Sandakan: 4D3N Kinabatangan, Forest, Sepilok and Cave

Start your trip with a pickup in Sandakan or at the Airport. Visit the Sepilok Rehabilitation Centre and immerse in the wonders of Bornean conservation. Witness the beauty of the natural forest environment, gain insights into conservation efforts, education, and research, followed by a delightful lunch and a chance to relax. Explore the wonders of the Rainforest Discovery Centre (RDC) nestled within the Kabili-Sepilok Forest Reserve. Ascend majestic towers linked by an amazing 347-meter suspension bridge soaring above the lush forest floor. Observe and hear more than 300 avian species flitting through the canopy. With a touch of fortune, maybe potential to catch a glimpse of majestic hornbills, vibrant broadbills, or the elusive Bornean bristlehead soaring among the treetops. As the afternoon unfolds with a leisurely lunch, the forest undergoes a stunning transformation. The vibrant sounds of the day fade away, giving way to the enchanting presence of the night, which emerges with an air of mystery. Dine and rest in Sandakan.

After breakfast, embark on an 3-hour trip toward the majestic Kinabatangan River. On your journey, take a fascinating escape to the Gomantong Caves, an area hailed by WWF as "the best-managed bird's nest cave in the world". Step into the majestic Simud Hitam cavern through the elevated boardwalk, where the atmosphere feels almost cathedral-like. Explore the breathtaking ecosystem of the cave and witness the time-honoured tradition of bird nest harvesting during the appropriate season,. The cave floor, teeming with guano, draws in swiftlets, bats, and a variety of intriguing scavengers. then lunch and arrive at eco-lodge or cosy homestay nestled near to the banks of the Sukau section of the river—your delightful retreat for the next two nights. Once settled in, set off on first sunset river cruise, perfectly timed to coincide with the enchanting golden hours when the riverside wildlife comes alive and is most visible.

Awaken with the dawn for a breathtaking morning cruise, the world is hushed, a veil of mist dances above the shadowy waters, while the jungle stirs to life with a symphony of vibrant birdsong and the calls of playful primates. After a hearty breakfast, lace up your boots and embark on an enchanting stroll through the lush rainforest alongside your naturalist guide. Learn to recognise animal tracks on the forest floor, discover wild plant medicines, and appreciate the complex, interconnected web of life in the steamy undergrowth or anything on sights. Return, lunch and rest. As the day begins to wind down, embark on another enchanting river cruise to catch a glimpse of the beloved inhabitants of the river, whether it be playful monkeys or other wildlife, all illuminated by the soft, golden glow of the setting sun. Indulge in a one last delicious dinner filled with local Bornean flavors.

One last early morning river cruise or a quiet coffee are available for those not ready to say goodbye. it's a last day to breathe the Kinabatangan's misty, wild air and see Borneo wake up. After enjoying breakfast at 8:00 AM, gather your belongings and set off on the picturesque journey back to Sandakan. Depart with a collection of images and, even more significantly, a sensory experience filled with sounds, aromas, and visuals from one of the most lively and untamed areas of our planet.