Following your stay in Kuala Lumpur, take your transfer to the airport for your flight to Sandakan. Just outside the town lies Sepilok, a haven for nature lovers and home to the renowned Sepilok Orangutan Rehabilitation Centre - where orphaned orangutans are cared for and reintroduced to the wild. Surrounded by towering trees and the sounds of tropical birds, this lush corner of rainforest is alive with biodiversity.
Overnight at Borneo Sepilok Rainforest Resort
DAY 2: SANDAKAN - SEPILOK
Kick off your day at the Sepilok Orangutan Rehabilitation Centre, just minutes from your resort. Begin with a wander through lush rainforest trails to the feeding platform, where semi-wild orangutans emerge from the jungle, before heading to the outdoor nursery for a glimpse of young orangutans honing their survival skills. Next door, drop into the Bornean Sun Bear Conservation Centre to see the world’s smallest bear and learn about efforts to protect this endangered species.
After lunch, hit the road for a 2.5-hour journey to Bilit Adventure Lodge, perched on the banks of the Kinabatangan River. Arrive by 14:30, settle in, and enjoy afternoon tea with local snacks. Then, after a quick briefing, hop aboard a river cruise. Keep your eyes peeled for proboscis monkeys, pygmy elephants, hornbills, and if you’re lucky, wild orangutans in the treetops. End the day with a hearty dinner back at the lodge, falling asleep to the sounds of the jungle.
Full board and overnight at Bilit Adventure Lodge (or similar)
DAY 3: SEPILOK
Rise early for a dawn river cruise, setting out around 6:00am as the jungle stirs to life. Drift through the morning mist in search of wildlife at its most active - kingfishers darting across the water, macaques foraging in the treetops, and perhaps even the rare sight of crocodiles sunning along the banks. Return to Bilit Adventure Lodge for a well-earned breakfast, then head out again in the late morning for a guided jungle walk. This is your chance to experience the riverine forest up close, with your guide pointing out hidden plant life, animal tracks, and the subtle rhythms of the rainforest.
Back at the lodge, freshen up and enjoy a laid-back lunch, followed by a midday rest. In the afternoon, visit a nearby local home for tea and traditional snacks — a relaxed moment of cultural connection in the heart of Borneo.
By 4:00pm, it’s time to board another river cruise, this time exploring a different stretch of the Kinabatangan. Keep your camera ready for fresh wildlife sightings as the light softens and the forest comes alive once more.
Full board and overnight at Bilit Adventure Lodge (or similar)