All reviews
Review Author: Chandrima Nag
Review Date: 27 Jul 2024
Review Body: We were 5 friends who visiting Borneo and had booked the day long tour. Our driver and guide picked us up at 8 am from our accommodation in Sandakan. The first stop was the Sepilok Orangutan Rehabilitation Centre followed by the Bornean Sun Bear Conservation Centre. We were then taken for lunch at the Sepilok Lodge Restaurant and then a 2 hour drive to the Kinabatangan River Nature Lodge. We had tea and snacks and then embarked on a 2 hour river cruise to see Proboscis Monkeys from 4 - 6 pm. We were then brought back to the River Lodge for Dinner and then a 3 hour drive back to Sandakan reaching at 11 pm. We had great weather and our Guide and driver were exceptional. If you are game for a day trip albeit slightly hectic , please do sign in . This is worth the memories
Review rating: 5
Review Author: Simon Brown
Review Date: 21 Aug 2025
Review Body: I felt that the guide was very professional and kind. She made sure I was informed and asked lots of interesting questions. The sights are magnificent. The animals were lovely and I’m so happy I was able to contribute to their wellbeing through animal adoption.
Review rating: 5
Review Author: Kelly
Review Date: 01 Oct 2025
Review Body: The tour was fantastic and our guide Ghazali was very knowledgeable and helpful. The river cruise in particular was a highlight. We didn’t stay at the lodge for dinner as it would have meant a very late night but overall was a great experience .
Review rating: 5
Review Author: Thomas Johnson
Review Date: 22 Dec 2024
Review Body: The guide was amazing. So friendly and incredibly knowledgeable about Sabah, the wildlife, the history and culture. The lodge facilities were ideal, staff were lovely and a great time was had by all.
Review rating: 5
Review Author: Alison Badi
Review Date: 13 Feb 2024
Review Body: It was a perfect day trip ! We saw Orang Outans, sun bears and the river cruise went perfectly. We had the chance to see a lot of wild animals. All the organisation was top, I recommend ! Thank you.
Review rating: 5
Review Author: Kathleen Griffith
Review Date: 09 Jun 2025
Review Body: I was expecting a smaller, slower boat, not speedboats as depicted in the tour promotion.
Did not see many animals… mostly monkeys…
few proboscus at distance.
People at lodge were very gracious.
We were on a day trip that included Sepilok.
The drive to the river and lodge was 2 hrs over very bumpy paved road…4 hrs round trip.
We were not aware of that when we booked.
Would be OK if on the 3 day excursion where you stay the night.
Do not recommend for day trip.
Review rating: 4
Review Author: Volha Kardash
Review Date: 25 Jul 2025
Review Body: In general everything was great: we have been picked up at Sepelok and dropped off there as well. communication with the host and manager were quick and productive. easy booking great trip.
Review rating: 4
Review Author: Alessia
Review Date: 17 Aug 2024
Review Body: Very nice trip and people but..
I paid 4 times what other people did.
Too expansive compare to real price!
Review rating: 1
Review Author: UndaKimbin
Kota Kinabalu, Sabah, Malaysia
Review Date: 31 Jan 2020
Review Body: My girls and I enjoyed our stay here, we took the hike up the Dutch hill as the local call it bukit Belanda. Daytime river cruise where we saw a crocodile and 3 species of hornbills, and some long tail monkeys. It was a relaxing trip.
We also enjoyed the array of food served 4 times a day during the duration of our 3 D 2 N stay.
The owner and staffs were very accommodating and kind making sure our stay was comfortable and memorable.
Our final trip was to visit the Gomantong cave, on our way back, we experienced the encounter of a orang utan in the wildlife.
I would recommend this place to nature enthusiast and a change of scenery from the city.
Review rating: 5
Review Author: Day Tour wale,
New Delhi, India
Review Date: 31 Dec 2019
Review Body: I and my friend visited the Kinabatangan wildlife lodge. We love this peaceful property and the staffs were also very professional. They offer a lot of activities like jungle trekking, night walk, River cruise morning and evening, caving and local cooking class. We did the evening cruise to see the wildlife especially the Orangutans. The evening cruise is the must-do activity if you are staying at the lodge. The reception manager was able to arrange that for us. The rooms are comfortable, clean and spacious. I will be travelling again and for sure will stay at this lodge again.
Review rating: 5
Review Author: James
Review Date: 04 Mar 2024
Review Body: The guides were excellent in taking their time so we captured the great photo! Even multiple times. They were amazing at spotting as well as one would hope and expect - they went beyond expectations to make it a great trip. The food and serving was plentiful and tasted tremendous
Review rating: 5
Review Author: Jane G
Review Date: 03 May 2024
Review Body: The guide who collected us and gave the tour around Orangutans etc was so informative and friendly. Likewise the young river guide went out of his way for us to experience as many of Borneo's wildlife as possible in 2 days. Amazing hospitality, great food and good aircon room
Review rating: 5
Review Author: Lukas
Review Date: 31 Jul 2025
Review Body: The organisation was good and the staff at the resort was really friendly. Our guide was also really cool, funny and knew a lot about the wildlife. The food was also wuite tasy so i would definitely recommend it!
Review rating: 5
Review Author: Joesey Limy
Review Date: 02 Dec 2019
Review Body: Nice and quiet place to stay and experiencing the forest surrounding and river cruise to watch the birds and animals..
Review rating: 5
Review Author: Ben Golimbi
Review Date: 01 Oct 2019
Review Body: You got to be here to appreciate!
Review rating: 5
Review Author:
Anze, Slovenia
Review Date: 13 Jan 2020
Review Body: If you are lucky, breakfast will serve you Miss with the most beautiful smile in Malaysia.
Review rating: 4.5
Review Author: Pirjo
Review Date: 19 Feb 2024
Review Body: I really enjoyed my stay in Kinabatangan Wildlife Lodge. The room was nice and clean. Food was good. Our guide was fantastic. He really did his best to show us all the possible animals
Review rating: 4
Review Author: lee stephen
Review Date: 07 Nov 2019
Review Body: Great place to be close to nature…
Review rating: 4
Review Author: Anonymous, Singapore
Review Date: 22 Jan 2020
Review Body: Nice getaway from city life
Liked · Great service from the staff! Very yummy cooked food.
Interesting activities like jungle walk, river cruise and kampong walking.
Disliked · It’s a little isolated from every where else, it’s basically a lodge in the midst of a river and kampong. Wouldn’t recommend staying longer than 2-3 days as it gets boring after a while. Lots of mozzies in the jungle so do bring lots of insect repellant!
Review rating: 3.35
Itinerary
Itinerary Day 1
Itinerary Summary: Today you'll see Orangutans, Sun bears and go on a river safari
Itinerary Description: On arrival, meet your driver, transfer to Sepilok Orangutan Rehabilitation Centre (the world’s largest rehabilitation centre). Proceed to mini theatre for 21 min documentary show on the rehabilitation programme before entering the tropical rainforest on a wooden plank walk to view feeding of the orangutans by the Park Rangers.
Afterwards, visit the Bornean Sun Bear Conservation centre. The sun bear is the smallest, most arboreal and least known of the bear family measuring between 120–150 cm long and between 60-78 cm high at the shoulder.
Proceed to Bilit Kinabatangan. After lunch, you are free to explore the surrounding lodge before proceeding for a two-hour river cruise at 1600hrs in search for wildlife including the endemic proboscis monkeys along the Kinabatangan River (the longest river in Sabah).
Return to Sandakan, drop off at hotel
1 / 5





1 Day Sandakan Wildlife Experience | Orangutans, Sunbear & Kinabatangan River Safari
Discover diverse wildlife in a day.
4.5
|19 Reviews
Group size
Up to 20 guests

DURATION
12 hours

Booking type
Join-in trip

MEET UP
Free pick-up

Group size
Up to 20 guests
- Experience highlights
- Itinerary
- Inclusions
- More Info
- Host
- Reviews
1-day wildlife adventure: Orangutans, Sunbears & river safari in Sandakan
Get ready for an incredible journey through the heart of Borneo! This action-packed day trip is perfect for wildlife enthusiasts, taking you from the rehabilitated orangutans at Sepilok to the playful sun bears at the Bornean Sun Bear Conservation Centre, culminating in an unforgettable river safari down the Kinabatangan River.What to ExpectMeet your driver and head to the Sepilok Orangutan Rehabilitation Centre, the world's largest.Learn all about the rehabilitation program at the center's mini-theatre.Take a stroll along the wooden plank walk through the rainforest to watch orangutans being fed.Visit the Bornean Sun Bear Conservation Centre and observe these adorable creatures.Venture to Bilit Kinabatangan and enjoy some free time to explore before embarking on a two-hour river cruise.Search for endemic proboscis monkeys and other wildlife along the Kinabatangan River.Conclude your day with a return trip to Sandakan.
Experience highlights
What You’ll be Doing
Today you'll see Orangutans, Sun bears and go on a river safari
Show Details
What’s Included
Entrance fees to Sepilok Orangutan Sanctuary, Sunbear Conservation Centre
Lunch
Dinner
Afternoon river cruise
Not included
Expenses of personal nature
Tipping/gratuities
Available Add-ons:
The Rainforest Discovery Centre (RM103.5)
Sandakan City Tour / pax (RM323.44)
Show Details
Who you’re supporting

Community Champion

Plastic Waste Warrior
Show Details
Additional Information
Where we'll meet
Start Point
Free pick-up from Anywhere in Sandakan Town Centre/ Sandakan Airport(Sandakan, Sabah, Malaysia)
- 15 mins before selected timeslot
End Point
- End at Start Point(s)
Start & Ends
Daily
08:00AM - 08:00PM
Suitability / Accessibility
- Child Friendly (No Minimum Age)
Cancellation & other policies
Cancellation
To secure your spot, your host will turn away other guests. Because of this, cancellations aren't allowed.
What to Pack
- Binoculars (optional)
- Camera
- Cap
- Comfortable light cotton casual attire with long or short pants is recommended as humidity is high throughout
- Insect repellent
- Items of personal use
- Leech Sock
- Raincoat / Poncho
- Sandal
- Sturdy shoes (use for walking/trekking)
- Sun screen lotion
- Torch Light
Uh-oh, that adventure isn't available right now. Let's find you something else awesome!
Meet your host
Situated at the heart of Kampung Bilit, your jungle stay will be an eco-conscious delight! Nestled along the mighty Kinabatangan River our 15 rooms eco-lodge integrate sustainability, innovation, respect for the environment and the appreciation for the local Orang Sungai cultures.
Experience: 7 years
Speaks: Fluent English, Bahasa
Acceptance rate: 75%

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