Sandakan, Beluran, Kinabatangan, Tawau Hills Park, Tawau Inikea
11 Day Borneo Wildlife Safari for Nature Lovers
Overview
Discover Borneo’s wildest landscapes on a thoughtfully crafted, conservation-focused journey that immerses you in four of Sabah’s most diverse ecosystems. Spanning dense inland rainforests, rich riverine floodplains, ancient volcanic forests, and thriving reforested wildlife corridors, this 11-day expedition offers an unparalleled window into one of the planet’s greatest biodiversity hotspots.
Your adventure covers the remarkable habitats of Beluran, Kinabatangan, Tawau Hills Park, and Tawau Inekea—each known for its own signature wildlife experiences. Wander the deep forests of Beluran, a stronghold for Clouded Leopards, Slow Lorises, Flying Squirrels, and a wealth of nocturnal mammals. Cruise along the iconic Kinabatangan River, where proboscis monkeys leap along the waterways, Bornean elephants roam the floodplains, and rare river cats glide silently through the mangroves.
Continue into the ancient volcanic rainforests of Tawau Hills Park, home to towering dipterocarp giants, endemic insects, gibbons, colugos, and a mesmerizing variety of amphibians and reptiles. The journey culminates in the rewilded landscapes of Tawau Inekea, a restored sanctuary where buffalo, elephants, deer, hornbills, civets, and other elusive nocturnal predators thrive once again in protected habitats.
Throughout the expedition, guided day safaris, night drives, river cruises, and immersive forest walks give you close, intimate encounters with Sabah’s wildlife. Accompanied by experienced ecologists and local rangers, you’ll gain deeper insight into the region’s ecology, witness ongoing conservation efforts firsthand, and directly contribute to protecting these precious ecosystems.
This is not just a wildlife tour—it’s a meaningful, conservation-driven exploration of Borneo’s most spectacular natural worlds.
Meals: Dinner
Upon arrival at Sandakan Airport or any nearby pickup point, you will be transferred to Beluran—an easy and scenic drive of about 1.5–2 hours. After settling into the rustic forest base, you may choose to take an optional late-afternoon boat ride, offering a peaceful introduction to the surrounding landscape and its riverbank wildlife activity.
As night falls, the excitement begins with a 4WD night safari at 8:00 PM. The forest transforms after dark, and this drive offers your first opportunity to observe the nocturnal life that emerges under the cover of the night. The quiet atmosphere, combined with the anticipation of spotting movement or eye shine along the forest edges, makes it a memorable start to your journey.
Dinner and overnight stay at Beluran Base.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Begin your day with a tranquil morning river cruise at 6:30 AM, when the forest is most active and the light beautifully illuminates the waterways. After returning to the lodge, enjoy some time to rest and recharge before a freshly prepared local lunch.
In the mid-afternoon, set out again for a forest drive at 3:30 PM, offering another opportunity to observe wildlife as activity picks up before dusk. After dinner and a short break, the adventure continues with a second night safari at 8:00 PM, focused on spotting nocturnal species moving through the forested landscape.
Overnight stay at Beluran Base.
Target species include Civet, Deer, and Badger
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Start your day with a morning 4WD safari at 6:30 AM, exploring the forest during its most active hours as wildlife moves through the cool early light. Return to the base for a hearty breakfast, followed by some free time to relax, review your sightings, or simply enjoy the peaceful natural surroundings.
After lunch, set out again for an afternoon drive at 3:30 PM, offering another chance to observe wildlife as activity builds toward dusk. Later in the evening, continue your adventure with an exciting night drive, designed to search for nocturnal species emerging under the cover of darkness.
Overnight stay at Beluran base.
Meals: Breakfast in Beluran, Lunch en route, and Dinner in Kinabatangan
Begin your day with a sunrise safari, wrapping up your Beluran experience. After breakfast, transfer approximately 2.5 hours to the Kinabatangan River.
Lunch will be provided en route.
Arrive by afternoon and check in at a comfortable riverside lodge. After settling in, head out on your first sunset cruise (4:30–6:30 PM). Look for Proboscis Monkeys, Silver Langurs, and waterbirds as they gather along the riverbanks during the golden evening hours.
After dinner, enjoy a short night cruise or guided night walk, depending on water levels, offering the chance to observe the river’s nocturnal wildlife.
Dinner and overnight at Kinabatangan lodge.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Begin the day with a dawn cruise at 6:00 AM, exploring the river as it comes alive with early-morning activity. Return to the lodge for breakfast, followed by optional forest or boardwalk trail walks for those who wish to continue wildlife spotting on foot.
Spend the early afternoon at leisure—rest, enjoy the surroundings, or take time for photography—before heading out again for a relaxing sunset cruise to experience the river’s changing moods.
Overnight stay at Kinabatangan lodge.
Meals: Breakfast in Kinabatangan, Lunch en route, Dinner in Tawau
Conclude your Kinabatangan experience with an optional early morning boat outing. After breakfast, depart by vehicle for Tawau Hills Park, a scenic journey of approximately 4.5 to 5.5 hours.
Lunch will be provided en route, and you will check in by late afternoon.
After settling into your forest lodge, head out for a short evening walk along the nearby trails to experience the park’s rich rainforest environment. Targeted species for this walk include Red Leaf Monkeys, Gibbons, and Hornbills.
Dinner and overnight at Tawau Hills Park.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Begin your day with a morning trek (7:00 AM–8:30 AM) in search of gibbons and other primate species. Return to the lodge for breakfast, followed by a free and easy time to relax or explore the area at your own pace. Popular nearby spots include Galas Waterfall, Bombalai Hill, and the Sulphur Springs.
In the afternoon, enjoy a guided walk at 4:30 PM, taking in the sights and sounds of the forest as wildlife becomes active again. Dinner will be served between 6:30 PM and 7:00 PM, after which your night walk begins around 7:30 PM, offering opportunities to encounter nocturnal species.
Overnight stay at Tawau Hills Park.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Begin your day with a morning trek (7:00 AM–8:30 AM) in search of gibbons and other primate species. After returning to the lodge, enjoy breakfast, followed by a free and easy time to unwind or explore nearby natural attractions such as Galas Waterfall, Bombalai Hill, or the Sulphur Springs.
In the afternoon, your guided walk will take place at 4:30 PM, offering more opportunities to observe the park’s wildlife and lush forest landscapes. Dinner will be served between 6:30 PM and 7:00 PM, after which the night walk begins at 7:30 PM, giving you a chance to spot nocturnal species along the forest trails.
Overnight stay at Tawau Hills Park.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Take a final morning stroll in Tawau before transferring to the Tawau INIKEA Safaris site (approx. 3 hours).
After settling into a rustic base camp, enjoy a spotlighting night drive targeting Muntjac, Sambar Deer, and possibly wild Banteng, and wild cats, and Civets
Dinner and overnight at Tawau INIKEA Safaris.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Start your day with a morning drive from 6:30 AM to around 8:30 AM, exploring the rewilded landscapes during peak wildlife activity. After returning, enjoy breakfast, followed by a long stretch of free and easy time to relax or enjoy the surroundings at your own pace.
In the afternoon, you may join an optional midday walk to explore the reforestation zones and learn more about ongoing habitat restoration. After a short rest, head out on your final night drive at 8:30 PM, covering different trails for a chance to spot nocturnal wildlife.
Overnight stay at Tawau INIKEA.
Meals: Breakfast
Begin your day with a final morning safari, savoring the last chance to experience the rich wildlife and serene landscapes of Borneo. After an early breakfast, you will be transferred to either Tawau Airport or Tawau Town, concluding your unforgettable 11-day journey through Sabah’s remarkable ecosystems.
Carry with you lasting memories of rare wildlife encounters, lush rainforests, and the unique beauty of Borneo’s wilderness.
Highlights
- Explore four of Sabah’s richest ecosystems: Beluran, Kinabatangan, Tawau Hills Park, and Tawau Inekea.
- Morning and night safaris in Beluran to spot elusive nocturnal and diurnal wildlife.
- River cruises on the Kinabatangan River at sunrise and sunset for prime wildlife viewing.
- Guided walks to observe primates, birds, and other unique species in their natural habitats.
- Opportunity to explore reforestation zones and protected forest trails in Tawau Inekea.
- Trekking and optional forest walks in Tawau Hills Park, home to ancient volcanic rainforests.
- Observation of wildlife activity at different times of day, including dawn, midday, dusk, and night.
- Immersive conservation-based experience, supporting local ecosystems and communities.
- Comfortable stays in riverside and forest lodges, blending rustic charm with modern amenities.
- Learn from experienced local ecologists and ranger guides, gaining insight into ecology and conservation.
Included
- Accommodation for 03 nights in Beluran Accommodation for 02 nights in Kinabatangan
- Accommodation for 03 nights in Tawau Hills Park Accommodation for 02 nights in Tawau INIKEA
- All boat cruises, 4WD safaris, and guided forest walks Trip leader, ecologist guides, and ranger escorts
- All land transport between destinations All main meals (breakfast, lunch, dinner)
- Activities as stated All surface transfers
- Entrance and conservation fees Facility access (kitchens, libraries, nature decks where available) | All taxes
