Discover the diverse wildlife of the Lower Kinabatangan Wildlife Sanctuary on this fully comprehensive itinerary.
The lower basin of the Kinabatangan River is the largest forest covered floodplain in Malaysia and has the largest concentration of wildlife in the South East Asia.
This eco-tour will take you to explore the river by boat from Sandakan town, passing through Abai, until Sukau village.
Meet at Sandakan airport or hotel and proceed to Sepilok Orangutan Rehabilitation Centre for up-close orangutan encounter.
Walk 10 minutes through the rainforest on wooden boardwalk to witness the feeding of orangutans from the platform in the forest.
Continue to the outdoor nursery where the juvenile and baby orangutans are taught the skills they need to survive in the forest.
Proceed to Bornean Sun Bear Conservation Centre where the world’s smallest bears are kept and rehabilitated.
After lunch proceed to Labuk Bay Proboscis Monkey Sanctuary. In the centre of the mangrove forests of Semawang is the Labuk Bay Proboscis Monkey Sanctuary, where you can see Borneo’s indigenous proboscis monkeys. This privately-owned sanctuary located within an oil palm estate gives you the chance to observe these animals up close and personal.
Overnight at the My Nature Resort
LUNCH | DINNER
Today depart for a 3-day safari wildlife safari on the Kinabatangan River. First, you will be taken to Sim Sim jetty to board the boat to Abai Jungle Lodge. Enjoy a relaxing 1-hour cruise, journeying up the river. Upon arrival check into your lodge on the riverbank and then enjoy lunch.
Late afternoon head out on a safari cruise on the Kinabatangan River. At dusk, you may have the chance to see proboscis monkey and other wildlife than the area is famed for.
Before dinner you will experience a night cruise to witness the glittering fireflies on the mangrove trees.
Overnight at the Abai Jungle Lodge
BREAKFAST | LUNCH | DINNER
Wake up early and embark on a river cruise to the Pitas Lake in search of wildlife species that are significantly active during pre-dawn or early morning hours.
The rest of the morning is at your leisure to explore the rainforest on a boardwalk located behind the lodge or visit the village of the native “orang sungai” people and take part in a tree planting project.
After lunch head further up the river to Sukau. Switching lodges gives you a great chance to see more wildlife.
Upon arrival at the lodge head out on another safari cruise on the Menanggul River, a tributary of the Kinabatangan River.
Overnight at the Kinabatangan Riverside Lodge
BREAKFAST | LUNCH| DINNER
Early morning take a river cruise to Kelenanap Oxbow Lake for birdwatching. Return to the Lodge for breakfast. The rest of the morning is free for your own leisure.
After lunch, visit Gomantong Forest Reserve, home to many species of wildlife including orangutans.
Walk 10 minutes through rainforest on a wooden boardwalk to the entrance of Gomantong Caves. The cave are famed for its their edible bird’s nests, a delicacy in Asian cuisine.
Explore the cave along an elevated wooden platform. Learn about the ecosystem and see resident creatures such as swiftlets and bats.
After Gomantong, return to the lodge and take a late afternoon river cruise on the Kinabatangan River in search of wildlife.
Overnight at the Kinabatangan Riverside Lodge
BREAKFAST | LUNCH | DINNER
After breakfast, head back to Sandakan by boat with the opportunity to spot more proboscis monkeys, birds and crocodiles.
Drop off at your hotel or airport at the end of the tour.
BREAKFAST | LUNCH
If you’re looking for a deep exploration of the Kinabatangan River, the best destination for viewing wildlife, unlike anywhere else in Borneo.
