Sukau Rainforest Lodge
Abai Kinabatangan Wetlands Resort
Borneo Natural Sukau Bilit Resort
Sepilok Nature Lodge
Curated Sandakan Tours
Choose from a range of flexible options for Sandakan Day Tours, or elevate your experience with our unforgettable Multi-day Tours from Kota Kinabalu to Sandakan. Maximize your stay in Sabah, Borneo with our carefully curated itineraries.
SANDAKAN & KINABATANGAN RIVER
Nestled in the heart of Sabah, Borneo, Sandakan and the Kinabatangan River form an enchanting gateway to the wonders of nature. A captivating region that seamlessly blends rich history with unparalleled biodiversity, this destination beckons travellers to embark on a journey through pristine landscapes and wildlife havens.
Sandakan: A Tapestry of History and Wildlife
Known for its intriguing historical significance, Sandakan stands as a testament to the enduring tales of the past. From its position on the northeastern coast of Borneo, facing the azure waters of the Sulu Sea, the city beckons with a charm that extends beyond its colonial roots.
Whispers of the past continue to permeate through Sandakan, with markers of its rich history evident in the surviving architecture from the time. But beyond its human history is the wild wonder of its natural world, the beating heart beneath the concrete jungle.
About 300 kilometres from Kota Kinabalu, Sandakan is the starting point to many adventures out in nature, serving as a gateway to some of Borneo's most iconic wildlife conservation centres, including the Sepilok Orangutan Rehabilitation Centre and the Bornean Sun Bear Conservation Centre. Orang utans, sun bears, proboscis monkeys, red leaf monkeys, and various bird species can be seen in and around Sandakan itself. But venture a little further out, and you may find yourself even more deeply entrenched in nature.
Kinabatangan River: The Wildlife Symphony
The second longest river in Malaysia, with a total length of 560 kilometres, the Kinabatangan River flows gracefully through Sabah’s lush landscapes and emerges as a haven for wildlife enthusiasts.
A two-hour drive out from Sandakan, the river is a living tapestry of nature’s marvels, renowned as one of the best places in Borneo to encounter wildlife. A boat ride along the river at dusk or dawn offers the best opportunities for sightings. From the iconic proboscis monkeys swinging through the treetops to the elusive pygmy elephants ambling along its banks to the mysterious crocodiles that trail quietly by, the river unveils a spectacle of life that captivates the hearts of all who venture here.
One of the world’s richest ecosystems, Kinabatangan River is home to all sorts of wild and wonderful creatures, including all eight species of hornbills that can be found in Borneo.
The dense tropical forest that surrounds it is also one of only two spots in the world where ten species of primates can be found – look out for gibbons, macaques, langur monkeys, slow lorises, and more on your journey down the river.