Overview
Immerse yourself in the wild heart of Sabah on this 3-day wildlife adventure combining the iconic Sepilok Orangutan Rehabilitation Centre, the mighty Kinabatangan River — known as the “Amazon of Borneo” — and the heritage city of Sandakan. Spot the Borneo Big Five: proboscis monkeys, pygmy elephants, orangutans, crocodiles, and hornbills. Stay one night at the comfortable Sabah Hotel and one night at the riverside Bilit Rainforest Lodge, surrounded by jungle sounds.
Day 1: Sandakan — City Tour & Seafood Dinner
Pick up from Sandakan Airport or your hotel. Visit Puh Jih Shih Temple, perched on a hilltop with panoramic views of Sandakan Bay. Explore the bustling Sandakan Central Market with local produce, handicrafts, and pearls. Walk through Sim Sim Water Village, where wooden houses balance on stilts over the water and fishermen mend their nets. Enjoy a local lunch before checking into Sabah Hotel. Evening transfer to a local seafood restaurant for a fresh seafood dinner. Overnight at Sabah Hotel. (Lunch, Dinner)
Day 2: Sepilok Orangutans — Sun Bears — Kinabatangan River Cruise
After breakfast and check-out, transfer to Sepilok Orangutan Rehabilitation Centre. Watch a video briefing on orangutan rehabilitation before walking the boardwalk through lowland rainforest to the feeding platform. At 10:00 AM, witness young orangutans swinging through the trees to feed. Visit the Outdoor Nursery to see juveniles learning forest survival skills. Next door, visit the Bornean Sun Bear Conservation Centre for an introduction to the world’s smallest bear species and see rescued bears up close. Transfer 2 hours to Bilit Rainforest Lodge beside the Lower Kinabatangan River. After lunch, enjoy afternoon tea before the 4:00 PM river cruise — glide past proboscis monkeys, macaques, hornbills, and if lucky, a herd of endangered Bornean pygmy elephants on the riverbank. Dinner at the lodge. Optional night cruise available to spot nocturnal wildlife. Overnight at Bilit Rainforest Lodge. (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
Day 3: Rainforest Discovery Centre — Departure
Breakfast and check-out. Boat transfer and 2-hour overland journey to Sandakan. Visit the Rainforest Discovery Centre within the Kabili-Sepilok Virgin Jungle Reserve. Walk the 7 km of jungle trails and the spectacular canopy walkway suspended among the treetops for a unique bird’s-eye view of the rainforest. Lunch at the English Tea House & Restaurant. Afternoon transfer to Sandakan Airport or hotel. End of tour. (Breakfast, Lunch)
What’s Included
- 1 night at Sabah Hotel, 1 night at Bilit Rainforest Lodge
- All meals as per itinerary
- All entrance fees (Sepilok, Sun Bear Centre, Rainforest Discovery Centre)
- Kinabatangan River cruise
- All transfers (join-in tour basis, shared guide and vehicle)
- English-speaking guide
Important Notes
- Minimum 2 persons (join-in tour basis)
- Private tour available at additional charge
- Wildlife sightings are not guaranteed but highly likely
- Recommended flight: arrive Sandakan before 9:00 AM on Day 1
- Optional night cruise: SGD 65 per person
- Starting from SGD 763 per person (~USD 565)
