Kinabatangan River Trip From Sandakan With Lunch Included

Exploring the Kinabatangan River from Sandakan is an opportunity to take in Sabah’s remarkable natural wonders. This full-day excursion includes a visit to the renowned Sepilok Orang Utan Sanctuary and a scenic 3.5-hour boat cruise along Sabah’s longest river, offering the chance to spot diverse wildlife like proboscis monkeys and orangutans. Complemented by a delightful lunch at Sepilok Jungle Resort, this journey promises an unforgettable experience amidst the lush rainforest scenery. Whether you’re a nature enthusiast or simply seeking an adventure, this Kinabatangan River trip is sure to captivate your senses.

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Key Points

1-day excursion from Sandakan to Kinabatangan River, priced at $180.39 per person, including hotel pickup and lunch.
Opportunities to spot wildlife such as proboscis monkeys, orangutans, macaques, hornbills, and possibly Asian elephants.
Scenic 3.5-hour river cruise along Sabah’s longest river, with chances to photograph the stunning landscape.
Lunch at Sepilok Jungle Resort within the Sepilok Orang Utan Sanctuary, offering diverse local and international cuisine.
Free cancellation available up to 24 hours in advance, providing flexibility for the traveler.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Activity Overview

The Kinabatangan River Trip is a popular 1-day excursion from Sandakan, offering visitors the chance to explore Sabah’s longest river and encounter a diverse array of wildlife.

Explore Sabah’s longest river and encounter diverse wildlife on a popular 1-day Kinabatangan River Trip from Sandakan.

Priced from $180.39 per person, the tour includes hotel pickup, an English-speaking guide, and a lunch stop at Sepilok Jungle Resort.

Over the course of 3.5 hours, travelers can spot proboscis monkeys, orangutans, macaques, hornbills, kingfishers, crocodiles, and Asian elephants while cruising along the stunning Kinabatangan River.

With free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance, this experience allows visitors to enjoy Borneo’s captivating natural wonders.

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Itinerary Details

The Kinabatangan River Trip starts with a pickup from any hotel in Sandakan, where travelers are advised to wait in the lobby 10 minutes before the scheduled departure time.

The tour then heads to the Sepilok Orang Utan Sanctuary, where guests will enjoy a 2.5-hour lunch at the Sepilok Jungle Resort.

Afterward, the group travels to the wildlife-rich area of Bilit, Kinabatangan. Here, they’ll embark on a 3.5-hour wildlife viewing and boat cruise along Sabah’s longest river, the Kinabatangan.

The tour then returns to Sandakan, providing opportunities to spot diverse wildlife and stunning riverine scenery.

Wildlife Spotting Opportunities

During the Kinabatangan River cruise, visitors can expect to spot a diverse array of wildlife indigenous to the region.

The iconic proboscis monkeys with their distinctive protruding noses can often be seen swinging through the mangroves. Guests may also catch a glimpse of orangutans, the "people of the forest," as they forage in the trees.

Other fascinating sights include macaques, vibrant hornbills, and stealthy crocodiles lurking in the waters. Birders will delight in the presence of numerous kingfishers, herons, and egrets along the riverbanks.

With a keen eye, visitors may even spot the elusive Asian elephants roaming the forests.

Scenic River Cruise

As visitors embark on the Kinabatangan River cruise, they’ll be treated to a breathtaking journey along Sabah’s longest river. The scenery is truly captivating, with lush, verdant rainforests lining the riverbanks. Chances are high of spotting an array of wildlife, including proboscis monkeys, orangutans, macaques, hornbills, and crocodiles. The cruise lasts approximately 3.5 hours, providing ample time to immerse in the serene surroundings and keep an eye out for the elusive Asian elephants.

| | Highlights |

| — | — |

| Scenery | Lush rainforests lining the riverbanks |

| Wildlife | Proboscis monkeys, orangutans, macaques, hornbills, crocodiles, Asian elephants |

| Duration | 3.5 hours |

| River | Sabah’s longest river, the Kinabatangan

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Accommodations and Meals

Visitors on the Kinabatangan River trip enjoy lunch at the Sepilok Jungle Resort, located within the Sepilok Orang Utan Sanctuary.

The resort provides a delightful dining experience, with a variety of local and international dishes on the menu.

Some key features of the lunch include:

Diverse Cuisine: A spread of authentic Sabahan and Malaysian dishes, catering to diverse dietary preferences.
Scenic Setting: The restaurant overlooks the surrounding rainforest, enhancing the overall dining ambiance.
Attentive Service: The friendly staff ensures a comfortable and enjoyable meal for all guests.
Ample Time: Guests have 2.5 hours to savor the lunch at a leisurely pace.

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Essential Packing List

An essential packing list for the Kinabatangan River trip includes a hat to shield from the sun, a camera to capture the stunning wildlife and scenery, and sunscreen to protect the skin.

Insect repellent is a must to ward off pesky mosquitoes. Comfortable, lightweight clothing is recommended, as the weather can be hot and humid.

Binoculars will help you spot the elusive orangutans, proboscis monkeys, and other wildlife.

Finally, don’t forget to bring water and snacks to stay hydrated and energized throughout the day’s adventures along the Kinabatangan River.

Accessibility and Restrictions

The Kinabatangan River trip may not be suitable for everyone.

While the scenic cruise and wildlife viewing are highlights, there are a few important accessibility and restriction considerations to keep in mind:

The tour isn’t wheelchair-accessible. The boats and terrain may be challenging for those with limited mobility.
Smoking isn’t allowed during the trip.
Dietary restrictions or allergies should be communicated in advance, as the included lunch may have limited options.
Children under 12 must be accompanied by an adult. The boat ride and wildlife sightings may not be suitable for young kids.

Language Support

For the Kinabatangan River trip, tour guides provide language support in both Malay and English. This ensures all guests can fully engage with the tour and understand the information provided.

| Languages Supported |

|———————|

| Malay |

| English |

The guides are well-versed in the local flora and fauna, as well as the cultural significance of the area. Regardless of your native language, you’ll be able to fully learn about the Kinabatangan River experience and gain valuable insights throughout the journey.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can the Trip Be Customized for Special Needs?

The tour company may be able to accommodate special needs, but it’s not suitable for wheelchair users. Customers should inquire about specific requirements when booking to ensure the trip can be customized to meet their needs.

Is Travel Insurance Provided as Part of the Package?

The package does not include travel insurance. Travelers are responsible for arranging their own coverage. It’s important to check if your existing policy covers the planned activities or purchase a separate travel insurance policy for the trip.

What Is the Recommended Group Size for the Tour?

The tour has no specified group size, but it’s recommended to book early as spots are limited. The small group nature allows for a more personalized and intimate wildlife viewing experience along the Kinabatangan River.

Are Professional Photography Services Available During the Trip?

The tour does not provide professional photography services. However, visitors are encouraged to bring their own cameras to capture the stunning wildlife and scenery along the Kinabatangan River during the boat cruise.

Can Participants Bring Their Own Food and Drinks on the Cruise?

Participants can bring their own food and drinks on the cruise. However, lunch is provided as part of the tour package, so there’s no need to bring your own meal unless you have dietary restrictions.

The Sum Up

This Kinabatangan River trip from Sandakan is an exceptional opportunity to take in Sabah’s lush rainforest and abundant wildlife. With an informative English-speaking guide, visitors can spot iconic species like proboscis monkeys and orangutans, all while enjoying a scenic river cruise and delightful meals. Whether a nature enthusiast or simply seeking an unforgettable adventure, this excursion promises an unforgettable experience in the heart of Malaysian Borneo.

You can check availability for your dates here: