5D4N Sandakan Wildlife Safari with Sepilok & Kinabatangan River Experience

TOUR INFORMATION

TOUR CODE: ABSK-AJL03
DESCRIPTION: 5D4N SANDAKAN WILDLIFE SAFARI WITH SEPILOK & KINABATANGAN RIVER EXPERIENCE
REGION: Sandakan
DURATION: 5 Days 4 Nights
MINIMUM: 1 Pax
AVAILABILITY: Pre-Book Needed
PICK UP POINT: Sandakan Airport
PICK UP TIME: Before 16:00 Hrs
DROP OFF POINT: Your Hotel in Sandakan City / Sandakan Airport
DROP OFF TIME: Depends on Your Flight Departure Time (Preferably After 14:00 Hrs)
* All timings are estimated and for reference purposes only. Actual timing will be provided prior to your departure.

Tour highlights

  • Experience a 5D4N Sandakan wildlife tour from Sepilok to the Kinabatangan River, combining rainforest, river, and conservation experiences
  • Stay at MY Nature Resort, Abai Jungle Lodge, and Sukau Kinabatangan Riverside Lodge, each offering a distinct rainforest and riverside setting
  • Visit Sepilok Orangutan Rehabilitation Centre and Sun Bear Conservation Centre, Sabah’s top wildlife conservation sites
  • Cruise the Kinabatangan River, Menanggul River, and Pitas Oxbow Lake to spot Borneo wildlife, including pygmy elephants, proboscis monkeys, orangutans, and hornbills
  • Enjoy day-to-night jungle activities, including a guided night walk, flying squirrel viewing, and firefly river cruise
  • Visit Abai Village to learn about the lifestyle of local villagers along the Kinabatangan River
  • Travel seamlessly with guided tours, boat transfers, and full-board meals for a hassle-free Borneo wildlife safari

Sample itinerary

Day 1 - Arrival in Sandakan / MY Nature Resort / Flying Squirrel Viewing / Night Walk

Before 16:00 Hrs: Pick-up from Sandakan Airport and transfer to MY Nature Resort, nestled within a quiet rainforest setting. Upon arrival, check in and relax nestled in Sabah’s lush tropical nature.

Before 18:00 Hrs: Gather at “The Flying Squirrel” platform to watch these fascinating creatures glide through the forest canopy at dusk.

Afterwards, enjoy dinner at the lodge, followed by a guided night walk led by the in-house naturalist, where you may spot nocturnal insects, frogs, and other rainforest wildlife (the night walk may take place before dinner depending on weather conditions).

Overnight stay at MY Nature Resort.

Meals : Dinner Accommodation : MY Nature Resort

Day 2 - Sepilok Orangutan Rehabilitation Centre / Sun Bear Conservation Centre / Sim Sim Jetty / Abai Jungle Lodge / Kinabatangan River Cruise

09:00 Hrs: Check-out and depart for the Sepilok Orangutan Rehabilitation Centre.

09:30 Hrs – 09:50 Hrs: Visit the outdoor nursery and see young orangutans in a semi-wild setting.

10:00 Hrs: Watch the Orangutan feeding session, one of the main highlights of Sepilok.

10:30 Hrs: Continue to the Bornean Sun Bear Conservation Centre to learn about the rescue and care of sun bears and see them up close.

11:15 Hrs: Leave Sepilok and transfer to Sim Sim Jetty. Board the scheduled boat at 12:00 Hrs and travel along the river to Abai Jungle Lodge.

13:15 Hrs: Arrive at Abai Jungle Lodge. Enjoy lunch, check in, and take some time to relax by the river.

16:30 Hrs: Head out for a river cruise along the Kinabatangan River, continuing into the evening to spot wildlife and fireflies.

19:30 Hrs: Dinner is served at the Jetty facing the river. After dinner, go for a guided night walk along the lodge nature boardwalk (600m to 1000m).

Overnight stay at Abai Jungle Lodge.

Meals : Lunch / Dinner Accommodation : Abai Jungle Lodge

Day 3 - Morning River Cruise / Abai Village / Evening River Cruise

06:30 Hrs: Early morning river cruise to Pitas Oxbow Lake, a prime location for birdwatching and wildlife sightings.

08:00 Hrs: Return to the lodge for breakfast on the Abai Jungle Platform, surrounded by rainforest views.

11:30 Hrs: Visit Abai Village to learn more about the lifestyle of the villagers. Enjoy a simple lunch with the villagers as part of a community-based experience (our CSR program).

16:30 Hrs: In the afternoon, head out for another river cruise, continuing your search for wildlife.

19:30 Hrs: Return to Abai Jungle Lodge for a quiet and relaxing dinner surrounded by the rainforest and the river.

Overnight stay at Abai Jungle Lodge.

Meals : Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner Accommodation : Abai Jungle Lodge

Day 4 - Morning River Cruise / Sukau Village / Evening River Cruise

8:00 Hrs: Wake up and enjoy your morning breakfast. Afterwards, you are free to relax at the lodge or explore the nature board walk.

10:00 Hrs: Check out and depart by boat to Sukau, with chances to spot wildlife along the riverbanks.

12:00 Hrs: Arrive and check in at Kinabatangan Riverside Lodge.

12:30 Hrs: Enjoy lunch at the restaurant, overlooking the river and surrounding rainforest.

16:30 Hrs: Head out for a river cruise to Menanggul River, one of the best spots for wildlife sightings in the area.

19:30 Hrs: Return to the lodge for dinner, followed by a relaxing evening by the river.

Overnight stay at Sukau Kinabatangan Riverside Lodge.

Meals : Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner Accommodation : Sukau Kinabatangan Riverside Lodge

Day 5 - Departure

06:30 Hrs: Have a last morning breakfast of this trip at the Kinabatangan Riverside View Jetty.

07:30 Hrs: Check out and depart from Sukau by boat to Sandakan.

10:30 Hrs: Enjoy an early lunch before transferring to the airport for your onward flight, or hotel in Sandakan.

Meals : Breakfast / Lunch

TOUR INCLUSIONS

Meals 03 Breakfasts, 04 Lunches, 04 Dinners
Accommodation 1-Night Stay at MY Nature Resort
2-Night Stay at Abai Jungle Lodge
1-Night Stay at Kinabatangan Riverside Lodge
Include 04 Nights Accommodation, Meals as Stated, Entrance Fees, Overland Transfers, Guided Activities, Kinabatangan River Cruises, English-Speaking Guide 
Exclude Airfares, Camera and Video Fees, Personal Expenses, Alcoholic Drinks, Personal Travel Insurance, Peak Season Surcharge (If Any), Tourism Tax (TTx), Any Items Not Mentioned

THINGS YOU SHOULD BRING

  • Small backpack 
  • Outdoor attire (lightweight, breathable) 
  • Comfortable footwear (with good grip) 
  • Raincoat 
  • Cap / Hat 
  • Insect repellent  
  • Headlamp / Flashlight 
  • Swimwear 
  • Reusable water bottle 
  • Camera 
  • Binoculars 
  • Personal medication 
  • Personal toiletries 
  • Extra cash (MYR) 

THINGS YOU SHOULD KNOW

  • Please ensure you are holding an air ticket to Sandakan. Flights are not included in this package. 
  • This is a nature-based experience, and guests should expect insects, forest sounds, and basic lodge facilities, especially in Kinabatangan. 
  • Accommodation at Abai Jungle Lodge is simple and designed for nature immersion rather than luxury. 
  • Flights to Sandakan should be scheduled to arrive before 16:00 Hrs on Day 1. 
  • Flights departing Sandakan should be scheduled for after 14:00 Hrs on Day 5. 
  • Travel insurance is not included and is strongly recommended. 
  • Effective as of 1st September 2017, the Tourism and Culture Ministry of Malaysia has implemented a Malaysian Tourism Tax (TTx). Foreign tourists are 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 are required to present a valid identification upon check-in for the exemption. 
  • If you have specific dietary requirements or allergies, kindly inform us in advance so that suitable arrangements can be made. 

IMPORTANT NOTES

  • 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.