Borneo ExplorerKota Kinabalu to Sandakan
Eight days across Sabah's greatest wild places. Wake to cool mountain air in Kinabalu Park, watch orphaned orangutans learn to climb at Sepilok, and spend three nights on the Kinabatangan, the river locals call Borneo's Amazon.
It's a well-paced first taste of Borneo, with private transfers, small-group river cruises and guides who know every bend of the river.
- Duration8D7N
- Group sizePrivate, 2 – 12
- Activity levelModerate
- StaysHotels & lodges
Trip overview
Sabah packs ancient rainforest, the highest peak between the Himalayas and New Guinea, and some of Asia's richest wildlife into one easy-to-travel state. This route links its highlights with minimal backtracking: west coast to the highlands, then a short flight east to Sandakan and the Kinabatangan floodplain.
Every departure is private, so you set the pace. Add a summit climb, extend with Danum Valley, or finish on the islands of Semporna.
Day-by-day itinerary
DAY 1Arrive in Kota Kinabalu
Meet your guide at KKIA and transfer to your waterfront hotel. In the evening, stroll the handicraft market and watch the sunset from the jetty.
DAY 2Kinabalu Park & Kundasang highlands
Drive into the Crocker Range. Walk the botanical trails of Kinabalu Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, then visit Desa dairy farm with Mount Kinabalu as its backdrop.
DAY 3Poring canopy walk & hot springs
Cross the canopy walkway at Poring, look for Rafflesia in bloom (seasonal) and soak in the hot springs before returning to Kota Kinabalu.
DAY 4Fly to Sandakan · Sepilok orangutans
A short morning flight east. Watch the feeding at Sepilok Orangutan Rehabilitation Centre, then meet rescued sun bears at the Bornean Sun Bear Conservation Centre.
DAY 5Labuk Bay & into the Kinabatangan
Meet the proboscis monkeys at Labuk Bay, then drive to Sukau. Take your first dusk cruise as hornbills fly home to roost.
DAY 6River safari day
Dawn cruise up the Menanggul tributary for orangutans and pygmy elephants, an afternoon visit to Gomantong Cave, and a guided night walk for tarsiers and sleeping kingfishers.
DAY 7Oxbow lake & Sandakan heritage
Paddle to the Kelenanap oxbow lake at sunrise, then return to Sandakan for Agnes Keith House, the war memorial park and a farewell seafood dinner.
DAY 8Departure
Private transfer to Sandakan Airport, or extend your trip to Danum Valley or the Semporna islands.
What's included
Included
- 7 nights' accommodation, twin share
- Private airport and road transfers
- Licensed English-speaking nature guides
- 4 river cruises and 1 night walk
- Park and conservation-centre entry fees
- Meals as listed in the itinerary
Not included
- International flights
- Kota Kinabalu–Sandakan flight (we can book it)
- Sabah tourism tax (RM 10 per room per night)
- Travel insurance
- Tips and personal expenses
