3D2N Tanini Kinabatangan Lodge & Wildlife Safari River Cruise


TOUR INFORMATION

TOUR CODE: ABSK-TK03
DESCRIPTION: 3D2N TANINI KINABATANGAN LODGE & WILDLIFE SAFARI RIVER CRUISE
REGION: Sandakan
DURATION: 3 Days 2 Night
MINIMUM: 2 Pax
AVAILABILITY: Daily
PICK UP POINT: Your Hotel in Sandakan / Sandakan Airport
PICK UP TIME: 08:30 Hrs
DROP OFF POINT: Your Hotel in Sandakan / Sandakan Airport
DROP OFF TIME: 11:00 Hrs
* All timings are estimated and for reference purposes only. Actual timing will be provided prior to your departure.

Tour highlights

  • Stay at Tanini Kinabatangan Lodge, a rustic eco-lodge in Sabah’s rainforest dedicated to sustainable and eco-friendly practices
  • Cruise the Kinabatangan River at sunrise and sunset for chances to spot proboscis monkeys, gibbons, hornbills, crocodiles, and even orangutans 
  • Join two guided night walks to spot sleeping birds and nocturnal jungle life 
  • Trek to the Bilit Ox-Bow Lake and walk the path of the newly discovered Borneo pygmy elephants 
  • Discover the famous Sepilok Orangutan Rehabilitation Centre and witness rescued orangutans learning to thrive again in their natural habitat 
  • Visit the Bornean Sun Bear Conservation Centre, the world’s only sanctuary dedicated to rehabilitating the smallest bear species 
  • A perfect getaway for wildlife enthusiasts looking for an authentic eco-adventure in Sandakan 

Sample itinerary

Day 1 - Sandakan / Sepilok Orangutan Centre / Sun Bear Conservation / Kinabatangan River Adventure

08:30 Hrs: Start your journey with a pickup from Sandakan Airport or your hotel. 

10:00 Hrs: Visit the Sepilok Orangutan Rehabilitation Centre to witness the morning feeding session. Afterwards, continue to the Bornean Sun Bear Conservation Centre, home to the world’s smallest bear species. Learn how rescued sun bears are rehabilitated and enjoy the chance to spot them climbing trees or lazing in the sun. 

12:30 Hrs: Enjoy a local lunch at the Mango Garden Restaurant, set amidst tropical greenery. After lunch, drive 2 hours through small towns, villages, and oil palm plantations before arriving at Kampung Bilit. Cross the river by boat to Tanini Kinabatangan Lodge for welcome drinks, orientation, and check-in. 

16:00 Hrs: Embark on your first wildlife river cruise, where the Kinabatangan comes alive. Cruise along mangrove-lined banks as proboscis monkeys leap through the trees, hornbills glide overhead, and long-tailed macaques forage at the water’s edge. 

19:00 Hrs: Dinner at the lodge, followed by a guided night walk to spot sleeping birds and nocturnal creatures. Overnight at Tanini Kinabatangan Lodge.  

Meals : Lunch / Dinner Accommodation : Tanini Kinabatangan Lodge

Day 2 - Sunrise Cruise / Ox-Bow Lake Trek / Sunset Cruise / Night Walk Adventure

Wake early to the misty atmosphere of the Kinabatangan River, accompanied by the dawn chorus of gibbons and hornbills. 

06:00 Hrs: Embark on a sunrise river cruise to witness the rainforest at its most active. Look out for proboscis monkeys gathering along the riverbanks, hornbills flying in pairs, and crocodiles basking on the mudflats. 

08:00 Hrs: Return to the lodge for a hearty breakfast while enjoying the tranquil jungle setting. 

09:00 Hrs: Begin a guided trek to Bilit Ox-Bow Lake, rich in birdlife, insects, and traces of pygmy elephants. 

12:00 Hrs: Return to the lodge for lunch, followed by some time to rest or relax on your chalet veranda surrounded by nature. 

16:00 Hrs: Set off on another river cruise. Each trip brings new surprises: from troops of long-tailed macaques to monitor lizards, egrets, and maybe even an orangutan swinging across the trees. 

19:00 Hrs: Dinner at the lodge. Later, join a second guided night walk on a different trail, where the jungle reveals new nocturnal wonders such as owls, frogs, and fireflies. Overnight at Tanini Kinabatangan Lodge. 

Meals : Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner Accommodation : Tanini Kinabatangan Lodge

Day 3 - Sunrise Cruise / Return to Sandakan

06:00 Hrs: Take your final morning river cruise, a last chance to capture the magic of the Kinabatangan. Watch the rainforest slowly awaken as hornbills, macaques, and other wildlife begin their day. 

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

08:30 Hrs: Check out and transfer back to Sandakan town or airport. Recommended flight departure: after 14:00 Hrs. 

Meals : Breakfast

Meals 02 Breakfasts, 02 Lunches, 02 Dinners 
Inclusion Return Land & Boat Transfers, Entrance Fees, 04 River Cruises (02 Morning & 02 Afternoon), 02 Night Jungle Walks, 01 Guided Trek to Bilit Ox-Bow Lake, Accommodation, English-Speaking Guide, Eco Water Bottle (600ml), Free Flow Coffee/Tea/Water, KiTA Conservation Levy 
Accommodation

02 Nights at Tanini Kinabatangan Lodge

Exclusion Tourism Tax, Camera Fee, Optional Tours, Personal Expenses, Peak Season Surcharge (if any), Alcoholic Drinks, Travel Insurance, Any Activities/Items Not Stated  

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 budget travellers and 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 
  • Personal gear 
  • Insect repellent 
  • Raincoat 
  • Water bottle 
  • Hat / cap / sun hat 
  • Sunscreen / sun block 
  • Binoculars 
  • Torchlight 
  • Camera 
  • Good walking shoes or boots 
  • Comfortable cotton clothing (long-sleeved shirt, long or short pants, preferably not bright colours) 
  • Leech socks 
  • Personal medication  
  • This package is based on join-in basis of shared guide and transport vehicle. A 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 staff. 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. 
  • Effective as of 1st September 2017, the Tourism and Culture Ministry of Malaysia has implemented a Malaysian Tourism Tax (TTx). Foreign tourists will be required to pay a flat rate of MYR 10 per room per 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.  
  • Tipping is like giving a hug. Although it’s never expected, it’s always very much appreciated. 
  • Tours are subject to weather conditions. 
  • Tanini Kinabatangan Lodge provides refillable eco water bottles and filtered refill stations to cut down on plastic. 
  • Please ensure you are holding an air ticket to Sandakan. 
    • Recommended flights from Kota Kinabalu to Sandakan: Malaysia Airlines MH2042 (ETD 07:05 Hrs / ETA 07:45 Hrs) 
    • Recommended flights from Sandakan to Kota Kinabalu: Air Asia AK6499 (ETD 18:20 Hrs / ETA 19:10 Hrs) 
    • 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.