3-Day Sabah Tour Packages
Insider tips: Recommended 3-day Sabah tour itineraries
Compiled by
MelissaSabah travel expert at TourRadar
3 Day Borneo Wildlife Itinerary, incl. Sandakan and Kinabatangan River
This 3-day Sabah trip covers 3 key wildlife spots: Selingan Island for turtle conservation, Sepilok for Orang Utan rehabilitation, and Kinabatangan River for endemic species. Walk through the Rainforest Discovery Centre's canopy walkways and head out on multiple river cruises to spot Proboscis monkeys.
- Day 1
Sandakan to Selingan Turtle Island
Plan to land in Sandakan before 9 AM to catch your boat connection. The boat to Selingan Island leaves at 10 AM sharp from the main jetty and takes about an hour. You'll have the afternoon free for snorkeling but bring your own gear since rentals can be limited. The highlight comes after dinner when you'll get to watch green turtles laying eggs on the beach. Stay with your guide after 6 PM since walking around alone isn't allowed to protect the nesting turtles. You won't be able to take photos at night so just enjoy watching these amazing creatures.
- Day 2
Sepilok and Kinabatangan River
Head back to the mainland and get to Sepilok Orangutan Rehabilitation Centre by 9:30 AM for feeding time. This is your best chance to spot orangutans though they might not show up during fruiting season. Make sure to visit the Borneo Sun Bear Conservation Centre next door to see these small bears. After lunch take the 2.5-hour drive to your riverside lodge on the Kinabatangan. River cruises usually start around 4 PM. Wear dark clothes so you don't scare away wildlife and pack binoculars to spot proboscis monkeys up in the trees.
- Day 3
Morning Wildlife Cruise and Departure
Get up around 6 AM for a 90-minute morning cruise. This early start gives you the best chance to see hornbills and proboscis monkeys having their breakfast in the trees. After check-out visit the canopy walkway at the Rainforest Discovery Centre. The elevated path offers great views but can get slippery when wet so wear shoes with good grip. Plan for a 3:30 PM transfer to Sandakan airport and book flights after 6 PM to avoid rushing.
3 Day North Borneo Itinerary, incl. Kota Kinabalu and Sapulot
This 3-day eco-tourism trip through Sabah runs from Kota Kinabalu to the remote Pungiton Camp and Romol Eco Village, where you'll learn about Murut heritage and walk through primary rainforest. Trek to the legendary 800-foot Batu Punggul limestone pinnacle, check out underground caves with stalactites and stalagmites, and swim at a hidden waterfall deep in the jungle. Stay in basic accommodations with small groups (2-8 travelers), try traditional Murut cuisine and watch local dancing, then see integrated farming at Romol Village while your visit supports conservation and local communities.
- Day 1
Kota Kinabalu to Pungiton Camp
Get to KK's Sentral Bus Terminal by 7:00 AM for your 2.5-hour coach ride to Keningau. Travel light and leave extra bags at your KK hotel since you'll be crossing rivers and exploring caves. From Keningau you'll head to Labang Village before switching to river transport. Pack quick-dry clothes for this part. Pungiton Camp is basic but you'll love the nighttime jungle sounds. You'll need good fitness and shoes with grip for cave exploration since the underground stream makes things slippery.
- Day 2
Batu Punggul and Romol Village
Start your day with a jungle trek to Batu Punggul an 800-foot limestone pinnacle. Planning to reach the top? Wear proper hiking shoes and bring at least 2 liters of water. The humidity can be intense. In the afternoon you'll move to MunorAulai Guesthouse to learn about local farming. Your evening includes traditional Murut food and dance. Feel free to join in but ask before taking photos.
- Day 3
Hidden Waterfall and Return to KK
Take a morning swim at the hidden waterfall. The trek there needs moderate fitness. Plan your departure carefully since the journey back to KK takes 5-6 hours. You'll arrive between 5:00-6:00 PM so avoid booking evening flights.
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