Sabah Wildlife 5D4N

Itinerary

Day 1 Sepilok – Kinabatangan River (L/D)

0800 hours pick up from Sandakan airport or your hotel in Sandakan (or Sepilok) and visit the Sepilok Orangutan Sanctuary where captive orangutans are reintroduced into the wild. You will be able to observe them at their feeding stations in the rainforest and at the nursery (if open). Watch the feeding session at 1000 hours. Then proceed to the Bornean Sun Bear Conservation Centre (BSBCC). This centre rescues captured sun bears and is involved in sun bear conservation, welfare rehabilitation and education. Over 30 sun bears live at the centre in the bear house and outdoor enclosures.

1130 hours travel by road to Sukau. Arrive at Kinabatangan Riverside Lodge around 1330 and have lunch. 1630 hours go on a river cruise up the Kinabatangan River to the Menanggul River in search proboscis monkeys, birds, reptiles and other wildlife. Overnight stay at the Kinabatangan Riverside Lodge (non-air conditioned).

Note: The nursery at Sepilok is sometimes closed to visitors. This occurs if any of the young orangutan are sick. As such there is no guarantee that the nursery will be open.

Day 2 Kinabatangan River (B/L/D)

0630 hours take a boat trip for bird watching and wildlife viewing at the nearby Ox Bow Lake.  Then return to the lodge for breakfast. Free at leisure to relax. 1630 hours venture on another river cruise down the Menanggul River in search of wildlife. Return to the lodge at dusk. Evening at leisure. Overnight at the Kinabatangan Riverside lodge.

Day 3 Sukau – Lahad Datu – Tabin Wildlife Reserve (B/L/D)

After early breakfast, leave the lodge and drive two hours overland to Lahad Datu. Upon arrival, change vehicles and transfer to Tabin Wildlife Reserve on a gravel road for about an hour and a half. Check into the charming timber bungalow of Tabin Wildlife Resort which comes complete with private balcony and hot water shower, a real luxury in the forest. A variety of birds, insects and even small mammals can be sighted quite easily within the resort which is set amongst the rainforest alongside the Lipad River. Discover the rich variety of jungle herbs, some endemic, used for generations by local folks for the treatment of various ailments. In the afternoon, visit the Lipad mud volcano which serves as a mineral salt lick for wildlife. After trekking through the jungle for twenty minutes, arrive at the elevated bare area of the mud volcano. Try to identify the multitude of animal footprints here. Walk up the observation tower and admire the contrasting landscape of the bare area and its surrounding thick forest where birds are commonly sighted. After dinner, enjoy a slide presentation on Tabin’s uniqueness, followed by a night safari to look for nocturnal wildlife and birds. Overnight at Tabin Wildlife Resort.

Day 4 Tabin (B/L/D)

You may opt to join the early morning bird walk to discover some of Tabin’s rich collection of almost 300 bird species. After breakfast, trek through the lush green rainforest known for its rich diversity of plants and animal species to visit Lipad Waterfall. Take a dip in the natural pool and enjoy a natural and refreshing shower under the waterfall. Alternatively explore the surrounding vegetation or simply relax. In the afternoon you may wish to try out the Tabin Rainforest Foot Soak made with a natural blend of herbs, to relax tired muscles after long jungle treks. Overnight at Tabin Wildlife Resort.

Day 5 Tabin – Lahad Datu (B/L)

After breakfast, stroll to the nearby rock pool or river side where groups of macaques and other small mammals can sometimes be seen. Choose to take a dip in the river or simply listen to the sound of nature before saying goodbye to Tabin.

What to bring: Insect repellent, long sleeve shirts & long pants, raincoat, sun hat, swim wear, comfortable trekking shoes, torch light, water bottle  & personal toiletries. Leech socks are available for sale at the resort’s shop.