3D2N Sandakan & Kinabatangan Wildlife Tour with River Cruises & Hotel Sandakan Stay


TOUR INFORMATION

TOUR CODE: ABSK-HSK02
DESCRIPTION: 3D2N SANDAKAN & KINABATANGAN WILDLIFE TOUR WITH RIVER CRUISES & HOTEL SANDAKAN STAY
REGION: Sandakan
DURATION: 3 Days 2 Nights
MINIMUM: 1 Pax
AVAILABILITY: Pre-Book Needed
PICK UP POINT: Your Hotel in Sandakan City / Sandakan Airport / Sepilok Area
PICK UP TIME: 08:00 Hrs (Sandakan Area) / 08:45 Hrs (Sepilok Area)
DROP OFF POINT: Your Hotel in Sandakan City / Sandakan Airport
DROP OFF TIME: 14:00 Hrs
* All timings are estimated and for reference purposes only. Actual timing will be provided prior to your departure.

Tour highlights

  • Spend 3 days exploring Sandakan and the Kinabatangan region, combining conservation visits, cave exploration, and river cruises
  • Watch semi-wild orangutans during the feeding session at the Sepilok Orangutan Rehabilitation Centre
  • Learn about rescued sun bears and ongoing protection efforts at the Bornean Sun Bear Conservation Centre
  • Walk through the Rainforest Discovery Centre, including its elevated canopy walkway and landscaped gardens
  • Explore the impressive limestone chambers of Gomantong Cave and learn about its unique cave ecosystem
  • Cruise along the Kinabatangan River in Bilit, with opportunities to spot proboscis monkeys, hornbills, and other wildlife along the riverbanks
  • Visit Labuk Bay Proboscis Monkey Sanctuary to observe these distinctive long-nosed monkeys in their mangrove habitat
  • Stay comfortably in Sandakan town at Hotel Sandakan (Run-of-House) with local meals included throughout the journey

Sample itinerary

Day 1 - Sandakan Airport / Sepilok Orangutan Rehabilitation Centre / Bornean Sun Bear Conservation Centre / Rainforest Discovery Centre / Hotel Sandakan

Arrive at Sandakan Airport, where your guide will meet you for the short drive to Sepilok to begin your wildlife experience.

The morning starts at the Sepilok Orangutan Rehabilitation Centre. You will visit during the 10:00 Hrs feeding session, when orangutans appear from the surrounding forest and gather near the feeding platform. Before heading out along the boardwalk, you’ll watch a short video at the Nature Education Centre to better understand how orphaned and rescued orangutans are cared for and prepared for release.

Just a few minutes away is the Bornean Sun Bear Conservation Centre. Here, you’ll learn about the smallest bear species in the world and the challenges they face in the wild. From the viewing areas, observe the sun bears moving around their forest enclosures.

Lunch will be served at a local restaurant. In the afternoon, continue to the Rainforest Discovery Centre, where you can take a walk along the canopy walkway and explore the surrounding gardens and forest trails at a relaxed pace.

In the evening, enjoy dinner in Sandakan before checking in to Hotel Sandakan for your overnight stay.

Meals : Lunch / Dinner Accommodation : Hotel Sandakan (Run-of-House)

Day 2 - Gomantong Cave / Bilit Kinabatangan River Cruise / Hotel Sandakan

After breakfast at the hotel, depart for Gomantong Cave, one of Sabah’s most notable limestone cave systems. Walk along the wooden platform inside the cave as your guide explains its ecosystem and the traditional harvesting of swiftlet nests. The vast chambers and limestone formations offer a very different landscape from the rainforest you explored the day before.

From here, continue to Bilit along the Kinabatangan River. After lunch, set out on a river cruise along Sabah’s longest river, known for its rich wildlife habitat. As the boat moves slowly along the riverbanks, keep watch for proboscis monkeys, hornbills, crocodiles, and other wildlife. With some luck, you may even spot the rare Bornean pygmy elephant along the river.

After some time to relax, enjoy dinner in Bilit before returning to Sandakan and checking back in at Hotel Sandakan for the night.

Meals : Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner Accommodation : Hotel Sandakan (Run-of-House)

Day 3 - Labuk Bay Proboscis Monkey Sanctuary / Sandakan Airport

After breakfast at Hotel Sandakan, head out to the Labuk Bay Proboscis Monkey Sanctuary, located within a mangrove forest reserve on the outskirts of Sandakan.

Arrive in time for the feeding session and observe the proboscis monkeys as they move between the trees and platforms. Known for their distinctive long noses and pot bellies, these primates are endemic to Borneo and are most commonly found along riverbanks and coastal mangroves.

After the visit, return to Sandakan town for lunch at a local restaurant. Your tour concludes with a transfer to Sandakan Airport for your onward journey.

Meals : Breakfast / Lunch

Meals 02 Breakfast, 03 Lunch & 02 Dinner
Accommodation 02 Night Accommodation in Hotel Sandakan (Run-of-House)
Include Return Land Transfer (Seat-in Coach), Meals as Stated, Entrance Fees, English-Speaking Guide, and English-Speaking Support Team.
Exclude Domestic Airfares (BKI/SDK/BKI), Alcoholic Drinks, Personal Travel Insurance, Personal Expenses, Peak Season Surcharge (if any), Tipping (Optional), Any Items / Activities Not Mentioned

OVERVIEW

Hotel Sandakan is a 3-star hotel located in the centre of Sandakan town, offering a comfortable and practical stay for travellers. With 105 rooms and 14 suites across 9 floors, the hotel blends a classic style with modern touches.

Its central location makes it convenient for nearby shops, eateries, and local landmarks such as Agnes Keith House and St. Michael and All Angels Church, while still providing easy access to the wildlife attractions included in this tour.

LOCATION

Hotel Sandakan is approximately 20 minutes’ drive from Sandakan Airport and about 299 metres from the town centre. The hotel is within driving distance to Sepilok and other conservation areas featured in this itinerary.

ROOM

For this tour, accommodation is based on Run-of-House rooms, with room categories assigned by the hotel according to availability at the time of check-in.

Hotel Sandakan features 105 guest rooms and 14 suites, all equipped with windows and private bathrooms. Rooms are air-conditioned and designed to provide a comfortable rest after a full day of sightseeing.

Room categories may include:

  • Selingan Standard Single
  • Standard Single
  • Deluxe Twin
  • Superior Twin
  • Deluxe Family
  • Junior Suite
  • Executive Suite
  • Selingan Superior Twin
  • Selingan Deluxe King
  • Selingan Junior Suite
  • Selingan Deluxe Family
  • Selingan Executive Suite

GENERAL INFORMATION

  • Check-in Time: 15:00 Hrs
  • Check-out Time: 12:00 Hrs

ROOM AMENITIES

Each room is designed for comfort and functionality, featuring:

  • Air-conditioning
  • Free WiFi (in-room and public areas)
  • TV with cable/satellite channels
  • Minibar
  • Desk
  • Hairdryer
  • Shower
  • Safety deposit box

HOTEL SERVICES & FACILITIES

  • Complimentary daily breakfast
  • Daily housekeeping service
  • On-site restaurants offering a variety of dining options
  • 24-hour front desk and security
  • Free WiFi in rooms and public areas
  • On-site parking (limited spaces available)
  • Elevator access
  • Meeting rooms, conference facilities, and ballroom
  • Laundry service (available at an additional charge)
  • Luggage storage and safety deposit box
  • Wheelchair-accessible facilities
  • Insect repellent
  • Raincoat
  • Water bottle
  • Sun hat
  • Good walking boots
  • Comfortable clothing (preferably not bright colours)
  • Camera
  • Binoculars
  • Sun block
  • Personal medication
  • Please ensure you are holding air ticket to Sandakan.
  • Recommended flights:
    • From Kota Kinabalu to Sandakan: Malaysia Airlines MH2042 (ETD 0705Hrs / ETA 0745Hrs)
    • From Sandakan to Kota Kinabalu: Air Asia AK6499 (ETD 1820hrs / ETA 1910hrs)
  • The above flight timings are suggestions and subject to changes. Please always check with the airline schedules for the correct flight timings that are most suited to your needs.
  • Effective as of 1st September 2017, the Tourism and Culture Ministry of Malaysia will be implementing a Malaysian Tourism Tax (TTx). Foreign tourists will be required to pay a flat rate of RM10/room/night regardless of the star level of the accommodation. The TTx is to be paid upon check-in. Malaysians or permanent residents residing in Malaysia are exempted from TTx and is required to present a valid identification upon check-in for the exemption. 
  • 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.