Top 10 water & beach things to do in Sandakan

1. 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.

2. 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.

3. 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

4. 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

5. Borneo wildlife tour — 2 days at Tanjung Bulat Jungle Camp

Two days, one night in a unique jungle camp on the Kinabatangan River, offering intimate wildlife experiences with local guides and a commitment to conservation.

“What an incredible experience. We went for 2 days and 1 night, spotting four different monkey species, including a wild orangutan, along with crocodiles and many fascinating birds. While we didn't see the elephants, spending the night in the jungle and waking up surrounded by monkeys was absolutely worth it. I would have loved to extend our stay for a second night if time had permitted. Our guide was very knowledgeable, skilled at spotting wildlife, and shared some entertaining stories about the area. Having brought a beer to enjoy by the riverside at night would have made it even better. Overall, it was a fantastic time, and I would gladly do it again.”— Jaudyn

6. Wildlife tour at Tanjung Bulat Jungle Camp, Kinabatangan

Three days, two nights at a locally-operated jungle camp — wildlife spotting on the Kinabatangan River with a focus on conservation and community.

“Fantastic experience with an amazing team, great location, and enjoyable activities. The guides were exceptional, and the rooms were of high quality. I appreciate everything provided.”— simon v

7. Mangrove tour and fireflies cruise with dinner from Sandakan

Evening boat trip through mangroves, dinner included — see fireflies and visit a local village for a glimpse of daily life.

“The mangrove cruise was amazing. We spotted a crocodile and numerous fireflies, making the experience truly incredible. A special thanks to our travel manager, Abdul, for his guidance.”— Climber13305648635

8. Two-day wildlife tour in Sandakan with river cruise

Two days exploring Sandakan — visit Sepilok Orangutan Rehabilitation Centre, enjoy a Kinabatangan river cruise, with private transfers and meals included.

“I arranged my trip through Asia Green Travel with no complications. I stayed in a mixed dorm with air conditioning at Borneo Natural Sukau Biiit Resort. The cost was RM371, which included all meals, four river cruises, two night walks, and one day jungle walk, along with transfers to and from the airport or Sandakan town. I noticed that the river cruises on the first two days visit different locations, so it's beneficial to be with the same group to experience the various routes; this isn't explicitly mentioned, so stay aware. I recommend bringing small binoculars or renting one, as well as rubber boots, which are also available for rent. Make sure to pack a good mosquito repellent (Deet doesn't work, by the way) for the jungle walks, and a flashlight for the night excursions. It's cool at sunrise, so a light jacket or windbreaker is a good idea to have on hand.”— JTdxbSin

9. Kinabatangan River cruise from Sandakan

Two-hour boat cruise on the Kinabatangan River showcasing wildlife and unique landscapes.

“I reached out to Abdul Qayyam after reading positive reviews elsewhere, and I was thoroughly pleased. I shared our desire to see the 'big 5' at the Kinabatangan River with him, and he was very accommodating. He picked us up from the Jungle Resort in Sepilok and drove us to the river for our cruise. The guide he arranged was excellent, spotting a variety of wildlife such as different monkeys, orangutans, crocodiles, and rhinoceros hornbills. We had a wonderful experience. After the tour, Abdul took us back to our next hotel. He is polite, reliable, and trustworthy, doing an exceptional job organizing this memorable trip. I highly recommend his services. You can reach him on WhatsApp at +60 11-1669 5114.”— FrequentFlier440843

10. 3-day wildlife journey in Sukau Rainforest

Three days, two nights in Sukau — wildlife cruises on the Kinabatangan River, rainforest exploration, and opportunities to see unique flora and fauna in Malaysian Borneo.

“Experiencing this in Borneo is essential. The staff is fantastic, and the deluxe rooms are both clean and cozy. I highly recommend extending your stay to two nights to enhance your chances of seeing the big five animals. Free rainboots are available for borrowing.”— LaerkeDK1997