This comprehensive 10-day adventure begins with iconic orangutans and sun bears at Sepilok before heading deep into Deramakot Forest Reserve, renowned for its rare and elusive species. Explore the Kinabatangan River on dawn and dusk cruises, then trek into the untouched wilderness of Danum Valley for canopy walks and waterfalls. The journey ends in Kota Kinabalu with snorkeling at Tunku Abdul Rahman Marine Park and free time to relax by the sea.
Sandakan /Kota Kinabalu
(Ideally 8:00 am – Any Hotel in Sandakan)
Orangutan & sun bear encounters at Sepilok
Night safaris in Deramakot Forest Reserve
Dawn & dusk cruises along the Kinabatangan River
Jungle treks & canopy walks in Danum Valley
Snorkeling in Tunku Abdul Rahman Marine Park
Balanced mix of adventure, nature, and relaxation
(Early morning — ideally)
Meet in Sandakan and visit the Sepilok Orangutan Rehabilitation Centre to observe the morning feeding session, followed by the Bornean Sun Bear Conservation Centre. After lunch, transfer by 4WD into the interior towards Deramakot Forest Reserve. Arrive by late afternoon and prepare for a night safari in search of nocturnal wildlife.
Rise early for a sunrise drive and forest walk. After breakfast, spend the day exploring trails with opportunities to spot orangutans, gibbons, hornbills, and other rare wildlife. In the evening, embark on a night drive for a chance to encounter clouded leopard, civets, and slow loris.
Depart Deramakot in the morning and journey to the Kinabatangan River. Check into your riverside lodge and enjoy a late afternoon cruise, with excellent chances to see proboscis monkeys, crocodiles, hornbills, and perhaps pygmy elephants. Optional guided night walk after dinner.
Start the day with a dawn river safari when wildlife is most active. After breakfast, relax at the lodge or explore the surrounding trails. In the late afternoon, return to the river for another wildlife cruise.
After breakfast, travel overland to Lahad Datu, then continue deep into the Danum Valley Conservation Area. Upon arrival at the Field Centre, check in and attend a short briefing. Take an introductory guided walk around the centre, and after dinner join a night drive for nocturnal wildlife.
Enjoy a guided jungle hike to Rhino Pool with a packed lunch. Return in the afternoon via the Coffin Trail, where ancient burial sites lie hidden in the forest. After dinner, head out on a night walk for nocturnal species.
Morning trek to Tembaling Waterfall to enjoy the pristine rainforest. After lunch, explore the Orchid Trail with your guide. Evening free to relax at the centre.
After breakfast, transfer back to Lahad Datu for your flight to Kota Kinabalu. On arrival, check into your hotel and enjoy the rest of the day at leisure.
Spend a full day island-hopping and snorkeling at Tunku Abdul Rahman Marine Park. Enjoy two guided snorkeling sessions with vibrant corals and marine life, followed by an island lunch and relaxation on the beach.
Free and easy morning until your airport transfer for onward flights.
