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Motorboat full of travellers in orange life jackets heading through brown water on a 1-day safari from Sandakan, Kinabatangan River
Close-up of a colourful kingfisher perched on a branch above the water during a 1-day river safari — Kinabatangan River
Large wild mammal wallowing in shallow water near the sandy bank during a Kinabatangan River safari, Borneo
Small group seated on a wooden riverboat along jungle waterways during a 1-day safari from Sandakan — Kinabatangan River
Crocodile resting on the riverbank in muddy water during a Kinabatangan River safari near Sandakan, Borneo
Wooden jetty and docked boats by a wide muddy riverbank, a calm start for a 1-day safari from Sandakan — Kinabatangan River
Proboscis monkeys resting on a branch beside the Kinabatangan River in Sandakan during wildlife watching
Motorboat full of travellers in orange life jackets heading through brown water on a 1-day safari from Sandakan, Kinabatangan River
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Motorboat full of travellers in orange life jackets heading through brown water on a 1-day safari from Sandakan, Kinabatangan River
Close-up of a colourful kingfisher perched on a branch above the water during a 1-day river safari — Kinabatangan River
Large wild mammal wallowing in shallow water near the sandy bank during a Kinabatangan River safari, Borneo
Small group seated on a wooden riverboat along jungle waterways during a 1-day safari from Sandakan — Kinabatangan River
Motorboat full of travellers in orange life jackets heading through brown water on a 1-day safari from Sandakan, Kinabatangan River
Close-up of a colourful kingfisher perched on a branch above the water during a 1-day river safari — Kinabatangan River
Large wild mammal wallowing in shallow water near the sandy bank during a Kinabatangan River safari, Borneo
Small group seated on a wooden riverboat along jungle waterways during a 1-day safari from Sandakan — Kinabatangan River
Crocodile resting on the riverbank in muddy water during a Kinabatangan River safari near Sandakan, Borneo
Wooden jetty and docked boats by a wide muddy riverbank, a calm start for a 1-day safari from Sandakan — Kinabatangan River
Proboscis monkeys resting on a branch beside the Kinabatangan River in Sandakan during wildlife watching
Orangutan perched and reaching on leafy branches in the canopy above another, rainforest near Sandakan, orangutans
Woman on a covered balcony railing, looking out at lush rainforest from a Malaysian wildlife lodge, with potted plants nearby
Two blue-and-orange birds perched on a twig at dusk, spotted on a 1-day river safari from Sandakan — Kinabatangan River
Hornbill perched on a forest branch, seen during a wildlife safari along the Kinabatangan River near Sandakan, Borneo
Blue spider on bright green leaves, a wildlife discovery during a 1-day river safari from Sandakan — Kinabatangan River
Monitor lizard in muddy shallows during a wildlife safari on the Kinabatangan River near Sandakan, Borneo
Wild elephants standing in tall grass beside dense jungle during a 1-day wildlife safari experience in Borneo, Kinabatangan River
Empty seats in a safari boat on a wide river under dramatic clouds during a 1-day trip picked up from Sandakan, Kinabatangan River
Travellers on a safari boat watching wildlife swim along the Kinabatangan River near Sandakan, lush Borneo
View from a safari boat across calm water and forest banks on a 1-day trip from Sandakan, Kinabatangan River

1 day Kinabatangan River Safari (Pick up from Sandakan)

A 1 day safari if you're short on time! Includes Sandakan transfers & dinner.
4.5
|62 Reviews
Group size
Up to 10 guests
DURATION
12 hours
Booking type
Join-in trip
MEET UP
Free pick-up
Group size
Up to 10 guests
  • Experience highlights
  • Itinerary
  • Inclusions
  • More Info
  • Host
  • Reviews
1 Day Kinabatangan River cruise with amazing wildlife!
If you want to see Kinabatangan wildlife but do not have time for an overnight stay, this 1-day safari is the simplest way to do it from Sandakan. Instead of figuring out the transfer to the river yourself, you will be picked up from Sandakan, Sepilok, or even the airport, join an afternoon river cruise, have dinner, and be back the same night. After the road journey to Kampung Bilit, it is just a 3-minute boat ride across to the lodge. You will have a welcome drink and snacks before heading out on the river with a local guide. Keep an eye out for elephants, orangutans, crocodiles, and birdlife as you cruise past the forest-lined banks! Then you'll have dinner before heading back to Sepilok or Sandakan. What to ExpectJoin-in 1-day trip with pickup from Sandakan town, Sandakan airport, or SepilokRoad transfer to Kampung Bilit and short boat transfer across the riverWelcome drink and light snacks on arrival1 shared afternoon Kinabatangan River cruise with a river guideChance to look for wildlife and birdlife along the riverDinner included before the return journeyReturn transfer back to Sandakan or Sepilok the same eveningGood to KnowMinimum 2 participants required. If the minimum is not met, you can cancel, reschedule, or top up for an extra spot.Lunch is not included. There is a stop in Sepilok to buy food, drinks, or snacks before heading to the river.This trip includes one afternoon cruise only. Choose an overnight stay if you want more time on the river.Wildlife sightings depend on the day and cannot be guaranteed.Expect a full 12-hour day, with return to Sandakan at about 10:00pm.

Experience highlights

Close-up of a colourful kingfisher perched on a branch above the water during a 1-day river safari — Kinabatangan River
Wildlife spotting on Kinabatangan River
Sunset on a calm river with orange light over the water and dark rainforest trees along the banks at evening in Sandakan
Includes return transfer from Sandakan
Wooden lodge dining deck with tables and chairs overlooking the river, set for a safari in Borneo near Kinabatangan River
Includes local dinner

What You’ll be Doing

River cruising for wildlife and bird-life.
Show Details

What’s Included

1 dinner
1 river cruise (sharing basis)
1 river guide
Show Details

Who you’re supporting

community_based

Community Champion

wildlife_safe

Wildlife Protector

Show Details
Additional Information

Where we'll meet

Start Point

Free pick-up from Sandakan Airport(Sandakan Airport, Jalan Airport, Malaysia)
  • 11:00am

End Point

  • End at Start Point(s)

Start & Ends

Daily
11:00AM - 11:00AM

Suitability / Accessibility

  • Child Friendly (No Minimum Age)

Cancellation & other policies

  • Cancellation

    Cancel 7 days before activity for a full refund

  • Minimum Participants

    If there are fewer than 2 participants, the host may reschedule or refund your booking.
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What to Pack

  • Binoculars
  • Hat
  • Insect Repellent
  • Raincoat
  • Sunscreen
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Meet your host

Named after the proboscis monkeys that live around the area, Nasalis Larvatus is dedicated to bringing the best of Borneo’s wildlife and culture to all travellers who arrive at the lodge. Guests will be well looked after by their warm team of hospitable staff and experienced nature guides, who promise a memorable, activity-packed stay and an all-rounded immersive experience of Borneo!
Experience: 14 years
Acceptance rate: 65%
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