11am and taken to a local restaurant for an included lunch.

On the way to Kinabatangan River, you’ll visit Gomantong Cave. This is about an hour and a half from Sandakan. Gomantong Cave is famous for its edible bird’s nests which are used in Chinese cooking. It’s also home to many bats. Thanks to dwindling bird populations, entry to this cave is now restricted so it’s not always possible to visit.

After exploring Gomantong Cave, you venture on the Kinabatangan River for the 4pm cruise to spot wildlife and enjoy your surrounds. After it finishes around 6pm, you can buy dinner at the lodge before the 2-3 hour journey back to Sandakan.

Kinabatangan River Cruise 2D1N Options

An overnight option is the best way to get to see the river at different times of day, and I recommend you do one of these packages if possible.

Borneo Wildlife Tour 2 Days 1 Night

This Kinabatangan river tour package is perfect for exploring what this area has to offer in a small-group and remote setting.

You’ll stay at Tanjung Bulat Jungle Camp which is owned and operated by the local tribe and proceeds help support local community projects. It’s in a more remote location so you are unlikely to be around other river boats when you go on your tour. This is helped by the fact that only 12 people can stay here at any one time.

This package includes transfers from the Sandakan area, dinner, breakfast and morning, afternoon and night cruises meaning you’ll get the best chance to spot different types of wildlife.

Pick up time is on day one around 12pm. You’ll have lunch on the way at a local restaurant (your cost) and will arrive at the lodge in time for the 4:30pm river cruise. This cruise goes for an hour and a half.

Dinner is included at 7pm before a one hour night cruise at 8pm. The generator for this accommodation is only on from 6pm – 10pm.

The next morning, you’ll be up early for the 6:30am one hour cruise before the included breakfast at 8am. At 9am, you’ll say goodbye and head back to the Sandakan area.

They also have a 3 night option which you can find here.

Sunrise at Kinabatangan River

2D1N Tour with Kinabatangan River Cruise

This is a similar overnight option with stays at either Nature Lodge Kinabatangan or Sukau BackPackers B&B depending on whether you want your own room or budget dorm accommodation.

While not as remote as Tanjung Bulat Jungle Camp, you’ll still feel like you have got away from it all. No matter which accommodation option you pick, your Kinabatangan river tour price includes transfers, a river cruise, and a breakfast, lunch and dinner. You also get to visit some attractions in the Sepilok/Sandakan area.

You’ll be picked up around 8am from the airport or your hotel. The first stop is at the famous Sepilok Orangutan Rehabilitation Centre where you’ll get to view and learn more about orangutans.

You’ll then have an included lunch at a local restaurant before driving on to your Kinabatangan lodge.

At 4pm, it’s time for your river cruise to spot wildlife before the included dinner.

Gomangton Cave Sandakan Borneo

On the second day, you’ll have your included breakfast then depart Kinabatangan for Gomantong Cave (if it’s open). After exploring this huge cave, which is home to swiftlets and bats, it’s back to Sandakan for a city tour visiting historic buildings like St Michaels Church, a Buddhist temple and Sim-Sim Water Village.

Lunch is included at English Tea House that overlooks the Sulu Sea.

You’ll be dropped off at the airport or your hotel.

The big drawback of this tour is that it only includes one river tour. Unless you are short on time so need to use these two days to also visit Sepilok and Sandakan, I would pick the tour above instead so you get the three cruises.

2D1N Package with Borneo Natural Sukau Bilit Resort

Borneo Natural Sukau Bilit Resort Balcony in my deluxe room

This option allows you to book your tour direct with the accommodation, Borneo Natural Sukau Bilit Resort. The great part about doing it this way is you can stay as many nights as you like.

Borneo Natural Sukau Bilit Resort has many room options so you can save money by staying in a dorm or have the ultimate experience of staying in one of these fabulous deluxe rooms as pictured above.

The resort is well organised with set packages depending on how long you stay. Meals are included and food is good and filling.

In just one night, you can do both an afternoon and morning cruise as well as a night walk.

Transfers from the Sandakan area are also included.

Click here to see the latest options and prices.

Kinabatangan River Cruise 3D2N Options

A longer Kinabatangan tour package is perfect for when you have the time, and you want to spot as much wildlife as possible. The cruises are the same as the one night options, but you get more opportunities over multiple days to see varied wildlife.

3D2N Discover Kinabatangan River 

This tour package includes two nights at the Bilit Adventure Lodge, all meals and river tours twice a day, two hikes and transfers to and from the Sandakan area.

Bilit Adventure Lodge is one of the better lodges in the area, and you’ll have a well presented room that’s comfortable in a scenic location.

You’ll depart Sandakan around 10:30am with a pick-up from the airport or your hotel. Along the way, you’ll stop at a local restaurant for lunch. On arrival at Bilit Adventure Lodge, you’ll have a quick briefing by a nature guide and afternoon tea before your 4pm river cruise.

After the cruise, the included dinner is served and then you’ll have a night walk.

The next morning, you’ll be up early for your morning cruise. Today, you’ll have all three meals and afternoon tea included at your lodge as well as a guided jungle walk about the vegetation in this area and your afternoon cruise.

Kinabatangan River cruise

The final morning, you’ll have breakfast before your transfer back to the Sandakan area.

This is a great option for exploring Kinabatangan River.

3D2N Package with Borneo Natural Sukau Bilit Resort

Borneo Natural Sukau Bilit Resort restaurant area

As above, this option allows you to book your tour direct with the accommodation, Borneo Natural Sukau Bilit Resort. You can read my full review of this resort here.

There are many room options so you can save money by staying in a dorm or stay in a villa by the water.

The resort is well organised with set packages depending on how long you stay.

Packages include morning and afternoon cruises, walks and all meals. You can choose how long you stay and enjoy this area.

4D3N Sepilok Wildlife Tour with Kinabatangan River Cruise

This is a perfect package if you want to explore Kinabatangan River and Sepilok with everything included. It’s all nice and easy!

On this package, your tour starts with a pick up around 8:30am at your hotel in the Sandakan area or the airport. You’ll visit Sepilok Orangutan Rehabilitation Center and the Bornean Sun Bear Conservation Center before checking in at the Sepilok Jungle Resort and having lunch.

Sepilok Orangutan Rehabilitation Centre

Next up is a guided walk at the Rainforest Discovery Center before dinner.

The next day, you’ll have breakfast and then a free morning until lunch. After lunch, you leave for Bilit Adventure Lodge, one of the best accommodation options around Kinabatangan.

You’ll have a short introduction by a nature guide before afternoon refreshments. This afternoon, you’ll do your first river cruise. It’s then dinner time. You can choose to do a night walk for an extra RM10 which can be arranged locally. You can also choose to do a tree planting activity for RM10 per tree.

The next day, it’s a 5:30am start for your morning cruise before returning for breakfast. You’ll have a guided walk to learn about the vegetation of the area before lunch. Your afternoon will be relaxing until your afternoon river cruise. Dinner is served and then you can choose to do a night walk for an extra fee.

On day four, you’ll have breakfast before checking out and being driven back to the Sandakan area. You can be dropped off at your hotel or the airport.

Kinabatangan River 2D1N Video Walk Through

To get an even better idea of what you’ll do and what to expect at the Kinabatangan River, watch our full video walk through below of a typical 2 day/1 night stay.

It shows you everything from the journey here to inside a resort to the animals we saw on the cruises.

It was filmed at the Borneo Natural Sukau Bilit Resort. You can find our full review of this resort here.

Final Words

I hope you have found this guide to Kinabatangan River cruises useful and you now know whether a cruise here is right for you, what to expect and are ready to book your perfect experience.

I very much enjoyed my Kinabatangan experience. I can’t recommend enough that you stay for two or three nights and experience cruises at different times of the day and have the best chance of spotting wildlife like the pygmy elephants. Experiences like this are exactly why you come to Borneo!

Want more help planning your trip? Find our full guide to Kinabatangan River here and full travel guide to Sandakan here , all the top Sandakan tours here and all our guides to more remote Sabah experiences here.

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By Sharon Gourlay

Sharon is a certified Malaysia travel expert and can't get enough of travelling and talking about Malaysia since she first visited 21 years ago. She travels around Malaysia multiple times a year both alone and with her kids. She used to call Penang home and especially loves this food paradise. Sharon also has a Bachelor of Arts in Asian Studies, a Certificate III in International Travel Sales and has been certified by Tourism Malaysia as a Malaysia Travel Expert. Through this site, she'll help you have the perfect trip to this amazing destination.

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Kinabatangan River

Kinabatangan River

The Kinabatangan River (Sungai Kinabatangan) is located in Sabah (Borneo), eastern Malaysia. It is the second longest river in Malaysia, with a length of 560 kilometers from its headwaters in the mountains of southwest Sabah, to its outlet at the Sulu Sea, east of Sandakan.

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Sandakan Hotspot Tours & Travel Sdn. Bhd. (945867-P) KPL/LN 6573 1st Floor, Lot 41, HS4, Sandakan Habour Square, Sandakan, Sabah, Malaysia. Contact No.: +6089-210213 Mobile No.: +6012-866 9213 Mobile No.: +6019-853 7456 (Whatsapp) Matta member: MA3962

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3D2N Kinabatangan River Wildlife Tour

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Got a Question?

Do not hesitate to give us a call. We are an expert team and we are happy to talk to you.

+6 088 738 788

[email protected]

  • Tour Code : BC-SO-K3
  • Availability : Everyday
  • Duration : 3D2N
  • Departure Time : 11.45 am onwards
  • Drop Off : Sandakan City
  • Minimum Age : No Limit
  • Minimum Pax : 1 Person
  • Pick Up : Wisma Khoo/Sabah Hotel/Airport/Sepilok

Kinabatangan wildlife safaris stay

WHY CHOOSE US?

1. VALUE FOR MONEY

Best Price, no hidden fees! (Our prices are always affordable)

2. WE PRACTICE SUSTAINABLE TOURISM

Contribute to the local community! (We hire local experts and promote local products)

All start time are estimated and for reference purposes only. Actual timing will be provided prior to your departure.

3D2N KINABATANGAN RIVER WILDLIFE TOUR

Validity: 1 Jan 2023 – 31 Dec 2023 (MYR/Pax For All Market)

Optional add on tour (myr/pax).

CHILD RATE:

1) Child rate: Applied to a child aged 2 – 11 years old.  50% of tour fee will be charged.

2) Aged 12 years old and above considered as adults, and adult rate will be applied.

3) Infant below 2 years old is Free of Charge.

SINGLE SUPPLEMENT:

1) Add on  RM200 per pax  on top of the package rate stated above.

1) Tour is based on Seat-in Coach Basis and subject to weather conditions.

2) There are four standard pick-up points: Wisma Khoo in Sandakan city, Sabah Hotel, Sandakan Airport, and Sepilok area only. Pick-up times vary depending on the individual pick-up location. Please inform us of your preferred pick-up point at least 1 day before tour departure.

3) Federal Tourism and Culture Ministry of Malaysia has imposed a Malaysian Tourism Tax (TTX) effective from September 2017. Foreign tourists are required to pay a flat rate of MYR 10 per room per night  regardless of hotel star level. The tax will be collected from every check-in guest directly at the resort which is not included in the package.

4) All rate are quoted in Ringgit Malaysia & Nett  (No hidden cost unless otherwise stated)

5) All passports and visas must be valid at least 06 months  from the date of entry into the country destination

PACKAGE DETAILS

Return Land Transfer

  • Hotel > Borneo Natural Sukau Bilit Resort > Hotel/Airport

Two Nights Accommodation

  • At Borneo Natural Sukau Bilit Resort (On twin sharing basis)

River Cruise

  • Entitled for FOUR (4) Scheduled river cruise (Day1 > Afternoon cruise, Day 2 > Morning & afternoon cruise, Day 3 > Morning cruise)

Full Board Meal Free Flow Coffee and Tea In-house Guide

Air Fare Travel Insurance Camera Fees (If any) Guided Night Walk (Upon request with RM30/pax) Malaysian Tourism Tax (TTX) Others not stated

Insect Repellant Sun Block Lotion Binocular Camera Headlamp / Torch Light Leech Sock Sandal Hat & Raincoat

**Wear comfortable light cotton casual attire with short/long pants is recommended

After commencement of tour service there will be no refund in part or full, will be made for unused service/activity.

Full passport/IC number, name, nationality, gender, confirmed flight details and pick up point are required.

Sightings of wildlife animals are not guaranteed.

Tour activities are subject to weather conditions, and may be re-organised to best meet operational situations.

The safe keeping of your personal belongings are at your own responsibility.

We strongly recommend that all guests take up adequate travel insurance that covers accident, loss caused by cancellations, loss of baggage, personal property, medical expenses, medical evacuation and weather disruption that caused any acitivity cancellations.

Borneo Calling shall be relieved of all its obligation and liabilities in the event and to the extent of its performance of this agreement is delay or prevented in whole or in part by any cause beyond its control, including without limiting to, act of God, change of laws, war, riot, strikes civil unrest, fire, flood, earthquake or explosion, sale, essential construction, to the property, epidemics as confirmed by the government of Malaysia or/and act of terrorism.

SANDAKAN > KINABATANGAN RIVER

Pick up from Sandakan city and proceed to Kinabatangan River . A trip up the river at dawn or dusk is the best opportunity to see Borneo’s wildlife.  The journey will take approximately 2-3 hours drive and passing through rustic countryside. Upon arrival at the resort, you will be greeted by the resort’s crew and refreshment will be served followed by briefing featuring the overview of the resort routes & safety. Check in to your room.

At 1600 hrs, embark on the adventure of your life to spot the elusive Proboscis Monkey, Orang Utan, Silver-Leaf Monkeys, Macaques, Crocodile, birds, and many more. Enjoy cruising along the mighty Kinabatangan River and be mesmerized by a myriad of wildlife along the riverbank.

You might even sight the world smallest elephant – Borneo Pygmy Elephant in search of food at the riverbank during certain seasons. Apart from that, all the eight species of hornbill found in Borneo make this river their home too! When the sun goes down, its time for dinner.

After dinner Overnight at Borneo Natural Sukau Bilit Resort. (Option night walk with RM30/pax top up upon request & subject to weather conditions) Geared with your headlamp or torchlight, taking uncertain steps into the dark jungle trail to look for interesting insects, frogs, sleeping birds, and nocturnal wildlife that may turn up after dark. Enter a world inhabited by the shy night creatures before the day end. 

KINABATANGAN RIVER

Wake-up to the calls of gibbons and forest birds. Cruise along Kinabatangan River to search for birds and wildlife. After your morning exploration, return to the lodge, freshen up and enjoy your breakfast. Then, en-route one hour jungle trekking within the resort area. Return to the resort for lunch. Free at own leisure.

Late afternoon, set off for another river adventure. Cruise along Sabah’s longest river to experience one of the most important and distinct habitats in Borneo’s rainforest before returning to the resort for dinner. After dinner Overnight at Borneo Natural Sukau Bilit Resort. (Option night walk with RM30/pax top up upon request & subject to weather conditions) Geared with your headlamp or torchlight, taking uncertain steps into the dark jungle trail to look for interesting insects, frogs, sleeping birds, and nocturnal wildlife that may turn up after dark. Enter a world inhabited by the shy night creatures before the day end. 

KINABATANGAN RIVER > SANDAKAN

Rise early for another early morning cruise along Kinabatangan River to observe more wildlife and birds. Return to the resort for breakfast. Check out and depart at 8am for your return journey to back to Sandakan city (approximately 3 hours land transfer).

For “ADD ON” Tour:

Depart from the resort and proceed to  Gomatong Cave . Gomantong Cave is a limestone outcrop, consists of two cave complexes – Simud Hitam (Black Cave) soaring up to 90 meters high and the more accessible of the two, and Simud Putih (White Cave), where the more valuable nests are found. Black Cave is a five- minute walk from the registration centre. A well-maintained boardwalk gives you easy access to do some exploring.

The resident creatures of the caves include thousands of swiftlets and bats. Apart from that, birds such as serpent eagles, bat hawks, and kingfishers can be seen as well. If you’re lucky enough, you might even spot an orangutan or two!

TOUR DETAILS

Scheduled Transfer

  • Schedule transfer only applicable on tour arrival and departure date, based on seat-in coach basis.
  • Package prices are inclusive of land transfer on the check-in and check-out day only. Additional fees will be charged for unscheduled transfer which is not included in the package.

Meal Timing

Check in & check out.

ABOUT KINABATANGAN RIVER

Kinabatangan River

Kinabatangan River , Sabah’s longest river, flowing 560km from the mountainous interior to the Sulu Sea, is one of the most exciting and accessible places to explore the rich biodiversity of  Sabah , Borneo. Along its lower reaches, where the river winds as sinuously as a snake across the flatland, it rises and spills over its bank every monsoon season to create Sabah greatest freshwater floodplain.

The river offers an incredible opportunity to see a large range of wildlife including  Proboscis Monkey   (an endemic species to the island of Borneo), the Orang Utan,   Borneo Pygmy Elephant , crocodiles, otters, and countless rare and beautiful birds.

ACCOMMODATION

BORNEO NATURAL SUKAU BILIT RESORT

The resort is approximately 2.5 hours drive from Sandakan and has the most enviable location. Comprises 6 types of room and each of them is hewn and hand-crafted by local tradesman using the Borneo Iron Wood – a rare timber tree native to the Borneo and are exquisitely designed and decorated with local materials to blend harmoniously into the natural landscape of the rainforest.

Nestled along the bank of the Kinabatangan River, the resort is surrounded by quaint local village that provides a unique “close to nature” experience with plenty of opportunities for river cruise, jungle trekking, stroll through traditional villages and chance to see the proboscis monkeys, the orang utan, pygmy elephants, the oriental darter, hornbills, kingfishers and many living in their natural habitat.

It is a heaven for nature lovers and for those who need to retreat into nature, to recharge and to escape to a different reality. With the unique and classic ethnic room designed resembling the typical and traditional village house, the resort rests on the 4ft wooden stilts rising within the nature forest with the cottages scattered among the ancient trees and linked by series of boardwalk with each room comes with its own balcony. It is truly a great escape to enjoy the sounds of nature at its finest. 

Borneo Natural Sukau Bilit Resort

river view resorts at Kinabatangan, Borneo

Types of Room At The Resort

sandakan kinabatangan tour

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LANKAYAN ISLAND DIVE RESORT PACKAGE

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Sandakan - Gomantong Cave & Kinabatangan River Cruise Tour

Tour highlights.

  • Explore the Intricate Cave System at Gomantong Caves
  • Witness the Valuable Swiftlet Bird's Nest
  • Ride on Kinabatangan River Cruise to Look For Borneo's Endemic Proboscis Monkeys
  • See More Wildlife Sightings Along the Kinabatangan River

Choose Your Activity

Select Package Option and Local Operator

≻ ≻ ≻ 1 Package Options

What's included, what's excluded.

Starting your adventure with this tour will see you on a journey to the Kinabatangan area, Sandakan 's prime location for a natural getaway with a spice of adventure. Explore Sabah's most extensive cave system, the Gomantong Caves, and watch bats and swiftlets in flight! If you want to challenge yourself, you can head on to Simud Putih and witness the swiftlets' bird's nest! Stay on the banks of the Kinabatangan River at the Sukau Bilit Rainforest Lodge and go on a river cruise to get a close up look of its many residents, including but not limited to the eagles, hornbills, wildboars, and the endemic Borneon pygmy elephants and proboscis monkeys.

What to Wear

  • Comfortable T-Shirt & pants
  • Comfortable walking shoes

What to Bring

  • Light raincoat
  • Insect repellent
  • Sunblock lotion

Important Notes

  • This tour package is based on join-in basis of shared guide and transportation. Private Guide or Tour is available upon request at a reasonable fee. Please inform us when making the bookings.
  • We do not guarantee wildlife sightings.
  • Departure time is approximate and may vary due to traffic condition and hotel distance. Kindly check with the operator as stated on the voucher should you need further assistance.
  • We reserve the right to alter routes, timetables, itineraries and accommodation should conditions beyond our control render it necessary.

Additional Information

  • Please make sure you are holding an air ticket to Sandakan.
  • If you are arriving at Sandakan Airport on the day of your tour, the guide will greet and pick you up from the airport with your name on a placard.
  • You will need to stay overnight in Sandakan after the tour has ended as there will be no flights flying out from Sandakan after 9pm. Thus, we suggest you to book your departure flight the day after the tour, if you are returning to Kota Kinabalu.
  • Before booking your flight ticket(s), always check with the airline schedules for the correct flight timings that are most suited to your needs.
  • Though it is never expected, tipping is always appreciated.

How to Make Booking

Follow these simple 3 steps action to instantly book this activity.

Select Travel Date

Choose Package Option

Select Local Operator

Need Assistance ?

Make use of Sabah Travel's complimentary service to plan your travel with us.

Booking Overview

You can now travel with any local operator of your choice.

Borneo Eco Tours Sdn. Bhd.

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Holiday Packages

Sukau Rainforest Lodge

  • Tabin Rainforest Lodge
  • Borneo Rainforest Lodge

Kinabatangan Wildlife Safari (Borneo Villa & by Boat)

Most popular tour 3d2n at the award winning sukau rainforest lodge..

from MYR 3,164 / person

Sepilok orang utan rehabilitation centre

  • Tour Highlight

Recommended Tours

  • Duration: 3D 2N
  • Booking Pax: Min. 2
  • Physical Level: Soft

Introduction

MOST POPULAR TOUR! 3D2N at the award winning Sukau Rainforest Lodge. Your tour starts the minute you embark on your journey by boat. Experience wildlife encounters as you enter the river of Kinabatangan. Truly the best wildlife experience in Kinabatangan you can get.

Key Highlights of this Tour

Travel by Speed Boat

Featuring Stays at

Sukau Rainforest Lodge

Sandakan - Sepilok - Sukau Rainforest Lodge (By Boat)

Our adventure begins as we pick you up from the Sandakan Airport or your hotel in Sandakan, then we’ll head straight to Sepilok Orangutan Rehabilitation Centre. There, you'll get to learn about the rehabilitation effort done at the centre through a short video screening. Make your way to the feeding platform to witness the feeding of orangutans and other monkeys around. You can also spend time observing the cheeky little younglings in an enclosed nursery area.

After lunch, embark on a 2.5 hour journey by speedboat up the Kinabatangan River to Sukau Rainforest Lodge.

Right after checking-in, go on board for a late afternoon cruise in search of Borneo's wildlife and birds. Return to the lodge to savor a scrumptious dinner at Melapi restaurant, followed by a slide presentation and interpretation by a naturalist guide.

Kinabatangan Wildlife Safari (Borneo Villa & by Boat) - Day 2

Rise and shine for the morning river cruise up the Kinabatangan River to Kelenanap oxbow lake to view more birds and wildlife. After breakfast, join in the nature walk along the lodge's Hornbill Boardwalk with the in-house naturalist. It will be free at leisure after lunch. In the afternoon, proceed for another river cruise to check off your wildlife sightings.

Kinabatangan Wildlife Safari (Borneo Villa & by Boat) - Day 3

Sukau Rainforest Lodge - Sandakan - Transfer out (by boat)

Have breakfast before leaving for Sandakan by speedboat. Once we reach Sandakan we’ll stop by for lunch.

For flights in the afternoon, we’ll proceed to the airport for the 1430hrs flight to Kota Kinabalu.

For those taking the evening flight, you'll have a chance to visit Rainforest Discovery Centre. Take a bird view of the centre from the canopy walk and hanging bridge, explore the botanical garden, home to various species of flora before leaving for the airport.

Price Remarks

  • Validity Rates are valid for travel by 31 March 2025.
  • Availability This tour runs every day. Prior booking required.
  • High Season Surcharge (March, July – August) MYR 300.00 per person at Sukau Rainforest Lodge
  • 25% OFF when sharing a room with ONE adult/parent.
  • 50% OFF when sharing a room with with TWO adults/parents.
  • This is a kid friendly tour, discount is applicable to children based on their birth year and following room sharing policy in certain property. Contact our consultant to know more.
  • Transfer Charges Additional charges per person applies for pick-up and drop-off outside Sandakan Airport or hotels in Sandakan Town area and pick up time may vary.
  • Bring Your Own Bottle Borneo Eco Tours is moving towards a single-use plastic free environment! So, please join our movement by bringing your own refillable water bottle during your time with us. Our vans and coaches are prepared with water containers so that you can refill your bottle anytime throughout the tour.

Explore Borneo Your Way!

Our Borneo Specialist can tailor this itinerary for you.

Notes [ Expand All ]

Tour includes.

  • Accommodation
  • Meals as specified
  • English speaking guide
  • This tour package rates include pick-up and drop-off from Sandakan Airport or hotels in Sandakan Town

Tour Excludes

  • Domestic airfare [Kota Kinabalu(BKI) - Sandakan(SDK) - Kota Kinabalu(BKI)]
  • Camera fee and items not mentioned
  • Tourism Tax (TTx) flat rate of RM10 per room per night.

Things to Bring

  • Personal toiletries
  • Torch light
  • Insect repellent
  • Drinking water bottle
  • Walking shoes

Additional Notes

  • Camera Fee at SOURC Note on Camera Use at Sepilok Orang Utan Rehabilitation Centre : For any camera with zoom lens from 100 to 400mm, video camera or other video recording equipment for personal use are chargeable at RM10.00 per unit . For any camera (fixed-lens - 400mm and above ) or any film-making equipment are chargeable at RM1,000.00 per unit . Mode of payment is cash only.
  • Travel light to Sukau Rainforest Lodge For the comfort and convenience of our guests, it is recommended to travel light by preparing an overnight bag for your stay in Sukau Rainforest Lodge. Complimentary storage in Sandakan will be provided for any extra luggage. (For guests departing & returning to Sandakan Only).
  • Night Cruise Optional River Night Cruise tour at Sukau Rainforest Lodge is highly recommended to all our guests (available with a small fee)
  • Double or Twin Bed Double or twin bed cannot be guaranteed and are subject to availability upon check in.

Kinabatangan Wildlife Safari (Overland)

Kinabatangan Wildlife Safari (Overland)

Spend 3D2N at the award winning Sukau Rainforest Lodge (SRL) for a chance to encounter the Borneo's ...

Discover our recommended tours in beautiful Borneo. Immerse yourself in nature, wildlife, and cultural wonders for an enchanting Bornean adventure that creates lifelong magical memories.

Kinabalu Park and Poring Hot Springs

Kinabalu Park and Poring Hot Springs

Explore mountain gardens and fascinating floras. Experience natural hot springs or trek up to the ...

Borneo Wildlife Safari

Borneo Wildlife Safari

The best 5D4N, featuring a combination of Sukau Rainforest Lodge and Tabin Rainforest Lodge to ...

OUR STORIES

Customer’s Review

Diana C

Absolutely 5 star service. I did one day trip to the sanctuarys in Sepilok, that Clare manage to organize for me at the last minute. The guide Farhan was fantastic, very knowledgeable and attentive. I had a great day that I will highly recommend.

show more >

Trip Advisor

Colin Tweddle

Excellent tour - the joy of seeing Orangutans I had a great day seeing Orangutans and the Rainforest Discovery Centre, and learned a lot about Sabah. Rahman was an enthusiastic and knowledgeable guide. Borneo Eco Tours was excellent with their communications to organize my tour.

Ivan L

Our family (with two boys) went on the 3D2N tour with Borneo Eco Tours and had the most enjoyable time. Our guide, Jonathan, was friendly and extremely knowledgeable and pointed out all the animals and plants to us up and down the Kinabatanganat River and its tributaries. We spotted the Big 5 minus the elephant and countless other interesting species. The Sukau Lodge itself was nice and the food was plentiful and delicious. We also visited the Sepilok Orangutan Sanctuary, Sun Bear Sanctuary and the Rainforest Discovery Centre. We highly recommend this tour.

Kate B

We had a fantastic experience with Vincent on our 4 day tour! The highlights were Turtle Island and experiencing egg laying and baby turtles being released, and all the amazing wildlife (particularly the Mumma and baby Orang Utan) we saw during the tour. Vincent was very knowledgeable (not in a boring way) and shared lots of fun facts about the flora and fauna of Borneo. Our 22 and 19 year old children enjoyed it just as much as we did. Highly recommend as a wonderful experience and family holiday.

stephen q

Very professional tour with excellent guide. Highly recommend to anyone looking to explore the city and popular sites.

Traveller1001Uk

Traveller1001Uk

Had an amazing experience with Borneo Eco Tours. Extremely good contact when booking. Very nice accommodation. Very well organised from beginning to end. The guides were all extremely knowledgeable and all the tours were fantastic. They specifically catered for my vegetarian wife with individually cooked meals each day. We saw all the Borneo ‘big 5’ in the first 24hrs - even elephants! The boats were noticeably quieter and cleaner than other resorts and had electric motors which helped us to see much more. Could not fault anything- completely amazing!

Erich G

Our trip was excellent. Jonathan is a perfect guide. He speaks english very well and knows a lot about the animals or plants we saw. His friendliness and competence made the trip a great experience and a great pleasure for us. Thank you very much!

Nicholas A

Amazing Safari. Seamless from start to finish. Great english speaking guides, perfect balance of lodges, lodges themselves were great. Everything was efficient and organized. No complaints. Would do again!

Cheryl

We booked 3 tours with Borneo Eco Tours before we left home and all 3 were flawless. BET is an established, well organised business and Audrey in the office had exceptional organisational skills and always responded promptly to my many emails. Sukau Rainforest Lodge. We booked the 2N3D Kinabatangan Wildlife Safari by boat to SRL. It is without doubt the best tour we have ever been on. The bus and boat drivers were professtional and all the staff at the lodge were friendly and approachable and went over and beyond to make our stay enjoyable. Jay, our guide, was knowledgeable, kind and thoughtful and his wildlife spotting was unbelievable. We saw 4 of the Borneo Big 5, only missing the Pygmy Elephant. We attended a presentation by Lee, the naturalist. He was informative and entertaining and I could have listened to him all day. Quad Biking in Kiulu. This was a fantastic day trip with Jo, our guide. He was friendly, informative and caring. We experienced the beautiful scenery of the Kiulu countryside and went off road into local villages. Along the way, you get to experience local life and the profits from the tour are given back to the local community. The quad biking is exciting and they cater for all abilities. Fun Boat Snorkelling Day Trip. Everyone on the boat was professional and caring, especially Bibi. Our guide, Ujang - apologies if I've got his name wrong - was excellent and took us to two sites where we snorkelled off the boat. We felt completely safe, the water was clear and the marine life that we saw was amazing: black tip reef shark, turtle, 3 sting rays, octopus, lionfish and many species of beautiful fish. BET's commitment to the environment, conservation, the lives of the local communities and their customer care is exceptional. They are a 5 star operation and we would unreservedly recommend them! THANK YOU ALL!

Seaside30626361827

Seaside30626361827

Borneo Eco Tours were amazing! Everything went smoothly without a hitch and everyone was polite and helpful. Sukau Rainforest Lodge was lovely with plenty of atmosphere set in the forest. The river cruises were interesting and informative.

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  • Tour Packages
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Sandakan - Gomantong Cave & Kinabatangan River Cruise

Sandakan - Gomantong Cave & Kinabatangan River Cruise Print

Sandakan - Gomantong Cave & Kinabatangan River Cruise - Amazing Borneo Tours

FROM MYR 520

Our price value guarantee.

Travel Period: 01 January 2024 till 31 December 2024

SPECIAL PROMO! Book now!

Gomantong Caves is temporarily unavailable until further notice, it will be replaced with Rainforest Discovery Centre.

Promotional Tour Rates: (No hidden or extra costs unless otherwise stated)

  • Rate Per Person is based on Join-In Tour Basis (shared guide & vehicle).
  • All rates displayed are quoted in Ringgit Malaysia (MYR) .
  • All rates are inclusive of 0% Goods and Services Tax (GST).
  • For big group discounts of 10 pax & above, please email  [email protected]  directly.

CHILD POLICY

  • Infant Below 3 Years Old :  FOC 
  • Child 3 - 11 Years Old :  50% Of Adult Rates When Accompanied By 2 Paying Adults

PRIVATE TOUR SERVICE

  •  Request for Private Tour at a reasonable fee (private guide & vehicle).

Tour highlights

  •  Gomantong Cave
  •  Kinabatangan River Cruise
  •  Wildlife discovery along Kinabatangan River
  •  Sukau Bilit Rainforest Lodge

Overview of Tour

The second longest river in Malaysia laced with the most varied wildlife in South East Asia. Enter the ancient water system running through pristine mangrove swamps and upland forests where the rare pygmy elephant, pot-bellied proboscis monkey, silver-tailed macaques roam free. Cruise on down along the Sukau-Kinabatangan river on a boat and witness plenty wild wonders, including the orang hutan, crocodiles, snakes and many bird species

Overview of Location

About Gomantong Caves : Concealed within an enormous limestone hill, The Gomantong Cave is Sabah’s most extensive cave systems, well-renowned for bats, swiflets and scattered with prized swiflets’ nest. There are two cave complexes - Simud Hitam (Black Cave) soaring up to 90 meters high and the more accessible of the two, and Simud Putih (White Cave), where the more valuable nests are found. Simud Hitam is a five- minute walk from the registration Centre. A well-maintained boardwalk gives you easy access to do some exploring or watch the skilled harvesters at work.

About Sukau Bilit Rainforest Lodge

Situated on the river bank of Lower Kinabatangan River, approximately 2 hours drive from Sandakan Town, the lodge is built on stilts from local hardwood materials and are beautifully designed to blend into nature giving a unique local native ambience in the midst of the tropical rainforest. A boardwalk connects the jetty, restaurant and all the chalets. It offers comfort and peaceful relaxation as well as a base for exploration of the incredible diversity of plant, mammal and bird life at the Kinabatangan region.

Birdlife is especially rich here including eight species of hornbills, kingfishers, egrets, darters, owls, kites, eagles, broadbills, doves, storm storks, herons, hawks, ospreys, falcon, pheasants, parakeets, bee eaters, woodpeckers, pittas, bulbuls, forktails, babblers, warblers, flycatchers, orioles, flowerpeckers, spiderhunters, among others.

A chance to get close with the wildlife of Borneo here including the endemic Borneon pygmy elephant, endemic proboscis monkeys, gibbons, macaques, orang utans, Sumatran rhinos, estuarine crocodiles, wild boars, sun bears and many others.

Lodge Facilities

  • 12 semi-detached and 12 detached chalets. 
  • All rooms come with two queen size beds while 6 detached chalets come with a king sized bed.
  • All rooms equipped with air-conditioning, private attached bathroom with hot and cold shower facilities, towels and toiletries. 
  • The restaurant comes with a bar by the riverside provides an ideal setting for dining and relaxation. 
  • Internet facilities and WIFI facilities are available at the restaurant.
  • The lodge provides a family lounge, gift shop, an enclosed garden and river jetty.
  • Laundry Services
  • Amenities 

Daily Activities

  • Guided jungle trekking
  • Jetty fishing
  • River cruises along the Kinabatangan River. River tours are conducted by boats powered by electric motors and four stoke outboard engines.
  • Lodge programs 

Sample Itinerary

Sandakan/ gomantong cave/ kinabatangan river/ sukau bilit/ sandakan.

  • Rise and Shine! Meet and pick up at your hotel lobby or Sandakan airport.
  • You will embark on a 2-hour journey through rustic countryside villages.
  • Upon arrival at the Gomantong Caves , located within the Gomantong Forest Reserve, you will be brought to explore the cave where it is home to millions of bats and swiftlets.
  • If you’re lucky, you may get to witness the birds’ nest harvesting in action!
  • After your cave explorations, you’ll make your way on a 30-minute drive to the Bilit Jetty.
  • Upon arrival at the jetty, you will take a boat ride to Bilit Rainforest Lodge located along the lower end of the Kinabatangan River at the Bilit Village.
  • You will be greeted with a welcome drink upon arrival at the Bilit Rainforest Lodge.
  • Lunch is served for you to refuel and recharge!
  • In the evening, you will be whisked away on a Kinabatangan River cruise to discover wildlife situated along the river. A few favourites include the Proboscis Monkey, rare bird species of Borneo, and maybe even Pygmy Elephants!
  • After a full day out, it’s time to head back. You will be dropped at your respective hotels or Sandakan airport. Tour ends around 21:00Hrs.

TOUR INCLUSIONS

Recommended attire.

  • Easy & Relaxed, with comfortable walking shoes.

THINGS YOU SHOULD BRING ' title="Our list of items simply acts as a guideline and may come in handy while on adventures with us. However, you can choose to forgo certain items as we are still able to proceed with the tour."> ?

  • Good walking shoes
  • Light raincoat
  • Insect repellent

THINGS YOU SHOULD KNOW

  • Please ensure you are holding air ticket to Sandakan.
  • If you are arriving at Sandakan Airport on the day of your tour, our friendly guide will greet and pick you up from the airport with a placard bearing your good name.
  • Recommended flights from Kota Kinabalu to Sandakan: Malaysia Airlines MH2042 (ETD 0705Hrs / ETA 0745Hrs) Recommended flights from Sandakan to Kota Kinabalu: Air Asia AK6499 (ETD 1820hrs / ETA 1910hrs)
  • You need to overnight in Sandakan after the tour ended as there is no flight departing from Sandakan after 9pm. So we suggest you to book your departure flight (if you are returning to Kota Kinabalu) on the next day after tour.
  • The above flight timings are suggestions and subject to changes. Before you book your flight ticket(s), please always check with the airline schedules for the correct flight timings that are most suited to your needs.

IMPORTANT THINGS TO NOTE

  • This package is based on join-in basis of shared guide and transport vehicle.  Private Guide or Tour is available upon request at a reasonable fee.  Please inform us when making the bookings. 
  • Activities are subject to weather conditions, and may be re-organised to best meet operational situations.
  • Amazing Borneo Tours does not guarantee wildlife sightings.
  • Departure time is approximate and varies from different hotels due to traffic conditions, please reconfirm with our staffs. Should the transport be delayed, please call the relevant telephone number as stated on the voucher before making alternative arrangements.
  • Amazing Borneo Tours reserves the right to alter routes, timetables, itineraries and accommodation reserved should conditions beyond our control render it necessary.
  • Tipping is like giving a hug. Although it’s never expected, it’s always very much appreciated.

Why Travel With Amazing Borneo

Tailored local experiences, the amazing team, value price guarantee, eat like a local, share this page.

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Home » Orangutan Centre and Sandakan City Tour

Orangutan Centre and Sandakan City Tour

  • Sandakan Day Tour , Tour
  • Full Day Tour

In the heart of Borneo, a remarkable adventure awaits – the Orangutan Centre and Sandakan City Tour. This captivating journey takes you deep into the lush rainforests, providing an up-close encounter with one of the most fascinating primates on the planet, the orangutan. Beyond the wildlife, Sandakan City offers a vibrant mix of culture and history, making this tour an unforgettable experience.

Exploring the Orangutan Centre

Witnessing orangutans in their natural habitat.

The tour begins as you depart from your hotel in Sandakan or meet at Sandakan Airport. Our first destination is the renowned Sepilok Orangutan Rehabilitation Centre, a place where you can witness the feeding of these iconic creatures and capture incredible photographs of them in their natural habitat. Established in 1964, this centre plays a crucial role in rehabilitating orphaned and displaced Orangutan. Nestled within a magnificent mixed dipterocarp forest, it offers a conducive environment for these remarkable animals to regain their independence and eventually return to the wild.

A Glimpse into Orangutan Conservation

Sandakan city exploration, sandakan: a historical gem, a glimpse into colonial life, local flavours at central market, package details.

Tour Code : AG 200 Duration : ±7 hours Departure : 0830 Min. Pax : 2 Meals Plan : Lunch included

  • Tour and transfer as stated on Seat In Coach basis
  • English speaking guide
  • Relevant entrance fees only
  • Meals as stated only
  • Expenses of personal nature
  • Other accommodation & meals not stated
  • Camera fees (if any)
  • Travel insurance
  • Other incidental charges
  • Insect repellent
  • Wear sturdy shoe
  • Camera/Phone
  • Binocular (optional)
  • Use comfortable light cotton casual attire with long or short pants is recommended as humidity is high throughout

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Discover more local experiences.

  • Kinabatangan River |
  • Sandakan Day Tour |
  • Sandakan Combo Tour

Where to Stay

  • Borneo Natural Sukau Bilit Resort |
  • Borneo Sepilok Rainforest Resort |
  • Hotel Hsiang Garden
  • Asia Green Travel Sdn Bhd

Get in Touch!

Borneo Adventure

Sandakan Wildlife Watching Tour 4D3N

Book This Tour

Day 1 arrive sandakan – my nature resort sepilok (d).

Pickup from Sandakan airport and transfer to MY Nature Resort at Sepilok. The rest of the day is free at leisure. Relax, swim in the pool or walk (5-10 minutes) to the nearby Rainforest Discovery Centre (entrance fee applies) and experience the canopy walkway, one of the best in Malaysia. Dinner and overnight at MY Nature Resort.

Day 2 Sepilok Orangutan- Sun Bear Centre – Kinabatangan River Abai (B/L/D)

Pick up from your resort and visit the Sepilok Orangutan Sanctuary where captive orangutans are reintroduced into the wild. You will be able to observe them at their feeding stations in the rainforest and at the nursery (if open). Watch the feeding session at 1000 hours. Then proceed to the Bornean Sun Bear Conservation Centre (BSBCC). This centre rescues captured sun bears and is involved in sun bear conservation, welfare rehabilitation and education. Over 30 sun bears live at the centre in the bear house and outdoor enclosures.

1115 hours depart Sepilok and proceed to a boat jetty in Sandakan. 1200 hours depart for a 1-hour boat cruise up the Lower Kinabatangan River, passing pristine mangrove forests and searching for wildlife. Arrive at Abai Jungle Lodge and have lunch. Free to relax or explore the surrounding area on the nature boardwalk. At 1630 hours go on a cruise in search of proboscis monkeys, birds, reptiles and other wildlife. As night falls witness the glittering of fireflies on the mangrove trees. Return to the lodge for dinner.  After dinner, go on a guided night walk around the Lodge’s nature boardwalk and search for insects, birds and other wildlife. Overnight at the Abai Jungle Lodge.

Day 3 Pitas Lake – Sukau – Menanggul River (B/L/D)

0630 hours – depart on a boat trip for bird watching and wildlife viewing at the nearby Pitas Lake. Return to lodge around 0800 hours and have breakfast. After breakfast free at leisure or enjoy the boardwalk.  Then cruise upriver to Sukau, searching for wildlife along the way. Arrive Sukau, check-in to Kinabatangan Riverside Lodge and have lunch. 1630 hours go on a river cruise up Kinabatangan River to the Menanggul River in search of proboscis monkeys, birds and other wildlife. Return to the lodge for dinner. Overnight at the Kinabatangan Riverside Lodge.

Day 4  Sukau – Sandakan (B/L)

After breakfast depart the lodge at 0700 hours and return to Sandakan by boat. The 2½ hour journey offers another chance to see wildlife. Around 0830 hours stop at Abai Jungle Lodge for a short break before continuing your journey downriver. Arrive at Sandakan jetty and have lunch at a local restaurant. Then be dropped off at your hotel or the airport.

English speaking guide, tours & transfers, entrance fees, meals as indicated, 1 night stay at MY Nature Resort, 1 night at Abai Jungle Lodge and 1 night stay at the Kinabatangan Riverside Lodge.

Airfare: KK - Sandakan – KK, alcoholic beverages, juices, camera & video fees

2 adults per order

Recommended Flights

This tour is designed for travellers arriving on the Kuala-Lumpur-Sandakan or other flights that arrive in Sandakan in the afternoon (e.g. Kota Kinabalu-Sandakan). If you are arriving in Sandakan in the morning then check out other tours as they may be better suited to your morning arrival. Flights out of Sandakan should depart after 2 pm.

There are no ATMs at Sukau or Abai. If you need cash go to an ATM in Sandakan before the trip.

These tours operate on the principle that you may be in a small group of other people.

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Interested in this tour? For more information on this tour and our other tours contact us

Also look at these tours inSabah:

Slow Loris, Tabin Wildlife Reserve

Tabin Rainforest Lodge 3D2N

Stay at Tabin Rainforest Lodge, experience the rainforest and search for wildlife on this 3 days / 2 nights tour

Green turtle, Selingan Island

Selingan Turtle Island & Sepilok 3D2N

3D2N Tour of Sepilok and Selingan Turtle Island.

Imbak Canyon Conservation Area

Imbak Canyon Discovery 4D3N

4 day, 3 night tour of Imbak Canyon Conservation Area

Danum Valley Field Centre

Danum Valley Field Centre 3D2N

3 day / 2 night tour of Danum Valley with accommodation at the Danum Valley Field Centre

Enquire about Sandakan Wildlife Watching Tour 4D3N

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IMAGES

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  3. 2D1N Sandakan Private Tour with Kinabatangan River Cruise 2021

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  6. Borneo Sandakan Tour Packages

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COMMENTS

  1. Kinabatangan Tours

    Kinabatangan Tour is one of the famous Borneo Sandakan Tours which offers you to experience the amazing wildlife along the Kinabatangan River. +6 088 738 788 [email protected] Borneo Calling

  2. Best Tours in Sabah; 16 Best of Sandakan & Kinabatangan

    Sungai Kinabatangan ( Kinabatangan River) is the largest and longest river (560km!) in Sabah, Malaysia. A must visit during a trip to Sandakan, especially if you're a wildlife and nature fan. The 2.5-hour journey from Sandakan to the Kinabatangan River is absolutely worth the effort to take a Kinabatangan River Cruise.

  3. Kinabatangan River Cruise Day Tour

    KINABATANGAN RIVER CRUISE. Pick up from Sandakan and proceed to Kinabatangan River. A trip up the river at dawn or dusk is the best opportunity to see Borneo's wildlife. The journey will take approximately 2 hours drive and passing through rustic countryside.

  4. 3D2N Sandakan and Kinabatangan Tour

    Itinerary. Day 1: Sepilok Orangutan Rehabilitation Centre. Witnessing the Icons of the Forest. Your day begins with a morning departure from your hotel in Sandakan or a meet-up at Sandakan Airport. From there, you'll embark on a journey to the world-renowned Sepilok Orangutan Rehabilitation Centre.

  5. Kinabatangan River Cruise (Sukau) 3D2N

    Arrive at Kinabatangan Riverside Lodge around 1330 and have lunch. 1630 hours go on a river cruise up the Kinabatangan River to the Menanggul River in search proboscis monkeys, birds, reptiles and other wildlife. Overnight stay at the Kinabatangan Riverside Lodge (non-air conditioned). Note: The nursery at Sepilok is sometimes closed to visitors.

  6. River Cruise on the Kinabatangan

    From bird watching to seeing snake coiled up on a branch overhanging the river, this half-day river cruise adventure is a match made in heaven for wildlife and nature enthusiasts who are short on time in Sandakan. Prepare to be amazed on your Kinabatangan River Cruise Half-Day Tour.

  7. River Cruise through Kinabatangan, Borneo 2024

    Sandakan Tours. Nature and Wildlife Tours. Borneo Kinabatangan River Cruise Day Trip. 12 Reviews. Sandakan, Malaysia. 10 hours. Pickup offered. Mobile ticket. Offered in: English. Explore our promoted experiences. Sandakan, Sabah. Borneo Wildlife Tour 3 Days 2 Nights At Tanjung Bulat Jungle Camp Kinabatangan. 47. from $241.00. Sandakan, Sabah.

  8. 2D1N Sandakan Private Tour with Kinabatangan River Cruise

    Overview. Experience Borneo's wild nature on this 2-day tour of Sandakan. In the company of a guide, travel from the airport to Sepilok, where you can admire orangutans in their natural habitat. After a hearty lunch, head to the countryside and take a cruise on Kinabatangan River. Spend a night at a rustic lodge.

  9. Kinabatangan River Cruise 2024

    Multi-day Tours in Sandakan: Check out 26 reviews and photos of Viator's Kinabatangan River Cruise. Kinabatangan River Cruise 2024 - Sandakan - Viator. a Tripadvisor company. Sandakan. Top Sandakan activities. Explore by category. Art & Culture. Kid-Friendly. Outdoor Activities. Tours, Sightseeing & Cruises. Travel & Transportation Services.

  10. Top 7 Best Sandakan Tours

    2D1N Selingan Turtle Island With Turtle Watching At Sandakan - Sandakan Turtle Island Tour. 2D1N Stay At Sepilok Jungle Resort With Sepilok Wildlife Tour - Best Sandakan Wildlife Tours And Sandakan Jungle Tour. 3D2N Discover Kinabatangan River With Stay At Bilit Adventure Lodge - Best Sandakan River Tour.

  11. HS812

    Traveling Kinabatangan River - one of the most popular places in Sandakan. Tour Code: HS812. Duration: Day Tour. Minimum Booking: 2 Persons. Pickup Time: 11:30AM - 12:45PM. Package Includes: Transportation (Returning Trip), Meal x 1, River Cruise x 1, Tour Guide, Entrance Fees. Price: RM 299.00 / Person (Estimated USD $63.62)* Tour Description:

  12. Kinabatangan River Cruise: Best Tours And Everything You Need To Know

    A Kinabatangan cruise takes you along the Kinabatangan River (or Sungai Kinabatangan in Malay). This river is Sabah's longest at 560 kilometres and starts in Borneo's interior before snaking its way to the sea. Its chocolate coloured water is surrounded by forest which wildlife call home. Kinabatangan River.

  13. Sandakan & Sukau Tour Packages

    The Kinabatangan River (Sungai Kinabatangan) is located in Sabah (Borneo), eastern Malaysia. It is the second longest river in Malaysia, with a length of 560 kilometers from its headwaters in the mountains of southwest Sabah, to its outlet at the Sulu Sea, east of Sandakan. Trusted Tour Company in Sandakan.

  14. 3D2N Kinabatangan River Wildlife Tour

    SANDAKAN > KINABATANGAN RIVER. Pick up from Sandakan city and proceed to Kinabatangan River. A trip up the river at dawn or dusk is the best opportunity to see Borneo's wildlife. The journey will take approximately 2-3 hours drive and passing through rustic countryside.

  15. Sandakan

    Sandakan - Gomantong Cave & Kinabatangan River Cruise Tour. 5.0. 5 reviews. Availability. Daily. Activity Duration. 12 Hours. Nearest City. Sandakan City. Destination. Sandakan / Gomantong Cave / Kinabatangan River. Language. English / Malay / Chinese. Suitable For. Adult / Child. Package Type. Join In Group. Pick Up Point.

  16. 3D2N Sandakan and River Adventure Tour

    Sandakan Combo Tour, Tour. BOOK THIS TOUR. Let's dive into this extraordinary experience that combines conservation, education, and the sheer beauty of nature. Itinerary. Day 1: Sepilok Orangutan/Sun Bear Conservation Centre/Rainforest Discover Centre. Witnessing Orangutans in Their Element.

  17. Kinabatangan Wildlife Safari (Borneo Villa & by Boat)

    Introduction. MOST POPULAR TOUR! 3D2N at the award winning Sukau Rainforest Lodge. Your tour starts the minute you embark on your journey by boat. Experience wildlife encounters as you enter the river of Kinabatangan. Truly the best wildlife experience in Kinabatangan you can get. Key Highlights of this Tour.

  18. Sandakan

    2D1N Kinabalu Park, Desa Cow Farm Tour & Kundasang... Book Now. Experience Gomantong Cave, Kinabatangan River, and Sukau Bilit in Amazing Borneo's Sandakan tour package. Get a close encounter with nature and explore its wonder.

  19. Kinabatangan River Cruise (Abai & Sukau) 4D3N

    Over 30 sun bears live at the centre in the bear house and outdoor enclosures. 1115 hours depart Sepilok and proceed to the jetty in Sandakan. 1200 hours depart for a 1-hour boat cruise up the Lower Kinabatangan River, passing pristine mangrove forests and searching for wildlife. Arrive at Abai Jungle Lodge and have lunch.

  20. Kinabatangan River

    Sukau, located 132 km from Sandakan, is the main centre for wildlife tourism along the river. Abai, 47 km from the mouth of the Kinabatangan, also has lodge accommodation and serves as jumping off point for boat-based wildlife watching tours of the lower Kinabatangan and its tributaries.

  21. Orangutan Centre and Sandakan City Full Day Tour

    Exploring the Orangutan Centre. Witnessing Orangutans in Their Natural Habitat. The tour begins as you depart from your hotel in Sandakan or meet at Sandakan Airport.

  22. Sandakan Wildlife Watching Tour 4D3N

    1115 hours depart Sepilok and proceed to a boat jetty in Sandakan. 1200 hours depart for a 1-hour boat cruise up the Lower Kinabatangan River, passing pristine mangrove forests and searching for wildlife. Arrive at Abai Jungle Lodge and have lunch. Free to relax or explore the surrounding area on the nature boardwalk.

  23. Kinabatangan River Cruise 2024

    Rather than hacking through the jungle, the best way to see Borneo's rich wildlife is on a river cruise. On this 2-night experience, base yourself out of the Nature Lodge Kinabatangan, and enjoy four separate cruises plus night and dawn walking safaris.