3D2N Sandakan Wildlife & Kinabatangan River Safari
- 3 Days
- Deposit of 10% is required to secure your booking request. Final confirmation is subject to availability. The remaining balance is payable once the booking is confirmed.
Adult
Child
Description
This 3-day, 2-night program is structured as a compact yet comprehensive wildlife immersion in Sandakan, combining rehabilitation centers, protected sanctuaries, and one of Borneo’s most biodiverse river ecosystems—Kinabatangan. The experience is designed around accessibility without compromising exposure to key species, making it suitable for travelers seeking high-impact wildlife encounters within a limited timeframe.
The journey begins with a focused introduction to conservation efforts in Sepilok, where semi-wild orangutans are rehabilitated and reintroduced into their natural habitat. The setting allows controlled observation of both juvenile and adult individuals during feeding sessions, supported by elevated boardwalks through lowland rainforest. This is followed by a visit to the Sun Bear Conservation Centre, offering insight into the protection of the world’s smallest bear species, and extended further at Labuk Bay Proboscis Monkey Sanctuary, where endemic proboscis monkeys can be observed in a managed yet natural mangrove environment.
The second day shifts into a broader ecological landscape with an overland journey to Gomantong Cave, a significant limestone formation known for its swiftlet populations and traditional bird nest harvesting. The program then transitions to the Kinabatangan River, one of Southeast Asia’s richest wildlife corridors. A guided river cruise provides opportunities to encounter proboscis monkeys, wild orangutans, macaques, hornbills, and other riverine species within their natural habitat. The experience emphasizes observation over staging, with wildlife sightings dependent on real-time environmental conditions.
Overall, this program positions itself as a multi-layered conservation journey—connecting rehabilitation, sanctuary management, and wild ecosystem exposure into a single, cohesive experience. It balances structured visits with natural exploration, delivering a grounded and realistic perspective of Borneo’s biodiversity and ongoing conservation efforts.
Duration
3 Days
Tour Type
Multi-day
Group Size
14
Language
English
Highlights
- Observe orangutans in a semi-wild rehabilitation environment at Sepilok
- Witness feeding sessions and natural behavior from elevated rainforest boardwalks
- Visit Sun Bear Conservation Centre to learn about the world’s smallest bear
- Encounter proboscis monkeys at Labuk Bay Sanctuary in a mangrove setting
- Explore Gomantong Cave, home to millions of swiftlets and traditional bird nest harvesting
- Scenic overland journey through Sabah’s rural and forest landscapes
- Private Kinabatangan River cruise with high probability of wildlife sightings
- Spot diverse species including orangutans, proboscis monkeys, macaques, and hornbills
- Combination of rehabilitation centres, sanctuaries, and natural ecosystems
- Compact itinerary covering key wildlife experiences in Sandakan region
Included
- 2 nights accommodation (3★ hotel in Sandakan or similar)
- Daily meals as stated (2x Breakfast, 2x Lunch, 2x Dinner)
- All tours and entrance fees as per itinerary
- Land transfers (airport – hotel – all tour locations – airport)
- Kinabatangan River cruise experience
- Land Transfers: Comfortable air-conditioned vehicle for all airport and tour transfers.
- Visit to Sepilok Orangutan Rehabilitation Centre
- Visit to Sun Bear Conservation Centre
- Visit to Labuk Bay Proboscis Monkey Sanctuary
- Visit to Gomantong Cave
- English/Malay/Mandarin-speaking guide (driver-guide for small groups)
Excluded
- Return flight tickets
- Tourism tax (RM 10 per room per night, payable at hotel if applicable)
- International market surcharge (+MYR 200 per person)
- Compulsory tipping for guide (MYR 30 per person)
- Optional supplement (MYR 400 – MYR 600 per person depending on hotel category)
- Personal expenses (meals not stated, beverages, tips, souvenirs, etc.)
- Travel insurance (strongly recommended)
- Any services not explicitly mentioned in the inclusions
Tour Itinerary
- 3D2N Sandakan & Kinabatangan Safari
Day 1 – Arrival Sandakan
- Arrival at Sandakan Airport and meet & greet with guide
- Transfer to Sepilok Orangutan Rehabilitation Centre
- Observe orangutan feeding session and explore rainforest boardwalk
- Visit Sun Bear Conservation Centre
- Continue to Labuk Bay Proboscis Monkey Sanctuary
- Observe proboscis monkeys in mangrove environment
- Transfer to hotel and check-in
- Lunch and dinner as per program
Day 2 – Kinabatangan River Safari
- Breakfast at hotel
- Overland transfer to Gomantong Cave (approximately 2.5 hours)
- Explore limestone cave and observe swiftlet habitat
- Continue journey to Kinabatangan River area
- Afternoon river cruise in search of wildlife
- Spot proboscis monkeys, orangutans, macaques, and birdlife
- Return to Sandakan after cruise
- Dinner and overnight at hotel
Day 3 – Departure Sandakan
- Breakfast at hotel
- Free time until check-out
- Transfer to Sandakan Airport for departure
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the minimum booking requirement?
Minimum booking is 4 persons per reservation.
What type of accommodation is provided?
2-night stay in 3★ to 4★ hotels in Sandakan.
Are all meals included?
Yes. The package includes 2 breakfasts, 2 lunches, and 2 dinners as stated in the program.
What wildlife can be seen during this tour?
Orangutans, proboscis monkeys, macaques, hornbills, sun bears, and various bird species. Sightings are not guaranteed as all wildlife is observed in natural conditions.
Is the Kinabatangan River cruise private?
Yes, based on your program, the river cruise is conducted as a private guided experience.
How long is the journey to Kinabatangan area?
Approximately 2 to 2.5 hours overland from Sandakan.
What is the condition at Gomantong Cave?
The cave is natural and can be humid, dark, and slippery. Basic walking fitness is required.
Is this tour suitable for children?
Yes, but children must be supervised, especially during cave visits and river cruise activities.
What should I bring?
Light clothing, comfortable walking shoes, insect repellent, sun protection, rain protection, binoculars, and personal medication.
Are there any additional charges?
Yes. Additional costs may include tourism tax, international surcharge, compulsory tipping, and optional hotel upgrade supplements.
Is tipping mandatory?
Yes. Compulsory tipping for the guide is MYR 30 per person.
What happens in case of bad weather?
All outdoor activities, especially river cruises, are subject to weather conditions and may be adjusted for safety.
Can I choose the hotel category?
Yes, hotel selection depends on the package tier booked (3★ or 4★ or similar).
Is travel insurance required?
Not mandatory, but strongly recommended due to the nature of wildlife and outdoor activities.
Tour Terms & Conditions
- Minimum booking requirement follows the package (2 or 4 persons as specified per tour).
- All rates are per person in MYR and valid until 31 December 2026 unless stated otherwise.
- Full payment is required to confirm all bookings.
- All tours are based on shared or private arrangements as per package specification.
- Itinerary is subject to change due to weather, sea conditions, flight timing, or operational requirements.
- Wildlife sightings are not guaranteed as all animals are in natural habitats.
- Marine and island activities are subject to local authority regulations and sea conditions.
- For Turtle Island: Night activities are strictly controlled by park rangers and no flash photography is allowed.
- For rafting and water activities: Participation is at guest’s own risk and safety instructions must be followed at all times.
- Children policy follows individual package conditions (age limit, bed configuration, and eligibility).
- Peak season surcharges, international surcharges, and supplements (if any) will be advised upon confirmation.
- Room allocation is subject to availability and managed by respective hotels or park authorities.
- No refund for unused services, late arrivals, or no-show.
- Travel insurance is strongly recommended for all participants.
- Tourism Tax (RM 10 per room per night for non-Malaysians) is payable directly at hotel.
- The operator reserves the right to amend the program without prior notice in the interest of safety and smooth operations.
From RM1688
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