Wild Sabah: From Rainforest to River

📍 Sandakan Airport - Labuk Bay Proboscis Monkey Sanctuary (30 km): 40-45 mins | Labuk Bay Proboscis Monkey Sanctuary - Sepilok Nature Lodge (35 km): 40-45 mins

Recommended flights are those that arrive in the morning or afternoon

Upon arrival at Sandakan Airport, guests are warmly welcomed by their local guide. The adventure begins with a transfer to Labuk Bay Proboscis Monkey Sanctuary, a privately-owned sanctuary offering up-close views of Borneo’s iconic proboscis monkeys during feeding times. Visitors may also spot squirrels, silver leaf monkeys, and oriental pied hornbills.

The journey continues to Sepilok Nature Lodge, nestled at the edge of the Kabili-Sepilok Forest Reserve. Conveniently located within walking distance to the Sepilok Orangutan Rehabilitation Centre and Rainforest Discovery Centre, the lodge offers a peaceful retreat amid the lowland rainforest.

Guests enjoy lunch and dinner at the lodge, followed by an overnight stay.

Overnight in Sepilok Nature Lodge      

Inclusions:

🥘 Lunch, 🍗 Dinner

Today, after breakfast at the lodge, guests embark on a heartwarming half-day tour, immersing yourself in the world of two of Borneo's iconic species at the Sepilok Orangutan Rehabilitation Centre and the Borneo Sun Bear Conservation Centre.

Witness the dedicated efforts to rehabilitate orphaned orangutans during their feeding times and learn about the smallest bear species on earth and the crucial conservation work being done. 

Returning to the tranquility of Sepilok Nature Lodge for lunch, the afternoon is free for relaxation.

As night falls, guests embark on a guided night trek at the Rainforest Discovery Centre, exploring the jungle’s nocturnal life from the canopy walkway. Wildlife sightings may include insects, amphibians, and the elusive red giant flying squirrel.

This exploration will also take guests along the impressive canopy walkway before returning to the lodge for dinner and a restful overnight stay.
 

Overnight at Sepilok Nature Lodge

Inclusions:

☕ Breakfast, 🥘 Lunch, 🍗 Dinner

Following breakfast, guests are transferred to Kinabatangan Wetlands Resort, arriving for check-in and lunch. After a briefing from the guide, the afternoon is free to relax.

At 16:30, the first Kinabatangan River cruise begins. This area teems with wildlife including proboscis monkeys, hornbills, elephants, and gibbons. After dinner, guests may join a guided night walk on the boardwalk in search of nocturnal creatures.

Following breakfast, guests are transferred to Kinabatangan Wetlands Resort, arriving for check-in at 13:00 and lunch. After a briefing from the guide, the afternoon offers a chance to relax and soak in the unique atmosphere of this riverside haven. 

As the late afternoon approaches, at 16:30, guests embark on a riverboat cruise along the Kinabatangan River. This area teems with wildlife including proboscis monkeys, hornbills, elephants, and gibbons.

As the day transitions into night, guests return to the lodge for dinner. After, guests may join a guided night walk on the boardwalk in search of nocturnal animals and intriguing insects that come alive in the darkness.

Overnight at Kinabatangan Wetlands Resort
 

Inclusions:

☕ Breakfast, 🥘 Lunch, 🍗 Dinner

📍 Kinabatangan Wetlands Resort - Kg Bilit Jetty : Approx. 2 hours (boat)

The day begins with a sunrise river cruise at 06:30, offering excellent birdwatching and a chance to visit an oxbow lake. After breakfast and check-out, guests transfer by boat to Kg Bilit Jetty at 10:00, where the next leg of the river adventure awaits.

Upon arrival at the Kg Bilit Jetty, check in at noon for the Kinabatangan River Safari, a unique experience aboard the first-of-its-kind overnight cruise on the river. This exclusive journey offers the rare opportunity to spend the night on the Kinabatangan itself, lulled to sleep by the gentle lullaby of the rainforest.

After lunch onboard, guests enjoy a scenic river cruise to spot more wildlife. As the sun sets, guests get to unwind with a relaxing happy hour on deck, exchanging stories of the day’s sightings with fellow adventurers. A delightful dinner awaits, followed by a tranquil evening under the stars, immersed in the sights and sounds of the jungle river.

Overnight onboard

Inclusions:

☕ Breakfast, 🥘 Lunch, 🍗 Dinner

The final morning begins with a sunrise river cruise at 06:00, offering a last chance to observe riverine wildlife. After breakfast, guests check out and begin their journey back to Sandakan by 09:00, bringing home memories of their wild Sabah adventure.

Inclusions:

☕ Breakfast