Kinabatangan River Safari & Sepilok Orangutan Sanctuary
Guided Tour - English Speaking
One night stay in Sukau
Sandakan City hotel/Airport transfers (return trip)
Transportation
Entrance Fees
Meals as stated
From Price per person
price based on 2 persons travelling or
per person for join-in tours.
$394
Excursion Highlights
- Experience the enchanting world of orangutans at the renowned Sepilok Orangutan Rehabilitation Centre, set in Borneo's lush primary rainforest.
- Embark on a captivating river cruise along the Kinabatangan River, where you can spot unique wildlife, including the endemic Proboscis Monkeys.
- Explore the vibrant city of Sandakan, visiting key landmarks and enjoying local cuisine, enriching your understanding of this beautiful region.
Kinabatangan River Safari & Sepilok Orangutan Sanctuary
Day 1 – Encountering Orangutans
Begin your adventure by meeting your guide at your hotel in Sandakan or upon your arrival at Sandakan Airport. Your first destination is the world-renowned Sepilok Orangutan Rehabilitation Centre, a sanctuary dedicated to rehabilitating orphaned and injured orangutans, preparing them to thrive in the wild. Nestled within a primary lowland forest, Sepilok showcases the breathtaking beauty of Borneo’s remaining rainforest. Here, you will witness the feeding of orangutans from a platform in the forest, followed by a captivating 25-minute documentary that provides insight into their lives.
After this enlightening experience, enjoy a scenic drive through the rustic countryside, dotted with charming villages, for approximately 2.5 hours. A short boat transfer will then take you to your lodge, where you can unwind by the river after lunch and check-in. As the day unfolds, prepare for an exciting boat journey up the Kinabatangan River at 4:00 PM. This river, the longest in Sabah, offers a remarkable opportunity to observe wildlife and bird species in their natural habitat. Keep an eye out for the endemic Proboscis Monkeys as they settle into the treetops, making the Kinabatangan Wildlife Sanctuary one of the premier locations in Southeast Asia for wildlife observation.
Overnight accommodation at a lodge along the Kinabatangan River.
Day 2 – Discovering Sandakan
After a delightful breakfast, check out from the lodge and take a short boat transfer to Lapit jetty, continuing your journey back to Sandakan. On your way, stop for lunch at a local restaurant, savoring the flavors of the region. Following lunch, embark on a city tour of Sandakan, where you will explore various landmarks, including the bustling Central Market, the unique Sim-Sim Water Village, and the Puh Jih Syh Buddhist Temple, which offers stunning panoramic views of Sandakan Bay from its hilltop location at Tanah Merah. After this enriching exploration, you will return to your hotel in Sandakan or be transferred to Sandakan Airport for your evening flight back to Kota Kinabalu.
Destination Information
Sabah
Travel Notes
- Guests should arrive at Sandakan Airport early to ensure a smooth transfer to the lodge. The recommended flights from Kota Kinabalu are AK 6490 and AK 6492, but schedules may change.
- At the Sepilok Orang-Utan Rehabilitation Centre, a camera/video fee is required, so clients should prepare cash for this expense.
- During the boat safari on the Kinabatangan River, clients may encounter various wildlife, including Proboscis Monkeys. It is advisable to remain quiet and still to enhance the wildlife viewing experience.
- Insect repellent is highly recommended due to the tropical climate and potential mosquito presence, especially during the evening boat activities.
- Clients should wear comfortable walking shoes suitable for uneven terrain, particularly during the nature walks and while exploring the lodge surroundings.
- Optional night activities such as the Night Cruise and Night Walk can be arranged at the lodge, depending on weather conditions. These activities typically start at 8:00 PM.
- Lunch on Day 02 will be at a local restaurant; clients should be prepared for a variety of local dishes that may differ from their usual cuisine.
- Rooms at the lodge are subject to availability, and a single room supplement applies if requested. It is advisable to confirm accommodations in advance.
Indicative Travel Distances
- Sandakan to Sepilok Orang-Utan Rehabilitation Centre: Approx. 25 km / approx. 30 minutes by road.
- Sepilok to Kinabatangan River Lodge: Approx. 100 km / approx. 2.5 hours by road.
- Kinabatangan River Lodge to Sandakan: Approx. 100 km / approx. 2.5 hours by road.
- Sandakan to Sandakan Airport: Approx. 15 km / approx. 20 minutes by road.
All travel distances and travel times are indicative only and may vary depending on traffic, weather, road conditions, routing, sightseeing stops and local operating conditions. Distances and travel times are based on direct routing and do not account for optional visits, detours or sightseeing activities included during the journey.
Included Services
- Sandakan City hotel/Airport transfers (return trip)
- One night stay in Sukau
- Full Board Meals (1 Breakfast + 2 Lunch + 1 Dinner)
- Afternoon Kinabatangan river cruise
- Entrance Fees: Sepilok Orang Utan
- Guided Tour - English Speaking
- Transportation as outlined in the itinerary
Excluded Services
- Camera/video fees at Sepilok Orang Utan – MYR10 (camera) and MYR10 (video camera)
- International and domestic flights unless specifically stated
- Travel insurance
- Meals and beverages not mentioned in the itinerary
- Personal expenses of any kind
- Gratuities and tips for guides, drivers and other service providers
- Any items not specifically mentioned under "Included in Your Excursion"
