4D3N Trusan Sugut Wildlife Safari – Borneo's Rainforest Wilderness


TOUR INFORMATION

TOUR CODE: ABSK-TSFR01
DESCRIPTION: 4D3N TRUSAN SUGUT WILDLIFE SAFARI – BORNEO'S RAINFOREST WILDERNESS
REGION: Sandakan / Trusan Sugut Forest Reserve
DURATION: 4 Days 3 Nights
MINIMUM: 1 Pax
AVAILABILITY: Pre-Book Needed
PICK UP POINT: Your Hotel in Sandakan / Sandakan Airport
PICK UP TIME: 08:00 Hrs (Overland) / 10:00 Hrs (Boat)
DROP OFF POINT: Your Hotel in Sandakan / Sandakan Airport
DROP OFF TIME: 12:30 Hrs (Boat) / 15:00 Hrs (Overland)
* All timings are estimated and for reference purposes only. Actual timing will be provided prior to your departure.

Tour highlights

  • Discover Sabah's newest wildlife safari destination, located within a restored Class I Forest Reserve
  • Cover up to 45km on daily 4x4 safari drives, with minimal trekking and maximum range
  • Enjoy 7 hours of of safari drives per day, including optional night drives with expert guides
  • Encounter rare species like orangutan, clouded leopards, banteng buffalo, and proboscis monkeys
  • Spot iconic birds including the Great Argus, Helmeted Hornbill, and Rhinoceros Hornbill
  • Join WWF-Malaysia-supported restoration efforts with optional tree planting
  • Stay at Frederick Kugan Base Camp, a remote eco-outpost deep in regenerating forest
  • Choose scenic riverboat or overland access routes for an immersive arrival experience

Sample itinerary

Day 1 - Sandakan / Trusan Sugust Forest Reserve / Frederick Kugan Base Camp / Night Safari Drive

Begin your adventure with a warm welcome at Sandakan Airport or hotel, followed by your chosen route into the remote northeast of Sabah, either: 

  • Option 1: Overland + Boat 
    Travel 1.5 hours by road to the quiet riverside town of Beluran, then switch to a motorised longboat for a scenic 1-hour cruise along the Sugut River. This serene journey offers your first glimpses of riverine wildlife and lush forest scenery. 
  • Option 2: Overland Only 
    Take a 2-hour drive from Sandakan to Botitian R&R in Paitan, followed by an adventurous 3.5-hour 4x4 off-road journey deep into the wild interior—passing remote forest edges and oil palm estates rarely seen by visitors. 

Both options bring you to Frederick Kugan Base Camp, the heart of Trusan Sugut Forest Reserve, a protected Class I rainforest and one of Sabah’s most ecologically rich and strictly preserved lowland forests, certified by the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC). 

After check-in and a welcome lunch, your guide will deliver a comprehensive orientation, sharing insights into the reserve’s remarkable biodiversity. 

As the sun sets, venture out on a 2-hour 4x4 night safari, your first chance to encounter Trusan Sugut’s nocturnal residents, from flying squirrels and civets to possibly a clouded leopard on the prowl.

Meals : Lunch / Dinner Accommodation : Frederick Kugan Base Camp

Day 2 - Morning Safari Drive / Afternoon Safari Drive / Tree Planting (Optional) / Night Safari Drive

Rise early for your first morning 4x4 safari, timed to catch the forest as it awakens. These early hours offer peak chances of spotting orangutans, Bornean gibbons, and exotic birdlife such as the Helmeted Hornbill and Great Argus pheasant. 

After a hearty lunch back at camp and time to rest, head out again on an afternoon safari, covering new trails in search of saltwater crocodiles, proboscis monkeys, or perhaps the powerful yet shy Bornean banteng. With over 330 bird species recorded, including 7 of Borneo’s 8 hornbills, this area is a magnet for birdwatchers and photographers alike. 

Later in the day, you’ll have the opportunity to join an optional tree planting activity, a meaningful way to contribute directly to the forest’s long-term restoration, supported by WWF-Malaysia and the Sabah Forestry Department. Your tree will be geo-tagged, and you’ll receive an e-certificate showing its exact coordinates – a legacy you leave in the wild. 

Note: The tree planting activity is available at RM100 per person/tree, payable on the spot. The price is subject to change and provided for reference only.

Cap off the day with a guided night safari, your second chance to witness the forest’s nocturnal drama unfold.

Meals : Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner Accommodation : Frederick Kugan Base Camp

Day 3 - Morning Safari Drive / Evening Safari Drive / Fidelis Tip Viewpoint / Night Safari Drive (Optional)

Another early start sees you back on the trails for a morning safari, where changing light and fresh tracks create new wildlife possibilities. Your guide’s knowledge helps decode animal behaviour, bird calls, and movement patterns. 

Return to camp for lunch and downtime before heading out once more in the late afternoon, when golden-hour lighting enhances the experience. 

The day culminates with a stop at Fidelis Tip, a high vantage point offering sweeping views over the canopy. On a clear day, you might spot Mount Kinabalu on the horizon as cotton-candy clouds drift through the treetops. 

After dinner, choose between a relaxing night in camp or another nocturnal exploration by 4x4, depending on your energy and curiosity. 

Meals : Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner Accommodation : Frederick Kugan Base Camp

Day 4 - Early Morning Safari Drive OR Sunrise Viewpoint / Check Out / Sandakan

Start your final day with an early morning safari or sunrise viewpoint (weather permitting), taking one last opportunity to encounter Trusan Sugut’s rare wildlife. 

After breakfast, take time to reflect, relax, and pack before departing back to Sandakan around midday. 

You’ll leave not just with wildlife sightings and memorable photos, but with the satisfaction of having supported a forest in recovery—and having experienced a quieter, lesser-seen side of Borneo that few ever explore.

Meals : Breakfast

Meals 03 Breakfasts, 03 Lunches, and 03 Dinners
Accommodation 03-Night Stay at Frederick Kugan Base Camp 
Includes 03 Nights Accommodation, Meals as Stated, Airport Pick-Up and Drop-Off, Boat/Overland Return Transfer, Entrance Fees, English-Speaking Licensed Specialist Guide, Daily Guided 4x4 Safari Drives (7 Hours/Day Except on Arrival & Departure Day), Travel Pack (Linen Bag, Leech Socks, 750ml Refillable Water Bottle)
Excludes Optional Activities, Domestic Airfares, Camera and Video Fees, Personal Expenses, Alcoholic Drinks, Personal Travel Insurance, Gratuities, Peak Season Surcharge (If Any), Tourism Tax (TTx), Any Items / Activities Not Mentioned

CHECK-IN / CHECK-OUT TIME

Check-in Time: 13:30 Hrs     
Check-out Time: 09:30 Hrs

ROOMS

Note: Frederick Kugan Base Camp offers basic amenities and operates as a conservation base, not a luxury lodge. No 24-hour front desk or on-demand guided activities unless pre-arranged in advance.

Three-Bedroom Chalet

  • 3 air-conditioned bedrooms
  • 2 shared bathrooms (attached)
  • Air-conditioned living area
  • Spacious verandah
  • Ideal for 6–9 guests

Two-Bedroom Chalet

  • 2 air-conditioned bedrooms
  • 1 shared bathroom (attached)
  • Air-conditioned living area
  • Ideal for 4 guests

One-Bedroom Resthouse

  • Air-conditioned bedroom
  • 1 bathroom (attached)
  • Air-conditioned living area
  • Ideal for 1–2 guests

Dormitory

  • Separate male & female dorms
  • Bunk beds (6 pax each)
  • Air-conditioned rooms
  • Shared bathrooms (adjacent block)
  • Total capacity: 12 guests

DINING

Malaysian home-style buffet meals are served daily at the dining hall, featuring a mix of vegetables and meat dishes. Set meals are provided for groups under 10. Complimentary coffee and tea are available all day at the dining hall.

  • Breakfast: 07:00 Hrs – 08:30 Hrs
  • Lunch: 12:00 Hrs – 13:30 Hrs
  • Dinner: 19:00 Hrs – 21:30 Hrs
  • Coffee & Tea Corner: 07:00 Hrs – 21:30 Hrs

FACILITIES

  • Open-air dining hall and reception area (comfortably accommodates 20–30 guests)
  • Dedicated prayer room (surau) for Muslim guests.
  • Sabah Forestry Department's administration office

GENERATOR SUPPLY (ELECTRICITY)

The Frederick Kugan Base Camp is currently powered by a diesel generator, which is paused during the day while guests are out on safari and restarted upon their return. In line with the Reserve’s sustainability goals, the camp is transitioning to solar energy through a phased installation of solar panels

MOBILE & INTERNET CONNECTIVITY

Frederick Kugan Base Camp is equipped with satellite-based Starlink internet, though connectivity may be affected by weather or signal interruptions. Mobile phone coverage is limited throughout the Reserve, with occasional signal access at higher elevations such as observation towers.

  • Long-sleeved breathable shirts (preferably moisture-wicking or quick-dry) 
  • Long outdoor pants in earth tones (lightweight, durable, and insect-resistant) 
  • Comfortable trekking shoes / rubber-soled shoes (e.g., “Adidas Kampung”) 
  • Hat / cap 
  • Windbreaker or lightweight jacket (for early mornings or boat rides) 
  • Slippers / flip-flops (for use around the base camp) 
  • Leech socks (also provided upon arrival) 
  • Extra change of clothes (enough for 4 days) 
  • Good trekking shoes 
  • Sun protection (sunscreen / cap / hat / umbrella) 
  • Insect repellent 
  • Raincoat 
  • MYR currency note 
  • Camera (for non-commercial use only) 
  • Dry bag / waterproof bag / plastic bag (for protecting your personal items) 
  • Headlamp or torch light (with extra batteries) 
  • Binoculars (especially for birdwatchers) 
  • Travel documents (passport, flight itinerary, etc.) 
  • Power bank or solar charger 
  • Personal first aid kit, toiletries, and medications 
  • Please ensure you are holding air ticket to Sandakan. 
  • Recommended arrival flights (Kota Kinabalu to Sandakan): 
    • AirAsia AK6492 (ETD 06:25 Hrs / ETA 07:10 Hrs)
    • AirAsia AK6488 (ETD 08:50 Hrs / ETA 09:40 Hrs)
  • Recommended departure flights (Sandakan to Kota Kinabalu): 
    • AirAsia AK6497 (ETD 15:05 Hrs / ETA 16:50 Hrs)
    • AirAsia AK6495 (ETD 17:30 Hrs / ETA 18:15 Hrs)
  • Minimum age is 12 years for group departures. Families with younger children must request private arrangements.  
  • Frederick Kugan Base Camp offers clean and comfortable resthouse-style lodging, but it is not a commercial tourist resort. Facilities are simple and functional, with no luxury amenities or 24-hour reception service. 
  • Depending on your selected route (boat or overland), expect long travel times (up to 6 hours) and potentially bumpy 4x4 journeys on off-road terrain. Good physical condition and patience are essential. 
  • Electricity is generator-supplied. Power may be limited during midday when guests are on safari. A solar upgrade is in progress, but we recommend charging essential devices during active hours. 
  • Satellite internet (Starlink) is available but subject to disruption due to weather or satellite coverage. Mobile signal is limited and intermittent throughout the Reserve. 
  • Optional tree planting activity is available at RM100 per tree, including maintenance and a GPS-tagged certificate. 
  • Travel insurance is strongly recommended. Your policy should cover medical evacuation, trip interruption, and personal liability due to the remote nature of this experience. 
  • 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 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. 
  • Guests may also arrange transfers from Kinabalu Park or from the Kinabatangan area. For alternative pick-up locations and detailed arrangements, please contact our sales team.
  • 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.