Review Author: Kelvin Liwanag

Review Date: 13 May 2026

Review Body: My Review of the Kinabatangan Jungle Experience The pickup was perfectly on time and the driver was very friendly and drove efficiently. The road to Kinabatangan is quite bumpy in some parts, but of course nobody can do anything about that. I was already expecting it. The drive from Sandakan to Kinabatangan took around 2.5 hours with some traffic. Upon arrival, we received a very warm welcome from the receptionist and our guide. Shortly after, we were taken by boat to our accommodation deep in the jungle. The boat ride took around 10–15 minutes and was already a great experience on its own. It was very hot and the accommodation was quite simple and eco-style, but that was exactly what we wanted. Sleeping in the middle of the jungle is not something you experience every day. When we arrived, there was not much staff around, but our guide Haika took great care of us and explained everything very well. The accommodation itself was basic but functional. Showers were done traditionally with a bucket, while the toilet had a normal flush system. Everything was very clean and you could really feel how much effort and care was put into the place. Everything felt very genuine and lovingly maintained. After checking in, we went on a short jungle walk, which was a bit exhausting after the long journey but still very interesting. Afterwards, we went on the first of two river safaris. It started slightly later because of the rain, but it was absolutely worth it. We were able to see the famous proboscis monkey as well as many other animals. It was an amazing experience. After dinner, we joined the night walk, which was truly fantastic. We spotted many small animals and insects, and walking through the jungle at night was both intense and exciting. A very special experience. The next morning, we had to wake up very early for our second river safari. During this trip we saw many crocodiles, different bird species, and other wildlife. Unfortunately, we did not get lucky with orangutans or the pygmy elephants, which apparently had been seen there with their herd the week before. After the safari, we had breakfast and were then driven back to Sandakan. I give this trip and the company a full 10/10. Everything was perfectly organized, everyone was extremely friendly and always trying their best — especially our guide Haika. I am very happy that I had this experience and I can highly recommend it to anyone looking for an authentic jungle adventure with incredible wildlife. For me, it was truly unique. Thank you very much and hopefully see you again soon! Best regards, Kelvin

Review rating: 5

Review Author: Muhammed al Yakub

Review Date: 30 Apr 2026

Review Body: Amazing place. We stayed for 1 night but I wish we stayed for a week! Thank you very much KOPEL for such a memorable experience. We hope to visit again! First: the staff are superb and very knowledgeable, and personable too. Our guide Budin knew the names of different birds, lizards, insects and mammals, as well as their specific features and behaviours. Even the plants and trees! He was great at spotting them and identifying them even by subspecies, both during the day and at night. Budin was also very easy to talk to and patient - he more or less supported us in exploring at our own pace, and prioritised our visit around what we wanted to see. It was also clear he and his fellow staff members are deeply passionate about KOPEL and its good work. Secondly: the fauna itself is incredible. We saw so many kingfishers, crocodiles, probiscus monkeys, hornbills and more. We even had a malayan civet visit us during dinner! The cherry on top of course is that these are truly wild encounters - nobody is incentivising these wonderful animals through food, trapping them or coralling them in any way. Seeing these creatures in the wild was a dream come true for me. Thirdly: facilities are excellent. the lodge is fully eco-friendly and run by indigenous people of the Kinabatang River! Waste is composted, toilets have biodegradable locally made shampoo. The beds are comfortable with mosquito nets, the rooms have space to hang your stuff, and the toilets are clean. There are charging outlets for your electronics if needed. The food was also very good - tasty Malaysian cuisine. My recommendation for visitors (what to bring): DO bring full-length trousers and a top (preferably waterproof!), as well as mosquito repellent. There are naturally a lot of mosquitos in the area DO bring socks - it is possible to rent wellington boots from KOPEL, just ask them before you arrive to make sure they have them available DO bring your own water bottle to minimize waste DO bring sunscreen if you have sensitive skin, as you will go on a boat DO some research into the fauna - make sure you know what you want to see DO listen to your guides and follow the rules - they know this place well and how to make sure you have the best time possible whilst respecting the nature DO make sure to have fun! DO NOT touch any wildlife or plants! DO NOT go in the water! there are crocodiles! DO NOT go anywhere beyond the camp without your guide! It is dangerous and ILLEGAL!

Review rating: 5

Review Author: Lennard

Review Date: 29 Dec 2025

Review Body: We joined a 4-day, 3-night Eco Trek Tour at the EcoJungleCamp, and we can 100% recommend Kopel Tours!
The tour is fully organized and run by locals, which makes the experience feel authentic and meaningful. Every day was filled with exciting activities such as river cruises, jungle treks, tree planting, and much more. The itinerary was perfectly balanced — we were able to experience a lot without feeling rushed, with enough breaks to relax and enjoy the surroundings. Our guide, Rafizan, grew up in a nearby village and shared incredible insights about the wildlife and rainforest ecosystem. We were extremely lucky to spot so many animals — including orangutans, crocodiles, hornbills, proboscis monkeys, pig-tailed macaques, and many more — all thanks to our amazing guide! Spending four days there gave us the best chance to see these wild animals in their natural habitat. What made it even more special was knowing that the tour directly supports rainforest conservation and the local community. Ethical and sustainable tourism is clearly a top priority for Kopel Tours. The food was delicious, and the accommodation right in the middle of the rainforest was a unique experience in itself. In summary, we’re truly grateful we chose Kopel Tours — they made this adventure an unforgettable experience. Warm regards,
Sandra & Lennard

Review rating: 5

Review Author: Marco

Review Date: 29 Dec 2025

Review Body: Francesca and I had a 4d3n stay with Kopel and was just great. We spent the first 2 nights in Tungog Rainforest Eco Camp, completely immersed in the jungle near Tungog lake: camp is well organized, food is good, the huts with bucket shower are essential and clean, just what you'd expect for a jungle stay. The lake cruise, day and nights walks and reforestation activities are a marvelous way to spend time in close contact with nature and to see many animals in their original environment (orangutans, proboscis monkeys, birds, insects but also trees, mushrooms and many other plants). Last night was in Miso Walai homestay in Mengaris village: Katijah's heartwarming family has welcomed as ones of their own in their house; a great opportunity to get in touch with local people, culture and food, feeling home! Special mention to our super guide Atai, whose knowledge of animals, plants and ways of the jungle made the whole experience authentic and unforgettable. Kopel organizations also focuses on give back the jungle to the river, gaining back land from the palm oil plantations, by replanting trees and giving back to wild animals their environmenti: the head of this part of the project is Norsaleh, super friendly guy who supervises all the jungle project. Definitely a experience worth to live. Keep it up Kopel!

Review rating: 5

Review Author: Ken

Review Date: 29 Dec 2025

Review Body: Just completed the 4 day/3 night stay at the Tungog Rainforest Eco Camp (TREC) and had the most remarkable adventure. If you want to experience the amazing Bornean jungle and see the wildlife that makes it so special, this is an ideal stay. We saw orangutans working their way through the trees above the camp on three different occasions (including a family unit with a tiny baby) and saw two others while out on one of the frequent wildlife cruises along the Kinabatangan River. Between the boat rides, jungle walks, and time in camp we saw proboscis monkeys, langurs, macaques, crocodiles, four species of hornbills, raptors, kingfishers, countless songbirds, and even mouse deer, civets, a slow loris, tree shrew, and Malay badger. Our guide, Apek, was knowledgeable, enthusiastic, and eager for us to have a great experience. The accommodations are not fancy, but we slept great every night after the day's adventures (starting as nearly as early and ending just about as late as you want). The food is tasty and the vegetarian meals provided for those who requested them were particularly good. Highly recommended for people who want an authentic rainforest experience and are comfortable without luxury accommodations.

Review rating: 5

Review Author: Nelson

Review Date: 29 Dec 2025

Review Body: Incredible experience. The guides are really friendly and fun and have great knowledge of local fauna and flora, they know the sounds of the rainforest and are expert wildlife spotters. We stayed for 4d3n and it was a highlight of our travels. The accomodation is basic as described (no power/wifi, normally there are lights in the rooms but the solar power system was under maintenance when we stayed so battery lamps were provided, private bathroom under your cabin with bucket “Mandi” showers and a sink and flushable toilet). Sleeping in a cabin under mosquito nets with the sound of the rainforest around, it was nice to switch off from the internet for a while and enjoy the experience. We saw heaps of wildlife, including a couple of rare gibbon sightings and an orangutan in camp when we first arrived, heaps of hornbills, insects/spiders, snakes and many more! The food was also delicious and plentiful every day. I’m looking forward to returning in the future to check in on the trees we planted and revisit the Kinabatangan river.

Review rating: 5

Review Author: Matt

Review Date: 29 Dec 2025

Review Body: We had a 5D4N adventure as part of a school expedition go Borneo. We spent one night at the eco camp, two nights in hammocks and our final night at the Mandaastay hostel. Throughout the stay we supported the conservation project of Kopel, helping to plant and maintain trees to help regrow the jungle. We undertook a number of river cruises, saw some of the local animals including wild orangutan, probiscus monkeys, hornbills and crocodiles, as well as taking part in night hikes. On our final night the locals put on a cultural performance for our group and we performed for them too. Our guides Rizwan, Redwan and Budin were absolutely amazing. They were extremely attentive and supportive and really looked after our whole group. They made what was for many of our students a daunting experience a relaxed, safe and enjoyable one. From the emotions as we left it was clear they'd left a lasting impression on everyone. I can't thank them enough for everything they did to support us.

Review rating: 5

Review Author: Dani

Review Date: 29 Dec 2025

Review Body: We did the 2 day 1 night stay at this eco camp in the rainforest. One of the best experiences of my life. The local guides are amazing and know so much about the area and animals. The eco camp is truly eco friendly and basic - keep this in mind if you like more “comfortable” places to sleep. High cabins with mattresses which are on floor with fly nets - still slept fine. Shower is with bucket and cold water, toilet is western normal toilet. Food is basic but still delicious for a basic traveller. If you love truly authentic experiences this is for you. We saw lots of wildlife and our guides went out of their way to make sure we did. Love what they are doing at this place and we are very grateful.

Review rating: 5

Review Author: Laura

Review Date: 29 Dec 2025

Review Body: From this reception center we started our 3D2N Kinabatangan river tour with stay at Tugong River Eco Camp and we had a great time! The location is beautiful, with a deck looking out over the oxbow lake (with many birds flying over) and private huts. Also, we had a private and very enthousiastic local guide (Boboy, the skinny one ;)) and we were so lucky to spot many animals (5 hornbill species, an orangutan, a big crocodile and much more monkeys, birds etc). It is the only accomodation in the surroundings, so you will be one of the few tourists in the jungle and on that part of the river. We loved the responsible and helpful management of this place, keep up the good work!

Review rating: 5

Review Author: Leonor

Review Date: 29 Dec 2025

Review Body: Amazingly managed project of mostly conservation and also eco tourism on the side. I lived unforgettable moments among tour guides and other guests of their eco camp. It really felt like bonding with friends sharing their passion for wildlife. Activities consist into spotting birds, insects, mammals, reptiles, vegetation and amphibians that are often endemic to Borneo. This is done through day and night jungle walks, river cruises, chilling on the open decks of the camp,… This is the perfect place for it. Left the camp feeling so relaxed and centred. Thank you so much everyone!

Review rating: 5

Review Author: Tom

Review Date: 29 Dec 2025

Review Body: I came to the Kinabatangan River as an individual by car without any plan where to stay. I´m glad I found and choose Mescot/Kopel. After one night at the Basis Camp, I took part of the two nights/4days Tour in their Rainforest camp. The guides, the Rainforest, beautiful animals you´ve seen on your childhood t-shirt the last time, now combined by an organisation, that also takes care of the community its operating in. And yes, we saw 4 of the Borneos big 5 on one day :) If you miss one or two, there is a lot that covers it. Time well spend! Hope to be back on day.

Review rating: 5

Review Author: Evelyn Klompmaker

Review Date: 13 Aug 2026

Review Body: We did a 2D1N trip and are thinking with very warm feelings back to our trip. It was all well organised, our guide was professional, kind and always in for answering our questions. We feit really welcome by the staff and the people of the community. During our stay we spotted a lot of animals from snakes, crocodiles, monkeys and different kind of birds. We love the idea that the community profits from.the income and also work at Kopel. Also the fact that it is eco friendly is a plus for us.We really would recommand Kopel for your wildlife trip!

Review rating: 5

Review Author: Izaak

Review Date: 29 Dec 2025

Review Body: We had an unforgettable stay here, on a 3D2N tour with a visit to Supu. With huts nestled in the rainforest overlooking a scenic lake it is the best place to wake up and feel connected to wildlife! Our guide was very friendly and great at spotting and identifying nature. This camp is not for the faint of heart, but that made it feel even more memorable and It holds a special place in my heart. The food was delicious and plentiful and falling asleep to the sounds of the jungle and waking up to the dawn chorus was very special.

Review rating: 5

Review Author: Aaron

Review Date: 29 Dec 2025

Review Body: Just wrapped up a 3 day 2 night stay with Azman as our guide. The work being done by this organization in collaboration with the Forest Department and community is important and a good model for what ecotourism should be. Nature and community first. My girlfriend and I were repeatedly struck by wonder with each activity, we didn't expect the number and variety of wildlife and we are leaving full and satisfied. Food was great but the care and attentiveness of our guide leaves us touched as well.

Review rating: 5

Review Author: Giovanni

Review Date: 29 Dec 2025

Review Body: Highly recommend! I have done the 3D2N Kinabatangan river package and couldn’t have been more satisfied! I’ve seen orangutans, crocodiles and different other animals . You will also plant your own tree !!! Food: great variety and big portions. Accommodation: very ecological, a proper jungle experience . Guides: amazing at spotting animals and teaching all about nature. If you are looking at doing the Kinabatangan experience, I would highly recommend you book it through Kopel .

Review rating: 5

Review Author: Mara

Review Date: 29 Dec 2025

Review Body: One of the two highlights of our holiday was the 4 days and 3 nights stay in the eco camp with the SUPU trek. This community is formed by three villages and they do a wonderful job. We completely submerged in the rain forest and in the local culture. We saw the most fantastic and intriguing animals, and we listened to stories about what it means to be living in these villages. Stories I will never forget. Thank you Haikel for being our personal guide, it was a real pleasure!

Review rating: 5

Review Author: Karen

Review Date: 29 Dec 2025

Review Body: This place is amazing!!!! We saw so many animals (including Pygmy elephants and orangutans!!) and our guide, Azman was SO knowledgeable and friendly and AMAZING at spotting wildlife. The camp is simple, the food is delicious and different every day, the staff is friendly and accommodating and the wildlife spotting cannot be beat! We also got to plant a tree and I hope to come back to visit my baby tree once it’s had some time to grow. I cannot recommend this place enough.

Review rating: 5

Review Author: Victoria

Review Date: 29 Dec 2025

Review Body: The most amazing experience in Borneo, my favourite experience of the trip. The guides are so knowledgeable and friendly, with a big emphasis on conserving the environment and wildlife. The camp is basic, but you have everything you need and are very accommodated for. We spotted orangutang around the huts! This doesn’t feel like a touristy trip but instead an experience to be immersed in the Borneo jungle and culture. Shout out to Nazie, the best guide!

Review rating: 5

Review Author: Christoph

Review Date: 29 Dec 2025

Review Body: The camp exceeded our expectations. At first, we were skeptical because we didn't find many recent reviews, and Kopel also has other names in circulation, such as Mescot. We booked a three-day tour. The time we spent in the jungle and on the river was absolutely sufficient, and we were able to spot many animals. Our guide, Kazree (Insta: EiYnam Po Yoo), was excellent and explained a lot to us. Kopel is a good, sustainable company/organization.

Review rating: 5

Review Author: Zachary

Review Date: 29 Dec 2025

Review Body: We did the 4D3N tour at Tungog and had the best time! Our guide Boudin was incredibly knowledgable on all the wildlife and we were lucky to see 7 wild Orangutans during our time there. All the food that is provided was delicious and the amenities are basic but perfect for getting to really experience the jungle. Would highly recommend, learnt so much about the wildlife and saw so much. Thank you Boudin!!

Review rating: 5

Itinerary Day 1

Itinerary Summary: Jungle trekking, river cruise & night walk at Tungog Rainforest Eco Camp

Itinerary Description: 12:00 PM Registration & Welcome Lunch 2:00 PM Boat Transfer to Tungog Rainforest Eco Camp (TREC) *Optional Upgrade: Lodge stay closer to the village (no boat transfer required) 2:30 PM Check-in, Camp Tour & Jungle Trekking. Explore the forest reserve that the team actively protects, with opportunities to spot birds up close in their natural habitat, undisturbed. 4:30 PM Sunset Wildlife River Cruise 6:30 PM Return to TREC 7:00 PM Dinner at TREC 8:00 PM Night Jungle Walk. Spot nocturnal creatures as the forest comes alive on this night walk. Overnight Stay at TREC

Itinerary Day 2

Itinerary Summary: Sunrise river cruise, breakfast and check-out

Itinerary Description: 6:00 AM Sunrise Wildlife River Cruise 7:30 AM Breakfast at TREC 9:00 AM Check-out & Transfer to KOPEL Reception. *Optional return transfer to Sandakan, if arranged.