All Sandakan Tours & Excursions in 2026

Experience Borneo’s wild nature on this 2-day tour of Sandakan. In the company of a guide, travel from the airport to Sepilok, where you can admire orangutans in their natural habitat. After a hearty lunch, head to the countryside and take a cruise on Kinabatangan River. Spend a night at a rustic lodge.

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.

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.

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.

Travelers will see the feeding of the Orangutan as well as experience a walk in the forest of Borneo. Sepilok Orangutan Rehabilitation is the oldest and biggest orangutan rehabilitation center in the world. This center covers 4294 hectares. Kabili–Sepilok Forest is a virgin jungle reserve rich in tropical rainforest and mangrove swamp. It was established in 1964 with the intention of rehabilitating orphaned baby orangutans and releasing them back into the wild. Proboscis monkeys at Labuk Bay Proboscis Monkey Sanctuary, where you can experience the closet encounter. Bornean Sun Bear Conservation Centre is the first sun bear conservation center in the world. The sun bear (also known as the honey bear) is the smallest bear in the world. Rainforest Discovery Centre (RDC): learn about rainforest ecology and experience its amazing biodiversity through a network of trails in the forest.

Experience the wonder of Orangutans in their natural habitat and enjoy visiting some of the top attractions in Sepilok Sandakan with this delightful day tour. After visiting the Sepilok Orangutan Rehabilitation Centre and watching a feeding and care center through the lush green trees, heading to bornean sunbear under government protection, continue to Rainforest Discovery Centre and walk from above treetops, known as birdwatcher's paradise especially pittas and hornbill or simply appreciate the incredible biodiversity with opportunity for short jungle trekking at the forest at own. After head out to explore sandakan town, with stop at a local restaurant for lunch or rest at own expense. Some of the great additional experiences include visiting local Market, exploring the Sim-Sim Water Village, and checking out the Puh Jih Syh Buddhist Temple, along with the church, Sandakan War Memorial among other, all with your friendly local guide then return back to sandakan at the end.

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.

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 symphony of life at dawn on the River. Imagine gliding through the jungle as it descends in an ethereal evening. Experience something unique as you cruise through Kinabatangan in search of wildlife includes Borneo’s endemic hornbills, monkey, elephant along the way, get excited unlike other, this kinabatangan is an absolute marvel—go now, before any more of it is lost”

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

Embark on an amazing adventure to explore the wildlife and beauty of the Kinabatangan River. As you travel along the river, keep an eye out for incredible animals like proboscis monkeys, orangutans, crocodiles, and the wonderful pygmy elephants enjoying a bath. This area is also perfect for birdwatchers, with many beautiful bird species to spot. In addition to peaceful river cruises, guided jungle walks let you experience the rainforest up close. Discover unique plants, colorful insects, and shy reptiles in their natural surroundings. After a day of exploring, relax at the Tanini Kinabatangan lodge, located right in the rainforest. Enjoy cozy chalets with air conditioning and hot showers for a comfortable stay. The lodge’s restaurant offers tasty local dishes that highlight the flavors of Sabah, making your adventure both exciting and enjoyable!

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.

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.

See orangutans in their natural habitat and get a chance to visit many of the top attractions in Sepilok Sandakan with this day tour. After visiting the Sepilok Orangutan Rehabilitation Centre and watching a feeding, you'll head out to explore town, with stop at a local restaurant for lunch. Highlights include time in Central Market, the Sim-Sim Water Village, and the Puh Jih Syh Buddhist Temple.

Enjoy a picturesque river cruise to Pamaguan Island for an evening of natural beauty and local culture. Watch a spectacular sunset from a breathtaking location and then relax on a cruise with a simple hi-tea of local baked pastries. Engage with the community through a village stroll, experience traditional crab traps if any, and spot diverse wildlife along the riverbank. As darkness dawns, watch the enchanting fireflies light up the sky while returning to jetty with dinner inclusive. - Scenic river cruise to Pamaguan Island with sunset viewpoint - Traditional crab trap demonstration and local village exploration - Enjoy a relaxing hi-tea with local cakes during the cruise - Experience a magical firefly and blue tear cruise after dinner

Deramakot is one of the forest reserved in Sabah Borneo. Known for its virgin forest plus with systematic Reduce Impact Logging practices. Deramakot forest also is one of the forest in the island of borneo of which the chances to see the elusive and most endangered cat in Borneo the Clouderd leopard is slightly better compare to any other places, although its not promises, in terms of distributions, past records and sightings, Deramakot forest is better. Beside that, if we lucky enough there are so many other mammals we might be able to see, such as wild borneon sun bear, wild orang utan, wild pigmy elephant, wild flying squirrel, samba deer, mouse deer, other cats species, birds and many more. Finger cross, the mother nature might be on our side! :) I Afiq, your licenced and profesional Tour guide, ready and happy to bring you to explore and enjoy the Deramakot forest safari tour

Experience the wildlife and history of Sabah, Malaysia, on this all-day excursion. After a convenient hotel pickup, visit the Sepilok Orangutan Rehabilitation Center, honor POWs at Sandakan Memorial Park, catch spectacular views at Puu Jih Shih temple, pick up some seafood and produce at Central Market, explore Sabah history at Agnes Keith Museum, and enjoy a drink at English Tea House.

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.

Visit the Sepilok Orangutan Rehabilitation Centre and the Bornean Sun Bear Conservation Center on this educational full day tour. Learn about the orangutan rescue via a short documentary, then walk through the rainforest to view these intelligent mammals on a feeding platform. Then it’s on to the sun bear rescue center to learn more about the plight of the world’s smallest species of bear.

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.

Pick up from your respective hotel. Drive to Sepilok Orang Utan Rehabilitation Centre. After Sepilok, take a leisure walk to the nearby Sun Bear Conservation Centre. After tours, we depart to SJR for lunch. After lunch, visit to Sepilok Orang Utan Center for the second feeding. Late afternoon, we transfer to a fisherman village. Upon arrival at the village, have a simple tea break. Houses are built on stilts and it is very interesting to walk around the village. Very often, kids will be having their play time at this hour and please feel free to join them in some of the interesting village games. After that, proceed to a boat cruise to learn more about the mangrove forests and a chance to plant trees in the area. As it gets darker, we will be able to see the fire flies lighting up the trees around us. The program will end with a dinner. After dinner, transfer back to your hotel. End of services.

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

You won’t find another tour as packed with activities & attractions as this one from CharlieTheTraveler. Offering it all “FIRST CLASS” for a relatively low price, thousands of travelers take this specific tour every year—because no competitor can beat us on quality, price & substance. Below are just some highlights of what you will see, do, and have on this tour: ►Cooking Class with Locals ►Wildlife: Long-Nose Monkeys (Proboscis) & Reddish Apes (Orangutans) ►River Cruise Alongside Elephants ►Firefly Mangrove Cruise ►Night Markets ►Rooftop Bars ►Ascending the World’s Tallest Twin Skyscrapers ►Urban Sightseeing & Grand Landmarks ►European, Chinese & Muslim Architecture ►White-Sand Beaches on an Exotic Island ►Lush Rainforests ►Well-Groomed Botanical Gardens ►Rich Culture ►Delicious Food ►And Much, Much More…

This tour offers a one of a kind experience at Borneo Nature Lodge 2 combined with guided wildlife exploration along the Sukau (Kinabatangan) River, one of Sabah's most biodiverse areas. Travelers can enjoy guided river cruises led by knowledgeable local guides, spotting proboscis, hornbills, orangutans and other native wildlife in their natural habitat. Guests also have the freedom to explore the lodge surroundings on their own through nature walks or relax by the river, making the experience both immersive and flexible. This tour provides memorable encounters with Borneo's unique ecosystem, insider knowledge from local experts and a peaceful rainforest retreat away from crowds.