3D2N Tanini Civet Safari with Kinabatangan River Cruises


TOUR INFORMATION

TOUR CODE: ABSK-TK12
DESCRIPTION: 3D2N TANINI CIVET SAFARI WITH KINABATANGAN RIVER CRUISES
REGION: Sandakan
DURATION: 3 Days 2 Nights
MINIMUM: 2 Pax
AVAILABILITY: Daily
PICK UP POINT: Your Hotel in Sandakan / Sepilok or Sandakan Airport
PICK UP TIME: 10:45 Hrs - 12:00 Hrs
DROP OFF POINT: Sandakan Town / Sandakan Airport
DROP OFF TIME: 11:00 Hrs - 12:00 Hrs
* All timings are estimated and for reference purposes only. Actual timing will be provided prior to your departure.

Tour highlights

  • Enjoy daily Kinabatangan River Cruises, both in the mornings and afternoons
  • Explore after dark on two guided night walks, with a special focus on civets and nocturnal wildlife
  • Venture into the rainforest on a guided jungle walk for a different perspective beyond the river
  • Experience Kinabatangan wildlife from morning to night, with repeated opportunities to observe animals in changing conditions
  • Opportunities to spot the Borneo Big Five: orangutans, pygmy elephants, proboscis monkeys, hornbills, and crocodiles
  • Spend 2 nights at Tanini Kinabatangan on a safari focused entirely on the Kinabatangan wildlife experience 
  • Travel conveniently with return transfers from Sandakan or Sepilok, selected meals and in-house guide services included

Sample itinerary

Day 1 - Sandakan / Tanini Kinabatangan / Kinabatangan River Cruise / Civet Night Walk

Begin your journey with a pickup from Sandakan or Sepilok and travel overland towards the Kinabatangan River. Along the way, watch Sabah's landscape gradually change as you pass local towns, villages and oil palm plantations before reaching Kampung Bilit.

Cross the Kinabatangan River by boat to Tanini Kinabatangan, where you will be welcomed and given a short orientation before checking in. Take some time to settle into the riverside surroundings before your first wildlife outing.

16:00 Hrs: Embark on your first Kinabatangan River wildlife cruise. As the afternoon cools, scan the forest-lined riverbanks and treetops for wildlife such as proboscis monkeys, long-tailed macaques, hornbills and other birds. Every cruise is different, and your guide will help watch for movement along the river and surrounding rainforest.

19:00 Hrs: Return to the lodge for dinner. Afterwards, head into the forest on your first guided night walk, when the focus shifts from daytime wildlife to Kinabatangan's nocturnal inhabitants. Keep watch for civets and other creatures active after dark, as your guide points out signs of life that are easily missed during the day.

Overnight at Tanini Kinabatangan.

Meals : Dinner Accommodation : Tanini Kinabatangan

Day 2 - Sunrise River Cruise / Jungle Walk / Afternoon River Cruise / Civet Night Walk

Wake to the sounds of the rainforest and the cool early-morning atmosphere of the Kinabatangan.

06:00 Hrs: Set out on a sunrise river cruise, one of the best times to experience the river awakening. Watch the riverbanks and canopy for monkeys, hornbills and other wildlife beginning their day, while your guide scans quieter stretches of forest for activity.

08:00 Hrs: Return to Tanini Kinabatangan for breakfast and enjoy some time at the lodge.

09:00 Hrs: Continue your exploration on a guided jungle walk. Away from the river, slow down and take a closer look at the rainforest environment, from birds and insects to animal tracks and other signs of wildlife. The walk offers a different perspective on Kinabatangan beyond what can be seen from the boat.

12:00 Hrs: Return to the lodge for lunch, followed by time to rest and enjoy the surrounding jungle setting.

16:00 Hrs: Head back onto the Kinabatangan River for your second afternoon wildlife cruise. Changing weather, light and animal movements mean no two cruises are quite the same, giving you another opportunity to look for monkeys, birds, reptiles and other wildlife along the river corridor.

19:00 Hrs: Enjoy dinner at the lodge before setting out on your second guided night walk. Explore the forest after dark once more, with another opportunity to look for civets and discover the smaller nocturnal creatures, sounds and movements that bring the rainforest to life at night.

Overnight at Tanini Kinabatangan.

Meals : Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner Accommodation : Overnight at Tanini Kinabatangan.

Day 3 - Sunrise River Cruise / Sandakan

06:00 Hrs: Begin your final morning with another sunrise cruise on the Kinabatangan River. Enjoy one last opportunity to scan the riverbanks and forest canopy as the rainforest wakes, with the possibility of encountering wildlife you may not have seen on the previous cruises.

07:00 Hrs: Return to the lodge for breakfast.

08:30 Hrs: Check out from Tanini Kinabatangan and begin your transfer back to Sandakan.

For guests departing by air, a flight scheduled after 14:00 hrs is recommended.

Meals : Breakfast

Meals 02 Breakfasts, 01 Lunch, 02 Dinners
Include 02 Nights Accommodation, Meals as Stated, Return Overland Transfers, Return Boat Transfers, 04 Kinabatangan River Cruises, 02 Night Walks, 01 Jungle Walk, Eco Water Bottle, English-Speaking Guide and Support Team
Accommodation 02 Night Stay at Tanini Kinabatangan
Exclude Airfares, Camera and Video Fees, Personal Expenses, Alcoholic Drinks, Personal Travel Insurance, Peak Season Surcharge (If Any), Tourism Tax (TTx), 8% SST (If Applicable), Guide Tips (Optional), Any Items/Activities Not Mentioned

GENERAL INFORMATION

  • Check-in Time: 14:00 Hrs 
  • Check-out Time: 08:30 Hrs 

ACCOMMODATION

Bangkatan Chalet (Superior) 

  • Air-conditioned chalet with either double or twin bedding 
  • Private bathroom with basic amenities provided 
  • Jungle view 
  • Ideal for couples or small families 

Buaya Chalet (River View) 

  • Air-conditioned chalet facing the Kinabatangan River 
  • Private bathroom with basic amenities provided 
  • Riverfront balcony for wildlife and sunset viewing 
  • Ideal for couples seeking a scenic stay 

Gajah Chalet (Deluxe Jungle View) 

  • Spacious air-conditioned chalet with king or twin beds 
  • En-suite bathroom and ceiling fan 
  • Jungle view balcony 
  • Ideal for 2 guests (max. 3 with extra bed) 

Dormitory 

  • Air-conditioned dormitory with bunk beds (shared basis) 
  • Shared bathroom 
  • Basic amenities provided 
  • Ideal for group stays 

MEAL TIMES & DINING

All meals are served at the Tanini Kinabatangan Lodge Restaurant, which offers set menus featuring local and Malaysian cuisine. 

  • Breakfast: 07:00 Hrs – 09:00 Hrs 
  • Lunch: 12:00 Hrs – 14:00 Hrs 
  • Dinner: 19:00 Hrs – 21:00 Hrs 
  • Free flow coffee, tea, and drinking water available at the restaurant 

FACILITIES

  • Restaurant operating hours: 07:00 Hrs – 21:00 Hrs 
  • Wi-Fi available in common areas 
  • Laundry service available on request 
  • Eco-friendly initiatives: refillable water stations, eco bottles provided 
  • Tour desk for additional activities and extensions 

NEARBY ATTRACTIONS

  • Kinabatangan River (cruises and wildlife spotting) – on site 
  • Gomantong Cave – approx. 1-hour drive 
  • Sepilok Orangutan Rehabilitation Centre – approx. 2-hour drive 
  • Bornean Sun Bear Conservation Centre – approx. 2-hour drive 
  • Lightweight, breathable clothing
  • Long-sleeved top and long trousers (for jungle / night walks)
  • Comfortable shoes (with good grip)
  • Binoculars
  • Camera
  • Raincoat (in case of rain)
  • Sunglasses
  • Sunscreen 
  • Cap / Hat
  • Insect repellent
  • Power bank
  • Dry bag / Waterproof bag (to keep your belongings dry)
  • Extra cash (MYR)
  • Personal toiletries
  • Personal medication
  • Please ensure you are holding air ticket to Sandakan. Flights are not included in this package.
  • Child rates apply to children aged 4 to 12 years.
  • Guests are advised to minimise luggage when travelling to Kinabatangan. Luggage exceeding the stated handling arrangement may incur additional fees.
  • Effective as of 1st September 2017, the Tourism and Culture Ministry of Malaysia has implemented a Malaysian Tourism Tax (TTx). Foreign tourists are now required to pay a flat rate of RM10/room/night regardless of accommodation star level. 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.
  • If you have specific dietary requirements or allergies, kindly inform the tour operator in advance so that suitable arrangements can be made.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • Amazing Borneo Tours does not guarantee wildlife sightings.
  • Tipping is like giving a hug. Although it’s never expected, it’s always very much appreciated.