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Wildlife Safaris in Kota Kinabalu

Kinabalu is the gateway to some of the rarest wildlife in Borneo, from the rare clouded leopard to wild elephants.

All Wildlife Safaris in Kota Kinabalu

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What other guests say

4.8

437 reviews

Absolutely amazing! The staff went above and beyond for us. The room was perfect. Super clean and comfy beds. The food was great with lots of options and there was always more than enough for everyone. The lodge and the grounds are beautiful. The tour guides really were amazing and I’m so grateful for their enthusiasm, knowledge and just general good vibes. We were so lucky to see the big 5 during the course of our trip. But this really was down to our guides being so knowledgeable and understanding the animals movements that day so we could find them. It was as though we were sitting in a live wildlife documentary.(whilst being out of the way to not disturb them) I highly recommend this experience, do not hesitate to book! Tip: Wear long sleeves and trousers for the jungle treks. And bring some layers for the boat ride. It can get a little chilly early morning/nightime.

Effie

Booked: 3D2N Kinabatangan River Safari with Night Cruise & Jungle Trek

Unforgettable experience! It was well organized and the cruises were awesome. We saw elephants, monkeys, crocodiles, snakes… It was perfect.

Wies

Booked: 2D1N Kinabatangan River Safari at Great-Value B&B

It was sooo nice, the tour guides were amazing, gave us a lot of information about the wildlife in the national parks. Also the activities were a lot of fun, would definetly recommmend!

Marie

Booked: 3D2N Kinabatangan River Safari with Night Cruise & Jungle Trek

This was a great experience. We received a lot of useful information ahead of arriving. The transport was also very smoothly organised with hotel pick up and drop off. The food was delicious, it was a buffer style with lots of options for mains, vegetables, and fresh fruit (and amazing banana bread! ). The room was very clean, spacious, and conformable. The highlight of the stay was of course our search for wildlife. All the staff are very knowledgeable, passionate, and respectful of the wildlife. We were able to see four of the big 5 (with the exception of the elusive orangutan). The night cruise was also such a unique way to explore the river.

Krissie

Booked: 2D1N Kinabatangan River Safari at Great-Value B&B

Our tour was with Greenview Lodge, booked through SeekSophie. Both companies we very easy to communicate with. We spent 2 nights in Deramakot Forest Reserve doing 4x4 jungle safaris, and then 1 night in Sukau doing cruises on the Kinabatangan River. Day 1 was a long drive to Deramakot. 2hrs on the highway with a lunch stop (included), 1hr through a Palm Tree plantation and then 1hr through the Deramakot forest. I suggest being alert for the last hour for wildlife. Later that evening we did a 2hr night safari. An early 3hr sunrise safari (including tea break) was followed by a long break, and then a 4hr sunset safari (again with tea break in the jungle from a camp stove). An early start on day 3 for the return drive and then on to Sukau, 4hrs travel with a lunch stop. That afternoon we had a 2hr river cruise, and another one that night. Final day was a sunrise cruise, then a 2hr drive back to Sandakan. Enough boilerplate chat... Whilst it is of course possible not to see anything, we saw lots of wildlife! On the river there are lots of boats and the guides are in contact with each other so can pass on information about animal sightings. They also know the usual hang outs for a few species, so it's pretty likely to see plenty. It felt safe and sustainable. The accommodation at Greenview lodge is clean and modern and there is phone signal. In Deramakot it's harder to spot wildlife, but incredibly rewarding if achieved. It's out and back on a dirt road, again feeling very safe and sustainable. The accomodation is basic and the camp feels very secluded, and there is no phone signal but you can pay something like 25RM for a 3GB satellite link. I would suggest getting up before sunrise to wander the camp looking for wildlife in the trees and skies. A shout out to the staff - we had an excellent bus driver called Along, a really friendly 4x4 driver called Sam, and a sharp-eyed genius guide called Reswan. All were very professional, happy to help out and went the extra mile for us. You definitely need waterproofs, and I'd also suggest a small umbrella. You also need sunglasses, sunhat, suncream, insect repellent and a torch. My top tip would be the binoculars. I wish I had some stronger ones, but just having a pair at all had a big impact on our experience. As seeing wildlife is not guaranteed, attached photos just show the environment of the tour... But we saw the Borneo Big 5 and a host of other amazing creatures!

Ian & Leonora

Booked: 4D3N Deramakot and Kinabatangan River Exploration

Highly recommend this tour! Our guide Isham (Sam) was so knowledgeable and accommodating, making sure we saw all the wildlife we were chasing. We did the big5 tour and got to see everything, plus more. All the staff at the front desk and meal time are super helpful and lovely. The accommodation was comfortable and the food was great, with plenty of options. They also catered to one vegetarian with special additions. There is plenty of spare time in the day, so worth bringing a book to read as it’s a small and remote village.

Adam

Booked: Borneo Big 5: 4D3N Kinabatangan River Safari for Wildlife Lovers

Wildlife Safaris in Kota Kinabalu FAQs

What is the best time to go on a wildlife safari in Kota Kinabalu?

The best time to experience wildlife safaris in Kota Kinabalu is between March and October when there is less rainfall, and the weather is more suitable for outdoor activities.

What are the common animals that can be spotted in Kota Kinabalu wildlife safaris?

Some of the common animals that can be spotted during wildlife safaris in Kota Kinabalu include orangutans, proboscis monkeys, hornbills, pygmy elephants, and crocodiles.

What are some of the popular wildlife safari tour operators in Kota Kinabalu?

Some of the popular wildlife safari tour operators in Kota Kinabalu are Borneo Eco Tours, Downbelow Marine and Wildlife Adventures, and Orou Sapulot Jungle Camp.

Is it necessary to book wildlife safari tours in advance?

Yes, it is recommended to book wildlife safari tours in advance to secure your preferred dates and ensure availability, especially during peak seasons such as school holidays and festivals.

What should I wear and bring on a wildlife safari tour in Kota Kinabalu?

It is recommended to wear comfortable and light clothing, closed-toe shoes, a hat, and sunscreen. Bring along insect repellent, binoculars, and a camera to capture the stunning wildlife and scenic views.

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