Things to do in Sandakan

1. Sandakan wildlife day trip with guided tour

Full-day guided tour — visit orangutans, sun bears, and proboscis monkeys around Sandakan with a professional guide.

2. Kinabatangan River wildlife cruise — 3 days, 2 nights

Three days and two nights on the Kinabatangan River, with guided wildlife cruises, treks, and a homestay experience with local meals.

3. Three-day wildlife tour and river cruise at Bilit Lodge

Three days, two nights at Bilit Lodge — river safaris to see orangutans, monkeys, and pygmy elephants accompanied by guided night walks in Borneo’s rainforest.

4. 3-day wildlife river cruise in Kinabatangan

Three days exploring the Kinabatangan River by boat, with opportunities for wildlife spotting, night walks, and optional tree planting in lush rainforest surroundings.

5. Full-day wildlife and cultural tour of Sandakan

All-day tour with hotel pickup — visit Sepilok Orangutan Rehabilitation Center, Sandakan Memorial Park, and enjoy local sights, with lunch included.

“The visit was extremely well organized, beginning with a video showcasing the efforts of the Malaysian government and the OrangUtanuk charity. We paid 10MR for camera use, but mobile phone photos were free. When the mother and her baby arrived at the feeding station, I opted to savor the moment rather than take numerous pictures, which I will cherish in my memory. Our guide led us to the nursery where we observed the baby orphans being fed behind glass for their protection. They were delightful and full of energy. Kudos to the staff and volunteers for their impressive work in conserving these remarkable forest inhabitants. Thank you.”— Sue W

6. Private transfer to or from Sandakan Airport, city, or Sepilok

Direct, air-conditioned transfer from Sandakan Airport, city, or Sepilok to your accommodation; luggage assistance included.

“Excellent service with effective communication, especially since our evening flight was delayed by 20 minutes. It made the pickup from a smaller airport quite convenient.”— Steven_F

7. 3-day Kinabatangan River wildlife cruise and lodge stay

Three days on the Kinabatangan River with wildlife spotting, guided jungle walks, and accommodation at Tanini Kinabatangan lodge.

“We had an excellent experience with this travel agent. They provided clear explanations both prior to and during the tour, allowing us to fully benefit from their knowledge throughout the journey.”— 943jenna

8. Sepilok Orangutan and Sun Bear Conservation Tour from Sandakan

Five hours by van — visit the Sepilok Orangutan Centre, Sun Bear Rehabilitation Centre, and Labuk Bay for Proboscis monkeys, with informative nature observation throughout.

“This trip was among the best tours I’ve ever experienced. Our guide, James, along with the driver from Magunatip Holidays, were exceptional, and I would rate them a perfect 10/10. The efforts put into the orangutan sanctuary are truly commendable.”— janddpowell

9. 3-day wildlife adventure in Sandakan

Three-day, full-board package — visit orangutans, sun bears, and explore the Kinabatangan River with accommodation at Bilit Adventure Lodge.

“The experience was thrilling, and we were fortunate enough to spot the Big Five. Our guide, Akmal, was friendly, professional, and highly knowledgeable. The Bilit Adventure Lodge offered cleanliness and comfort, with attentive staff and excellent food. We highly recommend this tour.”— jwell825

10. Deramakot forest safari tour — three days and two nights

Three days and two nights in Deramakot Forest, searching for Borneo's wildlife, including elusive clouded leopards, orangutans, and pygmy elephants.

“I highly suggest this safari experience. We encountered numerous mammals and birds, highlighted by an unforgettable sighting of a family of pygmy elephants. The staff and guides were friendly and well-informed, and the food at the canteen was excellent. WiFi is available for a small fee on site. Accommodations are basic since it operates as a research station, but each chalet includes beds and a private bathroom. The opportunity to immerse ourselves in the deep primary rainforest made the simple lodging worthwhile. We enjoyed several drives at dawn, during the day, and at dusk, with our driver demonstrating impressive skills in spotting wildlife. It was nice not to have monkeys invading the lodges like you experience in Kinabatangan. Overall, it was an incredible experience that I highly recommend and consider worth every penny.”— donmK2660DA

11. Full-day wildlife tour in Sandakan, Borneo

A full day of wildlife viewing in Sandakan — Sepilok Orangutan Rehabilitation Centre, Labuk Bay for proboscis monkeys, the Bornean Sun Bear Conservation Centre, and trails at Rainforest Discovery Centre.

“Hadi was a fantastic guide, full of knowledge. I initially feared the tour would be rushed, but we actually had ample time to explore and enjoy each experience without hurrying from one location to another. The little bus was clean and comfortable, and we were fortunate to be the only guests, allowing us to adjust our itinerary as needed. We opted out of the rainforest walk because of the rain and chose to spend extra time with the proboscis monkeys.”— jamesgB1101RU

12. 3 Days, 2 Nights Tanjung Bulat Jungle Camp and Gomantong Cave

Two nights in a local-run jungle camp near Kinabatangan River, includes visits to Gomantong Cave and a focus on responsible tourism practices.

“Very rustic and incredibly amazing! I can't imagine a better way to spend 3 days and 2 nights. The entire experience, from hotel pickup to boat drop-off, was well organized. Remember to bring your own personal items like soap, hair products, towels, and flip flops. If you're prone to overheating, I recommend a battery-operated fan since electricity is available only from 6 PM to 10 PM. The staff genuinely care about guest welfare, so don’t hesitate to reach out if you need anything. We encountered various wildlife, including Orangutans and Proboscis Monkeys, and saw many birds and some crocodiles. The night hikes and boating excursions are a must—they were fantastic. Keep in mind that this is not a 5-star resort; I’d rate it between half and 1 star. They prioritize safety, which means trips may be rescheduled or canceled due to storms or flooding. If you're adventurous and don’t require luxury, I suggest you go for it.”— Gene_M