3 Days 2 Nights Kinabatangan River Safari
Spend three days based by the Kinabatangan River with wildlife cruises, jungle trekking and a resort stay at Borneo Natural Sukau Bilit Resort.
Settle into the rhythm of the Kinabatangan River on this two-night wildlife safari.
Travel from Sandakan to Bilit and continue to Borneo Natural Sukau Bilit Resort, your base for three days of river wildlife viewing. After a welcome refreshment, safety briefing and check-in, head out by boat in search of proboscis monkeys, orangutans, macaques, pygmy elephants, hornbills and other river wildlife.
With morning and late-afternoon cruises, plus a jungle walk within the resort area, this itinerary gives you more time along the river than a day tour. Between activities, return to the resort for meals and a slower pace surrounded by the sounds of the rainforest.
Tour Overview
Start: Sandakan
End: Sandakan
Duration
Departure Time
3 days, 2 nights
11:45 AM daily
Minimum guests
Meals
2 persons per booking
Full board
hotel within Sandakan or Sandakan Airport
Accommodation
Borneo Natural Sukau Bilit Resort
In-house English-speaking guide
FROM
RM630
Why you'll love this trip
- Stay at Borneo Natural Sukau Bilit Resort, a comfortable riverside base for exploring the Kinabatangan River.
- Join multiple river cruises at different times of day for better chances to spot proboscis monkeys, macaques, hornbills, orangutans, pygmy elephants and other wildlife.
- Wake up to the sounds of gibbons and hornbills before heading out on early morning cruises through one of Sabah’s richest wildlife corridors.
- Balance boat-based wildlife viewing with a jungle trek around the resort area for a closer look at the rainforest environment.
- Enjoy a relaxed lodge rhythm with meals included and time to unwind between cruises.
- Keep the logistics simple with hotel within Sandakan or Sandakan Airport pickup, seat-in-coach transfers, guiding, accommodation and stated meals arranged for you.
Itinerary
Day 1 • Sandakan / Bilit / Kinabatangan River
depart from your hotel within Sandakan or meet at Sandakan Airport, then travel overland to Bilit by the Kinabatangan River. Continue to Borneo Natural Sukau Bilit Resort, where the team will welcome you with refreshments and a short briefing on the resort, routes and safety before you check in to your room.
At around 4.00 pm, set off on your first Kinabatangan River cruise. This wildlife corridor is known for proboscis monkeys, orangutans, macaques, pygmy elephants, hornbills and many other birds and animals. Keep your binoculars and camera ready as the boat moves quietly along the riverbank.
Return to the resort for dinner and overnight at Borneo Natural Sukau Bilit Resort.
Day 2 • Bilit / Kinabatangan River
Wake up to the calls of gibbons and hornbills, then head out for an early morning cruise along the Kinabatangan River. The cooler morning hours are a rewarding time to watch for wildlife and birdlife as the forest comes alive.
Return to the resort for breakfast. After breakfast, continue with a jungle trek within the resort area for a closer look at the rainforest environment. Lunch will be served back at the resort.
In the late afternoon, board another river cruise and try to spot more wildlife and birds along the river before returning to the resort for dinner. Overnight at Borneo Natural Sukau Bilit Resort.
Day 3 • Kinabatangan River / Sandakan
Rise early for one final morning cruise along the Kinabatangan River, giving you another chance to observe wildlife and birdlife from the water.
Return to the resort for breakfast, then check out and begin the journey back to Sandakan. Your tour ends with drop-off at your hotel within Sandakan or Sandakan Airport for your onward flight.
Inclusions and activities
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Seat-in-coach transfers
Pickup and drop-off from hotel within Sandakan or Sandakan Airport, with return transfers to Bilit and Borneo Natural Sukau Bilit Resort.
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In-house guide
Guiding is included for the resort briefing, river cruises and listed activities.
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Resort stay and meals
Twin-share accommodation at Borneo Natural Sukau Bilit Resort plus meals as stated in the itinerary.
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Kinabatangan river cruises
Join afternoon and early morning cruises in search of proboscis monkeys, orangutans, macaques, pygmy elephants, hornbills and other wildlife.
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Jungle trekking
Walk within the resort area for a closer look at the rainforest environment, subject to weather and trail conditions.
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Bilit resort experience
Stay close to the river and return to the lodge between activities for meals and time to unwind.
Before you book you should know
- Wildlife focused: This itinerary is built around river cruises, jungle surroundings and time at Borneo Natural Sukau Bilit Resort.
- Natural conditions: Wildlife sightings are never guaranteed, but multiple cruises give you more chances than a short day tour.
- Outdoor travel: Expect warm, humid conditions, boat boarding, uneven surfaces and a short jungle walk within the resort area.
- Good for a slower pace: With two nights by the river, this suits travellers who want more time in Kinabatangan without rushing back to Sandakan after one cruise.
Malaysia entry requirements depend on your passport, nationality and travel history. Please check the latest visa and entry rules before booking your flights.
Travellers are responsible for holding valid passports, visas, onward travel documents and any arrival requirements set by Malaysian authorities or airlines.
If you are unsure, contact your nearest Malaysian embassy, consulate or airline before travelling.
This tour includes twin-share accommodation at Borneo Natural Sukau Bilit Resort for two nights.
Rooms are arranged based on availability and booking configuration. Please advise bedding preferences at the time of booking, especially if you require twin or double bedding.
The resort is set by the Kinabatangan River, so expect a nature-lodge environment with rainforest sounds, humidity and outdoor walkways.
Camera fees
- Camera fees, if charged by any site or authority, are not included and should be paid directly on site.
- Fees and photography rules may change without prior notice.
What to bring
- Sunscreen lotion, insect repellent, cap or hat, raincoat or poncho
- Sandals or sturdy shoes suitable for walking and light trekking
- Camera, binoculars and reading material if preferred
- Personal items and comfortable light cotton casual attire with long or short pants, as humidity is high throughout
Important notes
- Wildlife sightings are not guaranteed and depend on animal behaviour, river conditions, weather and seasonality.
- River cruises and jungle trekking may be adjusted by the guide for safety, weather, river level or local operating conditions.
- Accommodation is based on twin-share rooms at Borneo Natural Sukau Bilit Resort. Please advise bedding requests at the time of booking.
- Meals are included as stated only. Beverages, special meal requests and extra snacks may not be included, so please advise dietary requirements when booking.
- Camera fees, personal expenses, beverages, airfare, tipping, porterage and items not stated in the inclusions are excluded.
- Please provide your hotel within Sandakan name or flight details when booking so pickup and drop-off can be arranged correctly.