Highlights
- See Sandakan's key landmarks as you stroll the Sandakan Heritage Trail
- Visit the Sepilok Rehabilitation Center to mingle with orangutans
- Take Kinabatangan River safaris to see pygmy elephants and proboscis monkeys
- Embark on a guided jungle trek through Sandakan Rainforest Discovery
Brief Itinerary
| Day | Highlights | Overnight |
|---|---|---|
| Day 1 | Arrive in Sandakan, Sandakan City Tour | Sandakan |
| Day 2 | Orangutan Rehabilitation Center, Transfer to Kinabatangan & River Safari | Kinabatangan |
| Day 3 | Kinabatangan River Sunrise & Sunset Safaris | Kinabatangan |
| Day 4 | Return to Sandakan, Sandakan Rainforest Discovery | Kinabatangan |
| Day 5 | Depart Sandakan |
Detailed Itinerary
Day 1: Arrive in Sandakan, Sandakan City Tour
Welcome to Malaysian Borneo! Upon arrival at the airport in Sandakan, a driver will be waiting to take you to your hotel in the city. Located on the island's northeastern coast, Sandakan sits on an inlet of the Sulu Sea near the mouth of the Kinabatangan River. Once you've checked in at your hotel, you'll head out to the Sandakan Heritage Trail, a pathway that links numerous historical sites within the city and offers a glimpse into the region's rich heritage and cultural significance.
Walking along the trail with your guide, you'll encounter a fascinating collection of colonial-era buildings that have withstood the test of time. One notable landmark is St. Michael's and All Angels Church, an architectural marvel with intricate stained glass windows and elegant design. Another highlight is the Agnes Keith House, the former residence of an American author, providing insight into the past colonial lifestyle. See landmarks like the Sandakan Memorial Park, dedicated to World War II prisoners of war, and the Buli Sim Sim Water Village, with stilt houses that line the waterfront.
Day 2: Orangutan Rehabilitation Center, Transfer to Kinabatangan & River Safari
Today, you'll visit Sepilok Orangutan Rehabilitation Center, located just outside of Sandakan. Dedicated to the rehabilitation and conservation of this critically endangered species, this renowned center plays a vital role in rescuing orphaned, injured, or displaced orangutans and providing them with a safe environment for rehabilitation before reintroducing them into the wild. On today's visit, you'll witness these intelligent and endangered primates up close, observing their behavior and interactions during feeding time.
After meeting the orangutans, it's time for a change of scenery as you transfer to the Sandakan Yacht Club jetty for a two-hour boat ride along the Kinabatangan River to reach your resort. This river stretches 347 miles (560 km) from its source in the mountains of southwest Sabah, making it the second-longest river in the country. As you cruise, you'll see Berhala Island's sandstone cliffs, a World War II historical site, before reaching the Lower Kinabatangan area, a designated wildlife sanctuary providing a protected animal habitat amid the palm tree plantations.
Upon arrival, have lunch and don your proper attire before embarking on an evening cruise along the river. With a cup of tea, relax and enjoy the ride as you scour the area for wildlife. Keep an eye out for macaques, proboscis monkeys, and various bird species unique to this wetland habitat, including hornbills and raptors. After dinner, you'll stroll along the boardwalks with a guide, searching for nocturnal creatures and fascinating insects. The Kinabatangan River is a nature lover's paradise, offering the chance to see incredible wildlife in its natural habitat.
Day 3: Kinabatangan River Sunrise & Sunset Safaris
Chat with a local specialist who can help organize your trip.
Rise at dawn to set out on a morning cruise through the misty rainforest jungle. You may spot colorful birds, orangutans, proboscis monkeys, and pygmy elephants. Known for their baby faces and playful behavior, the Borneo pygmy elephant is the smallest elephant species and can only be found in Sabah, Borneo.
Later visit local villagers and learn about their distinct way of life before returning to the resort for breakfast. After a midday break, you'll go on a late afternoon cruise searching for mangrove flora and fauna. You may even be treated to the mesmerizing sight of fireflies lighting up the trees along the river. After dinner, experience another evening river safari, exploring the nocturnal world of the Kinabatangan River.
Day 4: Return to Sandakan, Sandakan Rainforest Discovery
Bid farewell to Kinabatangan as you'll return to Sandakan by riverboat. Upon arrival, you'll visit Sandakan Discovery Rainforest, which is rich in biodiversity. The rainforest is home to many of the region's most recognizable species, including orangutans, proboscis monkeys, pygmy elephants, and a vast array of tropical birds. Your guide will help you to spot these remarkable creatures in their natural habitat, giving you the chance to experience a few more memorable wildlife encounters on your penultimate day in Borneo.
If you've got the energy, you can also join a guided jungle trek, where you're led through the dense foliage, unveiling hidden waterfalls, vibrant plant life, and intriguing insects. Canopy walks provide an exhilarating experience as you traverse suspended bridges, offering panoramic rainforest canopy views.Day 5: Depart Sandakan
It's time to say goodbye as your driver meets you in the hotel lobby for the short trip to the airport, where you'll catch a flight to your final destination. Safe travels!
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