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Private 2-Day Sandakan Wildlife Safari with River Cruise

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Private 2-Day Sandakan Wildlife Safari with River Cruise
Private 2-Day Sandakan Wildlife Safari with River Cruise
Private 2-Day Sandakan Wildlife Safari with River Cruise
Private 2-Day Sandakan Wildlife Safari with River Cruise
Private 2-Day Sandakan Wildlife Safari with River Cruise
Private 2-Day Sandakan Wildlife Safari with River Cruise
Private 2-Day Sandakan Wildlife Safari with River Cruise
Private 2-Day Sandakan Wildlife Safari with River Cruise
Private 2-Day Sandakan Wildlife Safari with River Cruise
Private 2-Day Sandakan Wildlife Safari with River Cruise
Private 2-Day Sandakan Wildlife Safari with River Cruise
Private 2-Day Sandakan Wildlife Safari with River Cruise
Private 2-Day Sandakan Wildlife Safari with River Cruise
Private 2-Day Sandakan Wildlife Safari with River Cruise
Private 2-Day Sandakan Wildlife Safari with River Cruise
Private 2-Day Sandakan Wildlife Safari with River Cruise
Private 2-Day Sandakan Wildlife Safari with River Cruise
Duration
2 days
Product Code: 366MH0037

Overview

Uncover the heart of Borneo’s natural and cultural treasures on this Private 2-Day Sandakan Wildlife Safari with River Cruise, a perfect balance of wildlife, jungle adventure, and heritage discovery. Designed for eco-travelers and families, this 2-day Sandakan tour includes up-close encounters at the Sepilok Orangutan Sanctuary, an afternoon and morning Kinabatangan River Cruise Tour, and a full Sandakan Heritage Tour to wrap up your experience.

Start with orangutan and sun bear encounters in the rainforest, then settle into a peaceful eco lodge Borneo stay before cruising Sabah’s longest river in search of monkeys, hornbills, and crocodiles. On Day 2, continue your journey through Sandakan’s colonial past, visiting iconic sites like the Sandakan Memorial Park, St. Michael’s Church, and Agnes Keith Museum. Whether you’re looking for a wildlife tour in Sabah, a short Borneo tour, or a cultural tour in Sandakan, this immersive experience offers it all.

Book the Private 2-Day Sandakan Wildlife Safari with River Cruise now to enjoy a guided journey that brings together rainforest wildlife, local history, and unforgettable scenery in one seamless adventure.

 

Tour Highlights:

  • Witness orangutans in their natural habitat at Sepilok Orangutan Centre
  • Cruise Sabah’s iconic Kinabatangan River during both afternoon and sunrise tours
  • Explore a well-planned Sandakan sightseeing itinerary featuring heritage landmarks
  • Overnight stay at a comfortable rainforest eco lodge Borneo
  • Visit the Bornean Sun Bear Conservation Centre, home to the world’s smallest bear
  • Learn from expert guides on a guided wildlife tour Sandakan
  • Includes airport transfers and meals for a stress-free private Sandakan tour
  • Ideal for a family friendly Borneo tour or short Sabah tour package

Tour Amenities

Any amendments can be made up to 24 hours before the tour starts.

The sightseeing will proceed according to the itinerary.

Confirmation will be received at time of booking.

Get a full refund if cancel the booking 72 hours before it begins.

We offer 24/7 global customer support.

This is a private tour for you and your group only.

Included

Pick-up from your Sandakan Hotel or Airport.

The English-speaking tour guide during the sightseeing tour.

All entrance fees for attractions are included.

1-night stay at 2-star lodge.

Round-trip land transport.

1 breakfast, 2 lunches, 1 dinner.

Afternoon and morning river cruises.

Drop-off at your Sandakan Hotel or Airport.

Excluded

Optional activities not included.

Personal expenses are not included.

Tour Plan

Day 1: Sepilok Orangutan Sanctuary & Kinabatangan River Safari

Your Private 2-Day Sandakan Wildlife Safari begins with an early pickup between 8:00 AM and 9:00 AM from your hotel or Sandakan Airport. Your first stop is the world-renowned Sepilok Orangutan Rehabilitation Centre, a sanctuary dedicated to rehabilitating orangutans and returning them to the wild. You will be guided along a scenic boardwalk through the rainforest, where you can witness orangutans during their morning feeding time. After the feeding session, enjoy a short film about the orangutans’ rehabilitation, followed by a visit to the Nature Education Centre and the Exhibition Hall to learn more about conservation efforts in Borneo. Next, head to the nearby Bornean Sun Bear Conservation Centre, where you will observe the smallest bear species in the world, the sun bear, in its natural environment. This visit provides an educational look at the challenges of conserving this endangered species. After these captivating wildlife encounters, you will enjoy a delicious lunch at a local restaurant, sampling traditional Bornean dishes. Following lunch, travel to your lodge near the Kinabatangan River, one of Sabah’s most biodiverse regions, and check into your accommodation. After settling in, you will receive a briefing from your guide and enjoy a refreshing afternoon tea with local snacks. At 4:00 PM, embark on an exciting Kinabatangan River cruise, where you will have the opportunity to spot wildlife along the riverbanks, such as proboscis monkeys, orangutans, and various bird species like hornbills and kingfishers. The river cruise offers a peaceful and scenic setting for wildlife observation, giving you a true sense of the jungle’s beauty. After the cruise, return to the lodge for a delicious dinner and relax amidst the sounds of the jungle, spending the night in your clean and comfortable 2-star lodge accommodation.

Day 2: Early Morning River Safari & Sandakan City Tour

Rise early for a 6:00 AM morning river cruise, the best time to witness the rainforest waking up. The calm waters offer excellent opportunities to spot more wildlife, including elephant seals, monitor lizards, and numerous bird species. This serene early-morning adventure allows you to fully immerse yourself in Borneo's natural beauty before returning to the lodge for breakfast. After breakfast, check out of your lodge and begin your journey back to Sandakan, leaving by 8:30 AM. Upon arrival, you will have lunch at a local restaurant before embarking on a Sandakan Heritage Tour to discover the city’s fascinating history. Begin with a visit to the Sandakan Memorial Park, which commemorates the Australian and British POWs who suffered during World War II. The park features memorial plaques and offers a reflective experience. Next, visit the Puu Jih Shih Temple, a hilltop Buddhist temple that provides panoramic views of Sandakan Bay. The peaceful surroundings and the temple’s architecture offer a serene and spiritual experience. Continue to St. Michael’s Church, one of the oldest stone buildings in Sabah, with its impressive design and historical significance. Following the church, stop at the Central Market to experience the local culture. The market is bustling with fresh produce, local seafood, and traditional goods, providing a glimpse into the everyday life of the people of Sandakan. Next, visit the Agnes Keith House, the former residence of the American author Agnes Keith, who wrote about her colonial experiences in Borneo. The house has been preserved as a museum, and it’s a fantastic place to learn about the history of Sandakan during the colonial era. To conclude your tour, you’ll head to the English Tea House, where you can relax and enjoy a refreshing cup of tea while taking in the stunning views of Sandakan Bay. Your tour concludes with a drop-off at your hotel or Sandakan Airport, scheduled between 3:00 PM and 4:00 PM, depending on your flight time. This marks the end of your incredible Sandakan wildlife and heritage journey, filled with unique wildlife encounters, cultural insights, and unforgettable memories.

Why Choose Our 2-Day Sandakan Wildlife Adventure Tour

  • Combines nature and culture in a single Sandakan Nature and Culture Tour
  • Spot rare primates and birds on a true Borneo wildlife experience
  • Relax in an authentic lodge stay in jungle setting
  • Professional guides ensure a top-rated wildlife safari Borneo
  • Includes meals, transportation, and entrance fees—no hidden costs
  • A safe and enriching family friendly wildlife tour
  • Convenient option for those seeking overnight jungle tour Borneo
  • Flexible start point with airport pickup tour Sandakan option

Book Your 2-Day Sandakan Wildlife Adventure Tour Today!

This top-rated 2-day Borneo tour is your chance to explore Sabah’s rainforests, wildlife, and cultural highlights in comfort and style. Don’t miss out on the best orangutan tour in Borneo—book your Sandakan Wildlife Safari with River Cruise now and experience Borneo like never before.

Starting $240 per person

* Price varies by group size

Lowest Price Guarantee

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Tickets:
  (Adults 4-99 Years)
Price:
$

( Children under 4 years old and 1.2m in height can join with a parent for free. )

Free cancellation up to 3 days in advance.

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Reviews (22)

Verified Reviews You Can Trust

Jodie N

Source Trip Advisor

Great experience

My daughter and i stayed 2 nights at the River lodge, and it was an all round great trip. The proboscis monkeys were amazing, i could've watched them all day, as are the Hornbills. We missed the pygmy elephants by minutes - you could smell them, so was a little disappointed but the boat ride was great in itself. I kept thinking of the David Attenborough documentary i saw years ago on this very river, and how much it has changed. You can see the palm oil plantations throught the thin band of forest in lots of places, and it is pretty depressing. Glad that the locals are gaining financially from tourism, this can only lead to better protection of wildlife. Still a great experience.

Written April 5, 2025


pikipoki22

Source Trip Advisor

Nice place with a sad story behind

We spend three days and two nights at the Kinabatangan river and saw almost all animals possible: pygmy elephants, wild orang-utans, hornbills, proboscis monkeys, leaf monkeys, crocodiles, tarsiers etc. The only thing that spoils the experience a bit is a realisation that there is a very narrow jungle corridor, everything else is just palm plantations..

Written September 1, 2024


Sabina_F

Source Viator

Da non prenotare!

Iniziata tutto molto bene Ma appena arrivati al resort ha iniziato andare tutto storto, non avevano la nostra prenotazione, non c’era una stanza per noi, abbiamo letteralmente rischiato di dormire per strada perché pieno. Abbiamo provato contattare i numeri assistenza, ma niente da fare, dopo più di 4 lunghe ore i signori del resort hanno trovato una “soluzione” al nostro problema e sono riusciti a liberarci due letti (meno male). Mattino seguente da itinerario dovevamo avere tre tappe ma ne abbiamo fatte SOLO due! Il tutto doveva essere guidato da una guida ma anche qua non abbiamo avuto niente! Ho provato a scrivere per un rimborso (almeno locale) ma chissà se lo avrò mai..

Written July 1, 2024


Prashant Balakrishnan

Source Trip Advisor

Great stay on the banks of kinabantangan river

Borneo Natural Sukau Bilit Resort Is a great play to stay in addition to the wonderful river cruises. The night cruise was amazing and got a chance to see crocodiles, birds like kingfisher, owls.

Written April 28, 2024


Antonella_M

Source Viator

Interesting tour

It was an amazing tour discovering the Sepilok reserve and the nature among the river kinabatangan. Our taxi driver was so nice and with particular attention to us. Maybe I had been preferred a guide tour who should explained more the magical attraction we visited. Good experience, very suggested!.

Written August 11, 2023


masako n

Source Trip Advisor

Eddie Nazreen, a kind and friendly driver in Sandakan

I visited Sandakan to took an individual nature tour. I enjoyed watching endangered animals roam freely in their natural habitat, including observing a feeding session at the Sepilok Orangutan Rehabilitation Center, seeing a troop of proboscis monkeys, and getting up close to a very rare Malay bear. Since I’m traveling by myself and planned to spend only one night in Sandakan, I contacted Eddie in advance to let him know the places I wanted to see and he pre-scheduled the appropriate tour content to ensure a lean trip. In my free time, I was taken to Sandakan town, food markets, and buffet lunches where only locals come, and I was able to experience things that I would not have been able to experience with other tour guides, thanks to their careful guidance. The car used for guiding was clean, new, and a great ride. I would definitely recommend him! This is a contact information: Eddie Nazreen +60 117 117 1178 borneowildnature@gmail.com.

Written May 3, 2023


Julie_B

Source Viator

Even though only an overnight stay it was crammed full of activities

Enjoyed the whole experience. Lots of options to add and no rush at each activity. Saw lots of wildlife and even a baby croc!.

Written April 22, 2023


emma_s

Source Viator

Amazing

Amazing trip. Our driver ahmed waa amazing nothing was too much trouble. We loved it all. We packed so much in to this trip. Wonderful...

Written April 12, 2023


Don M

Source Trip Advisor

Total rip off - book directly through Sukau Bilit Resort and Sepilok Centre instead.

Complete rip off. The only good parts of this trip are: 1. The overnight stay at Sukau Bilit Resort and the Kinabatangan river safaris that come with it, which are an amazing experience and a must do in Borneo - however you can book these WITH an airport/hotel transfer and return from the resort themselves for hundreds of pounds cheaper so please just go and do that! Your driver booked through this tour is not one of the safari guides, they just drive you from place to place - so why pay hundreds of pounds for that when you could get a free transfer from the safari resort itself? 2. The visit to Sepilok Orangutan Rehabilitation Centre - although we didn't get to see the sun bears as promised. You can do this really easily yourself as well - taxi drivers in Malaysia are really honest and will give you a fair price to Sepilok and back (probably very cheaply!) so don't feel the need to book it through this tour. Everything else was a waste of time, and we didn't even get taken to the caves, one of the main reasons we booked in with the tour (to be fair they're closed at the moment, but we weren't told that until we were literally driving past them). The sights in Sandakan are really not worth visiting sadly, and not worth the crazy amounts of money they're charging to add them on to Sepilok and Suka Bilit. We also weren't taken to the English tea cafe but instead to a restaurant where the menus were literally crusted brown with filth. The drives themselves were complete ordeals as well. Our driver Ahmad was misogynistic and pretended my partner didn't exist, which was really weird. And his phone kept going off literally every 2 minutes of the long drives with an incredibly annoying ring tone. He also insisted on taking photos of us every half an hour, which was v intrusive. We never do this but we've asked for some of our money back for the experiences were missed at the very least, and the company hasn't responded to us, weeks later. Do yourself a favour and avoid MAM Holidays Malaysia and this trip specifically.

Written October 12, 2022


Andrew S

Source Trip Advisor

Beautiful rainforest, river trip.

Our guide was excellent, what he had for eyes I don’t know, we did not see any pigmy elephants but we did see lots of different types of monkeys, probiscus, silver, capuchins. Also saw Hornbills, alligators, Python (in a tree branch) Orangutan in her nest with her baby, sandpipers, snake head bird, eagles, monitor lizard. The trip was excellent..

Written March 18, 2020


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