5D4N Borneo Wildlife & Conservation Tour: Sepilok Orangutan, Kinabatangan River, Gomantong Caves, and Bilit Rainforest Lodge


TOUR INFORMATION

TOUR CODE: ABSK-WA1601
DESCRIPTION: 5D4N BORNEO WILDLIFE & CONSERVATION TOUR: SEPILOK ORANGUTAN, KINABATANGAN RIVER, GOMANTONG CAVES, AND BILIT RAINFOREST LODGE
REGION: Sandakan
DURATION: 5 Days 4 Nights
MINIMUM: 6 Pax
AVAILABILITY: Every Wednesday
PICK UP POINT: Your Hotel in Sandakan City / Sandakan Airport
PICK UP TIME: 08:30 Hrs - 09:15 Hrs
DROP OFF POINT: Your Hotel in Sandakan City / Sandakan Airport
DROP OFF TIME: 13:00 Hrs - 14:00 Hrs
* All timings are estimated and for reference purposes only. Actual timing will be provided prior to your departure.

Tour highlights

  • Bilit Rainforest Lodge: Stay in an eco-friendly lodge deep in the rainforest, offering immersive nature experiences and sustainable accommodations
  • Sepilok Orangutan Rehabilitation Centre: Observe rescued orangutans in their natural habitat and learn about crucial conservation efforts
  • Bornean Sun Bear Conservation Centre: Encounter the world's smallest bear species, known for its unique chest markings
  • Kinabatangan River Cruises: Spot a wide range of wildlife, including pygmy elephants, proboscis monkeys, and rare bird species, during scenic river cruises
  • Gomantong Caves Exploration: Discover the unique cave ecosystem, home to millions of bats and swiftlets, with a chance to witness the famous bird nest harvesting
  • Jungle Treks & Night Safaris: Explore Borneo’s lush rainforests on guided jungle walks and nocturnal river safaris to spot elusive wildlife and nocturnal animals

Sample itinerary

Day 1 - Arrival in Sandakan / Sepilok Orangutan Rehabilitation Centre / Bornean Sun Bear Conservation Centre / Bilit Rainforest Lodge / Kinabatangan River Cruise

Begin your journey with a pick-up from your hotel lobby or Sandakan Airport. Your first stop is the renowned Sepilok Orangutan Rehabilitation Centre in the Kabili-Sepilok Forest Reserve. After a brief orientation and an introductory video about orangutan rehabilitation, you'll have the opportunity to observe these magnificent creatures in their natural habitat. Walk along the boardwalk to witness their feeding at the platform. 

After dinner, you have the option of joining a complimentary night safari cruise to spot nocturnal animals and crocodiles, or simply relax before retiring for the night at the lodge. 

Following your visit, embark on a 2-hour drive to Bilit Jetty, where a boat ride will take you to the Bilit Rainforest Lodge at Bilit Village. Enjoy a welcome drink and lunch before setting off on an evening Kinabatangan River cruise in search of Bornean wildlife like proboscis monkeys, rare birds, and possibly pygmy elephants. 

Next, head to the Bornean Sun Bear Conservation Centre, where you’ll learn about the world’s smallest bear species, identifiable by the distinctive crescent-shaped markings on their chests. 

Meals : Lunch / Dinner Accommodation : Bilit Rainforest Lodge

Day 2 - Morning River Cruise / Jungle Trek / Evening River Cruise

Start your day with an early morning river cruise along the Kinabatangan River, searching for more wildlife or embark on a jungle trek to Kelenanap Oxbow Lake for birdwatching. 

After breakfast, enjoy some free time until lunch. For an additional fee, you can opt for a guided jungle walk. 

In the afternoon, embark on another river cruise for further wildlife spotting. The second longest river in Malaysia, Kinabatangan River is considered a hotbed of wildlife activity and one of the best places to spot the Borneo Big Five: Pygmy Elephants, Proboscis Monkeys, Orangutan, Rhinoceros Hornbills, and Estuarine Crocodiles. 

Return to the lodge for dinner and some leisure time before spending the night at Bilit Rainforest Lodge. 

Meals : Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner Accommodation : Bilit Rainforest Lodge

Day 3 - Gomantong Cave / Sandakan Airport or Hotel

Enjoy a hearty breakfast before heading out to explore Gomantong Caves, a short 30-minute drive away. These caves are home to millions of bats and swiftlets, and you may get the chance to witness the harvesting of edible bird nests. 

After your cave exploration, enjoy lunch at a local restaurant before transferring to your Sandakan hotel for check-in and relaxation. 

Meals : Breakfast / Lunch Accommodation : Amanson Signature Hotel

Day 4 - Free & Easy

Spend the day at your own pace, exploring Sandakan as you wish. 

Consider a range of options, including the Sandakan City Tour, Sandakan Heritage Trail, Rainforest Discovery Centre, Sandakan War Memorial, or Agnes Keith House. 

Meals : Breakfast Accommodation : Amanson Signature Hotel

Day 5 - Free & Easy / Departure

After breakfast, enjoy some final leisure time before checking out. 

You will be transferred to Sandakan Airport for your departure – your tour ends here. 

Meals : Breakfast Accommodation : Amanson Signature Hotel

Meals 04 Breakfasts, 03 Lunches, and 02 Dinners
Includes 04 Nights Accommodation, Meals As Stated, Entrances Fees As Per Itinerary, Airport/Tour Return Transfers (Seat-In Basis), Hotel Return Transfers (Seat-In Basis), Scheduled Boat Transfers (Seat-In Basis), Overland Transfers, English-Speaking Guide and Support Team
Accommodation 2-Night Stay at Bilit Rainforest Lodge
2-Night Stay at Amanson sigNature Hotel
Excludes Airfares Not Mentioned, Camera and Video Fees, Personal Expenses, Alcoholic Drinks, Juices, Personal Travel Insurance, Peak Season Surcharge (If Any), Tourism Tax (TTx), 8% SST (If Applicable), Guide Tips (Optional), Any Items/Activities Not Mentioned

Optionals

Optional Add-On Tours : (SIC basis, min. of 2 persons)

  • Night Cruise @ MYR 150 per pax
  • Jungle Trek @ MYR 105 per pax
  • Night Walk @ MYR 125 per pax

(ADVANCE BOOKING IS REQUIRED)

Private River Cruise Service :

  • Additional of MYR 190 per boat per river cruise for private cruises

Cruising Time:

  • Evening Cruise will start at 1600hrs, any early or late departure will be considered as PRIVATE CRUISE. Private River Cruise surcharge of MYR 190 will be imposed.
  • Comfortable walking shoes
  • Cooling t-shirt
  • Long / short pants
  • Easy & relaxed
  • Outdoor attire (breathable, quick-dry material in earthy tones) 
  • Comfortable attire (enough for 5 days) 
  • Raincoat 
  • Cap / hat 
  • Insect repellent 
  • Good trekking shoes 
  • Sneakers / slippers / sandals 
  • Head lamp / flashlight 
  • Selection of dry bags (to keep trek bag content dry) 
  • Swimwear 
  • Camera 
  • Personal first aid kit, toiletries, and medication 
  • Please ensure you are holding air ticket to Sandakan. 
  • This tour starts every Wednesday. Please ensure you book your flight accordingly.
  • Standard check-in and check-out times for most hotels and resorts are 1400hrs and 1200hrs. However, check-in and check-out times may vary depending on each accommodation. So kindly check with us to get accurate check-in and check-out times of your accommodation.  
  • 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 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. 
  • Some parts of your tour may involve moderate physical activity. Comfortable footwear and a reasonable level of fitness are recommended. 
  • 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. 
  • 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.