Discover the wild side of Borneo in Sandakan and Kinabatangan. Explore lush rainforests, cruise along the Kinabatangan River and encounter Borneo's incredible wildlife. From orangutans and proboscis monkeys to unforgettable jungle experiences, your Sabah adventure starts here.
Discover the wildlife, rainforest and natural attractions of Sandakan and the Lower Kinabatangan.
See how rescued and orphaned orangutans are given a chance to develop the skills they need for life in the forest. Boardwalks and viewing areas offer a respectful way to learn about rehabilitation while keeping the animals’ welfare first. Sightings are never guaranteed—these are wild animals, after all.
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Meet the world’s smallest bear through elevated viewing platforms overlooking a forested enclosure. The centre cares for rescued sun bears and raises awareness about the threats they face, including habitat loss and illegal wildlife trade. It’s a meaningful stop for travellers who want their wildlife encounters to support conservation.
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Glide along Sabah’s famous wildlife river with a local guide scanning the banks and treetops for proboscis monkeys, macaques, hornbills and, with luck, Borneo pygmy elephants. Early-morning and late-afternoon cruises offer different moods and wildlife opportunities. Staying overnight near the river gives you more time to experience the rainforest.
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Step into a dramatic limestone cave system where towering rock walls shelter swiftlets and bats. The cave ecosystem is a fascinating reminder that rainforest life continues underground as well as in the canopy. Visit with a guide, follow marked paths and be ready for the earthy, untamed atmosphere of a working natural habitat.
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Explore the forest from a different perspective on the canopy walkway, then follow ground-level trails through the Sepilok-Kabili Forest Reserve. RDC is a favourite for nature lovers and birdwatchers, with chances to spot colourful birdlife and learn more about Borneo’s rich plant diversity. Consider a guided walk for a closer look at the forest’s smaller details.
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Look for Sabah’s distinctive long-nosed proboscis monkeys among the mangroves and coastal forest. Their unusual features and tree-dwelling habits make them one of Borneo’s most memorable primates. Viewing platforms provide a chance to observe them without entering their habitat— bring binoculars and give the animals space.
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For a very different side of Sandakan, take a boat to Selingan Island, part of Turtle Islands Park. Green and hawksbill turtles come ashore to nest, and visitors on an authorised overnight programme may be able to observe conservation work after dark. Access is controlled and sightings depend on nature, so advance arrangements are essential.
Plan a visit ↗Discover the wildlife of Sepilok and Kinabatangan through orangutan and sun bear conservation visits, river cruises, guided jungle treks and exciting nocturnal wildlife encounters.
Begin your journey with a visit to the Sepilok Orangutan Rehabilitation Centre, where you will have the opportunity to observe orangutans and learn about the rehabilitation, conservation, and research programmes dedicated to protecting this endangered species.
Continue to the Bornean Sun Bear Conservation Centre to discover the world's smallest bear and gain insight into the conservation efforts dedicated to protecting these remarkable animals.
Enjoy lunch before departing for your lodge in Kinabatangan.
The journey takes approximately two hours via Kota Kinabatangan, followed by a short boat transfer from Kampung Bilit Jetty.
Upon arrival, enjoy a welcome drink, attend a lodge orientation, and proceed with your lodge/room check-in.
In the afternoon, embark on a river cruise along the Kinabatangan River, where you will search for wildlife and birdlife.
After dinner at the lodge, join a guided night walk to spot sleeping birds and other nocturnal creatures before settling in for the night at your lodge in Kinabatangan.
Start your day by enjoying the peaceful morning mist over the Kinabatangan River before heading out on an early morning river cruise to witness the rainforest coming to life.
Keep an eye out for wildlife such as proboscis monkeys, leaf monkeys, macaques, gibbons, and orangutans. Return to the lodge for breakfast before setting off on a guided jungle trek to Bilit Ox-Bow Lake, located behind the lodge.
Along the way, you may encounter fascinating insects, a variety of bird species, and even tracks left by the Bornean pygmy elephant.
Return to the lodge for lunch and enjoy some time to relax in the afternoon. Later, venture out on another river cruise for more opportunities to observe the rich wildlife of the Kinabatangan River.
After dinner, join a guided night walk along a different trail to discover more nocturnal wildlife before spending another night at the lodge.
Wake up to the sounds of gibbons and hornbills before joining one final morning river cruise to spot more birds and wildlife along the Kinabatangan River.
Return to the lodge for breakfast before checking out and beginning your journey back to Sandakan.
You will be dropped off at either your accommodation in Sandakan or Sandakan Airport.
No ambiguity. Package inclusions and exclusions are listed clearly. Find out what's covered in your Kinabatangan & Sandakan tour and what you'll need to arrange separately.
Please note: Package inclusions and exclusions may vary depending on the selected Kinabatangan & Sandakan tour package. Certain activities, attractions and services are only available where specified in the individual package itinerary. Please check your package details before booking.
Choose from a range of riverside lodges and rainforest stays around the Kinabatangan River. Accommodation may vary depending on your tour package, travel dates and availability.
Tell us your travel dates and number of guests. We can help you choose a suitable accommodation and itinerary based on your plans.
Plan My Kinabatangan TripExplore the rivers, rainforest and wildlife that make Sabah one of Borneo’s most remarkable destinations.
Planning a trip to Sabah in 2027? Share your travel dates and group size with us. We'll help you check availability and plan your wildlife adventure.
Check 2027 Availability ↗From mountain adventures and rainforest wildlife to tropical islands and easy day trips, discover the Sabah experience that suits you.
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Browse our wider collection of wildlife, rainforest, island, adventure and cultural experiences.
Our tours include visits to the Sepilok Orang Utan Rehabilitation Centre, Selingan Turtle Island, Sukau Rainforest Lodge, Kinabatangan River cruise and the RDC.
You’ll enjoy activities like morning river cruises along the Kinabatangan River, nature walks, canopy walks, visit Rainforest Discovery Centre, visit Sukau Rainforest Lodge and opportunities to release baby turtles into the Sulu Sea. Other highlights include the Hornbill Boardwalk, cheeky little younglings at the orang utan feeding platform, and observing various species of birds and wildlife.
These activities are examples of experiences available in our tours and may vary depending on the itinerary of each package.
We have three available tour packages for now:
1. 2D1N Sandakan Wildlife – Sepilok/Selingan Island:
Activities:
The trip starts with a hotel pickup and a boat ride to Selingan Turtle Island. Guests check into chalets and enjoy free time after lunch, with options to swim or snorkel. After dinner, rangers guide guests to observe turtles laying eggs, transferring eggs to the hatchery, and possibly releasing baby turtles. Guests carry their own luggage, and meals include lunch and dinner, with accommodation in standard twin chalets.
On the second day, after breakfast, guests leave Selingan for Sandakan and visit the Sepilok Rehabilitation Centre to see orangutans and the Sun Bear Conservation Centre. They then head to Sukau for lunch and check in at Kinabatangan Riverside Lodge. The highlight is an evening river cruise along the Menanggul River to spot wildlife like crocodiles, proboscis monkeys, and orangutans. Dinner and an overnight stay follow at the lodge.
On the final day, after breakfast, guests return to Sandakan by land, have lunch at The Airport Garden, and are dropped off at the airport. Meals include breakfast and lunch.
2. 3D2N Sandakan Wildlife – Sepilok/Selingan Island/Sukau-KRL:
Activities:
Begin with a boat transfer to Selingan Island and check in to a chalet with an attached bathroom. After lunch, enjoy leisure activities like swimming or renting snorkeling gear at the designated beach. In the evening, have dinner and prepare for the highlight: observing turtles laying eggs, transferring eggs to the hatchery, and witnessing the release of baby turtles to the sea. Guests must carry their own luggage to the chalet as there is no porter service on the island.
After breakfast, return to Sandakan by boat and visit the Sepilok Rehabilitation Centre, where you can observe young orangutans in the outdoor nursery and attend a feeding session. Continue to the Sun Bear Conservation Centre before heading to Sukau for lunch. Check in to the Kinabatangan Riverside Lodge and enjoy a river cruise along the Menanggul River, known for its wildlife such as crocodiles, proboscis monkeys, and kingfishers. End the day with dinner at the lodge.
Depart from Sukau to Sandakan by land, have lunch at The Airport Garden, and conclude the journey with a drop-off at Sandakan airport.
3. 4D3N Sandakan Wildlife – MY Nature Resort/Selingan Island/Sukau-KRL:
Activities:
The first day begins with a transfer to My Nature Resort, where you can explore a 1,500 ft boardwalk before dark. Enjoy a guided night walk, weather permitting, and visit “The Flying Squirrel” platform to observe these fascinating creatures. The resort also features a rainforest-view swimming pool.
On the second day, travel by boat to Selingan Island. Spend your time swimming or snorkeling at the beach before witnessing the remarkable process of turtle nesting, egg transfers to the hatchery, and the release of baby turtles after dinner.
The third day starts with a return to Sandakan to visit the Sepilok Rehabilitation Centre and the Sun Bear Conservation Centre. Afterward, journey to Sukau for lunch at Kinabatangan Riverside Lodge. In the evening, enjoy a walk along the lodge’s Hornbill Boardwalk and a river cruise on the Menanggul River, where you can spot wildlife, including proboscis monkeys, orangutans, and crocodiles.
On the final day, depart for Sandakan by land, enjoy lunch at The Airport Garden, and proceed to Sandakan Airport for drop-off.
You’ll have the chance to see orang utans, proboscis monkeys, hornbills, green turtles, baby turtles, and more. The Kinabatangan River is also home to various species of birds and other wildlife.
Yes, our tours are designed to be family-friendly. Children can enjoy observing wildlife, learning about conservation, and participating in activities like releasing baby turtles. Discounts for children apply, and our nature guides are experienced in making the tours engaging for all ages.
As mentioned above, our rates include accommodations, meals, transfers, entrance fees, conservation permits, and guided tours by English-speaking naturalists. Certain properties may have specific room-sharing policies, so please check the details during booking.
In case of bad weather or tide level changes, some activities may be adjusted or replaced. For instance, a replacement tour may be arranged if a boat journey is not feasible.
You can arrive at Sandakan Airport via an evening or morning flight from Kota Kinabalu (Kota Kinabalu Sandakan) or other major cities. Transfers to all destinations are included in the tour package.
Yes, there are a few attractions near Sandakan including:
Yes, our packages include meals such as delicious dinners, breakfasts, and lunches at local restaurants like Melapi Restaurant. Vegetarian options can be arranged upon request.
To minimize disturbance, activities such as observing turtles laying eggs or releasing baby turtles require absolute discretion. Photography is limited, and park rangers will guide you through the process.
Entrance fees, tourism tax, and conservation permits are included. However, additional charges may apply for camera use, specific accommodations, or other activities.
Simply contact us with your preferred dates, birth year for children-based rates, and any special requests. Prior booking is essential to secure your spot.
The RDC is a must-visit attraction for nature and wildlife enthusiasts. Located near the Sepilok Orang Utan Rehabilitation Centre, it offers activities perfect for a kid-friendly tour. The RDC features a canopy walk that provides a bird’s eye view of the surrounding jungle, where you can observe various species of birds and wildlife.
Visitors can also explore the botanical garden, learn about the rainforest through a short video screening, and attend a video presentation on conservation efforts. An orientation tour led by an in-house naturalist is available to guide you through its highlights.
Tours run every day, making it a flexible option for travelers. If you’re staying at nearby accommodations like the Borneo Rainforest Lodge or Utan Rainforest Lodge, the RDC is easily accessible and offers an enriching experience for all ages.
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.
