5D4N Sabah Highlights
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A perfect blend of authentic local hospitality, scenic hiking and incredible wildlife!
Leave Kota Kinabalu behind and head first to Kiau village in the heart of Kinabalu Geopark, explore one of the many trails in the Geopark, then stay overnight in the village to experience authentic Dusun hospitality. Set off the next morning to Sepilok, stopping off along the way at Kinabalu Park, Poring Hot Springs & Sabah Tea plantation. Stay the night in Sepilok then visit the orangutan & sunbear sanctuaries the following morning before finishing your adventure with 2 nights at the wildlife rich Kinabatangan River in search of proboscis monkeys, pygmy elephants, orang-utans and more. This tour departs from Kota Kinabalu each Tuesday, Thursday & Saturday based on a minimum of 2 people and alternative dates may be available on request. |
OverviewB = Breakfast
L = Lunch D = Dinner |
Day 1: Depart Kota Kinabalu city at 6.30am to Kinabalu Geopark & hiking trail (L, D)
Day 2: Transfer to Sepilok via Mount Kinabalu, Poring hot springs & Kinabalu Park (B) Day 3: Vist Sepilok, transfer to Kinabatangan river (B, L, D) Day 4: Full day at Kinabatangan river (B, L, D) Day 5: Transfer to Sandakan city or airport after morning river cruise (for flights departing 1pm or later) (B) |
Itinerary
DAY 1: KOTA KINABALU - KINABALU GEOPARK
Day 1
Pick up around 6.30am from your accommodation in Kota Kinabalu to begin the scenic drive to Kiau Village in the foothills of Mount Kinabalu, if the weather is on your side you will be able to enjoy a great view of Mount Kinabalu! Once you arrive in Kiau Village you will meet your local guide and begin the two hour long hike to the summit of Nuluh Lingion (other hikes are available within the National Park upon request with at least 3 days notice). Along the way, you’ll walk through local farms where you can spot (and taste!) fresh pineapple, jackfruit, wild ginger, bananas and more depending what is in season. Continue your hike through primary forest up to the scenic lookout point where, weather permitting, you’ll have panoramic views of Mount Kinabalu and it's waterfalls! Enjoy your packed lunch and a well deserved rest at the summit of Nuluh Lingion (1420 meters). After lunch, descend back to the Kiau Village for a chance to sample local Dusun food at one of the homestays, meet your host family and check into your simple accommodation for the night*. Meals - L, D
*A stay in Kiau village offers you the opportunity to immerse yourself in true Dusun culture and hospitality, accommodation is in a simple private room with shared bathroom facilities. If you would prefer an alternative to the homestay experience please let us know and we will be happy to suggest some alternative accommodations (additional charges apply).
Pick up around 6.30am from your accommodation in Kota Kinabalu to begin the scenic drive to Kiau Village in the foothills of Mount Kinabalu, if the weather is on your side you will be able to enjoy a great view of Mount Kinabalu! Once you arrive in Kiau Village you will meet your local guide and begin the two hour long hike to the summit of Nuluh Lingion (other hikes are available within the National Park upon request with at least 3 days notice). Along the way, you’ll walk through local farms where you can spot (and taste!) fresh pineapple, jackfruit, wild ginger, bananas and more depending what is in season. Continue your hike through primary forest up to the scenic lookout point where, weather permitting, you’ll have panoramic views of Mount Kinabalu and it's waterfalls! Enjoy your packed lunch and a well deserved rest at the summit of Nuluh Lingion (1420 meters). After lunch, descend back to the Kiau Village for a chance to sample local Dusun food at one of the homestays, meet your host family and check into your simple accommodation for the night*. Meals - L, D
*A stay in Kiau village offers you the opportunity to immerse yourself in true Dusun culture and hospitality, accommodation is in a simple private room with shared bathroom facilities. If you would prefer an alternative to the homestay experience please let us know and we will be happy to suggest some alternative accommodations (additional charges apply).
DAY 2: KINABALU GEOPARK - PORING HOT SPRINGS - SEPILOK
Day 2
Following an early rise, as is the village way, and a leisurely breakfast with your host family, transfer out to Kiau junction to catch the West to East shuttle. Your first stop will be around 30 minutes later at Kinabalu Park where you will have a chance to stop for photos of Mount Kinabalu and a breath of fresh mountain air. Continue 1 hour by road to Poring hot springs and take a couple of hours to explore the various activities on offer including the canopy walk, butterfly garden, orchid garden and swimming pool (self-guided visit, individual entry fees not included, approx RM5 - RM15 per attraction). Next stop is Sabah Tea plantation for lunch or a cup of local Sabah tea (own cost) before continuining on overland to Sepilok which is around 3.5 hours drive away. Check-into your hotel in Sepilok and have dinner at the in-house restaurant (own cost) or explore nearby options before getting some rest. Meals: B
Following an early rise, as is the village way, and a leisurely breakfast with your host family, transfer out to Kiau junction to catch the West to East shuttle. Your first stop will be around 30 minutes later at Kinabalu Park where you will have a chance to stop for photos of Mount Kinabalu and a breath of fresh mountain air. Continue 1 hour by road to Poring hot springs and take a couple of hours to explore the various activities on offer including the canopy walk, butterfly garden, orchid garden and swimming pool (self-guided visit, individual entry fees not included, approx RM5 - RM15 per attraction). Next stop is Sabah Tea plantation for lunch or a cup of local Sabah tea (own cost) before continuining on overland to Sepilok which is around 3.5 hours drive away. Check-into your hotel in Sepilok and have dinner at the in-house restaurant (own cost) or explore nearby options before getting some rest. Meals: B
DAY 3: SEPILOK - KINABATANGAN RIVER
DAY 3
Pick up from your hotel in Sepilok at 8.45am. Your guide will first take you to the orangutan sanctuary to watch the younger, playful orangutans in the nursery before catching the 10am feeding. Around 11am, head over to the sunbear sanctuary to watch the sunbears (the world’s smallest species of bear!) from raised walkways. Continue on to the Kinabatangan river for lunch and check-in to Hornbill Lodge. After lunch and an orientation to the lodge, you’ll join your first boat cruise in search of wildlife and birdlife along the banks of the Kinabatangan River into your river. Return to the lodge for dinner and then choose to either relax at the lodge or join the night walk in search of nocturnal animals. (B, L, D)
Pick up from your hotel in Sepilok at 8.45am. Your guide will first take you to the orangutan sanctuary to watch the younger, playful orangutans in the nursery before catching the 10am feeding. Around 11am, head over to the sunbear sanctuary to watch the sunbears (the world’s smallest species of bear!) from raised walkways. Continue on to the Kinabatangan river for lunch and check-in to Hornbill Lodge. After lunch and an orientation to the lodge, you’ll join your first boat cruise in search of wildlife and birdlife along the banks of the Kinabatangan River into your river. Return to the lodge for dinner and then choose to either relax at the lodge or join the night walk in search of nocturnal animals. (B, L, D)
Day 4: KINABATANGAN RIVER
DAY 4
As day dawns, join your second river cruise and watch as the river comes to life. Keep an eye out for bird life including Borneo’s endemic hornbills and have another chance to spot multiple species of primates. Return to the lodge for breakfast then join your guide for a jungle walk looking for signs of orang-utans such as nests in the trees or even orang-utans themselves if you are lucky! Enjoy lunch overlooking the river and a chance to rest before joining your afternoon river cruise in search of more of this area's unique wildlife. After dinner, join your guide for a night walk or add-on a night cruise in search of nocturnal wildlife along the river bank. Meals - B, L, D
Optional add-on: night cruise: RM100 per person
As day dawns, join your second river cruise and watch as the river comes to life. Keep an eye out for bird life including Borneo’s endemic hornbills and have another chance to spot multiple species of primates. Return to the lodge for breakfast then join your guide for a jungle walk looking for signs of orang-utans such as nests in the trees or even orang-utans themselves if you are lucky! Enjoy lunch overlooking the river and a chance to rest before joining your afternoon river cruise in search of more of this area's unique wildlife. After dinner, join your guide for a night walk or add-on a night cruise in search of nocturnal wildlife along the river bank. Meals - B, L, D
Optional add-on: night cruise: RM100 per person
day 5: kinabatangan river - SANDAKAN AIRPORT / HOTELS
DAY 5
Wake up early and join your guide for a final dawn river cruise then return to the lodge for breakfast. Check out and transfer back to Sandakan, arriving at the airport in time for flights departing 1pm or later or hotels in Sepilok or Sandakan. Meals - B
Optional add-on: Gomantong caves & Sepilok Rainforest Discovery Centre
Guests who have additional time on the last day can choose to visit the Gomantong caves on the way back to Sandakan, enjoy lunch at a local restaurant then explore the canopy walk at Sepilok Rainforest Discovery Centre before being dropped off at Sandakan airport in time for flights departing by 6pm or hotels in Sepilok / Sandakan.
Wake up early and join your guide for a final dawn river cruise then return to the lodge for breakfast. Check out and transfer back to Sandakan, arriving at the airport in time for flights departing 1pm or later or hotels in Sepilok or Sandakan. Meals - B
Optional add-on: Gomantong caves & Sepilok Rainforest Discovery Centre
Guests who have additional time on the last day can choose to visit the Gomantong caves on the way back to Sandakan, enjoy lunch at a local restaurant then explore the canopy walk at Sepilok Rainforest Discovery Centre before being dropped off at Sandakan airport in time for flights departing by 6pm or hotels in Sepilok / Sandakan.
If you would like a transfer to Lahad Datu, Semporna or to combine this tour with a visit to Tabin wildlife reserve, Danum Valley or Turtle island please just let us know.
Pricing & trip info
5D4N Sabah Highlights: Kinabalu Geopark, Sepilok & Kinabatangan river (departs Tuesday, Thursday & Saturday)
Dormitory: From RM2440 per person
Twin share private room: From RM2815 per person
Single private room: From RM3530 per person
A high season supplement of RM200 per person is applicable to all tours in April, July, August & September.
Pricing valid till 31 Dec 2025
Notes for solo travellers:
Tours depart with a minimum of 2 people - solo travellers please enquire for available tours and/or alternatives
Dormitory: From RM2440 per person
Twin share private room: From RM2815 per person
Single private room: From RM3530 per person
A high season supplement of RM200 per person is applicable to all tours in April, July, August & September.
Pricing valid till 31 Dec 2025
Notes for solo travellers:
Tours depart with a minimum of 2 people - solo travellers please enquire for available tours and/or alternatives
Inclusions:
- Meals as per itinerary
- Transfers Kota Kinabalu – Kinabalu Geopark - Sepilok – Kinabatangan – Sandakan (other destinations easily accessible, just ask for advice)
- Accommodation: 1 night Kiau village homestay, 1 night Tanini Sepilok, 2 nights Hornbill Lodge
- Entry fees: Kinabalu Park, Poring hot springs, Orangutan Rehabilitation Centre, Sunbear sanctuary
- Community guide for Kinabalu Geopark trekking, nature guide for Sepilok & Kinabatangan river
- Tourism tax: RM10 per private room per night
- Flights / transfers other than stated
- Meals & drinks other than stated
- Poring hot springs activity fees: Canopy walk / butterfly garden / Hot tub RM10 each, Slide Pool RM5
- Camera fees
Who is this trip suitable for? Hiking in Kinabalu Geopark can be challenging, especially in wet conditions, alternative easier hikes/activities are available on request. The Kinabatangan river portion involves some moderate exercise (walking on flat ground) but it suitable for all levels of fitness.
What to bring?
Binoculars, insect repellent, sunscreen, long sleeve shirts & long pants, raincoat, sun hat, swimwear, comfortable trekking shoes, torch light, water bottle & personal toiletries.
Medical advice Please consult your physician for up to date advice on vaccinations & anti-malarials and any pre-existing medical conditions that may affect your ability to join the trip.
Accommodation may vary according to availability, photos provided are examples of the types of accommodation used.
What to bring?
Binoculars, insect repellent, sunscreen, long sleeve shirts & long pants, raincoat, sun hat, swimwear, comfortable trekking shoes, torch light, water bottle & personal toiletries.
Medical advice Please consult your physician for up to date advice on vaccinations & anti-malarials and any pre-existing medical conditions that may affect your ability to join the trip.
Accommodation may vary according to availability, photos provided are examples of the types of accommodation used.
If you are keen to join this adventure but would prefer to upgrade your first night from Kiau village homestay to a hotel nearby Kinabalu Park or a private mountain lodge then just let us know and we will be happy to offer you additional options.
Honest Pricing
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At River Junkie, we like to keep our pricing as fair, honest and transparent as possible. If you find the exact trip that we are offering for a lower price, we will either match it or beat it - this is our guarantee in providing you with honest pricing.
*Our price guarantee is for published rates only and not applicable to flash deals or last-minute promotions
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