Sandakan Nature Safari | 3 Days, 2 Nights | from SANDAKAN or SEPILOK, MALAYSIA

Overview 

Embark on a thrilling three-day wildlife adventure in Sabah! Start with a visit to the world-renowned Orangutan Rehabilitation Centre and the Bornean Sun Bear Conservation Centre to see these majestic animals up close. Then it’s time for the main event, the Kinabatangan River! Enjoy multiple river cruises and keep an eye out for Borneo’s Big Five – pygmy elephants, orangutans, rhinoceros hornbills, crocodiles, and proboscis monkeys – along with many other fascinating creatures. The tour concludes with a visit to the marvellous Gomantong Caves, home to swiftlets, the birds that create nests used in bird’s nest soup. Book now for an unforgettable adventure!

Itinerary

Day 1

• Pick-up is from Sandakan or Sepilok between 08:00-09:00.
• Transfer to the Orangutan Rehabilitation Centre in Sepilok in time for feeding at 10:00. 
• After seeing the ‘man of the forest’ head over to the Sun Bear Conservation Centre to see the world’s smallest bear species. 
• Next, head to the Mango Garden Restaurant for lunch before heading to Nature Lodge Kinabatangan where you’ll be staying. 
• Settle in and relax for a little while before experiencing your first river cruise of the trip around 16:00. 
• After your cruise, settle in for dinner at the lodge. 
• Before bed, head out on a guided night walk through the jungle. You’ll have the opportunity to spot nocturnal creatures as well as insects and sleeping birds. 
• Following your night walk, it’s time for bed. You have an early start tomorrow! 

Day 2

• Be up and ready for your two-hour morning cruise at 06:00. 
• At 08:00, you’ll return to the lodge for breakfast. 
• After eating, head to the Bilit Oxbow Lake with your guide to experience the multitude of flora and fauna that call this area home. 
• Midday is lunchtime, after which, you’ll have a few hours to relax in and around the lodge. 
• At 16:00, it’s time for your afternoon river cruise for more wildlife spotting before returning to the lodge for dinner at 18:00.
• After dinner, embark on your second jungle night hike along a different route before heading to bed. 

Day 3

• At 06:00 head out for your last river cruise of the trip, then return to the lodge for breakfast at 07:45. 
• You’ll check out at 09:15 and head to Gomantong Caves – one of the largest sources of edible bird nests in Sabah before returning to Sandakan. 

Accommodation

Your accommodation at Nature Lodge Kinabatangan is in a basic but beautiful, ensuite jungle chalet.

Food

Meals are served each day of the safari and dietary requirements can be catered for. Please let us know of any requirements using the ‘additional information’ box at the time of booking. 

On day one, you’ll have lunch at Mango Garden Restaurant in Sepilok, and dinner at Nature Lodge Kinabatangan. All meals on day two, as well as breakfast on day three, are at the lodge. 

Guide

English-speaking guides are with you for the duration of your trip.

What’s Included

Includes:

• Return road transfer 
• Return boat transfers 
• 2 breakfast, 2 lunch & 2 dinners
• Entrance fees and conservation charges
• Accommodation at the chalet within the Agamid wing of Nature Lodge Kinabatangan
• English speaking guide
• River cruise (2 morning & 2 late afternoon)
• 2 guided night nature walks
• 1 guided trek to Ox-Bow Lake
• Free coffee, tea and filtered water
• One refillable eco water bottle (600ml) for each guest

Does Not Include:

• Tourism Tax of 10MYR ($2USD) per room/night
• Camera fees at Sepilok Orang Utan Centre (10MYR ($2USD) per camera) and Gomantong caves (30MYR ($6USD) per camera)

FAQs

• What should I pack for the trip? For this Sandakan Nature Safari you should bring a camera, binoculars, suncream, insect repellent, shoes with good grip, raincoat, clothes for the three days – long sleeves and trousers recommended, 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 50MYR (approx. $11USD) 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 200MYR (approx. $44USD).