Kinabatangan Wildlife Safari (Villa & by Boat)

MOST POPULAR TOUR! 3D2N at the award winning 4-star rated Sukau Rainforest Lodge.

from MYR 3,600 / person

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Overview

  • Sabah
  • Duration: 3D 2N
  • Booking Pax: Min. 2
  • Physical Level: Soft

Introduction

MOST POPULAR TOUR! 3D2N at the award winning 4-star rated Sukau Rainforest Lodge. Your tour starts the minute you embark on your journey by boat. Experience wildlife encounters as you enter the river of Kinabatangan. Truly the best wildlife experience in Kinabatangan you can get.

However, if you'd love more time to immerse yourself in nature’s wonders, consider our 5 days 4 nights Borneo Wildlife Safari tour—it combines a stay at Sukau Rainforest Lodge with the newly established Utan Rainforest Lodge. You'll get to experience the best of both river and land wildlife exploration in one unforgettable journey at 10% OFF! Click the banner below to check out Borneo Wildlife Safari, the ultimate Borneo experience.



Key Highlights of this Tour

Travel by Speed Boat
Travel by Speed Boat Journey to Sukau Rainforest Lodge by speed boat for a higher chance to spot wildlife along the Kinabatangan River.
4-Star Jungle Resort
4-Star Jungle Resort Stay at the 4-Star Sukau Rainforest Lodge, where luxury meets wilderness, offering serenity & wildlife encounters.
River Safari Cruising
River Safari Cruising Navigate Borneo's wildlife haven as you embark on a river cruise safari in Kinabatangan and Tabin
Commendable Conservation
Commendable Conservation Founded in 1964, the Sepilok Orangutan Rehabilitation Centre (SOURC) aims to rehabilitate orphaned orang utans.

Featuring Stays at

  • Sukau Rainforest Lodge Sukau Rainforest Lodge
Description Rates Children Rates Single Supplement
Day 1 – 2Sukau Rainforest Lodge : Borneo Villa
MYR 3,600.00
Room Sharing w/ 2 Adults MYR 2,199.00
Room Sharing w/ 1 Adult MYR 2,950.00
MYR 1,200.00
Room Sharing w/ 2 Adults MYR 2,199.00
Room Sharing w/ 1 Adult MYR 2,950.00
MYR 1,200.00

Price Remarks

  1. Validity
    Rates are valid for travel by 31 March 2026.
  2. Availability
    This tour runs every day. Prior booking required.
  3. High Season Surcharge (March, July – August)
    MYR 300.00 per person at Sukau Rainforest Lodge
  4. Children Discount on Room Sharing Basis at Sukau Rainforest Lodge
    • 3 years old and below:
      • FREE STAY
    • Children rates: Applicable for ages 4 years - 11 years old
    • 12 years and above are considered adult rates
    • This is a kid friendly tour, discount is applicable to children based on their birth year and following room sharing policy in certain property. Contact our consultant to know more.
  5. Transfer Charges
    Additional charges per person applies for pick-up and drop-off outside Sandakan Airport or hotels in Sandakan Town area and pick up time may vary.
  6. Wheelchair Accessible Rooms
    There are currently two (2) Villa Rooms at Sukau Rainforest Lodge that are wheelchair accessible.

Itinerary

Kinabatangan Wildlife Safari (Villa & by Boat) - Day 1 Kinabatangan Wildlife Safari (Villa & by Boat) - Day 1

Day 1

Sandakan - Sepilok - Sukau Rainforest Lodge (By Boat)

Our adventure begins as we pick you up from the Sandakan Airport or your hotel in Sandakan, then we’ll head straight to Sepilok Orangutan Rehabilitation Centre. There, you'll get to learn about the rehabilitation effort done at the centre through a short video screening. Make your way to the feeding platform to witness the feeding of orangutans and other monkeys around. You can also spend time observing the cheeky little younglings in an enclosed nursery area.

After lunch, embark on a 2.5 hour journey by speedboat up the Kinabatangan River to Sukau Rainforest Lodge.

Right after checking-in, go on board for a late afternoon cruise in search of Borneo's wildlife and birds. Return to the lodge to savor a scrumptious dinner at Melapi restaurant, followed by a slide presentation and interpretation by a naturalist guide.

Lunch and Dinner
Sukau Rainforest Lodge (Borneo Villa)
Kinabatangan Wildlife Safari (Villa & by Boat) - Day 2 Kinabatangan Wildlife Safari (Villa & by Boat) - Day 2

Day 2

Sukau Rainforest Lodge

Rise and shine for the morning river cruise up the Kinabatangan River to Kelenanap oxbow lake to view more birds and wildlife. After breakfast, join in the nature walk along the lodge's Hornbill Boardwalk with the in-house naturalist. It will be free at leisure after lunch. In the afternoon, proceed for another river cruise to check off your wildlife sightings.

Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Sukau Rainforest Lodge (Villa)
Kinabatangan Wildlife Safari (Villa & by Boat) - Day 3 Kinabatangan Wildlife Safari (Villa & by Boat) - Day 3

Day 3

Sukau Rainforest Lodge - Sandakan - Transfer out (by boat)

Have breakfast before leaving for Sandakan by speedboat. Once we reach Sandakan we’ll stop by for lunch.

For flights in the afternoon, we’ll proceed to the airport for the 1430hrs flight.

For those taking the evening flight, you'll have a chance to visit Rainforest Discovery Centre. Take a bird view of the centre from the canopy walk and hanging bridge, explore the botanical garden, home to various species of flora before leaving for the airport.

Breakfast and Lunch

Tour Details
Kinabatangan Wildlife Safari (Villa & by Boat)
Est. Price
MYR 0.00

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Tour Details
Kinabatangan Wildlife Safari (Villa & by Boat)
  • Sabah
  • Duration: 3D 2N
  • BB7D
Estimated Package Price
MYR 0.00
High-season surcharge incurred.
Stay extension surcharge incurred.
Single-supplement surcharge incurred.
Type of Rooms
Reservation Details
Personal Details
Children Details
Other Things I'm Interested In
Other Requests
The tour package price displayed serves as an estimate for reference only. Following your enquiry submission, our team will provide you with a more personalised tour tailored to fit your specific needs.

Type of Rooms *

Day 1 – 2
Sukau Rainforest Lodge Borneo Villa ( 2 pax )

Reservation Details

 
 

Personal Details

Children Details

Please provide us your child(ren)'s date of birth

Other Things I'm Interested In

Other Requests

Please feel free to let us know if there are any other ways we can assist you

Review Your Tour Details

Type of Rooms
Reservation Details
Children Details
Personal Details
Other Things I'm Interested In
Other Requests

Notes[Expand All]

Tour Includes

  • Accommodation
  • Meals as specified
  • English speaking guide
  • This tour package rates include pick-up and drop-off from Sandakan Airport or hotels in Sandakan Town

Tour Excludes

  • Domestic airfare [Kota Kinabalu(BKI) - Sandakan(SDK) - Kota Kinabalu(BKI)]
  • Camera fee and items not mentioned
  • Tourism Tax (TTx) flat rate of RM10 per room per night.

Things to Bring

  • Sunscreen
  • Personal toiletries
  • Torch light
  • Insect repellent
  • Drinking water bottle
  • Walking shoes
  • Binoculars
  • Camera
  • Hat
  • Raincoat

Additional Notes

  1. Camera Fee at SOURC
    Note on Camera Use at Sepilok Orang Utan Rehabilitation Centre: Cameras and video camera equipment for personal use are chargeable at RM10.00 per unit. Mode of payment is cash only.
  2. Travel light to Sukau Rainforest Lodge
    For the comfort and convenience of our guests, it is recommended to travel light by preparing an overnight bag for your stay in Sukau Rainforest Lodge. Complimentary storage in Sandakan will be provided for any extra luggage. (For guests departing & returning to Sandakan Only).
  3. Night Cruise
    Optional River Night Cruise tour at Sukau Rainforest Lodge is highly recommended to all our guests (available at a surcharge) subject to weather conditions.
  4. Bring Your Own Bottle
    Borneo Eco Tours has moved towards a single-use plastic free environment! So, please join our movement by bringing your own refillable water bottle during your time with us. Our vans and coaches are prepared with water dispensers so that you can refill your bottle anytime throughout the tour.
  5. Double or Twin Bed
    Double or twin bed cannot be guaranteed and are subject to availability upon check in.
  6. Wheelchair Accessible Rooms
    There are currently two (2) Villa Rooms at Sukau Rainforest Lodge that are wheelchair accessible.
  7. Room Amenities
    As part of its commitment to reducing waste, Sukau Rainforest Lodge does not provide disposable toiletries like toothbrushes and toothpaste for guests.
  8. Change in Tour Itinerary
    Kindly note that the tour itinerary may change without prior notice as we continue to improve your experience or adapt to uncertain weather conditions. We appreciate your understanding and flexibility!

FAQ[Expand All]

Which flights should I book to reach Sukau Rainforest Lodge (SRL)?

For SRL, book an early morning flight from Kota Kinabalu to Sandakan. If early flights aren’t available, no worries. Simply stay overnight in Sandakan (for SRL) the night before your tour, and you’ll be all set for a smooth start.

What’s the difference between BB7C and BB7D tours?

Both tours take you on a 3D2N wildlife safari along the Kinabatangan River with a stay at Sukau Rainforest Lodge but the journey there and your room type are different. - BB7C (Kinabatangan Wildlife Safari – Overland & Deluxe Room): Travel 2 hours overland by road from Sandakan to Sukau and stay in a comfortable Deluxe Room. - BB7D (Kinabatangan Wildlife Safari – Speedboat & Villa): Enjoy a scenic 2.5 hours speedboat transfer along the Kinabatangan River and stay in a spacious Villa accommodation with your own private balcony. Both tours include river cruises, wildlife spotting, and guided experiences. The difference comes down to your preferred travel style and accommodation.

Is it safe to travel along Sabah’s east coast?

Yes, it’s safe. Tourist areas like Sandakan, Kinabatangan, and Turtle Islands are well-guarded and regularly patrolled by the Eastern Sabah Security Command (ESSCOM). Travellers visit every day without issues.

What’s the weather like in Borneo?

Borneo enjoys a warm tropical climate all year round, with temperatures averaging between 27–32°C. Generally, the dry season runs from March to September, while the wet season lasts from October to February. However, these seasons are becoming less distinct, so you can often expect a mix of sunshine and short rain showers, usually sunny mornings followed by brief rain in the afternoon or evening. Light, breathable clothing and a rain jacket will keep you comfortable whatever the weather.

Can I see orang utans in the wild?

Spotting orangutans in the wild is a magical experience and yes, you have a good chance! While sightings are never guaranteed, places like the Kinabatangan River and Sepilok Orangutan Rehabilitation Centre are among the best locations to encounter them.

Which hotels do you recommend in Sandakan and Kota Kinabalu?

In Sandakan, we would recommend Sabah Hotel, Elopura Hotel or Hotel Sandakan. In Kota Kinabalu, you’ll find everything from luxury (Shangri-La Tanjung Aru, Hyatt Regency, Hyatt Centric, Hilton, Le Méridien) to comfortable mid-range stays like Luma Hotel or Horizon Hotel.

What should I wear for trekking, river cruises, and city walks?

Keep it light and comfortable! For trekking, quick-dry long pants, breathable tops, sturdy shoes, and leech socks are best. For river cruises, casual wear with sandals or trainers is perfect. In the city, just go with comfortable clothes and walking shoes. A rain jacket or umbrella always comes in handy.

Do I need leech socks, and where can I buy them?

If you’ll be trekking in the rainforest, especially after rain, leech socks are definitely handy. You can bring your own or pick them up at outdoor shops in Kota Kinabalu or Sandakan. Some lodges including Sukau Rainforest Lodge (SRL), Utan Rainforest Lodge (URL), and Borneo Rainforest Lodge (BRL) also have them available for guests. They may not be stylish, but they work perfectly! Tip: Tuck your pants into your leech socks for extra protection and peace of mind during your jungle walks.

When is the best season for birdwatching in Borneo?

Birdwatching is rewarding all year, but April to October is extra special thanks to breeding and fruiting seasons. Migratory species also pass through around September to November, which is a bonus for keen birders!

Is malaria a concern when travelling to Borneo?

Malaria risk in the main tourist areas of Sabah and Sarawak is very low. While rare cases may occur in very remote villages or deep forest areas, most travellers never encounter it. You can enjoy your holiday with peace of mind.

Do I need to take malaria pills for my trip?

We recommend checking with your doctor before you travel. Some guests prefer to take malaria pills for extra reassurance, but honestly, the best protection is simple: apply mosquito repellent and wear the right attire such as long sleeves and light trousers, and you’ll be well covered.

What’s the difference between your river tours and the “Klotok tours” I’ve read about?

Great question! “Klotok tours” are traditional wooden boat trips in Kalimantan, Indonesia (mainly to see orangutans in Tanjung Puting National Park). However, we don’t offer these tours. Our river journeys are based in Sabah, Malaysian Borneo, where you’ll explore the Kinabatangan River and stay at Sukau Rainforest Lodge, which is a completely different experience, but just as memorable.
Sukau Rainforest Lodge Room Availability
D : Deluxe Room | V : Villa Room
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