Top Sandakan How to Get Around in 2026

Enjoy an evening on the water on this sunset cruise that includes dinner. The tour begins with tea at a local bed and breakfast. After a short break for games with the local village kids, board a boat to enjoy sunset at Pamaguan Island and watch fireflies in the mangrove forest. Later, have dinner back at the bed and breakfast.

During this full day eco-tour, journey into the super-diverse Bornean rainforest near Sepilok, home to thousands of species of plants and animals. Visit three conservation centers in the area to learn how local people are fighting to preserve Borneo’s natural environment and return native fauna to their natural habitats. This private tour offers a chance to get up close with Borneo’s unique wildlife away from the crowds of a zoo or wildlife park.

Embark on a Kinabatangan River's with a guided jungle walks, sunrise or sunset boat rides that reveal the rainforest's wonders. Glide through lush jungles in search of proboscis monkeys, orangutans, and who knows, maybe even the Borneo Big 5! Stay in a local homestay, eat home-cooked meals, and gain insight into village life through perhaps a warm interactions with your hosts. Your journey helps local families, preserves village customs, feeds your hosts, and prioritises wildlife over trees, this is about exploring Borneo's untamed side, chasing the real, and having an authentic, raw, and wild experience. - A three-day, two-night journey staying at a riverside - Guided wildlife river cruises at dawn and dusk for optimal sightings - Supporting local efforts through home-cooked meals made with ingredients - Engage in jungle trekking experiences and optional night walks for an extended wildlife experience

The island of Borneo is home to rugged scenery and an abundance of wildlife. Join a small group and head to Tanjung Bulat Jungle Camp for a 3-day excursion focused on wildlife. Spend your days on drives, walks, and boat cruises for the best chances of seeing wildlife. Some species you may encounter include monkeys, langurs, crocodiles, and civets.

Cruise the Kinabatangan River on a full-day tour from Sandakan, which is available as a shared excursion. Discover the natural wonders of the river as you cruise. Search for primates and birds on the banks of the Kinabatangan, pausing for an included dinner along the way.

This 3D2N journey to Kinabatangan is more than just a tour; it's an opportunity to see the oldest rainforest on Earth up close. Here, you will see a wild, pulsing heart that defies taming—a monument to the beauty and tenacity of nature—where hornbills cast shadows across crimson sunsets and pygmy elephants trumpet at dusk. Prepare to embark on a journey where ancient rainforests meet winding chocolate-brown rivers, and wildlife spectacles unfold around every bend. The Kinabatangan River in Malaysian Borneo isn’t just a destination, it’s a pulsating, living theatre of nature, offering one of Asia’s most concentrated wildlife experiences, a real world featured in David Attenborough’s documentaries experience.

There’s more to Sandakan than just jungle adventures. Skip itinerary planning and check off the city’s signature sights in just half a day on this door-to-door private guided tour, complete with restaurant lunch. Discover Second World War history at the Australian War Memorial; immerse in Sandakan Central Market; see stilt houses at Sim-Sim Water Village; admire Puh Jih Shi Buddhist Temple; and visit the former home of author Agnes Keith.

Learn about the challenges facing Malaysia's iconic species on a full-day small-group wildlife tour from Sandakan. Visit the Sepilok Orangutan Rehabilitation Centre and the Bornean Sun Bear Conservation Centre, both of which provide home for orphaned and injured animals, and get insights into the importance of protecting habitats. Between locations, enjoy lunch at a local restaurant.

Sepilok Orang-Utan Rehabilitation Centre where orphaned and injured Orang-Utan brought to Sepilok to be rehabilitated to return and fend for themselves back to the wild. Witness the feeding of Orang-Utan from a platform in the forest. Watch the 25 minutes scheduled video documentary show. Proceed to Borneo Sun Bear Conservation Centre (BSCC) and witness the effort to provide for the care, rehabilitation and release of orphaned and captive sun bears, as well as address the lack of knowledge and awareness of this little-known bear both in Malaysia and internationally. Proceed drive for about 45 minutes to Labuk Bay the mangrove forest covers about 400 acres for Proboscis sanctuary. Proceed to the observation area where visitors will have the delight of having a reasonably close and magnificent sight of these elusive monkeys which is one the most peculiar animal in the world and endemic to Borneo.

Spend a day getting up close to some of Borneo’s incredible native wildlife on this must-see tour for animal lovers. Explore Sepilok Orang Utan Rehabilitation Centre for orphaned orangutans. Stroll down the boardwalk through the rainforest and see them feed from the platform. Visit Lab Bay Proboscis Monkey Sanctuary to see these indigenous monkeys in their natural habitat, before going to the Bornean Sun Bear Conservation Centre. That’s not all: other stops include a hilltop temple with panoramic views and the vibrant Sandakan Central Market.

This 2D1N journey to Kinabatangan is a chance to experience the oldest rainforest on Earth up close, perfect for those who are short on time or prefer a brief visit. A sanctuary for Borneo’s iconic Big Five: proboscis monkeys, pygmy elephants, orangutans, crocodiles, and hornbills. Here find a vibrant, beating heart that embraces its wild spirit—a celebration of the beauty and resilience of nature where hornbills dance in the shadows of crimson sunsets and pygmy elephants call out at dusk. Get ready to set off on an adventure where lush rainforests greet you alongside meandering chocolate-brown rivers, and amazing wildlife experiences await at every turn. The Kinabatangan River in Malaysian Borneo is more than just a place to visit; it’s a vibrant, living showcase of nature, providing one of Asia’s richest wildlife experiences, just like those who were seen in David Attenborough’s documentaries.

Discover the heart of Borneo's wild jungle at Bilit Lodge, where you'll spend three days and two nights on exhilarating river safaris at dawn and dusk to see untamed wildlife, possibility of orangutans, proboscis monkeys, and pygmy elephants, go on guided night walks to learn about the rainforest's nocturnal secrets, all while returning to the comfort of a private chalet situated on the Kinabatangan River for an unforgettable experience that combines thrilling adventures with the tranquil jungle. As night descends, find yourselves enveloped by the symphony of the rainforest, looking from their private balcony into the embrace of nature's splendour.

Learn all about Borneo’s diverse wildlife when you book this private tour at Tanjung Bulat Jungle Camp. This is a small group tour, so you’ll keep costs down but still have an intimate experience. Meals, accommodation, and all of your activities are taken care of in the price, so you won’t have to pay upfront. Just enjoy this immersive jungle experience.

Experience the Kinabatangan rainforest on this 2-day, 1-night community-led tour. This local community-managed experience takes you to a peaceful riverside where diverse species flourishes amidst beautiful foliage and conservation efforts while providing opportunities for chance to spot wildlife along the rivers, away from crowds. When book this tour, you’re not just scoping out nature—you’re also lending a hand to protect it! It's a mix of education, conservation, and wildlife adventure all rolled into one. Life here has its own rhythm: simple, straightforward and completely raw. Instead of a luxurious lodge, It's a jungle tour where everyone helps and protects the rainforest for future generations. - Experience into the real jungle vibe and help out with local conservation efforts - Take in river cruises and jungle strolls with local guides - Witness incredible wildlife inside the jungle or river - Get involved in community-driven conservation projects

● Lunch at Sepilok Jungle Resort: Begin the day with a delicious lunch amidst the lush surroundings of Sepilok Jungle Resort. ● Scenic Drive to Bilit: Travel overland to Bilit, a wildlife-rich area home to various primates like proboscis monkeys, orangutans, and macaques, as well as hornbills, kingfishers, crocodiles, and wild elephants. ● Arrival and Welcome Refreshments: Upon arrival in Bilit, enjoy afternoon tea with local snacks and a warm welcome. ● Nature Guide Briefing: Receive an informative briefing from a nature guide, introducing you to the area’s unique wildlife and habitats. ● Afternoon Kinabatangan River Cruise: Embark on a boat cruise along Sabah’s longest river, the Kinabatangan, and spot incredible wildlife, from vibrant bird species to playful primates, all from the comfort of the boat.

Awaken your primal spirit on a whirlwind journey into Sabah’s most biodiverse landscapes, where ancient rainforests teem with endemic wildlife and river currents carry whispers of adventure blends intimate wildlife encounters with immersive jungle rhythms with journey of Borneo's primordial jungles encapsulated in a whirlwind 1-night adventure that combines Sepilok's rehabilitated orangutans with the untamed spectacle of the Kinabatangan River. From locking eyes with an orphaned orangutan at Sepilok to tracing a pygmy elephant's footprint on Kinabatangan's banks, you'll feel the jungle's pulse long after you leave. As one traveler described, "That dusk river cruise — where proboscis monkeys leapt silhouetted against a tangerine sky — wasn't just a moment; it was a communion with wild Borneo.

Sandakan, the second-largest city in Borneo, is a spot where history, culture, and natural beauty all come together. This city used to be the administrative capital of British North Borneo, and it was a lively spot for international merchants back in the day. Now, it shows off its resilience and how much it has changed over time. Take a wonderful trip to Sandakan to see its deep beauty and strength. Stand where author Agnes Keith got her ideas, feel the solemn peace of a historic stone church that survived war, get a breathtaking view from a hilltop temple that looks out over the sea, then go to Sandakan War Memorial Park, a beautifully landscaped site that honours WWII heroes with emotional exhibits and peaceful places to think and much more. This private tour is all about soaking up the vibes of Sabah’s coolest coastal city, packed with unforgettable moments that you'll remember long after you head back home.

Tanjung Bulat Jungle Camp itself located in a very secluded area far from any lodges,villages even city. Guest will be able to experience the real privilege being in the borneo rainforest.

Explore the vibrant city of Sandakan on this immersive day tour. Start with the serene Puu Jih Shih Temple, soaking in panoramic views before delving into the rich history at St. Michael's Church. Experience local life at Sandakan Central Market, savoring authentic dishes under your guide's expertise. Wander through the unique Sim-Sim Water Village and visit the Agnes Keith House for a touch of colonial history. Cap off your day with a scenic mangrove cruise, followed by an enchanting firefly experience that illuminates the night sky. - Visit Puu Jih Shih Temple for stunning views of Sandakan Bay - Enjoy lunch at the bustling Sandakan Central Market with local dishes - Explore Sim-Sim Water Village, a unique stilt village experience - End the day with a magical firefly cruise and sunset views

Imbak Canyon offers a rare opportunity to journey into the past and experience the Earth in its original form. Located in the active region of borneo, this untouched haven is frequently referred to as the "Lost World" due to its ancient rainforest, which has stayed largely unspoiled for millions of years, resulting in a stunning display of rich biodiversity. This isolated valley spans 30,000 hectares, a lush refuge surrounded by towering sandstone cliffs that have safeguarded this unique ecosystem for millions of years. As journey through the lush jungle, be surrounded by the sound of nature, hornbills, mammals, and majestic dipterocarp trees that create a green cathedral overhead. The beautiful Imbak Waterfall, a multi-tiered waterfall that drops into a clean pool, offers a moment of untouched beauty that no camera can capture. Visit helps save this important wildlife corridor for orangutans, pygmy elephants, and clouded leopards.

Experience the best of Sabah’s wildlife and rainforest in one unforgettable journey. This tour combines two of Sandakan’s top nature attractions — the Sepilok Orangutan Rehabilitation Centre and the Rainforest Discovery Centre (RDC) — offering the perfect balance of conservation, adventure, and scenic exploration. Begin your visit at Sepilok, where you’ll observe rescued orangutans in a semi-wild environment during their feeding session a heartwarming glimpse into vital conservation efforts. Continue to the Rainforest Discovery Centre, where you can walk along canopy walkways above the jungle, enjoy scenic rainforest views, and spot unique wildlife and bird species. Perfect for nature lovers and wildlife enthusiasts, this tour offers a memorable and well-paced introduction to Borneo’s rich biodiversity. Book now to discover the wild beauty of Sandakan and create lasting memories in the heart of Sabah’s rainforest.

Get a closer look at two of Southeast Asia’s most endangered species, the orangutan and sun bear, on this full-day tour from Sandakan. First, stop at the Sepilok Orangutan Rehabilitation Center where orphaned and young primates are slowly integrated back into the wild. Then, visit the Bornean Sun Bear Center to learn about the strong conservation efforts to protect this rare species.

- Sepilok Orang Utan Rehabilitation Centre: Observe playful orangutans during their feeding sessions. Learn about the rehabilitation efforts for these remarkable creatures. - Labuk Bay Proboscis Monkey Sanctuary: Get a close-up look at the unique proboscis monkeys in their natural habitat. Experience the sights and sounds of these fascinating primates. - Bornean Sun Bear Conservation Centre: Discover the world's smallest bear in a conservation setting. Learn about efforts to protect and preserve this vulnerable species. - Rainforest Discovery Centre: Walk on the canopy walkway to experience the rainforest from above. Explore the rich biodiversity and unique flora and fauna of the rainforest.