Sandakan’s boat tours offer excellent wildlife viewing along Borneo’s richest waterways. The standout choice is the 2D1N Private Tour, which smartly combines both river cruising and orangutan viewing at Sepilok. I especially love the Kinabatangan River Wildlife Cruise for its incredible wildlife spotting – you’ll likely see proboscis monkeys, hornbills, and if you’re lucky, wild orangutans. For something special, try the evening Mangrove Cruise With Fireflies Tour, which perfectly pairs a sunset river journey with nature’s light show. Easy cancellation policies make booking worry-free. Let’s look at the best boat tours Sandakan has to offer.
Key Points
- The 2D1N Sandakan Private Tour offers a comprehensive experience including a Kinabatangan River cruise and Sepilok Orangutan Rehabilitation Centre visit.
- The Kinabatangan River Wildlife Cruise provides guided small-group wildlife spotting opportunities with mixed reviews on transportation and dining.
- The Mangrove Cruise With Fireflies Tour offers a private 4-hour excursion with scenic river cruising, sunset viewing, and fireflies observation.
- The Kinabatangan River Full-Day Cruise is an 8-hour shared excursion with convenient pickups, wildlife sightings, and local dinner provided.
- Traveler support and flexible booking policies are available across the tours, enhancing customer satisfaction and hassle-free planning.
2D1N Sandakan Private Tour With Kinabatangan River Cruise
What better way to explore the natural wonders of Sandakan than with a private tour that includes a captivating Kinabatangan River cruise? Priced at just $290 per person, this 2-day tour offers an incredible value, with a lowest price guarantee and free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance.
The tour highlights include a visit to the renowned Sepilok Orangutan Rehabilitation Centre, where you’ll witness the incredible efforts to protect and rehabilitate these magnificent primates.
The itinerary also features a Kinabatangan River cruise, allowing you to learn about the lush, wildlife-rich environment. Accommodation is provided at a rustic lodge for one night, ensuring a truly authentic experience.
The tour’s cancellation policy is flexible, and the product code (29580P71) makes it easy to reference.
With an overall rating of 4.3 out of 22 reviews, this private tour is a must-consider for anyone seeking an unforgettable Sandakan adventure.
Traveler support is available through the Viator Help Centre, ensuring a seamless booking process and a memorable journey.
Read our full review: 2D1N Sandakan Private Tour With Kinabatangan River Cruise Review
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Sandakan: Kinabatangan River Wildlife Cruise With Lunch
Set out on a captivating journey through the heart of Sabah’s natural wonders with the Sandakan: Kinabatangan River Wildlife Cruise with Lunch. Priced at $182.50 per person, this 1-day excursion takes you along the Kinabatangan River, the longest in Sabah, to spot a diverse array of wildlife.
Led by an English-speaking guide, you’ll depart from Sandakan Airport or your hotel, traveling by van to Sepilok Jungle Resort for lunch. After a 2-hour drive, you’ll board a river boat for a guided tour along the Kinabatangan.
Keep your eyes peeled for proboscis monkeys, langurs, macaques, orangutans, and 10 primate species, as well as 8 hornbill species and other birds. Crocodiles, snakes, and even Asian elephants may also make an appearance.
With a maximum of 10 participants, this small-group tour offers an intimate wildlife experience. Though some reviews note long travel times and unsatisfactory dining, the opportunity to learn about Sabah’s lush riverine ecosystem makes this cruise a worthwhile adventure.
Read our full review: Sandakan: Kinabatangan River Wildlife Cruise With Lunch Review
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Mangrove Cruise With Fireflies Tour Including Dinner From Sandakan
Travelers seeking an immersive evening experience can enjoy the Mangrove Cruise With Fireflies Tour Including Dinner From Sandakan. This 4-hour tour provides a private excursion for individual groups, beginning with tea at a local bed and breakfast.
Guests will have the opportunity to interact with village children through games before embarking on a scenic river cruise. The highlight of the tour is the sunset viewing at Pamaguan Island, followed by a dinner served back at the bed and breakfast.
Along the way, travelers can observe the mesmerizing fireflies in the mangroves. The tour is suitable for visitors in the Sandakan town area and includes pickup service, an instant mobile ticket, and tour language in English.
Travelers should note the moderate physical fitness required and that the tour is operated by MAM Holidays Malaysia. The flexible cancellation policy offers full refunds up to 24 hours in advance.
Read our full review: Mangrove Cruise With Fireflies Tour Including Dinner From Sandakan Review
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Kinabatangan River Cruise From Sandakan
The Kinabatangan River Cruise from Sandakan offers an immersive full-day experience for nature enthusiasts seeking to explore the biodiverse wildlife of Malaysian Borneo.
The 8-hour tour provides convenient pickups from various locations and instant mobile tickets for hassle-free planning. Travelers can expect a shared excursion format, allowing for social interaction during the journey.
The tour includes an afternoon cruise along the Kinabatangan River, where participants have the opportunity to spot primates and birds along the riverbanks. A local dinner is provided during the cruise, ensuring a complete and satisfying experience.
Comfortable climate-controlled transportation is available for the travel segments, ensuring a pleasant journey.
The tour is guided by in-house experts who provide assistance and insights throughout the day. Cancellations up to 24 hours in advance are eligible for a full refund, adding to the flexibility and reliability of the offering.
While reviews have been mixed, the tour’s wildlife sightings and guide quality have received positive remarks, making it a compelling option for those seeking a Kinabatangan River adventure.
Read our full review: Kinabatangan River Cruise From Sandakan Review
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The Sum Up
Sandakan offers a range of exciting boat tours and cruises that allow visitors to explore the area’s natural wonders. From the Kinabatangan River, home to a diverse array of wildlife, to the enchanting fireflies in the mangrove forests, these experiences provide a unique opportunity to take in the region’s stunning landscapes and ecosystems. Whether seeking a day trip or an overnight adventure, Sandakan’s boat tours cater to a variety of interests and budgets.