Sandakan is a treasure trove for travelers who love wildlife, lush rainforests, and unique eco-experiences. Unlike other Malaysian cities, Sandakan’s remote location offers some of Borneo’s most authentic nature encounters, often with fewer crowds. Whether you’re dreaming of spotting orangutans in their natural habitat or watching sea turtles nesting, Sandakan’s 2-day tours deliver memorable experiences. We particularly enjoy the Borneo Wildlife Tour at Tanjung Bulat Jungle Camp — it combines intimate wildlife sightings with genuine local guides and a peaceful jungle setting. For those who want a more comprehensive trip, the 2D1N Sandakan Private Tour with Kinabatangan River Cruise offers a blend of wildlife and cultural highlights, including a visit to Sepilok Orangutan Sanctuary.
In this guide, we’ll compare six top-rated two-day tours in Sandakan, highlighting what makes each special, so you can find the perfect fit for your adventure style. Whether you’re on a budget, traveling with family, or seeking exclusive experiences, there’s something here for everyone.
1. Borneo Wildlife Tour 2 Days 1 Night At Tanjung Bulat Jungle Camp Kinabatangan
Wildlife lovers won’t want to miss this overnight jungle camp experience on the Kinabatangan River. For just $230 per person, you get three wildlife-spotting cruises—morning, afternoon, and night—giving you excellent chances to see animals like orangutans, proboscis monkeys, and pygmy elephants. The tour is run by local people, and visitor numbers are capped, which means you’ll enjoy a peaceful, authentic immersion in nature.
The trip starts with a 2-hour drive from Sandakan or Sepilok, including a local lunch (own expense). You’ll arrive at the Tanjung Bulat Jungle Camp, where dinner features local cuisine and night wildlife watching is a highlight. The camp’s small size ensures personalized attention. After a simple yet comfortable overnight stay, early morning wildlife watching begins at 6:30 am before breakfast. The tour’s focus on small-group, intimate experiences makes it especially appealing for nature enthusiasts.
What makes it stand out: the emphasis on multiple wildlife cruises coupled with staying in a modest jungle camp run by local guides. The reviews praise the enthusiastic guides and the chance to see almost every animal during the night walks. At $230, it offers excellent value for a deep, immersive wildlife experience.
Bottom line: If your main goal is to see Borneo’s wildlife in a quiet, authentic setting, this tour packs a lot into two days without breaking the bank.
2. 2D1N Sandakan Private Tour with Kinabatangan River Cruise
This private tour offers a hassle-free, personalized exploration of Sandakan’s highlights for about $290. Starting with airport pickup, you’ll visit Sepilok Orangutan Sanctuary, where you can observe orangutans in their natural environment. After a hearty lunch, the journey continues with a cruise on the Kinabatangan River, renowned for its high wildlife density.
What makes this tour unique is the flexibility of a private guide and the inclusion of a mix of wildlife viewing, cultural visits—including historic buildings and local markets—and relaxation. The itinerary combines Sepilok with a river cruise that’s perfect for spotting proboscis monkeys and hornbills. You’ll also stay overnight at a rustic lodge, with optional extra activities like night walks available.
Guests report that the tour is well-organized, with knowledgeable guides and a good balance of activities. One reviewer mentions, “We saw lots of wildlife and enjoyed the relaxed pace.” The price reflects its personalized approach and convenience, making it suitable for couples or small groups who prefer comfort and privacy.
Bottom line: Ideal for travelers who want a tailored experience combining wildlife, cultural sights, and comfort, all with a private guide.
3. Sandakan: 2 Days 1 Night Bilit, Kinabatangan River Wildlife
This tour offers a full immersion into the Bilit area of the Kinabatangan River, staying at the Bilit Adventure Lodge. Starting at $353 per person, it features river cruises, night walks, and even tree planting—an eco-conscious choice for nature lovers. The itinerary includes multiple guided cruises, with a focus on spotting elephants, orangutans, and hornbills.
What makes this trip special is the combination of luxury lodge comfort and active wildlife viewing. Guests praise the well-organized excursions and the chance to see animals like elephants crossing the river during the morning cruise, with enthusiastic guides sharing insights. The lodge offers delicious meals that complement the adventure.
Reviews highlight how well the tour balances comfort with authentic wildlife encounters. The inclusion of activities like night walks and community-based tree planting makes it appealing for eco-minded travelers.
Bottom line: For those wanting a relaxing yet wildlife-rich experience with excellent guiding, this tour offers good value and a comfortable base.
4. Kinabatangan River 2-Day Minibus and Boat Sharing Tour
At number 4, this shared minibus and boat tour offers a budget-friendly option for around $334. It includes a stay at Bilit Adventure Lodge with scenic river cruises and night walks that promise a good chance to see orangutans, elephants, and proboscis monkeys.
What sets this tour apart is its simplicity and affordability. It’s perfect for travelers who want a straightforward, local-style experience without the extra frills. The tour emphasizes wildlife viewing and rainforest scenery, with an emphasis on scenic drives and boat trips.
Guests appreciate the well-organized logistics and the chance to see multiple species, though reviews note that the guide’s explanations could be more detailed. It’s a good pick if you’re on a budget but still want the essential wildlife experience.
Bottom line: If you’re looking for an economical, authentic rainforest adventure with good chances of wildlife spotting, this tour fits well.
$334.21 per person
5. Sandakan: 2D1N Turtle Island Sanctuary with Transfer & Meals
For a different kind of wildlife encounter, this tour focuses on sea turtles. For about $465, you travel to Turtle Island, where you can witness nesting turtles, see hatchlings released, and snorkel in clear waters. The experience is enhanced by conservation insights and the chance to participate in turtle releases.
The tour includes hotel pickup, a boat transfer, and a stay on the island. Visitors rave about the chance to see turtles nesting at night and the environmental education provided. The activities are suitable for families and those interested in marine conservation.
Guests mention that the tour is a “living laboratory” where they learn about turtle survival challenges. The highlight, of course, is the release of baby turtles—a touching and memorable event.
Bottom line: Perfect for wildlife enthusiasts wanting a marine-focused adventure, especially if you’re interested in sea turtle conservation.
$465.03 per person
6. Sandakan : 2 Days 1 Night At Turtle Island
This overnight Turtle Island experience at $568 is the most premium option. It combines sea turtle sightings, snorkeling, and beach relaxation with a cozy chalet stay. The tour also emphasizes conservation efforts, and includes watching sea turtles nesting and the release of hatchlings.
What makes this tour stand out is the additional time on the island, allowing for more relaxed exploration and participation in marine life viewing. The itinerary involves multiple marine activity sessions and sunset wildlife viewing.
Reviews emphasize the quality of accommodation and the special event of turtle releases. It’s ideal for families, honeymooners, or anyone wanting a comprehensive marine wildlife experience.
Bottom line: This upscale option suits travelers seeking comfort and a deeper connection with marine conservation while witnessing some of nature’s most impressive nesting events.
$568 per person
How to Choose Your Perfect 2-Day Tour in Sandakan
When selecting a tour, consider your budget, interest focus (rainforest wildlife vs. marine conservation), and comfort level. If you love the idea of seeing a wide variety of animals in a quiet setting, the Borneo Wildlife Tour at Tanjung Bulat Jungle Camp offers great value. For a personalized, flexible experience, the Private Kinabatangan River Tour is ideal.
If eco-conscious travel appeals to you, the Bilit River Wildlife Tour combines comfort with meaningful activities. For budget travelers, the Kinabatangan River Minibus Tour offers a straightforward wildlife safari.
Marine lovers or families might prefer the Turtle Island options, where witnessing turtle nesting and hatchings becomes a highlight. Remember, booking early is recommended, especially for tours with limited spots during peak seasons.
Final Thoughts
Sandakan’s 2-day tours showcase the diversity of Borneo’s natural wonders—from rainforest wildlife to marine conservation. For a deep jungle experience, the Tanjung Bulat Jungle Camp is hard to beat; if you prefer a more curated private trip, the Private Kinabatangan Tour fits well. For those interested in sea turtles, the upscale Turtle Island stay promises a memorable, conservation-focused adventure.
Whatever your choice, Sandakan offers a genuine taste of Borneo’s wild side. Reserving your spot early ensures you won’t miss out on these unforgettable experiences.