Nestled on the eastern shores of Borneo, Sandakan beckons travelers with its enchanting allure, where the symphony of nature takes center stage. Known as a gateway to some of Malaysia's most captivating wildlife destinations, Sandakan cradles a world of lush rainforests, pristine rivers, and remarkable biodiversity. At the heart of this natural wonderland lie two iconic wildlife sanctuaries, Sepilok and Kinabatangan, each offering a window into the untamed beauty and extraordinary wildlife that call Borneo home. Join us on a journey through Sandakan's breathtaking landscapes, where the harmony of nature and the fascinating creatures of the wild come together in a mesmerizing dance. 

PROGRAM ITINERARY

Day 1: Arrival in Sandakan

MEALS: L/D

Morning:

• Arrive in Sandakan, either by flight or overland from Kota Kinabalu.

Afternoon:

• The first stop will be St. Michael’s and All Angels Church where you will explore this historic Anglican church, one of Sabah’s oldest stone buildings, known for its beautiful stained-glass windows. Then, visit the Sandakan War Memorial Park to learn about the history and sacrifices of Australian and British POWs during WWII. Enjoy panoramic views of Sandakan Bay from the beautiful hilltop Puu Jih Shih Buddhist Temple, adorned with intricate architecture and golden Buddha statues. 

• For lunch, savor traditional local cuisine, focusing on fresh seafood and Sabah specialties at a local restaurant. After lunch, explore the traditional stilt village of Buli Sim Sim, walk along the wooden boardwalks, observe local life, and sample fresh seafood snacks sold by local vendors 

Evening:

• Enjoy a local dinner at a restaurant in Sandakan town.

• Check-in at your accommodation in Sandakan City or the Sepilok area ( depending on availability)

Day 2: Sepilok Orangutan Rehabilitation Centre

MEALS: B/L/D

Morning:

• Have an early breakfast.

• Head to the Sepilok Orangutan Rehabilitation Centre for the morning feeding session, where you can watch orangutans in their natural habitat.

• Visit the Bornean Sun Bear Conservation Centre nearby to see rescued sun bears and learn about their conservation.

Afternoon:

• Enjoy lunch at a local eatery.

• Explore the Rainforest Discovery Centre for birdwatching and canopy walks.

• Return to your accommodation in the late afternoon.

Evening:

• Have dinner at your hotel or venture out to try local cuisine.

• Rest and prepare for another exciting day.

Day 3: Kinabatangan River Safari

MEALS: B/D

Morning:

• Check out from your Sandakan hotel or Sepilok hotel.

• Transfer to the Kinabatangan River region (approximately 2-3 hours by road).

Afternoon:

• Arrive at your chosen eco-lodge along the Kinabatangan River.

• Participate in an afternoon river cruise to spot wildlife such as proboscis monkeys, pygmy elephants, and various bird species.

Evening:

• Return to the lodge for dinner.

• Join a night safari along the river to witness the nocturnal wildlife activity.

Day 4: Full Day in Kinabatangan

MEALS: B/L/D

Morning:

• Wake up early for a sunrise river cruise to catch glimpses of wildlife starting their day.

• Return to the lodge for breakfast.

Late Morning and Afternoon:

• Take a guided jungle walk to explore the lush rainforest and learn about local flora and fauna.

• After lunch, enjoy some leisure time to relax at the lodge .

Evening:

• Join another river cruise in the late afternoon.

• After dinner, you can participate in a wildlife discussion or enjoy stargazing along the river.

Day 5: Return to Sandakan and Departure

MEALS: B

Morning:

• After breakfast, check-out from the eco-lodge.

• Transfer back to Sandakan by road.

• Depending on your flight or departure time, you may have some free time to explore Sandakan further or do some last-minute souvenir shopping.

This 5-day itinerary offers a comprehensive "Back to Nature" experience in Sandakan, allowing you to connect with wildlife and immerse yourself in the natural beauty of Borneo's rainforests and rivers.