3-Day Sabah Tour Packages
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Insider tips: Recommended 3-day Sabah tour itineraries
Compiled by
MelissaSabah travel expert at TourRadar
- 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.
- 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.
- Day 1
Lahad Datu to Tabin Wildlife Reserve
Your journey starts at Lahad Datu airport, followed by a 1.5-hour drive on gravel roads to Tabin Wildlife Reserve. If you get motion sickness, bring medicine for the bumpy ride. You'll stay in elevated timber bungalows. If you have mobility concerns, ask for a room near the main building since rain can make paths slippery. In the afternoon you'll trek to the Lipad mud volcano, a mineral lick that draws wildlife. The volcanic mud gets messy, so wear quick-dry clothes and pack spare socks. For the night walk, bring good flashlights (red lights work best for spotting nocturnal animals) and shoes with solid grip.
- Day 2
Full Day Wildlife Exploration
The best bird watching starts before sunrise. Tabin is home to about 300 species, so grab your binoculars early to spot hornbills and pittas at their most active. After breakfast, you'll head up to the Birdwatching Tower. Take your time in the humidity and bring lots of water. The Lipad Waterfall trek is moderate but can get tricky when wet. Pack swimwear if you want to take a dip, but check with your guide about water levels as they change with the seasons. You'll appreciate the afternoon foot soak. Many visitors recommend bringing tiger balm to make it even better.
- Day 3
Final Morning and Return
Spend your last morning near the lodge where macaques and hornbills often show up. Your transfer to Lahad Datu leaves at noon, so pack early and keep your camera ready. Some of the best wildlife moments happen unexpectedly.
