Kinabatangan River Experience, Borneo
Kinabatangan River Experience, Borneo
Exploring Sepilok Orangutan Reserve
Exploring Sepilok Orangutan Reserve
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Borneo East Sabah Adventure

7 days from €1,989 per person Including Flights

Overview

This seven-night adventure tour begins in Kota Kinabalu, where you’ll meet your group before traveling to Tambatuon village to learn local cooking and explore the landscape. Continue to the Kinabatangan River for wildlife safaris and river cruises. Visit the Orangutan Rehabilitation Centre in Sepilok, followed by a trip to Turtle Island for a guided tour of its hatchery and a local village visit. Return to Kota Kinabalu for free time to explore Jesselton Point, with optional visits to local markets. The tour concludes with your departure, or you can extend your stay by adding extra nights in Singapore to explore its vibrant culture and modern landmarks. (GA – AAES)

This tour is designed for those seeking an up-close, "off-the-beaten-track" experience of Borneo, with unique activities and accommodations that immerse you in the region’s natural beauty and local culture.

This small group tour is a maximum size of 15, letting you have an immersive experience in each destination.

Highlights

  • Gather fresh local ingredients for an authentic cooking demonstration in Kota Kinabalu
  • Embark on an exciting river safari through the Sungai Kinabatangan jungle.
  • Visit a fascinating turtle hatchery on Libaran Island, learning about conservation efforts.
  • A bucket-list moment on visiting the Orangutan Rehabilitation Centre in Sepilok


Itinerary Overview
Fly into Kota Kinabalu: 1 night, Kota Belud 1 night, Sungai Kinabatangan 2 nights, Sepliok 1 night, Pulau Libaran 1 night, Kota Kinabalu 1 night – Fly home

Whats included?
  • Flights & taxes
  • Accommodation
  • Transfers
  • Checked baggage
  • CAR licensed & bonded
  • In resort assistance & 24 hour contact centre
Why Book with Tropical Sky?
  • Hassle-free - book direct quickly and easily
  • Choice of airlines and the option to switch
  • A friendly, family run business with a wealth of experience.
  • Great deals on offer for multiple destinations
  • Low deposits
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Day 1

Kota Kinabalu

Fly into Kota Kinabalu and make your way independently to your hotel. Meet your CEO and group and enjoy the evening relaxing after your travels or exploring.

Overnight: Hotel Shangri-La or similar

Day 2

Kota Kinabalu – Kota Belud

From Kota Kinabalu, travel to Tambatuon village to meet the local community. Take a walk to a nearby river, exploring the beautiful landscape along the way. Visit a local farm to gather fresh ingredients for dinner, then learn how to cook traditional recipes with your host. You will overnight at a homestay, please be advised this is a multi-share property.

Overnight: D'Danau Homestay or similar

Meals included: Breakfast, lunch and dinner

Day 3

Kota Belud - Sungai Kinabatangan

Travel towards Sandakan and continue to a jungle lodge on the Kinabatangan River, Sabah’s longest. After settling in, embark on a river cruise to enjoy the tranquil evening wildlife, spotting birds, monkeys, and possibly crocodiles. Enjoy dinner and, for an extra adventure, join a guided night walk through the jungle. Overnight in Sungai Kinabatangan for two nights.

Overnight: Borneo Natural Sukau Bilit Resort or similar

Meals included: Breakfast, lunch and dinner

Day 4

Sungai Kinabatangan

Start the day with a river safari to witness the morning wildlife activity. After breakfast, visit a nearby oxbow lake with a guide, looking for proboscis monkeys, pygmy elephants, macaques, and gibbons. Enjoy another river cruise for more wildlife sightings before returning to the lodge for dinner.

Overnight: Borneo Natural Sukau Bilit Resort or similar

Meals included: Breakfast, lunch and dinner

Day 5

Sungai Kinabatangan – Sepilok

Depart in the morning for Sepilok, a wildlife haven. A true highlight by visit the Orangutan Rehabilitation Centre to learn about conservation efforts, then explore the nearby Sun Bear Conservation Centre, dedicated to protecting these fascinating creatures.

Overnight: Borneo Sepilok Rainforest Resort or similar

Meals included: Breakfast

Day 6

Sepilok – Pulau Libaran

Transfer to Sandakan and continue by boat to Libaran Island, known as Turtle Island for its annual sea turtle nesting. Take a guided tour of the island’s turtle hatchery and learn about conservation efforts. Visit the local village to experience island life and enjoy free time to snorkel or kayak.

Overnight: Walai Penyu Resort or similar

Meals included: Breakfast, lunch and dinner

Day 7

Pulau Libaran – Kota Kinabalu via internal flight

After breakfast, depart Libaran Island and return to the Sandakan jetty. From there, transfer to Sandakan airport for a flight to Kota Kinabalu. Upon arrival, enjoy a free afternoon to explore Jesselton Point, a lively waterfront district with shops and street food. Optionally, visit the famous Filipino market.

Overnight: Hotel Shangri-La or similar

Meals included: Breakfast

Day 8

Kota Kinabalu

Your tour concludes today. Enjoy your breakfast this morning at leisure and transfer independently to the airport for your flight home.
Alternatively, extend your time in the Far East by adding extra nights in Singapore. Explore this vibrant metropolis, renowned for its futuristic architecture, lush gardens, world-class dining, and diverse cultural attractions. Speak to our sales expert on adding this.

Meals included: Breakfast

 

  • Return international flights and internal flights
  • 7 nights accommodation in the following: Hotels (2 nights), homestay (1 night, multi-share), jungle lodge (3 nights, twin-share), permanent tented camp (1 night, twin-share)
  • 7 breakfasts, 4 lunches, 4 dinners (allow USD $70 - $95 for meals not included)
  • All transport between destinations and to/from included activities
  • Tour Director (CEO – Chief Experience Officer) during your tour and local guides
  • Tambatuon Homestay, Kota Belud
  • Libaran Island Village Walk, Pulau Libaran
  • Visit local Farms and Cooking Demonstration
  • Morning and evening Kinabatangan River safaris.
  • Guided oxbow lake visit and wildlife spotting (Kinabatangan).
  • Sepilok Orangutan Rehabilitation Centre visit.
  • Turtle hatchery guided tour


What’s not included

  • Airport transfers – Speak to our sales experts on adding this for ease of travel
  • Meals unless stated
  • Optional excursions
  • Gratuities to local guides (guideline of USD $4 per person) and CEO (USD $25 per person per week)

Optional excursions can be booked locally with your CEO. Rates are from price per person

  • Kampung Bilit Jungle Night Walk - 70M YR


Please note that rates can change at any time without notice
 

 

Pack light (under 10 kg/22 lb) as you'll carry your own luggage, though distances are short. Video cameras are not allowed in villages to respect local customs. A backpack or overnight bag (30-35 litres) is ideal; avoid suitcases for this trip. Bring both main luggage and a smaller bag.

Accommodaton

Please note that the accommodation on this trip may be of a lower standard compared to other areas of SE Asia, due to the remote locations and activities involved (e.g., high in the mountains or deep in jungle areas). While basic, accommodations are always clean and offer unique character and location over luxury and additional services.

Ramadan

Ramadan will fall between sundown on Feb 28th - Mar 29th, 2025, and Feb 17th - Mar 19th, 2026. During this month, Muslims fast from sunrise to sunset. While our tours continue to operate, there may be some service limitations or schedule disruptions. Food is available for non-Muslims throughout the day. It’s important to be culturally sensitive: wear loose-fitting clothes covering knees and shoulders, and avoid eating, drinking, or smoking in public out of respect for those observing the fast.



 

 

Kevin Ryan
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