Sandakan is a standout destination for anyone eager to see the wild side of Borneo. Its location on the eastern coast of Malaysian Borneo places you amid lush rainforests, winding rivers, and an incredible variety of wildlife. Whether you’re after a guided wildlife safari, an immersive jungle experience, or a peaceful river cruise, Sandakan’s 3-Day Tours deliver. What makes these trips special is their focus on authentic encounters—you’re not just observing from a distance but actively exploring habitats where orangutans, pygmy elephants, proboscis monkeys, and hornbills are common sights. Plus, many tours emphasize conservation and community engagement, giving you a meaningful way to contribute while enjoying the adventure. For instance, the Borneo Wildlife Tour offers guided drives, walks, and boat cruises, with a small group to ensure a personal experience [].
If you’re considering a quick escape into Borneo’s rainforests, these 3-day adventures provide a great mix of wildlife sightings, rainforest trekking, and cultural insights. Here, you’ll find options suited for different budgets, interests, and comfort levels. Whether you want a luxe lodge experience or a more rustic stay, there’s something for you.
1. Borneo Wildlife Tour 3 Days 2 Nights At Tanjung Bulat Jungle Camp Kinabatangan
This tour is ideal if you’re eager for a close-up wildlife experience in Borneo’s most famous riverine rainforest—the Kinabatangan. For $260 per person, you’ll join a small group exploring the jungle via drives, walks, and boat cruises, which significantly boost your chances of seeing iconic species like orangutans, proboscis monkeys, crocodiles, and civets. What sets this trip apart is its emphasis on conservation education; your guide will share insights into local efforts and how proceeds support a tree planting project. The basic but comfortable jungle camp is the base for multiple wildlife watching sessions, including afternoon, morning, and night cruises, giving you varied perspectives of the area’s nocturnal and diurnal animals.
Guests consistently praise the personalized attention from guides, with remarks like “Magnificent guides and a chance to see rainforest life in full swing.” The trip’s value for money is high, especially considering accommodation, local meals, and multiple wildlife excursions are included. The camp’s rustic charm, lack of Wi-Fi, and simple amenities are part of the appeal for nature purists—you’re encouraged to leave behind the distractions of modern life. This tour is perfect for wildlife lovers, adventurous travelers, and those who enjoy a hands-on experience in the jungle.
Bottom Line: A well-rounded, budget-friendly option for up-close wildlife encounters with knowledgeable guides in a remote setting.
2. 3 Days 2 Nights Tanjung Bulat Jungle Camp With Gomantong cave
This private, small-group tour offers an intimate jungle experience with the added highlight of visiting the famous Gomantong Cave, known for its swiftlet nests and bat colonies. Priced at $320 per person, it includes meals, accommodation, and all activities—making it an easy, all-inclusive choice that emphasizes cultural and wildlife exploration. Starting with a pickup in Sandakan or Sepilok, you’ll arrive at the jungle camp by mid-afternoon, ready to dive into afternoon wildlife watching sessions and night walks to see the forest’s nocturnal creatures.
What makes this trip stand out is its combo of rainforest and cave exploration. Visiting Gomantong Cave provides an unusual opportunity to witness the natural architecture and the fascinating ecological interactions of bat populations and cave swiftlets. The guide will take you on guided walks and boat cruises, with sightings of orangutans, monkeys, and various bird species. The reviews emphasize the feeling of genuine jungle immersion—”You have the feeling that you are really in the jungle, away from the crowds,” and “excellent animal encounters.”
This tour is best suited for travelers craving a comprehensive jungle immersion with the convenience of all-inclusive pricing and a focus on wildlife and cave systems. Its small group size and support of local communities add to its appeal.
Bottom Line: For those wanting a mix of rainforest, cave exploration, and intimate wildlife viewing, this tour offers high value and a truly immersive experience.
3. Sandakan 3 Day Sukau Rainforest Wildlife Journey and Cruises
If your main goal is to experience the oldest rainforest on Earth in all its glory, this 3-day tour via Kinabatangan River is a fantastic choice—priced at around $182. It emphasizes river cruises and jungle walks in the Sukau area, renowned for its incredible biodiversity. The journey begins with a drive from Sandakan, leading to a riverside lodge where you’ll spend your nights. The highlight is multiple boat cruises, which provide excellent chances to spot pygmy elephants, hornbills, orangutans, and proboscis monkeys, especially at sunrise and sunset.
This tour is appreciated for its authentic, unpretentious approach and the chance to see wildlife in their natural setting without heavy tourist traffic. Many reviews mention the spectacular wildlife sightings and the tranquil atmosphere. The itinerary also includes guided jungle walks and scenic river cruises, giving a broad view of rainforest life.
The value is high given the inclusive price and the number of wildlife encounters packed into three days. It’s best suited for nature aficionados who want a balanced mix of comfort and adventure. The main drawback for some might be the basic lodge facilities, but for many, that adds to the charm and authenticity.
Bottom Line: A solid choice for travelers seeking an authentic rainforest experience with ample wildlife viewing opportunities.
4. 3D2N Sukau Wildlife Experience
This luxury-style tour at the Borneo Nature Lodge offers a more refined take on rainforest exploration. At $897.25 per person, it’s much pricier but covered with a very high standard of accommodation and guided experiences. The lodge is uniquely rated a 2-star by the Malaysian Tourism Ministry, emphasizing its natural and eco-friendly focus. The tour emphasizes environmental sustainability, with guided river cruises, jungle walks, and wildlife spotting built into the schedule.
Guests enjoying this trip praise the comfortable lodgings and the chance to relax in a rainforest setting while still engaging in wildlife encounters—perfect for those who want a more relaxed and luxurious experience. However, the high cost makes it more suitable for travelers with a generous budget or those who value comfort above all.
This tour is ideal for eco-conscious travelers who want to combine wildlife adventures with luxury and minimal environmental impact. Its main downside is the price, which may be prohibitive for some.
Bottom Line: For those seeking a comfortable, environmentally friendly rainforest experience with guided tours, this provides a premium option.
5. Sandakan : 3-Day Kinabatangan River Wildlife Adventure
This tour offers a comprehensive 3-day exploration of the Bilit area along the Kinabatangan River. For $640, it combines river cruises, jungle walks, and relaxation at the Bilit Adventure Lodge. The itinerary includes multiple wildlife viewing sessions, such as morning and evening boat cruises and guided rainforest walks. One of its key features is the variety of activities, from spotting pygmy elephants and proboscis monkeys to participating in night walks and tree planting.
Guests highlight the diverse wildlife encounters and the comfortable lodge that allows you to unwind after active days. The tour’s structure offers ample time in nature, making it ideal for travelers who want an in-depth rainforest experience without sacrificing comfort. Its well-rounded itinerary makes it excellent for wildlife enthusiasts, families, or eco-conscious travelers.
While the price is on the higher side, the inclusion of activities, meals, and accommodation justifies the cost for many. Its flexibility and variety make it one of the most complete packages on our list.
Bottom Line: A great pick for those who want a full-featured, multi-activity rainforest adventure with comfortable lodging.
$640 per person
6. Sandakan: 3D2N The Wild Heart of Borneo River Secrets
This slightly less reviewed tour (no ratings yet) promises a genuine wilderness experience along the Kinabatangan River, including full-board meals, multiple cruises, and a stay at a private resort. Priced at $253, it emphasizes sustainable tourism and immersive rainforest experiences. It’s designed for travelers wanting a more authentic, less touristy journey, with a focus on wildlife viewing and understanding the rainforest ecosystem.
Guests can expect cruise expeditions where they might see rare wildlife, as well as the chance to feel the adrenaline of jungle night walks. The tour supports conservation efforts and offers a true back-to-nature experience. Its main appeal is its authenticity and commitment to sustainability.
This tour is best suited for adventure travelers interested in eco-tourism and wildlife photography. The lack of reviews suggests checking for availability and details before booking.
Bottom Line: A good choice for eco-minded explorers seeking a genuine rainforest immersion with multiple river excursions.
$253 per person
7. 3D2N Kinabatangan River Cruise
At this moment, this tour has no reviews, but its price at $361.64 and focus on wildlife and river cruises make it worth considering for dedicated wildlife enthusiasts. It offers guided boat trips and rainforest walks with the chance to see proboscis monkeys, orangutans, crocodiles, and pygmy elephants. The program emphasizes wildlife viewing with guided excursions along the river and in the jungle.
This option might appeal to travelers who prefer flexible schedules or want a more customized experience. Its reputation is less established, but the core activities suggest a solid wildlife orientation at a competitive price point.
Bottom Line: An interesting choice for wildlife watchers wanting a straightforward river cruise with guided walks, especially if reviews and reputation are less critical.
$361.64 per person
How to Choose Your Perfect 3-Day Tour in Sandakan
When selecting a tour, consider your budget, comfort preferences, and specific interests. If you want an immersive, budget-friendly wildlife adventure, the Borneo Wildlife Tour or the Gomantong Cave combo might be best. For a more comfortable, eco-conscious experience, the Sandakan: 3-Day Kinabatangan River Wildlife Adventure offers a balanced mix. If you prefer a luxury lodge experience with minimal environmental footprint, the Sukau Wildlife Experience is ideal—just be ready to spend more.
Think about the types of wildlife you most want to see: for orangutans, the Borneo Wildlife Tour is excellent; for elephants, the Bilit tour offers good chances; and for birdwatching, the Kinabatangan river cruises are hard to beat. Booking early is advisable, especially for popular tours or peak seasons (dry months from April to October).
Final Thoughts
Sandakan provides a wide array of 3-day tours that cater to different tastes and budgets, from rustic jungle camps to luxury eco-lodges. For wildlife lovers eager for up-close encounters, trips like the Borneo Wildlife Tour and the Gomantong Cave adventure are top choices. Those seeking a more relaxed or upscale experience should consider the Sukau Wildlife Experience. Budget travelers and eco-conscious explorers will find the authenticity and sustainability of some tours particularly appealing.
Whatever your preference, booking early ensures you secure your spot in these limited-capacity adventures. Borneo’s jungles and rivers await—happy exploring!