Discover the Kinabatangan River Valley in eastern Sabah, where rainforest landscapes, winding waterways, and remarkable wildlife make it one of Borneo's premier wildlife destinations. Cruise the river in search of orangutans, proboscis monkeys, and the elusive Bornean pygmy elephant while experiencing the unhurried rhythm of life along the water.
Surrounded by lush rainforest, wetlands, and oxbow lakes, the Kinabatangan is home to an extraordinary diversity of wildlife. Early morning river cruises, guided jungle walks, and after-dark excursions reveal a different side of the rainforest, while a riverside lodge provides the perfect base to experience this unique ecosystem.
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Trip typePrivate tour - minimum 2 guests -
CountryMalaysia
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Duration3 days
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Starting LocationSandakan (Borneo)
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Ending LocationSandakan (Borneo)
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PriceEach trip is priced individually - trips differ in the number of people, selected hotels, and attractions.
- Accommodation at a riverside lodge along the Kinabatangan River
- Meals as outlined in the detailed itinerary
- Entrance fees to attractions
- Transfers and domestic flights
- English-speaking guides
- International airfare to and from Malaysia
- Flights to and from Sandakan, Borneo
- Personal travel insurance
- Tips for service
- Tourist insurance
- Drinks during meals
- Other services not mentioned in the program
Experience Highlights
Meet orangutans at the famous Sepilok Rehabilitation Centre and learn about their journey back to life in the wild
Cruise along the Kinabatangan River, one of Asia’s best destinations for wildlife observation
Look out for proboscis monkeys, hornbills, macaques, and Bornean pygmy elephants in their natural habitat
Spend two nights at eco-friendly lodges surrounded by the rainforest
Discover the jungle after dark during a night walk filled with the sounds of tropical wildlife
Visit the scenic Pitas Oxbow Lake, one of Borneo’s most valuable natural areas
Day 1: ORANGUTANS AND YOUR FIRST ENCOUNTER WITH THE KINABATANGAN
A morning flight from Kota Kinabalu leads to the wildlife-rich landscapes of northern Borneo. The journey begins at the Sepilok Orangutan Rehabilitation Centre, where rescued orangutans are prepared for life back in the rainforest. A visit to the nursery and feeding platform offers a chance to observe these remarkable primates, although an empty feeding area often means they have already returned to the wild.
The adventure continues at the Bornean Sun Bear Conservation Centre, home to the world's smallest bear species. Here, rescued Malayan sun bears roam spacious forest enclosures while recovering for eventual release.
In the afternoon, the route follows the Kinabatangan River by boat, leaving roads behind for one of Borneo's richest wildlife habitats. Even the first cruise may reveal proboscis monkeys, macaques, hornbills, kingfishers, and other rainforest inhabitants along the riverbanks.
As the afternoon light softens, another river cruise showcases the remarkable biodiversity of the Kinabatangan before night falls. After dinner, a guided walk along wooden boardwalks uncovers a different side of the rainforest, where frogs, insects, snakes, and other nocturnal creatures emerge beneath the forest canopy.
Overnight at a riverside lodge along the Kinabatangan River.
Day 2: IN THE LAND OF PROBOSCIS MONKEYS AND BORNEAN PYGMY ELEPHANTS
The rainforest awakens at dawn, filling the air with the calls of birds and wildlife. An early morning cruise leads to the tranquil Pitas Ox-Bow Lake, where calm waters and dense jungle create one of the Kinabatangan Valley's most rewarding wildlife-viewing spots. Hornbills glide overhead, while macaques, proboscis monkeys, and other primates gather among the treetops.
After breakfast, the journey continues upriver towards Sukau through one of Borneo's richest ecosystems. The riverbanks offer excellent opportunities to spot wild orangutans, diverse primates, and, with a little luck, the elusive Bornean pygmy elephant—one of the region's most remarkable wildlife encounters.
Following lunch and time to unwind at a riverside lodge, the afternoon brings another cruise along the narrow Menanggul River. Surrounded by dense rainforest, this secluded tributary is renowned for its exceptional biodiversity, with every bend offering the possibility of another unforgettable wildlife sighting.
Overnight at a lodge along the river.
Day 3: FAREWELL TO WILD BORNEO
The morning offers one last opportunity to absorb the quiet atmosphere of the Kinabatangan Valley before leaving the rainforest behind.
After breakfast, travel by boat back to the jetty, watching the riverbanks and dense jungle drift past for the final time. From there, continue to Sandakan Airport for your flight and the next chapter of your journey through Malaysia.
OPTIONAL EXTENSION: DANUM VALLEY
For those who would like to spend more time exploring Borneo’s rainforest, the journey can be extended with a visit to the legendary Danum Valley – one of the best-preserved rainforest areas in the world. With a history dating back over 130 million years, Danum Valley is home to an incredible diversity of wildlife and ancient rainforest ecosystems. It is a place where encounters with nature become part of everyday exploration.
