Kinabatangan River Cruise From Sandakan

The Kinabatangan River Cruise is a renowned full-day excursion from Sandakan, offering nature enthusiasts a chance to enjoy Borneo’s stunning landscapes. Travelers can expect comfortable transportation, a delightful local dinner, and the opportunity to spot a diverse array of primates and birdlife along the scenic riverbanks. This tour seamlessly combines a relaxing cruise with immersive wildlife sightings, promising an unforgettable experience for those seeking to explore the natural wonders of the Kinabatangan River. With convenient pickup and drop-off services, the tour provides a hassle-free way to uncover the region’s enchanting biodiversity.

Key Points

• The Kinabatangan River Cruise is a full-day shared excursion from Sandakan that showcases the natural wonders and wildlife along the Kinabatangan River.
• The cruise offers opportunities to spot primates and birdlife along the riverbanks, with transportation provided in a climate-controlled vehicle.
• The tour includes a local dinner, and pickup and drop-off services from Sandakan hotels or the airport for added convenience.
• With an overall rating of 3.5 out of 5, the Kinabatangan River Cruise provides an immersive experience, though quality may vary due to factors like weather and wildlife activity.
• Other related tours from Sandakan include the Sepilok Orang Utan and Sun Bear Tour, Mangrove Cruise with fireflies, and Sandakan City Highlights tour.

Borneo Wildlife Tour Offerings

The Borneo Wildlife Tour offerings provide travelers with a range of immersive experiences to explore the rich biodiversity of the region.

Visitors can initiate a 4-day, 3-night adventure at the Tanjung Bulat Jungle Camp, starting at $417.

Another option is the Labuk Proboscis, Sepilok, and Sun Bear Tour, priced from $147.37, with the group size affecting the pricing.

The Sepilok Orang Utan and Labuk Bay Tour, featuring the Sun Bear, is available from $335.

For those seeking a shorter trip, the Borneo Wildlife Tour offers 3-day, 2-night and 2-day, 1-night packages at the Tanjung Bulat Jungle Camp, starting at $300 and $250, respectively.

Overview of Kinabatangan River Tour

Offered as a shared excursion, the full-day Kinabatangan River tour allows visitors to experience the fascinating natural wonders of this iconic waterway.

The cruise provides opportunities to spot primates and abundant birdlife along the riverbanks. Travelers are transported in a climate-controlled vehicle for comfort, and a local dinner is included during the tour.

Convenient pickup and drop-off services from Sandakan hotels or the airport make the logistics hassle-free.

Combining a scenic river cruise with wildlife sightings, the Kinabatangan River tour offers an immersive exploration of Borneo’s fascinating ecosystem.

Included Activities and Logistics

A seat-in-coach basis is included for transportation, providing comfortable climate-controlled vehicles for the tour. The package also includes a local dinner, allowing you to savor authentic cuisine during the experience. An afternoon cruise on the Kinabatangan River is a highlight, offering the opportunity to spot wildlife along the riverbanks.

Included	Excluded
Tour and Transfers	Additional Items
Local Dinner	–
Afternoon River Cruise	–

The tour has a flexible cancellation policy, with a full refund available if canceled 24 hours in advance. The Kinabatangan River Cruise provides a thorough and inclusive experience for visitors to Sandakan.

Customer Feedback and Ratings

Customers have provided a range of feedback on the Kinabatangan River Cruise experience, with an overall rating of 3.5 out of 5 based on 16 reviews.

One positive review describes the tour as "amazing" with sightings of Borneo’s "big 5."

However, some negative feedback cites issues with the transport, noting it as an "old taxi" on rough roads.

Viator, the tour provider, performs checks on submitted reviews to verify their reliability.

The diverse experiences highlighted in the reviews suggest the quality may vary, likely influenced by factors like weather, wildlife activity, and transportation quality.

Related Tours and Pricing

Along With the Kinabatangan River Cruise, the tour provider offers a range of related experiences and pricing options. These include a Private Full Day Tour of Sepilok Orang Utan and Sun Bear starting at $125.00, a Mangrove Cruise with a fireflies tour and dinner beginning at $64.11, and a 3 Days, 2 Nights Multi-Day Tour at Tanjung Bulat Jungle Camp priced from $300.00. Travelers can also choose a Full Day Orang Utan Tour from $170.00 or a Half-Day City Tour of Sandakan with a local lunch starting at $51.29.

Tour	Duration	Price (from)
Private Full Day Tour	Full Day	$125.00
Mangrove Cruise	–	$64.11
Multi-Day Tour	3 Days, 2 Nights	$300.00
Full Day Orang Utan Tour	Full Day	$170.00
Half-Day City Tour	Half Day	$51.29

Exploring Tanjung Bulat Jungle Camp

As part of the Borneo Wildlife Tour packages, travelers have the opportunity to enjoy the tranquil setting of Tanjung Bulat Jungle Camp.

Situated in the heart of the Bornean rainforest, the camp offers a secluded and authentic jungle experience. Guests can choose from 2-day, 1-night or 3-day, 2-night stays, with packages starting from $250.

Accommodation is in well-appointed tents or dormitory-style lodging, surrounded by the sights and sounds of the jungle. Activities include guided wildlife spotting walks, river cruises, and educational talks on the local ecosystem.

The camp’s remote location allows visitors to disconnect and fully appreciate the natural wonders of Borneo.

Orang Utan and Sun Bear Encounters

One of the popular tours in Sandakan is the "Labuk Proboscis, Sepilok, Sun Bear Tour", which provides visitors the chance to observe two of Borneo’s most iconic wildlife species – the proboscis monkey and the sun bear.

This tour includes lunch and is priced from $147.37, with the exact cost varying based on group size.

Visitors will have the opportunity to see the quirky-nosed proboscis monkeys at the Labuk Bay Proboscis Monkey Sanctuary, as well as the playful sun bears at the Sepilok Rehabilitation Center.

This tour offers a thorough wildlife experience within a compact itinerary, allowing travelers to maximize their time and sightings in the Sandakan area.

Sandakan City Highlights and Tour

While the wildlife encounters around Sandakan are a major draw for visitors, the city itself also offers a range of fascinating sights and experiences. Begin a half-day city tour to explore Sandakan’s vibrant history and culture. Visit the historic English Tea House, wander through the bustling Central Market, and stop by the Sandakan Memorial Park to learn about the region’s wartime past. Savor a local lunch and gain deeper insights into the city’s diverse heritage. Whether you’re interested in architecture, cuisine, or simply soaking up the local atmosphere, Sandakan’s city tour provides a well-rounded experience beyond the wildlife.

Sandakan City Tour Highlights
English Tea House	Historic colonial-era structure
Central Market	Lively marketplace with local produce
Sandakan Memorial Park	Commemorates WWII history and sacrifices
Local Lunch	Opportunity to sample authentic Sabahan cuisine

Frequently Asked Questions

What Is the Best Time of Year to Visit the Kinabatangan River?

The best time to visit the Kinabatangan River is during the dry season, typically from March to September, when wildlife sightings are more abundant and the weather is more favorable for river cruises.

Can I Customize the Kinabatangan River Cruise to My Preferences?

Yes, travelers can customize the Kinabatangan River cruise to their preferences. Many tour operators offer flexible itineraries and private tours that allow customers to tailor the experience to their interests and schedule.

Are There Any Accessibility Accommodations for the Kinabatangan River Tour?

The Kinabatangan River tour offers some accessibility accommodations. Travelers with mobility challenges can request assistance boarding the boat, and the tour provider can arrange private transport for those who prefer a more personalized experience.

What Should I Pack for the Kinabatangan River Cruise Experience?

Travelers should pack lightweight, quick-drying clothing, comfortable walking shoes, sun protection (hat, sunscreen), insect repellent, a small backpack or bag, and binoculars to fully enjoy the wildlife viewing opportunities during the Kinabatangan River cruise experience.

Is There an Option to Extend the Kinabatangan River Tour With Additional Activities?

Yes, there are options to extend the Kinabatangan River tour with additional activities. Travelers can add on visits to Sepilok Orangutan Rehabilitation Center or Labuk Bay Proboscis Monkey Sanctuary to enhance their wildlife experience.

Recap

The Kinabatangan River Cruise offers an unparalleled opportunity to take in Borneo’s natural wonders. Travelers can expect comfortable transportation, delightful local cuisine, and exceptional wildlife sightings, making this tour a must-do for nature enthusiasts. With convenient pickup and drop-off services, the Kinabatangan River Cruise provides a seamless and memorable experience in the stunning landscapes of Borneo.