Description

TOUR ITINERARY

Duration 5 Days 4 Nights | Difficulty Level : Moderate

Day 1 – Sandakan | Sepilok | Kinabatangan River (L/D)

Your adventure begins in the morning with scheduled pick-ups from Sandakan hotels, Sandakan Airport, or the Sepilok area. After gathering all guests, the journey starts towards Sepilok, one of Sabah’s most famous wildlife conservation hubs.

Upon arrival, you will visit the Sepilok Orangutan Rehabilitation Centre, where you can observe rescued orangutans during their feeding session and learn about conservation efforts to protect these incredible primates. Just next door, continue to the Bornean Sun Bear Conservation Centre, home to the world’s smallest bear, and gain insight into ongoing rescue and rehabilitation programs.

After the morning visits, enjoy lunch at a nearby local café, offering a relaxing break before the next leg of the journey.

In the afternoon, depart for the Kinabatangan River, Sabah’s longest river and a renowned wildlife corridor. The scenic drive takes approximately two hours, passing through rural villages and oil palm estates. Upon arrival at Sukau Greenview Lodge, you will receive a short briefing followed by check-in.

After settling in, enjoy a tea break before assembling at the jetty for your first river experience. Embark on an afternoon river cruise, gliding along the calm waters in search of wildlife such as proboscis monkeys, long-tailed macaques, hornbills, and possibly wild orangutans along the riverbanks.

As evening falls, return to the lodge for a hearty dinner. Later, head out again for an exciting night river cruise, offering a chance to spot nocturnal animals such as crocodiles, owls, and other night-active creatures under the stars.

Day 2 – Kinabatangan River Exploration (B/L/D)

Rise early for a morning river cruise, one of the best times to observe wildlife as animals become active at dawn. Enjoy the peaceful atmosphere as mist rises from the river and listen to the sounds of the rainforest waking up.

Return to the lodge for breakfast, then prepare for a guided jungle walk. This walk allows you to explore the rainforest on foot, learning about tropical plants, insects, medicinal herbs, and animal tracks while experiencing the forest up close.

After the walk, return to the lodge for lunch and some time to relax.

In the afternoon, visit the gallery of “The Orang Sungai”, where you will discover the culture, traditions, daily life, and handicrafts of the indigenous river people who have lived along the Kinabatangan for generations.

Enjoy another tea break before heading out for your second afternoon river cruise, offering more opportunities for wildlife sightings and photography as animals gather near the riverbanks.

In the evening, enjoy dinner at the lodge. Later, join a guided night walk and insect observation, where you can spot fascinating nocturnal insects, frogs, and other small creatures that emerge after dark.

• Night cruise is an optional extra that costs RM100 per person. 

Day 3 – Journey From River to Rainforest (B/L/D)

For early risers, an optional early-morning river cruise may be available at no additional cost, offering a serene farewell to the Kinabatangan River. Drift quietly along the river in the soft morning light and enjoy one last opportunity to spot wildlife along the riverbanks. This complimentary cruise is provided courtesy of AJ Borneo and is subject to weather conditions and availability.

After the cruise, return to the lodge for breakfast, then check out from your Kinabatangan lodge. Continue your journey with a visit to Gomantong Cave, one of Sabah’s most significant limestone cave systems and a renowned nesting site for swiftlets. Walk along wooden boardwalks through the cave chambers, where you can observe impressive rock formations and learn about the traditional bird’s nest harvesting practices. The surrounding forest also offers chances to spot wildlife such as monkeys and birds.

After the Gomantong Cave visit, begin your overland journey to the Danum Valley Field Centre (DVFC), travelling deeper into one of Borneo’s most pristine and untouched rainforest regions.

Upon arrival at DVFC, check in and take time to settle into your surroundings before heading out on an introductory guided rainforest walk. This walk offers your first immersive experience in Danum Valley’s ancient lowland dipterocarp forest, where towering trees, dense vegetation, and a remarkable diversity of flora and fauna showcase the area’s outstanding biodiversity.

In the evening, return to the lodge for dinner, then prepare for another adventure after nightfall. Join a guided night walk or night drive, an excellent opportunity to observe nocturnal wildlife as the rainforest comes alive in the dark. With a bit of luck, you may encounter civets, flying squirrels, frogs, insects, and other elusive species that are rarely seen during daylight hours.

Day 4 – Danum Valley Field Centre Experience (B/L/D)

Begin your day with an early breakfast at the Dining Hall, surrounded by the sounds of the rainforest coming to life. After breakfast, set out on a guided trekking adventure, lasting approximately four hours. This immersive trek takes you deep into Danum Valley’s pristine lowland rainforest, where your guide will introduce you to the area’s rich biodiversity, including towering dipterocarp trees, medicinal plants, insects, and signs of wildlife along the forest trails.

By midday, return to the Danum Valley Field Centre and enjoy a well-earned lunch at the centre. The early afternoon is reserved for rest and relaxation, giving you time to recover from the morning trek and enjoy the peaceful forest surroundings.

In the late afternoon, continue with an evening walk or trek, lasting around two and a half hours. This is an excellent time to observe wildlife activity as temperatures cool and animals begin to emerge.

After returning to the centre, enjoy some free time with a coffee or tea break at the Dining Hall before sitting down for dinner. Later in the evening, join a guided night walk around the vicinity, lasting up to one hour, in search of nocturnal wildlife such as insects, frogs, reptiles, and other creatures that are active after dark.

The day concludes with quiet time to rest and unwind. Lights off at 11:00 pm, allowing you to recharge for the next day’s journey.
Good night.

Day 5 – Departure from Danum Valley (B)

Rise early for a gentle morning walk around the vicinity, offering a final chance to enjoy the tranquil rainforest atmosphere and spot early-morning wildlife. Return to the centre for breakfast, then prepare for check-out.

After check-out, begin your transfer, with an estimated arrival at Lahad Datu town by midday, marking the end of your memorable Danum Valley rainforest experience.

If you prefer to continue travelling to Sandakan, the Kinabatangan River, Semporna, or Tawau, we can assist with arranging these onward connections at an additional fee.

INCLUDES:

• Land Transfers
• Meals (4B, 4L, 4D) 
• 2 nights’ Kinabatangan accommodation in either a dormitory or chalet
• 2 nights’ accommodation at Resthouse or chalet
• Services of a nature guide 
• 4 river cruises (2 morning and 2 afternoon sessions) 
• 4 guided night walks 
• Guided jungle trekking 
• Access to the in-house wildlife observation tower 

EXCLUDES:

• Travel Insurance
• Tourism tax for private rooms (RM10 per room per night) 
• Tips (optional) 
• Additional food or beverages etc
• Flights and any optional add-ons
• Optional 4×4 activities at Danum Valley

📌 All our  tours are operated on the principle that you may be in a small group of other people unless you confirm a private tour with us.

📌 Group price is available when you confirm the tour  for your group in a single booking.

PRICE:

📝Please click on “Additional Information” to check price for your group.

Note:

• Camera fees at Sepilok Orang Utan Rehabilitation Centre:For any camera with zoom lens from 100 to 400mm, video camera or other video recording equipment for personal use are chargeable at RM10.00 per unit. For any camera (fixed-lens – 400mm and above ) or any film-making equipment are chargeable at RM1,000.00 per unit.
• Gomantong Cave can be done on Day 2 upon operator’s convenience