OVERVIEW:

The Sukau/lower kinabatangan area is a zoo safari and night safari all rolled into one. The Kinabatangan Wildlife Sanctuary is only 26,103 hectares in size and within this tiny area (hemmed in by palm oil plantations from all sides), is a great variety of animals and flora, some endemic to Borneo and some endemic to the area itself. The diversity of this area is unimaginable. There are a recorded 1000 plant species, 250 bird species, 90 fish species and reptilian and 50 mammal species cramped into the area. And sometimes during the rainy season between December and February, the river bursts its banks and floods over the floodplain inundating a vast area. The animals suffer a great deal from this as the higher grounds where they used to retreat to, are now palm oil plantations and they are left with little land to survive and even less to feed on during these months of hardship. It’s been known that animals starve to death during these times. For the drier periods, visitors have a higher chance of animal sightings and animals like the Pygmy Borneo Elephants, the Orang Utan, Probocis Monkeys, Silver Leaf Monkeys or Langurs, Macaques, Civet Cats, Snakes, Estuarine Crocodiles, Otters, Wild boars, birdlife such as the Oriental Darters or Snakeheads they are called, Herons, Wallace's Hawk-Eagle, Jerdon's Baza, Violet Cuckoo, Blue-eared Kingfisher, Grey-headed Fish-Eagle and hornbills.

DAY 1

Pick-up from Sandakan airport or hotel at 0800 hours. Meet the wild man of Borneo at the Sepilok Orang Utan Rehabilitation Centre located in a tropical lowland forest 40 minutes drive from Sandakan town. Upon arrival, proceed to the feeding platform and observe at close range orphaned Orang Utan being rehabilitated under a successful conservation program. Be amazed by the gentleness and intelligence of this primate. Visit the Nature Education Centre to learn more about the Orang Utan and its environment.  After that, transfer to jetty in Sandakan for a boat ride to the Lower Kinabatangan River Sanctuary. Lunch will be served at Abai Jungle Restaurant. After lunch, cruise up to Sukau village in search of primates especially the Endemic Proboscis Monkeys, birds and other wildlife. Check in to your accommodation for the night at a river lodge.  (L, D)

DAY 2

Wake up early in the misty wild Borneo jungle. Take a morning boat ride upriver to Ox-Bow Lake for an opportunity to discover animals and bird life found in this area. Return to lodge for breakfast.  Free at your own leisure till late afternoon. Board on another river cruise to search for more wildlife. Dinner and overnight at river lodge. (B, L, D)

DAY 3

Travel to Sandakan for lunch and a city tour. Visit various landmarks and historical points in Sandakan, known once as the "little Hong Kong."  Visit the huge Puu Jih Shih Buddhist Temple for a panoramic view of Sandakan town and across the huge bay. After lunch at local restaurant, transfer to hotel or airport. (B, L)

Own toiletries, Insect repellant, Comfortable-walking shoes, Torchlight, Caps/Hat and Raincoat