Sandakan: Kinabatangan River Wildlife Cruise With Lunch

Embarking on a captivating journey through Sabah’s captivating landscapes, the "Sandakan: Kinabatangan River Wildlife Cruise With Lunch" offers an immersive exploration of the region’s diverse wildlife. With flexible booking options and a full refund guarantee, this one-day tour promises an unforgettable experience, from the chance to spot elusive orangutans and proboscis monkeys to indulging in a delightful lunch at the Sukau Jungle Resort. Whether you’re a nature enthusiast or simply seeking a unique adventure, this tour might just be the perfect way to unlock the wonders of the Kinabatangan River.

This experience made our list of the 5 Best Lunch Experiences In Sandakan.

Key Points

• This 1-day Kinabatangan River wildlife cruise from Sandakan offers opportunities to observe diverse primate species, including orangutans and proboscis monkeys.
• The tour includes hotel/airport pickup, English-speaking guide, lunch, and afternoon tea, with flexible booking and cancellation options.
• The itinerary involves a 2-hour overland drive and a 10-minute riverboat transfer to the Kinabatangan River for a 2-hour guided wildlife viewing cruise.
• Travelers should be prepared for potential mosquito encounters and bring recommended items like hats, sunscreen, and binoculars.
• While the overall experience is positive, some reviewers have noted concerns regarding trip duration and meal quality, so expectations should be managed accordingly.

You can check if your dates are available here:

Overview and Pricing

The Kinabatangan River Wildlife Cruise with Lunch is an activity in Sandakan that costs from $190.24 per person.

This 1-day tour allows you to explore Sabah’s longest river and observe a diverse range of wildlife, including proboscis monkeys, langurs, macaques, orangutans, and 10 primate species.

The tour includes hotel or airport pickup, an English-speaking guide, the river cruise, 1 lunch, and 1 afternoon tea.

Customers can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, and there’s no upfront payment required to reserve your spot.

However, the tour isn’t suitable for pregnant women or those with back problems.

Itinerary and Transportation

Pickup locations for the tour include Sandakan Airport and Hotel Sandakan. From there, guests are transferred to Sepilok Jungle Resort, a 30-minute journey. After a 1-hour lunch at Sukau Jungle Resort, the group embarks on a 2-hour overland drive to Bilit. They then take a 10-minute river boat transfer to begin the guided wildlife tour along the Kinabatangan River, which lasts for 2 hours. The tour includes an afternoon tea with local snacks before the 2-hour return transfer from Bilit to Sandakan.

Pickup Locations	Transfer Times
Sandakan Airport	30 minutes
Hotel Sandakan	2 hours
Bilit to Sandakan	2 hours

Wildlife Sightings

Along the Kinabatangan River, one of Sabah’s longest waterways, guests can spot an array of wildlife.

Cruise by boat and watch for proboscis monkeys, langurs, and macaques swinging through the mangroves. With luck, you may even catch a glimpse of elusive orangutans or slow lorises in the trees.

The river is also home to over 8 species of hornbills, as well as kingfishers, trogons, flycatchers, sunbirds, broadbills, and herons.

Other animals to look out for include mangrove snakes, vipers, and estuarine crocodiles. If you’re very fortunate, you might even spot the majestic Asian elephant on the riverbanks.

This wildlife-rich cruise offers an unforgettable experience in Sabah’s lush natural environment.

Included Amenities

This wildlife cruise includes a range of amenities to enhance the experience.

Pickup and drop-off from Sandakan airport or hotel are provided, ensuring a seamless start and end to the day. An English-speaking guide accompanies the tour, sharing insights about the river’s wildlife and environment.

Guests can enjoy a tasty lunch at Sukau Jungle Resort and an afternoon tea with local snacks.

The tour also covers the river boat transfer and the guided wildlife viewing cruise along the Kinabatangan River.

Visitors are advised to bring essential items like hats, cameras, and insect repellent to make the most of this immersive nature experience.

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Recommendations

For this wildlife cruise, travelers are advised to dress comfortably and bring essential items like hats, sunscreen, and insect repellent. Binoculars are also recommended to enhance wildlife viewing. It’s important to note that the tour is not suitable for pregnant women or those with back problems.

Recommended	Not Recommended
Hat	Pregnant women
Camera	People with back problems
Sunscreen
Insect repellent
Comfortable clothes

Smoking is not permitted on the tour, and participants should be prepared for potential encounters with mosquitoes and other insects during the cruise.

Customer Feedback

Based on the limited customer reviews available, the Kinabatangan River Wildlife Cruise in Sandakan has received a mixed response.

Reviewers gave the overall experience a rating of 4 out of 5 stars, with some positive remarks on the boat trip and wildlife sightings.

However, there were also concerns about the trip duration and the quality of the provided lunch.

Despite these minor issues, the tour generally seems to offer a worthwhile opportunity to observe a diverse array of wildlife along the Kinabatangan River.

Potential customers should keep these mixed reviews in mind when considering this Sandakan wildlife cruise.

Booking and Cancellation

Booking the Kinabatangan River Wildlife Cruise in Sandakan is a straightforward process, with a reservation system that offers free cancellation and the option to pay later.

To book the tour:

1. Select your preferred travel date and the number of participants.
2. Provide your contact details and any special requests.
3. Confirm your booking with no upfront payment required.
4. Cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund if your plans change.

This flexible booking policy makes it easy to plan your Kinabatangan River adventure.

With a range of pickup locations and the option to reserve your spot now and pay later, the booking process is hassle-free.

Tour Duration and Meal Quality

The duration of the Kinabatangan River Wildlife Cruise is a focal point for many travelers. The tour lasts approximately 7 hours, including transfers and the 2-hour boat cruise.

Some reviewers felt the trip was too long, while others were satisfied with the time allotted. The lunch provided at the Sukau Jungle Resort received mixed reviews. Some found the meal quality lacking, while others felt it was adequate.

Regardless of opinions on duration and meal quality, the opportunity to spot diverse wildlife along the river is the main draw of this excursion. Travelers should manage their expectations regarding the logistics and focus on the incredible wildlife viewing experience.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is There an Option to Upgrade the Tour Package?

There’s no mention of an option to upgrade the tour package. The details provided cover the standard 1-day wildlife cruise with lunch. Customers should inquire with the tour operator if any upgrades or add-ons are available.

Can the Tour Accommodate Dietary Restrictions?

The tour can accommodate dietary restrictions with advance notice. Guests should notify the tour provider of any dietary needs, and the provider will work to provide appropriate meal options during the cruise and lunch.

What Is the Maximum Group Size for This Tour?

The maximum group size for this tour isn’t specified in the provided details. However, it’s typical for small group wildlife tours to have a cap of around 12-15 participants to ensure an intimate experience and minimize disturbance to the animals.

Are There Any Age Restrictions for the River Cruise?

The tour does not have any age restrictions. Children of all ages are welcome to join the river cruise. However, the activity may not be suitable for very young children or those with mobility issues.

Can the Tour Be Booked for a Private Group?

The tour can be booked for a private group. Travelers can arrange a private wildlife cruise along the Kinabatangan River with an English-speaking guide and customized itinerary to suit their preferences.

Recap

The "Sandakan: Kinabatangan River Wildlife Cruise With Lunch" offers an immersive nature experience. Guests can observe diverse wildlife, including orangutans and proboscis monkeys, during a 2-hour guided river cruise. The tour includes hotel/airport pickup, an English-speaking guide, lunch, and afternoon tea, providing a comprehensive and convenient package. With flexible booking and a full refund option, this tour is a great way to explore Sabah’s natural wonders.

You can check if your dates are available here: