Planning to visit Sandakan and explore the heart of Borneo’s nature? This guide will take you through everything you need to know about booking a Sandakan tour package, including itineraries, the best wildlife encounters, and must-visit attractions like Sepilok, Selingan Turtle Island, and the Kinabatangan River. Whether you’re looking for a 4D3N adventure or just a day trip, this article offers tips to help you experience the best of Sandakan.
Sandakan is famous for its untouched rainforest, rich history, and captivating wildlife tours. From watching orangutans at rehabilitation centres to joining a river cruise to spot proboscis monkeys and pygmy elephants, every moment here is filled with unforgettable wildlife encounters. If you’re planning your journey to Sabah, this guide will make sure your booking process is smooth and your itinerary is filled with the best Sandakan has to offer.
Sandakan, located on the east coast of Sabah, is often called the gateway to the wonders of Borneo. With its strategic location near the sea and deep in the heart of the rainforest, the city is perfectly placed for unforgettable wildlife adventures. Many travelers fly in via Sandakan Airport and immediately begin their orientation tour of the region’s natural highlights.
The main reason travelers visit Sandakan is for its diverse wildlife. This includes endangered species such as orangutans, proboscis monkeys, green turtles, and even pygmy elephants. For wildlife lovers, Sandakan is a treasure trove where every activity promises unforgettable wildlife sightings.
A well-organized tour package allows you to experience the best Sandakan has to offer without the hassle of planning every detail. Tour operators often include transport from Sandakan Airport, accommodations, meals, and guided visits to the main attractions such as Sepilok Orangutan Rehabilitation Centre, Selingan Turtle Island, and the Kinabatangan River cruise.
Sandakan has positioned itself as one of the leading destinations for nature tours in Southeast Asia. With trusted tour operators, you’ll gain access to guided tours led by naturalist guides and, in some lodges, an in-house naturalist who enhances your understanding of the rainforest ecosystem.
A 4-day 3-night (4D3N) Sandakan itinerary is perfect for covering the highlights of the region. On arrival, most travelers begin their journey at Sandakan Airport or their hotel before transferring by boat to Selingan Turtle Island. The evening here is magical, with the chance to watch turtles laying eggs and witness the release of hatchlings into the sea.
Day two typically begins with a return to the mainland and a visit to the Sepilok Orangutan Rehabilitation Centre, followed by the Bornean Sun Bear Conservation Centre. After lunch, the journey continues to Bilit along the Kinabatangan River, where an afternoon river cruise offers encounters with proboscis monkeys, hornbills, and maybe even pygmy elephants.
Day three is reserved for more exploration along the Kinabatangan River. Early morning and late afternoon cruises, along with guided rainforest walks, allow for close encounters with the diverse wildlife of Borneo. Overnight stays at lodges in Bilit make the experience even more authentic.
On the final day, travelers often take one last morning river safari before breakfast, then return to Sandakan. A short stop in town or direct transfer to Sandakan Airport wraps up the journey, depending on the flight schedule, providing a memorable ending to this best of Sandakan 4D3N tour.
Planning your Sandakan trip with us, Remarkable Borneo is very simple. The process is designed to be quick, transparent, and stress-free so you can focus on your upcoming wildlife adventures. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you secure your booking with confidence:
Start by browsing through the available Sandakan tour packages. At Remarkable Borneo, you can choose from carefully crafted itineraries that highlight the best of Sandakan. Options include:
Can’t find a tour package that fits your preferences? Get in touch with us and we’ll customize one for you.
Pick the dates that align with your schedule. Consider seasonality for wildlife sightings, as certain times of year are better for activities like turtles laying eggs or seeing proboscis monkeys along the Kinabatangan River.
Confirm availability with Remarkable Borneo. Since tours such as Selingan Turtle Island and Sukau Rainforest Lodge stays are very popular, early booking is highly recommended.
Fill in essential traveler details, including group size, accommodation preferences, and any special requirements.
Complete your reservation with secure payment options provided by Remarkable Borneo. Once confirmed, you’ll receive an official booking receipt and tour information.
After securing your package, arrange flights to Sandakan Airport. Many travelers fly from Kota Kinabalu, though direct connections from Kuala Lumpur and other cities are also available.
Pack for your nature and wildlife adventure, bring comfortable clothing for rainforest walks, and prepare to enjoy unforgettable wildlife experiences in Sandakan.
With these easy steps, booking with Remarkable Borneo ensures a seamless start to your journey. Their diverse range of nature tours and expert guidance makes them a top choice for exploring the wonders of Borneo.
A highlight of every Sandakan tour is the Sepilok Orangutan Rehabilitation Centre, a world-renowned sanctuary where orphaned and injured orangutans are rehabilitated before being released back into the wild. Visitors can watch feeding sessions and observe these incredible primates up close.
The rehabilitation centre also offers educational experiences that teach travelers about conservation efforts in Sabah. Many tours combine this with a stop at the Rainforest Discovery Centre, allowing you to enjoy a canopy walk above the trees and a boardwalk stroll while spotting birds and wildlife.
Right next to Sepilok lies the Bornean Sun Bear Conservation Centre, home to the world’s smallest bear. The sun bear is an endangered species, and the centre works to rehabilitate and protect them. This is one of the must-visit places for wildlife lovers eager to see the Bornean sun bear in its natural habitat.
A guided visit here offers captivating wildlife encounters and shows the importance of conservation in Malaysia. The Bornean Sun Bear Conservation Centre complements the orangutan sanctuary, making Sepilok an essential part of any wildlife tours in Sandakan.
One of the most magical experiences in Sandakan is visiting Selingan Turtle Island. Located just off the coast, Selingan Island is famous for turtles laying eggs at night. Travelers often stay overnight here to witness both nesting and the release of baby turtles into the sea.
The island is also perfect for relaxation and snorkeling. You can even snorkel among colorful coral reefs while waiting for the evening turtle program. For many, this is the highlight of their travel experiences, and a replacement tour is rarely as fulfilling if bad weather cancels the trip.
A Kinabatangan River cruise is a must for anyone visiting Sandakan. The cruises, usually held at sunrise or sunset, give travelers the chance to see proboscis monkeys, hornbills, and other wildlife along the riverbanks. Morning cruises are especially popular for their calm atmosphere and good opportunities to spot animals.
To make the most of the experience, many visitors choose to stay overnight at Sukau Rainforest Lodge. The lodge offers activities like walking along the Hornbill Boardwalk and joining guided tours with experienced naturalists. It’s also designed with eco-friendly practices, making it a sustainable option for exploring Borneo’s wildlife.
The Rainforest Discovery Centre, located near Sepilok, is a great place to learn about Borneo’s forests while enjoying the outdoors. Visitors can walk along forest trails, explore the canopy walkway, and spot a variety of bird species, including hornbills. The Hornbill Boardwalk and canopy walk give different views of the rainforest and are popular spots for wildlife sightings.
The centre also runs nature tours and educational programs, making it a good option for families, school groups, or anyone interested in understanding more about Sabah’s unique environment.
A trip to Gomantong Cave is a great way to add variety to your Sandakan itinerary. The cave is well known for its swiftlet nests and its unusual ecosystem, making it an interesting stop for anyone curious about nature. Some tours also include short walks around the nearby forest trails, where you might spot wildlife along the way.
The Gomantong area is famous for its bats, swiftlets, and even orangutans roaming around. For many visitors, this stop provides one of the most unforgettable wildlife encounters of their journey through Sandakan.
When booking a Sandakan tour package, it’s worth choosing a reliable operator that provides transfers, meals, and knowledgeable guides. The most popular packages usually include key highlights such as Sepilok, Selingan Turtle Island, and a Kinabatangan River cruise.
Some tours also offer stays at lodges like Sukau Rainforest Lodge or Abai Jungle Lodge, which add to the overall experience. Since wildlife tours are in high demand, especially for 2024, it’s a good idea to confirm availability early. A trusted operator will also assist with alternative plans if a trip to Selingan Island has to be canceled due to weather.
Sandakan is one of Sabah’s top destinations for wildlife and nature lovers. A well-planned tour package ensures you don’t miss its highlights, from orangutans at Sepilok to turtles at Selingan and river cruises along the Kinabatangan. With reliable operators like Remarkable Borneo, booking is straightforward, and you’ll have access to knowledgeable guides who enrich the experience.
Whether you choose a short trip or a longer adventure, Sandakan offers some of the best wildlife encounters in Borneo, making it a must-visit destination for travelers who want to explore Sabah’s natural wonders.
Tell us what kind of adventure you’re looking for. From mountain climbs and island escapes to wildlife and cultural tours. We’ll customize it just for you!
Need help? Call our tour experts at 019-5491400
Remarkable Borneo Travel & Tours is a Malaysian tour operator based in Kota Kinabalu, Sabah. We offer a wide range of affordable and appealing Sabah tour packages, such as Mount Kinabalu climb, Borneo tours, Sabah diving and island packages and Sandakan tours. Our mission is to provide memorable travel experiences that allow our customers to discover the wonders of Borneo.
