Kinabatangan River Safari | 2 Days, 1 Night | from SANDAKAN or SEPILOK, MALAYSIA

Overview: 

Embark on a breathtaking two-day adventure along the Kinabatangan River – perfect for travellers short on time in Sabah. Try to spot Borneo’s Big Five; orangutans, crocodiles, proboscis monkeys, rhinoceros hornbills, and pygmy elephants, as you cruise down the river. The protected sanctuary of Kinabatangan is where majestic wildlife thrives, thanks to the collaboration between local villages and environmental groups. Immerse yourself in the natural beauty with river cruises, jungle hikes, and shared meals that forge unforgettable memories. Don’t miss this unique opportunity to witness the wonders of Borneo. Book now for an experience you’ll treasure forever!

Itinerary

Day 1

• Meet with your guide at 10:30 at the Wisma Khoo Siak Chiew Building in Sandakan or at the Orangutan Rehabilitation Centre in Sepilok at 11:30. 
• Before embarking on the two-hour drive to Kinabatangan from Sepilok, you’ll visit a shop to stock up on drinks and snacks for your trip. 
• You’ll arrive at Nature Lodge Kinabatangan at around 15:00 – you’ll get a boat across the river to reach the lodge. 
• Once you reach the lodge, you’ll be given a rundown of how everything works by the friendly staff before checking into your room. 
• At 16:00, you’ll head out onto the river for your first river cruise – keep your eyes peeled for monkeys, birds, crocodiles and even pygmy elephants! 
• Return to the lodge for dinner at 18:00. There will be a wildlife film/presentation at 19:30 and a jungle night hike at 20:00. 
• After the night walk, head to bed, it’s an early start in the morning!

Day 2

• At 05:30, prepare for an early morning cruise along the misty river. Being out at this time of day feels very different to the afternoon cruise!
• Breakfast is at 07:30. 
• Check out at 08:30 and head back to your drop-off point. Expect to arrive in Sepilok at 11:30 Sandakan at around 12:30

Accommodation 

Accommodation for this 2 day, 1 night Kinabatangan River safari is in dorm rooms with shared bathrooms. 

Food

Dinner on day one and breakfast on day two are provided at the lodge. Meals are communal and buffet style. Dietary requirements can be catered for. If you want snacks for your trip, head to a shop for supplies before embarking on the tour! 

Guide

Knowledgeable, English-speaking guides will be with you for the duration of the trip. 

What’s Included

Includes:

• Return road and boat transfers 
• 1 breakfast & 1 dinner
• Accommodation at Nature Lodge Kinabatangan
• Nature guide
• River cruise (1 morning & 1 afternoon)
• 1 night walk
• Free coffee & tea
• Refillable aluminium water bottle

Does Not Include:

• Travel insurance
• Other drinks aside from tea, coffee and water
• Personal expenses 

FAQs

• What should I pack for the trip? For this Kinabatangan River safari, you should bring: a camera, binoculars, suncream, insect repellent, shoes with good grip, a raincoat, clothes for the two days – long sleeves and trousers recommended, a sun hat, and a torch. 
• What is the best time of year to do this trip? April to September is the best time to do this tour. It’s the dry season in Sabah, so there’s less chance of rain. However, it can rain any time of year, so always pack a coat! You’ll likely see more wildlife along the Kinabatangan River during this period. 
• I’m a vegetarian/vegan and/or I have an allergy or a specific diet, can I be catered for on this trip? Yes, most dietary requirements can be catered for. Please inform us using the ‘additional information’ box at the time of booking if you have specific dietary requirements.
• Is there a peak season surcharge? Yes, this tour includes a peak season surcharge of 25MYR (approx. $5.50USD) per person from the start of June to the end of September. 
• I am a solo traveller, will I pay extra? Yes, there is a single traveller surcharge of 100MYR (approx. $23USD).