Description
Sandakan: 3-Day Kinabatangan Birdwatching Tour
Tour code:
#T33566
4.8
/5
(29 reviews)
3 days 2 nights
Malaysia

Start from:
Sandakan
End at:
Sandakan
Type tour:
Group tour, Package tour
Age range:
0 - 90 ages
Languages:
English
Payments:
Pay Advance
Highlight
Explore one of the Southeast Asia's most known wildlife destinations along the Kinabatangan river
Discover a top birdwatching site with more chances to spot colourful and migratory species
Exclusive birdwatching experiences with local guides
Glide along secret rivers and winding oxbow lakes, where spotting wildlife is often at its peak.
Cosy stay with food, airport pickup, and all taxes included
About tour
A 3-day wildlife and birdwatching tour down the Kinabatangan River takes you deep into Borneo's lush rainforest. Begin with a sunset private cruise to see Proboscis monkeys and other wildlife birds, followed by an early night birding trip. Over the next few days, take guided rainforest treks and explore hidden waterways, keeping an eye out for Borneo's abundant wildlife, such as Kingfishers, fish eagles, and hornbills if any. Experience local with hearty meals that showcase Bornean flavours, and optional night excursions for nocturnal wildlife spotting with all transfer inclusive.
Itinerary
Day 1 : The Journey Begins
Meet your driver at Sandakan Airport, town or sepilok, begin your journey into Borneo's lowland rainforest. Reach a Kinabatangan homestay or lodge after 2.5 hours. The river and swamp woods are home to a sizable population of Southeast Asian birds, rest and get your personal camera gear ready before starting your first river safari. Board a small boat and slowly navigate the winding waterways and hidden tributaries while guide searches the riverbanks for avian activity. If birdwatchers are lucky, they may see stork-billeds and gorgeous blue-and-orange kingfishers zooming across the pond. As the sun sets, birds cry to roost in the woodland and enjoy the golden blue hours. Return for a flavorful Bornean dinner prepared by local hosts, then venture back onto the river for a nocturnal birdwatching. Discover secretive species that are rarely spotted during daylight hours. Overnight.
Day 2 : Birding the Rainforest
Wake up to the sounds of the rainforest before dawn. Board the boat for a morning birding tour as woods awaken and morning mist flows across secret oxbow lakes, slowly bringing the jungle to life around you. Keep an eye out for uncommon and stunning birdlife on the riverbanks, which are illuminated by the warm golden light of dawn. Return for breakfast and a walk along the small woodland trails under the dipterocarp trees. Learn to identify bird calls and understand the forest's intricate flora-bird relationships. Have lunch and spend the afternoon relaxing. As twilight falls, embark on another lengthy river safari on Menanggol, watch a stunning sunset, and continue on a deeper river safari to see birds of prey and kingfishers, as well as walk narrow jungle trails beneath towering dipterocarp trees and have dinner. As darkness falls, continue the last search for nocturnal bird species a guided night birding tour. Overnight
Day 3 : Last Calls from the Wild
As dawn breaks over the rainforest, enjoy a final breakfast and a slow morning at your own pace. Wander through the grounds, breathe in the fresh jungle air, and cherish the last moments. With unforgettable memories in tow, bid farewell to your hosts and journey back to Sandakan, where your tour concludes with drop-off at the airport or within the sandakan city.
Included
Tour already included
Pickup and drop off from sandakan city, airport or sepilok
2 night stay
4 sessions of private river cruise and 2 jungle walk
2 breakfast, 1 lunch, and 2 dinner
Hot and cold shower
Free-flowing drinking water, tea and coffee
Local guide, national park fees, boat and life jackets
All permit fees and local tax
Tour not included
Optional extra activities
Your receipt will be sent instantly as a PDF after full payment and can be saved on your device. It also serves as your booking confirmation.
Confirmation will be received within 48 hours of booking, subject to availability.
Tickets are valid only for the selected activity date, and changes are not permitted.
Prices are listed in USD and can be paid using major cards, Apple Pay, bank transfer, or Wise (foreign currencies accepted).
Group tour, package experience (2–12 guests)
Complimentary pickup and drop-off from Sandakan Teahouse, Sandakan Airport, or Sepilok area (standard pickup time: 12:00 PM)
As this is a shared tour, punctuality is essential; missed pickups require guests to arrange their own transfer at additional cost
Eco-friendly stay with basic facilities, designed for an immersive nature experience
Itinerary and timings are subject to weather, wildlife activity, and operational conditions
Wildlife sightings cannot be guaranteed
Limited mobile connectivity; guests are advised to bring Malaysian Ringgit (cash) for personal expenses
Recommended to prepare essentials such as insect repellent, personal medication, suitable footwear, and other necessities
Not recommended for pregnant travelers; not wheelchair accessible
Travel insurance is not included and is strongly recommended
Vegan and vegetarian meal options are available with advance notice
Additional Information
Customer Support
We have a professional customer support team and always accompany you on every trip.
Customer reviews
4.8
/5
(29 reviews)
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