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Borneo Wildlife Safari

Example 5 Day Tour staying at Sukau Rainforest Lodge
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Start your 5-day Borneo Wildlife Safari Expedition in Sandakan, by visiting the Sepilok Orangutan Rehabilitation Center. Witness orangutans and other wildlife before heading to Sukau Rainforest Lodge via a scenic boat ride. Enjoy river cruises along the Kinabatangan River, nature walks, and evening presentations by naturalist guides. Next, travel to Lahad Datu and stay at the Utan Rainforest Lodge in the Virgin Jungle Reserve of Sungai Kapur. Explore Gomantong Caves, enjoy sunset cruises, and join night safaris. Discover the unique flora and fauna through guided hikes and river cruises, relax in comfortable lodges with modern amenities, and experience Borneo's rainforests. End your trip with a transfer back to Lahad Datu for your departure.
Black-capped KingfisherPitcher plants in the jungleOrangutan in the wildSepilok Orang Utan Rehabilitation CenterUtan Rainforest LodgeFlying squirrel on a tree
Highlights
  • Visit Sepilok Orangutan Rehabilitation Centre and witness orangutan feeding
  • Discover Borneo's wildlife and birds on a late afternoon river cruise
  • Explore Gomantong Caves for wildlife encounters and bat exodus experience
  • Hike to photograph Borneo's endemic birds at Cuckoo Hide
Places Visited
Activity Level: Easy Active
Moderately active but not overly strenuous. This level includes activities like casual cycling, yoga, or excursions/activities that typically last 3-5 hours total each day.
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Full Itinerary

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Day 1: Arrive in Sandakan | Sukau Rainforest Lodge

The adventure starts with a pick-up from Sandakan Airport or your hotel in Sandakan, followed by a trip to the Sepilok Orangutan Rehabilitation Centre. Watch a brief video detailing the rehabilitation efforts at the center. Head to the feeding platform to see orangutans and other monkeys during feeding time. Visit the enclosed nursery area to observe the playful young orangutans.

After lunch, travel by speedboat up the Kinabatangan River for a 2.5-hour journey to Sukau Rainforest Lodge.

Once you check-in, embark on a late afternoon cruise to spot Borneo's wildlife and birds. Enjoy a delicious dinner at Melapi restaurant upon your return, and end the day with a slide presentation and informative talk by a naturalist guide.

Day 2: Sukau Rainforest Lodge

Start the day with an early morning river cruise up the Kinabatangan River to Kelenanap Oxbow Lake to spot more birds and wildlife. Afterward, return to the lodge for breakfast and then take a nature walk along the Hornbill and Attenborough Boardwalks with the lodge's naturalist.

The rest of the morning is free for leisure. Use this time to explore on your own or relax by the lodge’s dip pool after lunch.

Visit the newly refurbished Ape Gallery for an informative Ape Talk by the in-house naturalist.

In the afternoon, travel to Gomantong Caves and explore the complex cave system, which is the largest limestone outcrop in the Lower Kinabatangan and home to diverse wildlife. For a unique experience, climb the stairs to Simud Putih and witness the bat exodus from the platform.

Return to Sukau Rainforest Lodge for dinner at Melapi Restaurant, followed by a peaceful night’s rest.

Day 3: Lahad Datu | Utan Rainforest Lodge

Begin your day by checking out early and embarking on a 2.5-hour overland travel to Lahad Datu, where a stopover is scheduled for registration. From there, continue on a 2.5-hour overland drive to reach the new ecolodge, Utan Rainforest Lodge, nestled within the Virgin Jungle Reserve (VJR) of Sungai Kapur.

Upon arrival, receive a warm welcome with a facility briefing, followed by a delicious lunch and check-in.

Explore the flora and fauna of Sungai Kapur’s Virgin Jungle Reserve with an introductory walk near the lodge. As the day progresses, embark on a sunset river cruise for wildlife sightings and a captivating estuary sunset. If the weather permits, witness a light show of fireflies during the return trip to the lodge for dinner.

After dinner, join a night safari drive for an opportunity to encounter the nocturnal wildlife inhabiting the surrounding forest.

Day 4: Explore Utan Rainforest Lodge

After a quick breakfast, embark on a short morning hike. Engage fully with your surroundings and feel your heart race as you visit the Cuckoo Hide to capture photos of Borneo's endemic birds and other birdlife.

Return to the lodge to freshen up before enjoying a hearty breakfast at the restaurant.

After breakfast, weather and sea conditions permitting, set out on a river cruise adventure along the coastline, exploring the Segama River and its mangrove forest. Keep a lookout for wildlife such as flying foxes, eagles, and dolphins.

Head back to the lodge to relax and rejuvenate before lunch.

As the sun sets, treat yourself to a delicious dinner before joining a night walk around the lodge. Watch for nocturnal creatures like civets, leopard cats, mouse deer, and moonrats that come alive after dark.

Return to the lodge for a peaceful night's sleep.

Day 5: Return Home

  • 1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch
After breakfast, take advantage of your free time to relax and unwind before enjoying a delicious lunch. Afterward, prepare for your departure to Lahad Datu in time for your late afternoon flight.
 

Accommodations

Sukau Rainforest Lodge

Utan Rainforest Lodge

Lobby
Pool
Lodge Deck

Dates & Prices

My Preferred Start Date

Per person starting at
$1,329 2-3 travelers
Superior
Superior
Homey with a unique Bornean touch, our Superior Room is ideal for any travelling group. Complete with essential amenities, guests can still enjoy the wonders of nature and wildlife whilst being in the middle of Borneo’s rainforest. En-suite bathroom with solar-heated hot shower Twin beds or Queen sized bed Study desk Air conditioning and ceiling fan Towels and room amenities Hair dryer Tea coffee making facilities
Villa RoomVilla Room
Villa
Get a taste of luxury in the midst of the Bornean Rainforest when they stay at Sukau Rainforest Lodge. Our 20 new units of villas exudes exotic Borneo vibes and lush comfort to further heighten guests’ experience whilst being in the great wilderness- Perfect for those who want to experience the finer side of Sukau. En-suite bathroom with solar-heated hot shower Twin beds or Queen sized bed Study desk Air conditioning and ceiling fan Towels and room amenities Safety box Hair dryer Private Balcony Tea coffee making facilities and a mini bar 2 units of our Borneo Villa are wheel chair friendly

Notes

Rates may vary based on current exchange rate.

Included
  • 4 Breakfasts, 5 Lunches, 4 Dinners
  • 4 Nights Accommodations
  • Accommodations as listed
  • Ground transportation as listed
  • Activities as listed
  • Meals as listed
  • Access to a 24-7 Emergency line while traveling
  • English Speaking Guide
  • This tour package rates include pick-up and drop-off from Sandakan Airport and drop-off at Lahad Datu. Additional charge per person applies for pick-up and drop-off outside this area and pick up time may vary.
Excluded
  • Gratuities
  • Travel Insurance
  • Personal Expenses
  • Flight costs (please request a quote)
  • Additional excursions during free time
  • Fuel and transportation surcharges (when applicable)
  • RM10 per room per night mandatory Tourism Tax in Malaysia collected by cash upon check-in.
  • Camera fee and items not mentioned
  • Domestic airfare (Kota Kinabalu(BKI) - Lahad Datu(LDU) - Sandakan(SDK)

Map

When to Go

Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Good to ideal period to travel, and many people choose to visit at this time.

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This was my first experience with Adventure Life - and I couldn't have been more pleased with the trip. The guides and local staff in both Buenos Aires and Uruguay were terrific - extremely helpful and accommodating. I really enjoyed meeting the friendly staff in Buenos Aires in person (I left my bags with them for the afternoon).
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