Sandakan: 2 Days 1 Night Bilit, Kinabatangan River Wildlife

Sandakan, a vibrant Malaysian city, offers a remarkable wildlife adventure along the Kinabatangan River. This 2-day, 1-night tour promises an immersive experience, from visiting the renowned Sepilok Orang Utan Sanctuary to guided cruises spotting rare species like pygmy elephants and proboscis monkeys. Guests will enjoy regional cuisine, participate in eco-friendly activities, and stay at the Bilit Adventure Lodge, all while discovering the region’s rich biodiversity. This tour provides a unique opportunity to explore Sandakan’s natural wonders while embracing sustainable practices.

Key Points

• A 2-day, 1-night Kinabatangan River tour from Sandakan that emphasizes eco-friendly practices and offers opportunities to spot diverse wildlife, including pygmy elephants and proboscis monkeys.
• The tour includes a visit to the Sepilok Orang Utan Sanctuary, guided boat cruises, a night walk, and accommodation at the eco-friendly Bilit Adventure Lodge.
• Meals during the tour feature regional cuisine to immerse guests in local flavors, and the sustainable dining experience complements the wildlife-focused activities.
• Participants are encouraged to follow eco-friendly guidelines, such as avoiding disposable plastics and respecting local customs, to minimize the tour’s environmental impact.
• The tour is not suitable for pregnant women, and guests are recommended to bring items like comfortable shoes, hat, sunscreen, and insect repellent.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Tour Overview and Pricing

The Kinabatangan River tour from Sandakan is a 2-day, 1-night experience that costs $336.15 per person.

Guests can reserve the tour now and pay later, with free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. Pickup is included from any hotel in Sandakan.

Guests can reserve the tour now and pay later, with free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. Pickup is included from any hotel in Sandakan.

The tour offers a comprehensive itinerary, comfortable accommodation, and the chance to explore the diverse wildlife of the Kinabatangan River region.

With an emphasis on eco-friendly practices, the tour promises an immersive and sustainable experience for nature enthusiasts.

Itinerary Highlights

The 2-day, 1-night Kinabatangan River tour from Sandakan kicks off with a pickup from your hotel in Sandakan.

You’ll visit the Sepilok Orang Utan Sanctuary, enjoy lunch, and then transfer to Bilit. Upon arrival, embark on a guided tour and activities, followed by a 2-hour boat cruise to spot wildlife. The day concludes with dinner and an overnight stay at the Bilit Adventure Lodge.

The second day begins with a sunrise wildlife cruise, followed by breakfast and free time.

Key highlights include:

• Explore diverse wildlife like pygmy elephants, proboscis monkeys, and birds

• Participate in activities such as river cruises, night walks, and tree planting

• Optimal wildlife viewing during early morning and evening cruises

Accommodation and Meals

Accommodations for the 2-day, 1-night Kinabatangan River tour are provided at the Bilit Adventure Lodge, which offers comfortable lodging for participants.

The lodge promotes eco-friendly practices and serves delicious regional cuisine. Meals included in the tour package are 1 breakfast, 1 lunch, and 1 dinner.

This allows guests to fully enjoy the local flavors and culture. The lodge’s commitment to sustainability and providing a memorable dining experience complements the wildlife-focused activities offered during the tour.

Wildlife and Activities

While exploring the diverse wildlife of the Kinabatangan River, visitors can expect to encounter a variety of captivating species. The region is home to pygmy elephants, proboscis monkeys, and numerous bird species.

Visitors exploring the Kinabatangan River can encounter a variety of species, including pygmy elephants, proboscis monkeys, and numerous birds.

To optimize wildlife viewing, the tour includes:

• Early morning and evening river cruises when animals are most active

• Night walks to spot nocturnal creatures

• Tree planting activities to promote eco-friendly practices

Throughout the experience, guests are encouraged to follow eco-friendly guidelines, such as minimizing plastic usage and respecting local customs, to ensure the protection of this unique natural environment.

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Preparation and Guidelines

To ensure a comfortable and responsible adventure, guests are recommended to bring along several essential items. This includes comfortable shoes, a hat, sunscreen, insect repellent, and a reusable water bottle.

Guests are advised to avoid using disposable plastics and instead opt for eco-friendly practices to minimize their environmental impact.

Plus, flash photography is prohibited as it can disturb the wildlife. The tour isn’t suitable for pregnant women.

Exploring Sepilok Orang Utan Sanctuary

After being picked up from Sandakan, guests embark on a 30-minute transfer to the renowned Sepilok Orang Utan Sanctuary.

This world-famous center is dedicated to the rehabilitation and conservation of orphaned and displaced orangutans.

Visitors can witness:

• Feeding sessions at the outdoor nursery, where young orangutans learn essential survival skills.

• The guided exploration of the rainforest trails, home to various primate and bird species.

• An educational documentary showcasing the sanctuary’s vital work in protecting this endangered species.

The Sepilok visit provides a remarkable introduction to the region’s incredible wildlife before continuing the Kinabatangan River adventure.

Cruising the Kinabatangan River

From the Sepilok Orang Utan Sanctuary, the tour continues with a 1-hour transfer to the Bilit area along the Kinabatangan River.

Guests embark on guided tours and river cruises to spot diverse wildlife. The 2-hour boat cruise offers opportunities to see pygmy elephants, proboscis monkeys, and a variety of bird species. An evening cruise provides a chance to observe nocturnal creatures.

The next day, an early morning 1-hour cruise captures the serenity of the Kinabatangan River at sunrise. Guests then enjoy breakfast and free time before returning to Sandakan, concluding the 2-day, 1-night wildlife adventure.

Experiencing Bilit Adventure Lodge

The Bilit Adventure Lodge serves as the base for guests during their 2-day, 1-night wildlife adventure along the Kinabatangan River.

The lodge offers comfortable lodging and promotes eco-friendly practices, serving delicious regional cuisine.

Guests can enjoy:

• Meals included: 1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch, 1 Dinner

• Opportunity to explore diverse wildlife, including pygmy elephants, proboscis monkeys, and bird species

• River cruises, night walks, and tree planting activities for an immersive experience

The lodge’s strategic location allows for optimal wildlife spotting during early morning and evening cruises along the Kinabatangan River.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Is the Cancellation Policy?

According to the tour overview, there is a free cancellation policy up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. The tour can be reserved now and paid for later.

Can I Bring Children on the Tour?

Yes, children are welcome on the tour, but it’s not recommended for pregnant women. The tour operator suggests that participants be at least 12 years old to fully enjoy the wildlife activities.

What Is the Dress Code for the Activities?

The tour doesn’t have a strict dress code, but casual, lightweight clothing and comfortable walking shoes are recommended. Guests should dress for the tropical climate and be prepared for outdoor activities.

Can I Book Additional Excursions?

Yes, guests can book additional excursions during the tour. The tour operator offers optional activities such as night walks, bird watching, and tree planting that can be added to the itinerary for an extra fee.

Are There Any Special Dietary Requirements?

The tour accommodates various dietary requirements. Guests can request vegetarian, vegan, or halal meals when booking. The lodge aims to serve delicious regional cuisine that caters to different dietary needs and preferences.

The Sum Up

This Sandakan tour offers an immersive experience in Malaysia’s wildlife-rich Kinabatangan River region. Visitors can explore the Sepilok Orang Utan Sanctuary, cruise the river to spot pygmy elephants and proboscis monkeys, and stay at the eco-friendly Bilit Adventure Lodge. With a focus on sustainability and conservation, this 2-day, 1-night adventure provides an unforgettable glimpse into the area’s natural wonders.

You can check availability for your dates here: