Best of Borneo Wildlife: Orangutan, Turtle & Kinabatangan

See the incredible wildlife that this country has to offer on our compact multi-day Borneo adventure holidays package! In the diverse region of Sabah, the wildlife attractions of the Kinabatangan River and Sandakan include wild orangutan, proboscis monkeys, loris, pygmy elephant, and much more.

Day 1: Arrival in Sandakan – Rainforest & Wildlife Experience

We’ll start our incredible Borneo Wildlife Tour by meeting at Sandakan Airport or picking you up from your respective hotel. From here, transfer to your accommodation near Sepilok and begin your rainforest adventure.

Option 1: Morning Arrival (L/D)
For guests arriving in the morning, visit the Sepilok Orangutan Rehabilitation Centre, where you’ll have the opportunity to observe these fascinating primates in their natural habitat. Before entering, your guide will provide a short briefing, followed by a video documentary about the rehabilitation efforts for orphaned orangutans. Continue to the Sun Bear Conservation Centre, home to the world’s smallest bear species. Lunch will be provided at a local restaurant or your accommodation.

In the afternoon, return to Sepilok Orangutan Rehabilitation Centre for the second feeding session before heading to the Rainforest Discovery Centre. Here, you’ll explore the informative Exhibition Hall, walk across a suspension bridge, and experience the canopy walkway with breathtaking treetop views. After an exciting first day, return to your accommodation for dinner and a restful night.

Option 2: Afternoon Arrival (D)
For guests arriving in the afternoon (recommended arrival before 16:00 hrs), check in and take time to explore the surrounding rainforest or relax at your lodge. As the evening sets in, head to a wildlife observation platform to witness nocturnal creatures, such as the fascinating flying squirrels, in action. After dinner, join a guided night walk, where you may spot various nocturnal wildlife in their natural environment.

📍 Overnight: Jungle lodge near Sepilok or similar
🔹 Flight arrivals after 18:00 hrs are not recommended, as key wildlife activities may be missed.
🔹 Itinerary may be adjusted based on flight schedules and weather conditions.
🔹 Shuttle services to nearby reserves may be available depending on accommodation choice.

Day 2: Turtle Island

After breakfast, transfer to the jetty for a boat ride (approx. 1 hour) to Selingan Turtle Island, one of the few places in the world where you can witness turtles nesting.
Spend the afternoon exploring the island, relaxing on the beach, or snorkeling in the crystal-clear waters (snorkeling gear available for rent on-site). Before dinner, watch an informative slideshow about the island’s turtle conservation efforts.

After dinner, wait for the park ranger’s signal before proceeding in a small group to observe a mother turtle laying eggs. You will also witness the careful transfer of eggs to the hatchery and the release of hatchlings into the sea.

📍 Overnight: Lodge on Selingan Island or similar
🔹 Note: Photography of turtles is only allowed with cameras without flash.

Day 3: Turtle Island / Kinabatangan River

After breakfast, depart the island by 07:00 hrs (timing subject to sea conditions) and return to the mainland.
Transfer overland to the Kinabatangan River, a journey of approximately 2 hours through scenic countryside and local villages. Upon arrival, take a short boat transfer across the river to your lodge.
After lunch and some time to rest, embark on an afternoon river cruise along the Kinabatangan River, one of the most wildlife-rich ecosystems in Borneo. Keep an eye out for proboscis monkeys, orangutans, hornbills, crocodiles, and, if you’re lucky, the elusive pygmy elephants.
After dinner, join an optional guided night walk to spot nocturnal wildlife such as slow lorises, civets, and owls (subject to weather conditions).

Note: Guests who arrive in the afternoon on Day 1 may visit the Sepilok Orangutan Rehabilitation Centre after returning from Turtle Island before proceeding to Kinabatangan River.

📍 Overnight: Lodge along Kinabatangan River or similar (B/L/D)

Day 4: Kinabatangan River Wildlife Exploration

Wake up early for a sunrise river cruise, the best time to witness wildlife at its most active. Look out for troops of proboscis monkeys, gibbons, and a variety of bird species, including kingfishers and eagles.
Return to the lodge for breakfast, followed by a guided jungle walk, where you can experience the riverine rainforest up close and learn about its diverse plant and animal life.

After lunch, enjoy some leisure time before setting out on another afternoon river cruise, offering another opportunity to spot wildlife in a different setting.

📍 Overnight: Lodge along Kinabatangan River or similar (B/L/D)

Day 5: Kinabatangan River/Sandakan

After breakfast, depart the lodge by 08:30 hrs (subject to river conditions) and return to Sandakan. Estimated arrival at 11:00–11:30 hrs, with a transfer to the airport or your respective hotel. (B)

Kindly be advised that the sequence of this itinerary is subject to modification due to factors including, but not limited to, guest flight schedules and prevailing weather conditions, particularly for island excursions. However, every reasonable effort will be made to adhere to the tour’s complete content.

• Reservation required 3 days in advance
• Age restriction: All participants must be aged 7 and over
• Pick up at either the airport or your hotel/hostel
• We recommend guests bring your own refillable water bottles and avoid using one-off plastic water bottles.
• During our tours, we recycle wherever possible, and try to keep our waste as low as possible. We discourage the use of plastic bags, and suggest that you bring your own dry bag or small waterproof backpack.
• Check out OUR RESPONSIBLE TOURISM COMMITMENT.(opens in a new tab)