Sepilok and Kinabatangan River Wildlife Tour — A 3 Day Borneo Wildlife Adventure

Meals: Dinner
Accommodation: Island Chalet
 

In the morning, enjoy a warm meet-and-greet at Sandakan airport before being transferred to the jetty. At 10:00 AM, your boat departs for Selingan Turtle Island, an idyllic sanctuary located about an hour away in the Sulu Sea, 40 km north of Sandakan. Selingan Island, the highlight of the Turtle Islands Park, is the most important nesting ground for the endangered Green Turtle.

Spend the day relaxing on this pristine island—swim, snorkel, or simply enjoy the serene tropical surroundings. After dinner, remain on standby for the Park Ranger’s call announcing the arrival of a mother turtle coming ashore to lay her eggs. This extraordinary moment offers rare insight into turtle conservation: observe the egg-laying process, the careful collection of eggs for the hatchery, and the magical release of tiny hatchlings making their first journey into the open sea.

Overnight at a comfortable island chalet with an attached bathroom—an unforgettable stay amid nature and conservation in action.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Accommodation: Borneo Nature Lodge

At 06:30 hours, check out, enjoy breakfast, and take a boat ride back to mainland Sandakan. From the jetty, continue with a short drive to the Sepilok Orangutan Rehabilitation Centre, where orphaned and injured orangutans are nurtured and trained to return to the wild. Set within primary lowland rainforest, Sepilok offers a remarkable glimpse of Borneo’s remaining wilderness. Walk along forested boardwalks to witness the orangutan feeding session from a viewing platform, followed by a 25-minute documentary that explains the centre’s conservation efforts.

After your visit, proceed for a scenic 2.5-hour drive through rustic countryside dotted with small villages, lush plantations, and forest patches. Upon arrival at the jetty, board a short boat transfer to the lodge, your eco-friendly retreat along the Kinabatangan River.

Once you’ve completed a brief orientation, enjoy lunch and settle into your room. Spend some time relaxing by the river before your late-afternoon adventure.

At 4:00 PM, set off on a peaceful river cruise along Sabah’s longest river, the Kinabatangan. This is one of Southeast Asia’s richest wildlife corridors, offering excellent opportunities to spot a wide range of species—especially primates such as the endemic Proboscis Monkey, often seen gathering on treetops as evening approaches. Birdlife is plentiful too, with hornbills, kingfishers, and eagles commonly sighted.

The Kinabatangan Wildlife Sanctuary is considered one of the world’s most remarkable places for wildlife observation, and this river safari is a perfect introduction to its natural wonders.

Overnight stay

Optional: Night Cruise, Night Walk & Tree Planting can be arranged at the lodge with minimal rates, depending on the weather conditions.

Meals: Breakfast

Depart early in the morning for a visit to the Gomantong Caves, a fascinating limestone cave system famed for its valuable edible bird’s nests. Walk along a 15-minute boardwalk through dense forest to reach the entrance of Simud Hitam, the Black Cave. Explore the cavern along the wooden pathways, observing its dramatic rock formations, nesting swiftlets, and the unique ecosystem that thrives within.

After your cave exploration, return to Sandakan and proceed to your hotel or the airport for your onward journey.