Malaysia · Wildlife

7-Day Sabah Nature and Wildlife Tour from Kota Kinabalu

7 Days Round trip from Kota Kinabalu International Airport Beg Berkunci No 134 Moderate pace

The journey

Trip highlights
  • 01 Stroll through Kinabalu Park, one of the first national parks in Malaysia
  • 02 Explore Tunku Abdul Rahman National Park, a group of five islands
  • 03 Visit Sepilok Orangutan Sanctuary, an orangutan rehabilitation centre
  • 04 Cruise along the Kinabatangan River, the second-longest river in Malaysia
  • 05 Look out for Borneo pygmy elephants, wild orangutans, crocodiles, and proboscis monkeys

Visit Kinabalu Park for its rich fauna and flora, then continue to the wildlife areas of the Kinabatangan River. Look out for Borneo pygmy elephants, wild orangutans, crocodiles, and proboscis monkeys, which are often seen early in the morning and late in the evening. With time in Sepilok, Kinabalu Park, and the Tunku Abdul Rahman islands, this tour combines nature, wildlife, and island scenery. It is also a great choice for birding enthusiasts.

Look out for Borneo pygmy elephants, wild orangutans, crocodiles, and proboscis monkeys, which are often seen early in the morning and late in the evening.

From the itinerary

At a glance

What this trip includes

Duration 7 Days
Tour type Shared
Activity level Moderate
Accommodation Included · Standard
Transport Included
Wheelchair access Not applicable
Cities Kota Kinabalu, Sandakan, Kinabalu Park, Sepilok Orangutan Rehabilitation Centre, Kinabatangan River
Languages English, Malay

Day by day

The itinerary

1
Day 01

Arrival in Kota Kinabalu

Upon arrival at Kota Kinabalu Airport, meet and transfer to the hotel.

  • Enjoy the rest of the day at leisure.

Overnight at a 3-star hotel.

2
Day 02

Poring Hot Spring and Kinabalu Park

  • Depart early in the morning for a 3-hour drive to Poring Hot Spring. En route, stop at Nabalu village to savour local fruits and shop for local handicrafts.

  • Observe wildlife on the canopy walkway, 100 feet above the forest floor, and take a dip in one of the soothing hot mineral springs set in beautifully landscaped gardens.

  • Stroll through the World Heritage Site of Kinabalu Park.

  • Explore the mountain gardens - home to many species of orchids, pitcher plants, birds, insects, and butterflies - with a guide before returning to Kota Kinabalu in the late afternoon.

Overnight at a 3-star hotel.

3
Day 03

Mamutik or Manukan Island Day Trip

  • Take a 15-minute boat ride from Kota Kinabalu to reach the beautiful coral islands of Tunku Abdul Rahman Park. Offering pristine white beaches, clear water, and coral reefs, this is the perfect getaway from the town.

  • Ride a boat for a short while to reach one of the outlying islands for a day of relaxation and swimming. Mask and snorkel are provided. Basic washroom facilities are available on the island.

  • Enjoy a barbecue lunch.

  • Return to Kota Kinabalu in mid-afternoon.

Overnight at a 3-star hotel.

4
Day 04

Sepilok and Kinabatangan River to Sukau

  • Go to the airport for an early morning flight to Sandakan.

  • Upon arrival, meet and depart for the Sepilok Orangutan Sanctuary, where captive orangutans are reintroduced into the wild. Observe them at their feeding stations in the rainforest and watch a video presentation on the orangutan rehabilitation program.

  • Proceed to the jetty in Sandakan for a boat excursion through the pristine mangrove forests along the Kinabatangan River delta in search of proboscis monkeys, birds, and reptiles.

  • Have lunch at the Abai Jungle Restaurant.

  • Boat to Sukau and, after check-in, go on a river cruise up the Kinabatangan River to the Menanggul River in search of more wildlife.

Overnight stay at the Kinabatangan Riverside Lodge.

5
Day 05

Oxbow Lake and Kinabatangan Wildlife Viewing

  • Take a boat trip for bird watching and wildlife viewing at the nearby Ox Bow Lake.

  • Trek through the lush riverine forest along the lake, then return to the lodge for breakfast.

  • Venture on another river cruise down the Menanggul River and along the Kinabatangan River.

  • Return to the lodge at dusk. Evening at leisure.

Overnight at the Kinabatangan Riverside Lodge.

6
Day 06

Return to Sandakan

  • Return to Sandakan by boat and have another chance to see wildlife along the river during the 2-hour journey.

  • Arrive at Sandakan jetty and transfer to the hotel or airport.

The last day is optional: either take a transit flight to KUL or stay overnight in Kota Kinabalu.

7
Day 07

Departure from Kota Kinabalu

Departure.

Kinabalu Park mountain gardens, Poring Hot Spring mineral pools, Sepilok Orangutan Sanctuary, Kinabatangan River mangroves

Where this trip takes you

Kinabalu Park mountain gardens, Poring Hot Spring mineral pools, Sepilok Orangutan Sanctuary, Kinabatangan River mangroves

The route

Where you'll travel

Tour route map
Round trip from Kota Kinabalu International Airport Beg Berkunci No 134 5 cities · 7 Days

The fine print

Trip details

What's Included

  • English-speaking guide

  • Tours and transfers as indicated

  • Entrance fees

  • Meals as indicated

  • Three nights' stay at a 3-star hotel in Kota Kinabalu

  • Two nights' stay at the Kinabatangan Riverside Lodge

What's Not Included

  • Flight tickets

Know before you go

  • See the islands popular for snorkelling and water sports.

  • If you are lucky, sightings of Borneo pygmy elephants, wild orangutans, and crocodiles along the river should be easy.

Logistics

Meeting & route

Meeting point
Kota Kinabalu International Airport, Beg Berkunci No 134, Aras 5, Bangunan Terminal, 88740 Kota Kinabalu, Sabah, Malaysia
Tour start
Kota Kinabalu International Airport Beg Berkunci No 134, Aras 5, Bangunan Terminal, 88740 Kota Kinabalu, Sabah, Malaysia
Tour ends at the same location as the start point.
End of the journey

Your 7 days finish where they began, in Kota Kinabalu International Airport Beg Berkunci No 134.

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