Sandakan: 2D1N Kinabatangan Wild Forest Lodge – Far from Crowds

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Booking Overview Highlights Includes/Excludes Cancellation Faqs Services Reviews

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Overview

Duration:2 days 1 night
Travelers:1 - 15 guests
Tour Type:Group tour, Package tour
Language:English, Malay
Start:MESCOT Initiative Visitor Centre
End at:MESCOT Initiative Visitor Centre
Payments:Pay Advance
Cancellation:Non-refundable

Experience the Kinabatangan rainforest on this 2-day, 1-night community-led tour. This local community-managed experience takes you to a peaceful riverside where diverse species flourishes amidst beautiful foliage and conservation efforts while providing opportunities for chance to spot wildlife along the rivers, away from crowds. When book this tour, you’re not just scoping out nature—you’re also lending a hand to protect it! It's a mix of education, conservation, and wildlife adventure all rolled into one. Life here has its own rhythm: simple, straightforward and completely raw. Instead of a luxurious lodge, It's a jungle tour where everyone helps and protects the rainforest for future generations.

Highlights

Escape the crowds for an unforgettable journey into the wild
Take in the authentic jungle atmosphere while supporting regional conservation initiatives
Participate in river cruises and jungle strolls with local guides
Witness incredible wildlife inside the jungle or river
Get involved in community-driven conservation projects

Includes/Excludes

1 night stay in an off-grid forest lodge or guesthouse in the woods
2 sessions of river cruise at sunrise and sunset
1 night jungle walk
1 breakfast, 1 lunch, and 1 dinner
Free-flowing drinking water, tea and coffee (none alcohol or juice)
Local guide
Sukau and kinabatangan national park fees
Boat, life jackets, and transfer fees
All permit fees and local tax

Pickup and drop off from sandakan city, airport or sepilok
Optional activities: tree planting and learn about conservation program

Tour maps

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Itinerary

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Day 1 : Where the Wild Awakens

Check up at KOPEL headquarters and enjoy a local meal while learning about the eco-camp and its conservation goals. Then hop a boat down the Kinabatangan River to the TREC jungle lodge or guesthouse, which is tucked between an oxbow lake and the river and can only be reached by boat. The camp is surrounded by thick forest. Stay in an elevated lodge or guesthouse that promotes environmental stewardship and floodplain forest vibes. Start your first wildlife river trip as the day cools. Now is the time to see Borneo's "Big Five"—pygmy elephants, orangutans, proboscis monkeys, hornbills, crocodiles, or nothing. Primate species sleep on riverbanks, generating energy. Return to camp to freshen yourself before dinner, then enjoy a great meal created with fresh local ingredients in the dining room while listening to the jungle's midnight symphony. Explore the rainforest's nocturnal splendour on a guided walk under the stars after dinner. Overnight the night in a forest lodge or guesthouse in the woods

Day 2 : Awaken the Guardian

Wake up for a morning river cruise! The fog rolling over the river at dawn sets a magical scene, and a great opportunity to spot birds and other little creatures starting their day along the banks. Return for a breakfast, relax, or explore. After that, check out and hop on a boat to cruise back to the base where the meeting point start.

from~~200 $~~ 31 $ /person

-85%

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Guest

You can select between 1 to 15 travelers in total.

AdultAge 13+Min. 1, Max. 15

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Frequently asked questions

What should i know before booking?

The solar-powered eco-camp uses natural airflow to keep things cool without the need for electricity! It's not about luxury resorts; this experience provides a real, immersing time in wilderness. Underneath the forest lodge or guesthouse in the woods are shelters with warm sleeping mats and bucket baths. It's all about a true adventure. In a wildlife area, animals roam around freely, so you can't always expect to spot them. It's not a sure thing, but our guide will definitely give it their all to help you find them.

What's the best way to get here without pickup?

Getting right here by bus is totally doable! Hop on a bus from Sandakan to Semporna, Lahad Datu, or Tawau, and just let the driver know to drop you off at the road, you'll see the meeting spot right across the street from the office. If you'd like more quickly, we are able to totally set up a taxi for you! It'll cost around 450 ringgit for a car that fits 4 people, or 600 ringgit for a van that holds 8 person.

Does the tour include pickup and drop-off?

For this trip, there is no pick-up. instead, participants must report to the specified meeting location. If a transportation is needed, it may be arranged, but the trip is one-way and costs an extra 450 ringgit for a vehicle and 600 ringgit for a van.

Can I get a refund if I missed some tour or only participated partial?

Unfortunately, the tour is none refundable so it's not really possible to refund or change that. It might be best to just join in. All itinerary could change due to some rough weather or animal safety concerns.

What can I expect during the stay?

The eco-camp runs on solar power and keeps things breezy with natural ventilation without electricity! This experience offers a genuine, immersive time in the forest—it's not about luxury resorts. It's all about a real adventure, where you'll find shelters with bucket showers and cosy sleeping mats right under the forest canopy or in a homestay.

Is there air conditioning at the homestay?

Totally! It's just for guesthouse, though. On the flip side, the jungle lodge offers bucket showers and floor sleeping mats, no air conditioning in sight. It's really all about backing the local community and lending a hand to those around here.

Would you arrange for a vegan or vegetarian option?

Yep, it's totally free and there are no extra charges. Just give us quickly reminder up when you make your reservation or the day before you check in, so our staff can get everything ready for you.

Are all wildlife guaranteed to be seen?

In a wildlife area, animals roam around freely, so you can't always expect to spot them. It's not a sure thing, but our guide will definitely give it their all to help you find them.