5D4N Rivers & Rainforests: Kinabatangan River & Danum Valley Field Centre

Your adventure begins with a pickup from either your hotel lobby or Sandakan Airport. From here, embark on a journey to the renowned Sepilok Orangutan Rehabilitation Centre, nestled within the lush Kabili-Sepilok Forest Reserve. 

Upon arrival, receive an insightful briefing on the rehabilitation process of orphaned orangutans before stepping into the reserve. Witness these incredible primates up close as they roam freely in their natural habitat. You’ll also get the chance to observe them during their scheduled feeding time at the designated platform. 

Next, proceed to the Bornean Sun Bear Conservation Centre, home to the world’s smallest bear species. These fascinating creatures stand between 120cm and 150cm tall when upright and weigh approximately 27kg to 65kg. Look out for their distinctive white or yellowish crescent markings on their chests as you learn more about their conservation. 

Following your time with the sun bears, set off on a scenic two-hour drive to Bilit Jetty. From here, take a boat ride across the river to Bilit Rainforest Lodge, where a refreshing welcome drink awaits as you check in. 

Later in the afternoon, embark on your first river cruise along the Kinabatangan River, a prime spot for spotting a diverse array of wildlife. After returning to the lodge, enjoy a delightful dinner before setting out again for a night river cruise, offering a unique opportunity to observe nocturnal animals in action. 

After an eventful day, retreat to your comfortable accommodation at Bilit Rainforest Lodge for a well-deserved rest. 

Start your day with light morning refreshments before embarking on a scenic river cruise to the Ox-Bow Lake. Drift along the Kinabatangan River and experience the rainforest coming to life with a chorus of birds and the stirring of wildlife.

After the cruise, return to the lodge for a hearty breakfast to fuel up for the day.

Continue with a relaxed 30-minute Kampung Walk around the lodge and nearby Kampung Bilit, where you can catch a glimpse of local village life and culture.

After the walk, enjoy some free time to unwind before lunch is served at the Bilit Restaurant.

Later in the afternoon, enjoy a tea break at 15:30 Hrs before setting out on another river cruise at 16:00 Hrs. Keep a lookout for Proboscis Monkeys, an array of birdlife, and other wildlife along the riverbanks. If luck is on your side, you might even spot the elusive Bornean pygmy elephant.

After the river cruise, relax at your own pace until dinner is served at 19:30 Hrs.

End the day with another comfortable overnight stay at Bilit Rainforest Lodge.

After breakfast, check out from Bilit Rainforest Lodge and bid farewell to the Kinabatangan River as you embark on a scenic four-hour transfer to the Danum Valley Conservation Area. Along the way, witness the gradual transition from regenerated forests to the breathtaking, untouched 130-million-year-old tropical rainforest of Borneo. 

Upon arrival at the Danum Valley Field Centre (DVFC), complete your registration at the Reception & Information Building and check in after a briefing by DVFC staff. Enjoy a hearty lunch at the dining hall before meeting your nature guide to discuss and plan your upcoming activities. Your itinerary at DVFC is flexible and can be tailored to suit what you hope to see and experience while at Danum Valley. 

Take some time to relax or recharge with a short nap before heading out on a mid-afternoon walk around the centre. This introductory trek will immerse you in the heart of the tropical rainforest, where you may encounter resident wildlife such as orangutans, pygmy elephants, red leaf monkeys, sambar deer, wild boars, hornbills, and other fascinating species. 

As the sun sets, return to the centre for a delicious dinner. Later in the evening, embark on an exciting 4x4 night safari drive, where you’ll have the chance to spot nocturnal creatures (weather permitting). 

Retire for the night at Danum Valley Field Centre, surrounded by the tranquil rainforest sounds. 

Begin the day at dawn with a guided morning nature and wildlife observation session at 06:00 Hrs, allowing you to soak in the untouched beauty of the ancient rainforest. 

Afterwards, return to the centre for a fulfilling breakfast. You may then opt to explore one of the nearby trails for an immersive jungle experience. 

Enjoy some downtime in the late morning before indulging in a wholesome lunch. In the afternoon, embark on another trek – several trails of varying difficulty levels are available. Your nature guide will assess your fitness level before selecting a suitable route, with options ranging from short walks to longer, more challenging hikes. 

As the evening approaches, return to the centre to witness the breathtaking transformation of the sky as daylight fades. Following dinner, join a guided night walk in search of nocturnal wildlife (weather permitting). 

End the day with another restful night at Danum Valley Field Centre. 

For those eager to witness a truly magical sunrise, wake up as early as 04:30 Hrs for a 4x4 drive to Bukit Atur, where you’ll witness the first rays of sunlight illuminating the valley (weather permitting). Alternatively, you may opt for a guided morning walk at 06:00 Hrs to further explore the rainforest. 

Return to the centre for a hearty breakfast, after which you can take one last short trek before preparing to check out. 

By 10:30 Hrs, pack your belongings and depart for Lahad Datu, with a two-hour transfer to Lahad Datu Airport marking the end of your unforgettable Bornean adventure.