seeing-the-male-proboscis-monkeys-is-the-best-thing-to-do-in-brunei

The best places to see wildlife in Sabah – including the Borneo Big Five

Last updated on May 31st, 2026 at 10:23 am

Where are the best places to see wildlife in Sabah?

Its a good question as people tend to come to Sabah for two reasons – the wildlife, and to climb Mt Kinabalu! But this post focuses on the wildlife and where to see it, including Borneo’s Big Five!

The wildlife in Sabah is absolutely fabulous, even if some of the amazing creatures are somewhat elusive. Spend a few days in the forests and you will definitely get to see some of them. You may not tick off the Borneo Big Five – but then again you might, and you will have a lot of fun trying!

This post covers the best places to see wildlife in Sabah, on the land and in the water! It will give you ideas for itineraries, answer your questions, and give you tips to make your visit even better!

First a few important links to use when you plan your trip. Yes, they are affiliate links, but I use them all for my travels, and if you do too it will help me keep producing this content. Cheers!

Plan for your trip

Flights – use Air Asia or skyscanner or booking.com to find and book your flight – I often find the same flight for a lot cheaper than booking direct with the airline!

Insurance – Use EKTA or SafetyWing. TBH I usually use EKTA – they accept any nationality, any age and its ok if you are already traveling – which is perfect for me!

Accommodation – use booking.com or for a hostel – Hostelworld. I use both.

Internet – buy a yesim eSim or Airalo before you go. I use both depending on where I am going.

Buses, trains, ferries – 12Go is always my first option for buses, ferries and trains

Car rental – use DiscoverCars – they are my ‘go-to’ car rental site

Hiking – I use AllTrails for online and offline hiking trails – it means you know exactly where you are on the trail and makes getting lost a lot harder!!

Tours and Activities – book with Viator, GetYourGuide, or Eatwith. My top picks in Sandakan for you are:

3-Day Adventure in Tabin Wildlife Reserve
Danum Valley 3-Day Jungle Adventure with Guide
Guided Snorkeling Day Trip from Kota Kinabalu
Kawa Kawa Fireflies Sunset Cruise Tour from Kota Kinabalu

Thanks so much if you use one of these links – it costs you nothing but helps me keep writing!!

On to the wildlife…..

So, what are the Borneo Big Five?

The big five are, along the lines of the African big five, some of the key animals you want to see in Borneo. They are the: Pygmy Elephant, Orangutan, Proboscis Monkey, Salt Water Crocodile, and the Rhinoceros Hornbill (although there are 8 types of hornbills that live here).

Personally, I don’t know how some of the other stunning animals missed the list, especially my favorite – the Sun Bear! But also, the clouded leopards, the Irrawaddy dolphins, the North Bornean gibbons, the tarsiers and the slow loris. Mind you the list could go on a long time – so I guess they just had to choose!

When to go to see wildlife in Sabah

The best time to visit Sabah is generally from March to September in the dry season. Whatever you do – do go! Its absolutely worth it!

Key places to see the wildlife in Sabah – the Borneo Big Five and more

There are a few key places to go to see wildlife in Sabah. This post covers more than the big five – you can see various wildlife in or from the following key areas:

Kinabatangan River
Sandakan and Sepilok
Turtle Island
Tabin Wildlife Reserve
Danum Valley
Semporna
From Kota Kinabalu

Note : I have not included the Deramakot Forest Reserve as it does not rate highly in comparison to these other options!

1. The Kinabatangan River – one of the easiest places to see wildlife in Sabah

The river is home to a huge array of animals. Unfortunately because of there being so many palm oil plantations around the river area, the animals are squeezed to the river edges – making it relatively easy to spot them. But although we saw all five here, that is not necessarily the norm. You cant imagine how happy I was!!

We also saw lots of proboscis monkeys, long-tailed and short-tailed macaques by the hundreds, silver leaf monkeys, eagles, civet cats, lizards, snakes and turtles.

Remember there is no guarantee you will see these – they are still wild, and we met some people that didn’t see the elephants or crocodiles. The guides are good though and you will see at least some of the big five amongst other wildlife.

pygmy-elephant-in-the-kinabatangan-river-in-sabah — The pygmy elephant in the Kinabatangan River, Sabah

How to get to the Kinabatangan River

The easiest way to get to Sandakan, the jumping off point for Kinabatangan, is to fly from Kuala Lumpar (KL) or Kota Kinabalu (KK). (Check on Air Asia or skyscanner for flights.) It is relatively cheap to fly, or you can take a public bus from KK. You then need to get from Sandakan to Sukau or Bilit via bus or private transport.

Most people come on a tour from Sandakan, but you can get here under your own steam and book river cruises and jungle treks with your homestay. You need to get to Sukau or Bilit via bus from Sandakan or Kota Kinabalu. Your accommodation in the Kinbatangan river area will help you organise local tours int he forest or on the river.

If you are lucky you might see all the big five – we did, but it is not necessarily the norm! Cruising the river, spotting wildlife with expert guides and wildlife spotters, is fantastic no matter what! The only negative is seeing all the palm oil plantations on the way to the river – but hopefully with eco-tourism on the rise this will reduce!

Take any of these tours for a great day or two spotting the wildlife:

Gomantong Cave Echoes & Kinabatangan River Safari – day trip
Kinambatangan Wildlife Cruise with lunch – day trip
2Days 1Night Package Borneo Nature Lodge – 2 days
Borneo Wildlife Tour 2 Days 1 Night At Tanjung Bulat Jungle Camp Kinabatangan – 2 days (see the 3 day trip below for more info)

3 Days 2 Nights Tanjung Bulat Jungle Camp With Gomantong cave – which ensures you see the wonderful Gomantong cave and its resident bats as well all sorts of wildlife on the river – just check the reviews. (Note – this is basic camping and not for those that need hairdryers or hot baths and the like!)!

There is another nearby alternative to these Kambatangan River tours which you should definitely consider – the Deramakot Forest!

This Safari Tour 3Days 2Nights in the Deramakot Forest, gives you the possibility of seeing Cloud Leopards as well.

Don’t forget your camera!

a-hornbill-pair-on-the-kinabatangan-river-where-you-will-see-wildlife-in-sabah — Rhinoceros Hornbill pair – so lucky to see them!

What to do at Kinabatangan River

There are some standard options available whether you come on a tour or independently. I honestly recommend you do the lot!

The morning sunset river cruise – gorgeous and mystical with the sun breaking through the mist rising from the river and the animals waking up and getting active – especially the monkeys, and crocs!
The afternoon and sunset river cruise – great for orangutans and monkeys, the eagles and kingfishers and other birds – and when we saw the pygmy elephants!! The sunset is also beautiful over the river.
The day jungle trek – it was probably more about local life and plants than the animals – although we saw some. But it was very interesting and nice to walk and wee the guide spot what wildlife there was.
The night walk jungle trek – not to be missed. We saw an owl, frogs and insects, a civet cat, monkeys (mostly hearing them) and birds. Its great listening to the noises and the guide telling you what they are. We didn’t see the clouded leopard and I don’t think it is very likely here!

Where to stay at Kinabatangan River

If you book a tour you don’t have to worry, but if you are arranging it yourself there is a wide range of accommodation nearby from luxury to backpackers on booking.com or for a hostel – Hostelworld.

These places are a great starting point at different budget levels as they all have higher review ratings:

Higher End – the Borneo Nature Lodge

Mid range – the Borneo Jungle Adventure or Last Frontier Boutique Resort

Budget – the Sukau Village View Stay & Backpackers

sunrise-on-the-kinabatangan-river-one-of-the-best-places-to-see-borneos-big-five-wildlife — Stunning sunrise on the Kinabatangan River

2. Centers in Sepilok and Sandakan

As I said, I like to see wildlife au naturel – in the wild! But in Sabah I made an exception – and was so glad I did. This was in Sepilok, close to Sandakan.

Sepilok has two rescue and rehabilitation centers – The Sepilok Orangutan Rehabilitation Centre and The Bornean Sun Bear Conservation Centre. Nearby is also the Rainforest Discovery Center and the Labuk Bay Proboscis Monkey Sanctuary. So there is a lot to see in this area – especially if you combine it with a trip to the Kinabatangan River!

The Bornean Sun Bear Conservation Centre

I’m going to say it right now. The Sun Bear center, housing the world’s smallest bears, was brilliant! It is the one time I didn’t mind being in a non-wild situation. The staff are so passionate about the bears and rehabilitating them back to the wild wherever possible. They will chat to you for ages. The center is cleverly laid out, with treetop walks to enable you to look down at the bears in some places, and look for bears that are in the final stages of being released back in the wild – the staff are really good at spotting those for you.

I came away pretty much raving about the place and had totally fallen in love with the bears! Sadly most people seem to go to the orangutan center and not to the sun bears. I really, really recommend you don’t miss it! They are Adorable!

The center is open from 9.00am to 3.30pm.

Note: You can even volunteer here. It does cost, but the money goes towards the bears. Its about $1300 for two weeks, and about $2000 for 28 days.

a sun-bear-in-sepilok-sabah — An adorable sun bear just hanging out!

The Sepilok Orangutan Rehabilitation Centre

The orangutan center is also very good if you didn’t get to see orangutans in the wild. It started in 1964 as rehabilitation center for baby orangutans and now aims to return orphaned, injured or displaced orangutans back into the wild. The orangutans are living in a full forest environment – in the Kabili Sepilok Forest, but have support in terms of their rehabilitation.

There are are two feeding times that some of the orangutans will come to – 10am and 3pm. The center is closed during the middle of the day so you can come for a morning or afternoon session – or both with a break between at the Sun Bear Center!

You can fly to Sandakan from KL or KK, or get a bus from KK.

How to get to the sun bear and orangutan centers in Sepilok

To get to the centers from Sandakan you can get a bus, Grab or taxi independently or you can take various half day or day tours from Sandakan that combine a few things, like these:

visiting-the-sepilok-orangutan-center-is-one-of-the-best-things-to-do-in-sandakan-sabh-borneo — One of the orangutans at Sepilok

The Sandakan Rainforest Discovery Center (RDC)

The Rainforest Discovery Center is also near Sepilok and open from 8.00am – 5.00pm. You can visit it on many of the tours to the orangutans and sun bears (see above) but you can also visit independently during the day and on a night tour from 6.00 – 8.00pm. There are many nature trails and a skywalk to explore. You will see fantastic plants as well as many birds, including hornbills, squirrels, monkeys, and possibly orangutans.

The night tour is a “must-do” if you want to see some of the wonderful little night creatures – slow loris, western tarsier, green vipers, spiders, and the flying squirrels. You go with a guide who will spot these little creatures in an uncanny way – they definitely spot way more than you or me! You can book the night walk via their website. Do book ahead as it is popular – and bring cash.

Some of the sun bear and orangutan tours above combine visits to the sun bears and orangutans with the RDC. You can also walk from the orangutans and sun bears to the RDC – in about 30 minutes – or take a taxi or Grab.

Watch out for the monkeys!

The Labuk Bay Proboscis Monkey Sanctuary

Labuk Bay Proboscis Monkey Sanctuary is within one of those dreaded palm oil farms outside of Sandakan. In the mid-1990s this 400 acre site was going to be cleared for the development of palm oil when the owner discovered that proboscis monkeys were living there. Amazingly, he decided to stop the clearing and keep this little space as a sanctuary for the monkeys. There are about 150 proboscis monkeys living here, as well as Silvered leaf monkeys, otters, slow lorises, hornbills and other birds. Isn’t that great?

Opening hours are from 8.30-5.30 and feeding times are at 9.30 and 11.30am, and, 2.30 and 4.30pm.

Either take a tour from Sandakan:

or arrange for a private taxi / guide to take you there.

Where to stay in Sandakan and Sepilok

You can stay in Sepilok as well as Sandakan – you are right on the edge of the Kabili-Sepilok Forest Reserve and it is a good option if you are only interested in the orangutans and sun bears – but personally, I’m glad I stayed in Sandakan and saw something of the city attractions and other wildlife (fireflies and Proboscis monkeys) as well. We also chose to stay in Sandakan, to make it easier to get to the Kinabatangan River, and because our flight had a later afternoon arrival time.

Book your hotel with booking.com or for a hostel – Hostelworld. Note that Sndakan is more about wildlife than resort style hotels! There are lots of options but these are great starting points at different budget levels as they all have higher review ratings:

Higher End – Sepilok Nature Lodge, or Sabah Hotel

Mid Range – Ormond Sandakan or Locahouz Homestay Sandakan

Budget – Ninety1 Sandakan or Qeeb Homestay

Backpackers – Tanini Sepilok or Sandakan Backpackers Hostel

A 4-bed home at a great price! – Sweethome Homestay Sandakan

3. Turtle Island

Another special thing to do in Sabah, near Sandakan, is take a boat trip and stay overnight at the Turtle Islands Park – 40 km north of Sandakan. There are three small islands, Selingan, Gulisan and Bakungan Kechil. Selingan is the island you can visit and stay on. There are both Green and Hawksbill turtles here.

There are only 50 visitor permits a day to stay on Palau Selingan (Turtle Island). The only tour available is an overnight stay which departs at 8.00am and returns the following morning. You cannot visit on a day trip.

Crystal Quest sells tickets to the islands, but tour operators buy many of these and provide a guided tour! Try and get a ticket from Crystal Quest – it is not guaranteed you will get one. They have an office on the jetty next to the Sabah Parks office in Sandakan.

Alternatively take one of these tours:

From Sandakan: 2D1N Turtle Island & Sepilok Wildlife Experience (includes a visit to the sun bear and the orangutan centers)
From Sandakan 2D1N Turtle Island Tour
Sandakan: 2D1N Turtle Island Sanctuary with Transfer & Meals

The guided tour includes your accommodation in chalets – with aircon! You also get to do things like see the egg laying process, collect eggs, tag the mother turtles, as well as the plant turtle eggs in the hatchery, or help release the hatchlings! During the day you can swim and snorkel and explore the little island – you don’t get to swim with turtles unless one happens to come by while you are swimming. Note that this area does tend to have a some plastic in the sea – sad but true. Also note that the accommodation and food are fairly basic. July to October is definitely the best time to do this. Watch the sea conditions at other times before you book.

An alternative to this is to go to Lankayan Island and stay in the Lankayan Island Dive Resort – its further offshore and great for diving.

turtles-on-turtle-island-near-sandakan-sabah-borneo — Swimming with turtles on Turtle island!!

4. The Tabin Wildlife Reserve – the biggest reserve to see wildlife in Sabah

This is the largest protected area in Sabah with 122,500 hectares of forest some original and some regenerating. Tabin was declared a protected area in 1984 mainly because it has three of the largest mammals found in Sabah – the Borneo Pygmy Elephant, the Sumatran Rhinoceros and Banteng (a wild cattle). Personally I think that’s a pretty good reason – thank goodness they did this!

Nine species of primate are found at Tabin, namely the orangutan, Bornean gibbon, red leaf monkey, silvered leaf monkey, grey leaf monkey, western tarsier, slow loris, long-tailed macaque and pig-tailed macaque. The largest predator found at Tabin is the clouded leopard – but you are unlikely to see it. However leopard cats and civet cats are often seen here.

There are nine trekking trails you can take – with a guide day or night, and also some mud volcanoes. People report seeing heaps of civet cats, leopard cats, owls, slow loris and hornbills! Gibbons and monkeys are seen right at the lodge. Lots to do.

The new lodge also has all these animals nearby and additionally the possibility of seeing the irrawaddy dolphins!
Note that often people combine a trip to Tabin with the Danum Valley.

How to get to the Tabin Wildlife Reserve

Tabin Wildlife Reserve is about 50 km from Lahad Datu. MAS Wings has daily flights from Kota Kinabalu or Sandakan to Lahad Datu. (The flights are pretty cheap.)

Most people come on a tour for example this 3-Day Adventure in Tabin Wildlife Reserve from Lahad Datu Airport!

But if you go independently, the Tabin Wildlife Resort has standard pick up times at 8.00am and 12 moon. It takes 1.5 hours to get to the resort. From Lahad Datu to the new Utan Rainforest Lodge takes 2.5 hours.

If you are staying in Lahad Datu and want a specialized package / itinerary, check with local providers like Haks Boutique BnB.

Where to stay in the Tabin Wildlife Reserve and Lahad Datu

The main place to stay in the reserve is the Tabin Wildlife Resort which has plenty of wildlife around it. Reviews show not to expect anything too fancy in terms of the accommodation, but for the wildlife it is still great to go!

The Utan Rainforest Lodge opened in 2024 and is proving very popular with great reviews. It is situated in the Sungai Kapur Forest Reserve which is adjacent to Tabin. If you go let me know as I plan to go there next time!!

If you are spending a night or more in Lahad Datu, Haks Boutique BnB with pool and farm to table dining is the big favorite – for a reason! Another excellent and more budget friendly option is Myoldhouse.

For a family or small group in Lahad Datu – for a 3-bed apartment Simply Staycation Palm Garden or SDC Suite Home 4 are great!

a-crocodile-in-a-river — Nicely camouflaged!

5. The Danum Valley – great for the pygmy elephants and more

The Danum Valley is famous for its primary rainforest – along with the wildlife within it – orangutans, gibbons, elephants, lorises etc.

You can go on a jungle trek – day or night, and night drives. Also a sunrise walk to Bukit Atur (Atur Hill) gives what look like incredible views over the jungle below.

You cannot travel to the Danum Valley independently, as you must have a licensed guide, so contact the reserve direct to arrange your trip or take this ready-made Danum Valley 3-Day Jungle Adventure with Guide from Lahad Datu – staying at the Danum Valley Field Centre.

How to get to the Danum Valley

The same as Tabin – you get to the Danum Valley from Lahad Datu. MAS Wings has reasonably cheap daily flights from Kota Kinabalu or Sandakan to Lahad Datu.

Where to stay in the Danum Valley

The luxury Borneo Rainforest Lodge right in the conservation area is the go-to place if you have the budget.
But if you are on more of a budget, then the Danum Valley Field Center is your go to place – it has various levels of accommodation from hostel style to superior deluxe!

For a family or small group in Lahad Datu – for a 3-bed apartment Simply Staycation Palm Garden or SDC Suite Home 4 are great!

orangutan-mother-and-baby-in-one-of-the-best-countries-to-see-wildlife-not-in-africa-which-is-sabah-in-borneo-malaysia — Orangutan mother and baby in Sabah, Malaysia

6. Semporna – for underwater wildlife

Because I also like to consider the underwater world as part of the wildlife in a country or area, I am including another options – Semporna. It takes a bit of effort to get to but it is the jumping off point to some gorgeous islands and beautiful underwater life!

You can take a tour to get to see some of this stunning area:

Semporna: Bohey 3 Islands Hike, Snorkel/Dive Tour with Lunch

3 Semporna Islands Tour with Snorkel or Diving Experience

How to get to Semporna

Semporna does not have its own commercial airport. You need to book a flight to Tawau, then transfer by bus, taxi or shuttle to Semporna.

You can fly from Kota Kinabalu or take a direct flight with Air Asia from Kuala Lumpar. Flying direct to or from KL makes Semporna a great place to start or finish your holiday in Sabah.

Check out the options on Trip.com.

You can also take a scenic bus from Kota Kinabalu – it takes 10-12 hours so only for the hardy!

Where to stay in Semporna

These places are all very highly rated and a great choice:

High end – Pavalintang Resort or Coco Seaweed Resort – both with overwater bungalows

Mid Range – Bigfin water bungalow or The Firefly Resort

Budget – Pua Family Villa or Hosanna village

Backpacker – Bubble House Semporna

7. From Kota Kinabalu

Another place to see wildlife in Sabah is from Kota Kinabalu! If you are here to climb Mt Kinabalu and have little time there are day trips you can take as well as shorter local tours that will help you see some of the local wildlife – above and below water.

Not far from Kota Kinabalu are the Kawa Kawa and Bongawan rivers.

I hadn’t seen fireflies for a long long time – not since I was in Taiwan about 100 years ago it feels like. So when we landed in Kota Kinabalu, we had to go! It was fabulous – you see thousands of fireflies – plus proboscis monkeys and a lovely sunset over the river. Magical!

You can also see some underwater life from Kota Kinabalu on one of these very popular tours

If you are really short on time and want to get to the Kinabatangan River as well as climb Mount Kinabalu – check out this option 5-Day Sabah Adventure with Transfers. Note you need to book a flight back to KK from Sandakan.

Where to stay in Kota Kinabalu

Its a great place to get good value for money where 5 stars comes with $100 price tag! Check some of the options I have selected with very high review ratings:

High End – Sheraton Kota Kinabalu or Hyatt Centric Kota Kinabalu

Mid Range – Hilton Kota Kinabalu or Holiday Inn Express

Budget – Homestay Bah! or Ming SCSP Tweenie or HG Bay Premier Suites or Bay Premier Suites

Villa – 2 beds – Bonheur at Karambunai

Backpackers – We stayed at the Lavender Lodge Kota Kinabalu which was great. Other highly rated options are Faloe Hostel and Homy Seafront Hostel.

Itineraries for Sabah wildlife viewing

The following are suggested / potential 5, 7, and 10 day itineraries depending on your interest and how much time you have.

5 Day Sabah Wildlife Itinerary ( a short Sabah wildlife highlights trip)

This is perfect for travellers short on time who want to see Sabah’s wildlife highlights without rushing too much.

Day 1: Arrive Sandakan

Visit the Labuk Bay Proboscis Monkey Sanctuary, take a firefly cruise through the magroves in the evening. Stay in Sandakan.

Day 2: Sandakan – to Sepilok
Visit the Sepilok Orangutan Rehabilitation Centre, the Borneo Sun Bear Conservation Centre, and the Rainforest Discovery Centre (either during the day or for the night walk (the night walk is highly recommended). Stay in Sepilok or go back to Sandakan.

Day 3: Sandakan / Sepilok to Kinabatangan River (2-3 hours)
Go on an afternoon river safari and a night wildlife walk or night cruise.

Day 4: Kinabatangan River
Go on a morning river safari and a jungle walk. Either transfer back to Sandakan and fly out or if you stay another night, go on another afternoon safari.

Day 5: Transfer back to Sandakan and fly out.

7 Day Sabah Wildlife Itinerary

This is often the sweet spot for first-time wildlife visitors.

Day 1: Arrive Sandakan

Visit the Labuk Bay Proboscis Monkey Sanctuary, take a firefly cruise through the magroves in the evening. Stay in Sandakan.

Day 2: Sandakan – to Sepilok
Visit the Sepilok Orangutan Rehabilitation Centre, the Borneo Sun Bear Conservation Centre, the Rainforest Discovery Centre (either during the day or for the night walk (the night walk is highly recommended). Stay in Sepilok or go back to Sandakan.

Day 3: Sandakan / Sepilok to Kinabatangan River (2-3 hours)
Go on an afternoon river safari and a night wildlife walk or night cruise. Stay at the Kinabatangan River.

Day 4: Kinabatangan River
Go on a morning river safari and a jungle walk. Travel back to Sandakan for the night.

Day 5: Fly to Lahad Datu and transfer to either the Danum Valley or Tabin Wildlife Reserve.
Go on an afternoon rainforest experience. Stay the night.

Day 6: Danum Valley or Tabin Wildlife Reserve.
Go on the morning and afternoon activities in the reserve. Stay the night.

Day 7: Transfer back to Lahad Datu and fly out.

10 – 14 Day Sabah Wildlife Itinerary

This itinerary is for serious wildlife spotting!

Day 1: Arrive Sandakan

Visit the Labuk Bay Proboscis Monkey Sanctuary, take a firefly cruise through the magroves in the evening. Stay in Sandakan.

Day 3: Sandakan / Sepilok to Kinabatangan River (2-3 hours)
Go on an afternoon river safari and a night wildlife walk or night cruise. Stay at the Kinabatangan River.

Day 4: Kinabatangan River
Go on a morning river safari and a jungle walk. Travel back to Sandakan for the night.

Day 5: Fly to Lahad Datu and transfer to the Danum Valley.
Go on an afternoon rainforest experience. Stay the night.

Day 6: Danum Valley.
Go on the morning and afternoon activities in the reserve. Stay the night.

Day 7: Transfer back to Lahad Datu and then to the Tabin Wildlife Reserve.
Go on a night walk. Stay the night.

Day 8: Tabin Wildlife Reserve.
Go on the morning and afternoon activities in the reserve. Stay the night.

Day 9: Transfer back to Lahad Datu and transfer to Semporna (book the transfer ahead).

Day 10: Go on an island hopping snorkeling or diving day trip.

Days 11-14: Add more time into your itinerary in the following places:

Visit Turtle Island from Sandakan – 2 days
Add another night in each of: Kinabatangan River, Danum Valley and the Tabin Reserve.
Spend a night in Lahad Datu to slow the journey down.
Spend a night or two and go snorkeling from Kota Kinabalu

Fly out.

As you can see you could spend a lot longer than even 14 days in Sabah wildlife viewing, but these itineraries will help you get your plans underway.

Frequently asked questions about travel to Sandakan

Q: Where is the best place to see wildlife in Sabah?
A: See above, but in brief key spots are: the Kinabatangan River for proboscis monkeys, pygmy elephants, orangutans, crocodiles, and hornbills; Sepilok for orangutans and sun bears; Danum Valley for primary rainforest, wildlife and birdlife; Tabin Wildlife Reserve for elephants and other wildlife; Turtle Islands Park for turtles; the Rainforest Discovery Centre in Sepilok for birds and canopy wildlife, and lorises and flying squirrels at night; Various islands for sea life!

Q: Can you see orangutans in Sabah?
A: Definitely yes – key sites are the Kinabatangan River and Sepilok

Q: Where can you see pygmy elephants in Sabah?
A: The easiest and most likely locations is the Kinabatangan River.

Q: What animals can you see in Sabah?
A: The wildlife varies by location, but it is possible to see: orangutans, pygmy elephants, proboscis monkeys, long-tailed macaques, gibbons, leopards, sun bears, hornbills, kingfishers, eagles, crocodiles, monitor lizards, turtles, fireflies, loris, flying squirrels, and more. Nothing is guaranteed as they are wildlife – but these are all possible to see!

Q: Is the Kinabatangan River worth visiting?
A: Most would say yes! You are likely to see Proboscis monkeys, Orangutans, Crocodiles, Hornbills, and Pygmy elephants. Plus you get lovely sunsets and sunrises!

Q: When is the best time to visit Sandakan?
A: You can visit year round but March to October is generally thought best as it is the drier season, and from November to February wildlife trips can get disrupted. March to May is the very best time for wildlife – the weather is dry, and it is the peak for orangutan and wildlife activity around the Sepilok Rehabilitation Centre and the Kinabatangan River. June to October is best for clear waters for swimming, and snorkeling.

Q: Is Sabah worth visiting?
A: Yes, its a great place for wildlife adventures in Borneo – probably the best! If you are not a wildlife or nature lover – maybe not!

Q: How many days do you need in Sabah?
A: It depends what you want to do and see. To climb Mount Kinabalu and see some wildlife 5-7 days, to explore more of the wildlife 7-9 days, to include other activities – e.g. cultural and island activities 10-14 days is great. If you are only focussed on wildlife then 3-4 days for wildlife highlights, 5-7 days for a more varied and relaxed wildlife itinerary, 7-10 days for a very varied wildlife viewing trip.

Q: Can you see wildlife near Kota Kinabalu?
A: Yes – there is some wildlife nearby – see above, but in brief you can snorkel for underwater wildlife, and also visit nearby rivers for proboscis monkeys and fireflies. You could also try a day trip (with flights) to Sandakan to visit Sepilok and see the sun bears and orangutans there.

Q: Can you see Sabah wildlife independently?
A: Partly. Sepilok works well for independent wildlife viewing, but more remote wildlife areas like the Danum Valley, Kinabatangan River lodges, and the Tabin Wildlife Reserve often work better, or must be booked, through organised tours or lodge packages.

Q: How do I get to Sabah?
A: Generally you will fly from Malaysia or Singapore. You can book a flight with AirAsia or skyscanner to Kota Kinabalu, Sandakan or Semporna.

Q: Is Sabah expensive?
A: Generally no, but the cost of wildlife tours can add up – it is well worth it though!

Q: Is Sabah safe for tourists?
A: Yes – its one of the safer parts of Asia.

Travel Tips for seeing wildlife in Sabah

Do not “expect” to see all the wildlife that you might see. It is wildlife – enjoy what you see and take multiple tours to get the best opportunity. Expect wildlife sightings to require patience! Early morning wildlife activities are definitely worth it.
Build some flexibility into your itinerary – for delays, bad weather etc and in case you just want more time in one special place.
Grab is a good rideshare service in Sabah with added safety and removes the hassle of haggling over price.
Book wildlife lodges early – they can get booked out quickly for peak season. If you miss out – take a tour as they will have rooms pre-booked.
Bring binoculars and bring a camera with zoom capability if wildlife photography matters to you.
Bring better insect repellent than you think you need – bring heavy duty!
If you are going into the rainforest, bring leech socks or have long socks to cover your legs as there are leeches. Also bring a poncho or rain gear!
Bring dry bags and protection for important items e.g. camera and phone.
Bring some cash – for smaller shops and restaurants etc. ATMs are available in main towns, but get cash out before heading into rainforest or rural areas.
Mobile coverage is less reliable outside main towns – download all you need before you leave – offline maps, hotel booking details, directions if driving.
Pack neutral colors – bright clothing is not necessarily a good idea for wildlife viewing as it can be disruptive to the animals.
Listen to your wildlife guides – they are good at spotting wildlife you would never notice without them and, of course, they know how to keep you safe around wildlife areas.

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