Sabah Adventure (6D5N)

Kinabatangan River and Tabin Wildlife Reserve



Itinerary Sabah Adventure
Duration: 6Days/5Nights

Day 1; Kinabatangan Wetland Resort (L/D)

Pick up from the Airport in Sandakan (by the Kinabatangan Wetlands Resort Team). Transfer to Sandakan jetty for boat transfer to Abai, which is situated at the lower Kinabatangan River. The 1.5hours cruise shall bypass Berhala Island, the prominent sandstone cliff, which is a historical site during the World War II. The journey also offers likelihood to observe wildlife along the way. This is where the mangrove forest of the coast merges into the more familiar riverine forest of the Kinabatangan River. It is also here where the intrepid American couple, Martin and Osa Johnson, first documented the wildlife and people of the river in the 1920s. Abai borders one of the most important wildlife refuges, the Kinabatangan Wildlife Sanctuary.

2.30pm Check-in at the Kinabatangan Wetlands Resort, a newly established resort nestled in the pristine mangrove and fresh water forest, secluded at the edge of the RAMSAR (Wetlands of International Importance) site. Have Lunch while you are briefed about the lodge and the activities.

4.00pm – Set off for the afternoon river cruise in search of the mangrove specials, river sceneries, village landscapes and more wildlife. On good weather, we may even get to see firefly colonies, which are found at certain parts of the river. Cruise back to KWR for dinner.

8.30pm – After dinner, take a walk along the boardwalks with your headlamps or torch and look for nocturnal wildlife. Overnight at Kinabatangan Wetlands Resort

Some highlights of bird species in Abai :

Scarlet Minivet, Lesser and Greater Leafbird, Storm Stork, Oriental Darter, Mangrove Blue- flycatcher, Stork Billed and Blue Eared Kingfisher. Buffy Fish-owl, Night Heron, Yellow Bittern, Ruddy Kingfisher, Helmeted hornbill, Pied hornbill, Rhinoceros hornbill, among others.


Day 2; Kinabatangan Wetland Resort (B,L,D)

6.30am – Early morning river cruise to observe more wildlife and birdlife. The cruise will lead to the nearby ox-bow lake, Danau Pitas, to explore the area. Enjoy your packed breakfast while admiring the natural surroundings.

9.00am – Proceed to the local fishing village, Kampung Abai. Interact with the local Orang Sungai (River People) and observe the daily activities in this tiny fishing village. Return to the lodge for rest and lunch.

2.00pm – Explore the surroundings of the resort on your own for in search of plants, insects and birds. Otherwise you can take this time to relax in the tranquility of the lovely resort.

4.30pm – Set off for another adventure as we cruise in search for more wildlife along small tributaries.

8.30pm – After dinner, we set off for a night river cruise along small tributary rivers in search of nocturnal wildlife.

9.30pm – Return to the lodge and fall asleep to the sounds of the forest


Day 3; Bike and Tours B&B (B,D)

After breakfast, checkout from KWR and board the boat for a 2 hours cruise upper stream to Sukau village. Land Transfer from Sukau Village to Bike and Tours B&B Lahad Datu

Kinabatangan Wetland Resort Package includes:

  • 2 nights accommodation at Kinabatangan Wetland Resort
  • Meals as stated
  • Activities as stated
  • 1 night walk,
  • 4 river cruise on the Kinabatangan River
  • Land and boat transfers as stated
  • Nature Guide
  • Tourism Tax

Bike and Tours B&B includes:

  • 1 night accommodation in a double room
  • Dinner
  • Breakfast


Day 4 Tabin Wildlife Resort (B/L/D)

7:00am - Breakfast at Bike and Tours B&B

7:45am - You will be picked up at the Bike and Tours B&B in the east coast town of Lahad Datu and transferred by road to Tabin (2:00 hrs). Check into an attractive timber lodge at Tabin Wildlife Resort, which comes complete with private balcony, air conditioner, ceiling fan and hot water shower, a welcome luxury in the forest. Nestled within the rainforest beside the Lipad river, this lovely setting is home to a surprising variety of birds, insects and small mammals, even right beside the buildings of the resort. Discover the rich variety of jungle herbs, some endemic, used for generations by local folks for the treatment of various ailments.

Visit to Trogon Hall gallery for information about the conservation of Tabin Wildlife Reserve and briefing on birds, insects and animals that is found in this area.

12:30 – Lunch, Free and Easy

In the afternoon, visit the active Lipad mud volcano which provides a mineral salt lick for wildlife. After trekking through the rainforest for 20 minutes, arrive at the elevated bare area of the mud volcano which is frequented by wildlife and birds. Climb the observation tower and admire the contrasting landscape of the bare mud volcano and its surrounding thick forest, where birds are commonly sighted. Try to identify the multitude of animal footprints here. The adventurous can try the effects of the volcanic mud, said to be responsible for a fine complexion. Trek back to the resort along elephant trail.

After dinner, enjoy a CD/Slide presentation on Tabin’s natural wonders, followed by a night safari to look out for nocturnal wildlife and birds. Remember to look up at the clear, dark sky of Tabin, identify the constellations above you and make a wish or two.


Day 5 Tabin Wildlife Resort (B/L/D)

6:00 - Join the early morning bird walk to discover some of Tabin’s rich collection of almost 300 bird species. After breakfast, a drive to the core area for animal’s spotting and for photo session before trekking through the lush green rainforest known for its rich diversity of plants and animal species to visit Lipad Waterfall. Take a dip in the natural pool and enjoy a natural and refreshing shower under the waterfall. Alternatively explore the surrounding vegetation or just relax.

In the afternoon, try out the Tabin Rainforest Foot Soak made with a natural blend of herbs, to relax tired muscles after long jungle treks.

In the evening, a dusk drive to look out for more nocturnal wildlife & birds coming out to look for food during this time of the day.

After dinner, go for a night walk along the trail nearby the resort in search of sleeping birds, frog and nocturnal wildlife.)


Day 6 Bike and Tours B&B (B/L)

OPTIONAL: You may opt to take up a dawn drive at 5:30am or jungle walk to look out for wildlife that is active at this time of the day (at additional cost)

8:30am - Breakfast, free and easy until check out at 1330hours

12:30pm - Lunch

1:30pm - Transfer to Lahad Datu


Tabin Wildlife Resort Package included:

  • 2 nights accommodation at twin sharing room for 2 pax
  • Meals as stated in itinerary
  • Activities as stated in itinerary
  • Transfers as stated in itinerary
  • Nature Tour Guide (not private guide, sharing with other guests)
  • Tourism tax


Not included:

  • Dawn drive



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