Are you wondering how you’re going to go about getting to Mabul Island and what to do once you arrive?

Unless you’re staying at an expensive five-star island resort, then chances are you’ll need to organize your transport to Mabul Island by yourself. In this quick guide, I’ll give you an up-to-date account on how to arrange a trip to Mabul Island from Semporna, as well as what you might expect on the island, from diving to island hopping!

Where is Mabul Island?

Mabul Island is located on the southeast corner of Sabah, Malaysian Borneo. The island is one of the dozens which scatter the coast of Semporna.

The Island itself is a flat sandbar island surrounded by a shallow coral reef system of 2 kilometers squared.

Quick Answer: Island Hopping to Mabul from Semporna

Looking for an easy and cost-effective way to visit Mabul and the other amazing islands off the coast of Semporna?

Don't miss this epic snorkeling/fun dive island hopping adventure that you can book online in advance.

Book Your Tour Now

Getting to Mabul Island - The Best Travel Options

Getting to Mabul Island requires either a private boat or ferry from one of Semporna's ferry and boat terminals. The trip takes roughly one hour depending on how fast the boat is.

Below I've detailed a few common ways to get to Mabul Island, catering mostly to readers on a budget or those looking for a quick day trip.

Otherwise, if you've already arranged accommodation on the island, you'll most likely already be getting transport included.

Kota Kinabalu to Mabul

Of course, the first step on your journey will be getting to Semporna. If you're researching about getting to Mabul Island from Kota Kinabalu (KK), then you can either take a flight to Tawau, followed by a Grab car or taxi to Semporna Harbour.

Your other option is to take an overland bus from Kota Kinabalu to Semporna, then a ferry to the island.

How to Get to Semporna

Surprisingly, flying to Semporna from Kota Kinabalu is relatively affordable. I usually stick to budget travel options, so I overlooked flying to Semporna. Air Asia has standard flights from KK to Tawau daily starting at only $18. However, you’ll need to pay for a Grab car to Semporna (80 Ringgit) or find a shared minivan at the airport.

Note it’s also possible to fly from other parts of Asia including Kuala Lumpur straight to Tawau.

You can compare flights directly to Semporna using CheapOAir or Sky Scanner.

Getting to Semporna By Bus

The more popular option for budget travelers visiting more parts of Sabah is to take the overland bus. From Kota Kinabalu, there is a morning and night bus from Inanam station departing at 7:30 AM and 7:30 PM for 75 Ringgit per person.

If you’re coming to Semporna from Sandakan, Sepilok or the Kinabatangan River, then you can also hail a bus from the main road. Depending on where you get on, expect to pay around 45 Ringgit for this bus trip. It’s best to ask your accommodation for help on getting the bus to Semporna from these places.

Related:

Sabah Itinerary - Ultimate Travel Guide

Getting to Mabul Island From Semporna Public Jetty

There are a few different boat jetties in Semporna. However, the main one is where most of the boats leave for island hopping trips and for transfers to the outer islands.

Boats usually leave in the morning, since there is a curfew for boat activities at night time. If you turn up without having anything booked, then it's up to you to barter for a fair price. Of course, the more people, the further you can split the costs.

Semporna to Mabul Island Boat Price:

Expect to pay around 160 - 200 RM per boat going to Mabul Island.

Travel Tip: If you're booked your accommodation on Mabul Island, then I'd definitely recommend asking them if they include a transfer. This could save you at least a large chunk of the transfer fee.

Don't Miss: Bohey Dulang Viewpoint

Mabul Island Budget Accommodation

Mabul Island is one of the most budget-friendly snorkeling and scuba diving islands off Semporna. Most lodges here double as dive shops. So, if you want to dive at Sipidan Island, then I suggest that you book in advance with your host.

This way, you'll save money and they can also organize your boat transport from Semporna to Mabul.

• Spheredivers Scuba - great diver's accommodation on Mabul Island with clean rooms spanning out over the water.
• Where I stayed: Mabul Backpackers - Easily the cheapest place to stay on Mabul with all meals included in the price.

More on Booking.com

How Long Do I Need on Mabul Island?

Getting to Mabul Island is only a part of the journey - the rest, is, of course, enjoying this tropical slice of Bornean paradise.

So, how long do you need? Typically, the length of your stay will depend on how much diving you want to do. If you want to visit the local dive sites as well as a day trip to Sipidan, then I'd suggest a 3-day and 2-night trip.

What is there to do on Mabul if I'm not Scuba Diving?

If you're not into diving, then truthfully, there's not much else to do. Of course, you can wander around the island, relax on the beach, explore the interior local villages and even jump on a snorkeling trip.

However, since the island is so small, you could easily do all of this in one day. For non-divers, I'd recommend either booking an island-hopping trip from Semporna, or just spending one night here.

Is Mabul Island Safe?

Mabul Island is considered pretty safe. However, many travel safety websites suggest caution for the area of Semporna and the surrounding islands due to a history of kidnappings.

These kidnappings and attacks have been carried out by the Abu Sayyaf terrorist group from the southern Philippines and were mostly ransom-inspired attacks.

In response, the surrounding area is heavily patrolled by the Malaysian military, who have set up bases on nearly every island. There is also a night curfew preventing any boat traffic after dark.

As a result, there haven't been any recent attacks in the past few years. However, that's not to say that it couldn't happen.

Budget Diving on Mabul Island

A few budget hostel-style lodges also offer budget diving on Mabul. For example, Mabul Backpackers offers a diving package for 610 RM per person, which includes four dives, two nights' accommodation, all meals and the return boat transfer from Semporna to Mabul Island.

If you're looking to save money, then I'd recommend haggling with your accommodation for discounts for diving since you've already booked to stay with them.

If you want to book some diving in advance, then I also found this deal online which offers three fun dives for $85, which is a fairly good price and has some excellent reviews.

More Photos From Mabul Island to Inspire Your Travels

I hope you've enjoyed this up-to-date travel guide to visiting Mabul Island in Sabah, Borneo. Before you leave, check out some of my other guides to the region below, or some more photos from my trip to Mabul!

• How To Get To Kinabatangan River and Where to Stay
• Kinabatangan Caves - Elephant Trail Hike to Sukau Caves
• Sabah Itinerary 7 Days - Top Things to Do in Sabah Borneo in 2023
• Tun Sakaran Marine Park Island Hopping Guide - Bohey Dulang Day Trip

The post Mabul Island Travel Guide – How to Get Here & What to Expect in 2023 appeared first on We Seek Travel.

Out of all of the epic best things to do in Sabah Borneo, it’s almost impossible to cram it everything into a one-week itinerary. However, if you’ve got more sense of adventure than time, then following this Sabah itinerary for 7 days will make sure you cover as much travel ground as possible.

First and foremost, as this is an adventure travel blog, the itinerary caters more to those more interested in hikes, wildlife, and outdoor adventures than KK shopping. That being said, even luxury travelers will still get some great travel ideas from this Sabah travel guide.

What's in this Recommended Itinerary for Sabah?

To give you an idea of what to expect on this itinerary, here are some Sabah highlights you can expect over the next week.

• Hike in the foothills (or summit) of South East Asia's tallest mountain (Mount Kinabalu)
• Come face to face with the endangered Bornean Orangutans and Sun Bears at the incredible Sepilok Rehabilitation Centre
• Spot proboscis monkeys and pygmy elephants on one of the world's most biodiverse jungle river systems (Kinabatangan River)
• Go island-hopping off the coast of Semporna
• Scuba dive or snorkel at one of the world's best dive sites

Sabah Itinerary Map - Top Attractions

Here's an interactive map that you can use for reference or save to help visualize the things to do and destinations covered in this Sabah itinerary.

Travel Hack: Click on the itinerary map above and it will load on your Google Maps app. You can save it by clicking the grey star at the top, which will add it to "Your Places" on your Google Maps account. This way, you have a handy digital app on the go with all the locations pinned– just refer back to this article (or bookmark it) for the information you need.

The Ultimate 7 Day Sabah Itinerary

Let's get into this epic Sabah 7-day itinerary! I've planned this itinerary based on my own experience traveling in Sabah but will offer various options to suit your style of travel.

Day 0: Arriving in Sabah (Kota Kinabalu)

The gateway to Sabah is the capital of Kota Kinabalu, commonly referred to as "KK". This is a large metropolis situated near the towering Kinabalu peak and various tropical islands.

You'll likely fly straight into Kota Kinabalu International Airport, since there are several international available, as well as cost-effective flights from Malaysia and Singapore.

I recommend comparing prices on flights to Sabah using SkyScanner to get a good rate.

Accommodation in Kota Kinabalu

There are plenty of options when planning where to stay in Kota Kinabalu. Below are three great recommendations

• Le Meridien Kota Kinabalu - the top luxury pick offering an outdoor pool and 4 dining options in the heart of KK.
• CJ residence - a great mid-range pick with amazing rooms, a restaurant, and bar on the main waterfront strip.
• Faloe Hostel - the top rated backpacker hostel for location, vibe, and facilities.

More on Booking.com

Budget tip: There are both luxury and budget backpacker accommodations all over Sabah. Of course, the latter won't be as budget-friendly as other places in Asia like Indonesia or Thailand. Nevertheless, it's still possible to find double rooms for under $15 USD per night.

Day 1: Kinabalu Park Hikes

Depending on what time you land in Kota Kinabalu, you might be able to get to adventuring straight away!

Famous for being the tallest mountain in South East Asia, Mount Kinabalu is a great attraction for travelers in Sabah. Unfortunately, if you only have a week to explore Sabah, then getting to the summit will take a large chunk of that, since it's an overnight activity.

Book the Kinabalu Climb

Overnight Climb of Mount Kinabalu from KK

Regardless, even if you don't go for the summit, you can still get your hiking and nature fix in the Kinabalu Park foothills. There are loads of great hiking trails that you can choose from!

While it's possible to take the bus to Kinabalu Park leave at 6:30 am from the inner-city bus station (first bus departing at 6:30 am) near "Dreamtel", you can also book a guided tour.

This trip includes a guided hike through Kinabalu Park, as well as an awesome visit to the Poring Hot Springs.

Finish the day off by returning to Kota Kinabalu and prepare for a long bus to Sepilok the following morning. Alternatively, you could take a flight to Sandakan to save time as well.

Car Rentals in Sabah

If you prefer to drive yourself to the destinations around Sabah, then you can find great deals on rentals at DiscoverCars. This is a rental car site comparing prices across dealerships in Kota Kinabalu and beyond.

Compare On RentalCars.com

Day 2: Sepilok Nature Walks

Buses depart from the Inanam Bus Terminal on the hour, every hour from about 6 am to Sandakan. Take the earliest bus you can, hop off at the Sepilok interchange, and walk to your accommodation (recommendations below)

For the rest of the day, you can relax in the vicinity of the Sepilok Conservation Area or visit the Sepilok Rainforest Discover Centre. For a great list of things to do in Sepilok to fill out your day, Bizzare Globe Trotter has written a very useful Sepilok blog.

Accommodation in Sepilok

Sepilok is in the northeastern region of Sabah near the larger town of Sandakan. Here is where you'll find the famous and incredibly-well run Orangutan and Sun Bear rehabilitation sanctuaries.

Sepilok also borders some of the last remaining Bornean rainforests, making it a popular spot for nature lovers. Below are the three best places to stay nearby.

• Borneo Sepilok Rainforest Resort - a newly built jungle-themed luxury resort in the heart of Sepilok offering free airport shuttle service.
• Paganakan Dii Tropical Retreat - a mid-range retreat with beautiful bungalow-style rooms in the Bornean jungle.
• Sepilok B&B - comfortable and cost-effective B&B with air-conditioning in a jungle setting, close to the Orangutan sanctuary.

More on Booking.com

Day 3: Sepilok Orangutan Sanctuary and Sun Bear Sanctuary

In the morning, walk down to the Orangutan Rehabilitation Sanctuary in time for feeding at 10 am. This is important as the sanctuary encourages the gradual rehabilitation of orangutans by encouraging them to venture further into the jungle, away from the sanctuary.

This means that they are usually hanging out far in the jungle. As a result, the orangutan's who are further along the rehabilitation process only venture close to get food in the morning and afternoon.

After seeing the incredible orangutans, head out of the gate and cross the road where you'll find the Sun Bear Sanctuary. All of the sun bears here are being rehabilitated due to a previous life of exploitation in the exotic pet trade.

Honestly, you don't need a guide to visit these two sanctuaries. However, if you want to support local tourism and get some great inside information about the animals and the area, you can hire a guide for the whole day for under $100.

Day 4: Kinabatangan River Cruise

If you'd prefer to stay in Sandakan or Sepilok another night and still join in on a Kinabatangan River Cruise, then it's possible to arrange a day trip online.

Otherwise, the best way to get to the next destination, Sukau, is to message Mr. Choy on Whatsapp. His number is 019-536-1889 and he does daily transfers from Sandakan or Sepilok to Sukau on the Kinabatangan River for 50 RM per person.

For more information and alternatives to getting here, check out my guide to how to get to Kinabatangan River.

Once you're in Sukau, your lodge will be able to organize as many wildlife-spotting river cruises as you'd like. Typically, they have a sunrise, sunset, and night cruise, where you'll have the chance to spot wild proboscis monkeys, orangutans, pygmy elephants, leaf monkeys, crocodiles, hornbills, and many, many more amazing animals.

If I had to pick the number one best thing to do in Sabah Borneo, then a Kinabatangan river cruise would easily make the top spot. Being privileged enough to be able to see the incredible biodiversity of this river system is something that I'll never forget.

I'd also recommend staying in Sukau so that you can experience a night cruise and the incredible rainforest sounds at night time. The lodge I stayed at (RB Lodge) is located right on the bank of the river, which really makes you feel like you're getting the most authentic Bornean jungle experience possible.

Alternative: 2-Day Organised Trip - KK to Kinabatangan

If you'd like to save time & energy with public transport, book this 2D1N Trip to Sandakan. This includes transport & a guide to Sepilok Orangutan Sanctuary, a Kinabatangan river cruise, and a visit to Gomantong Caves

More Information

Accommodation in Sukau & Kinabatangan River

While it's possible to stay in Sandakan and take tours into the Kinabatangan, staying on the Kinabatangan River is in my opinion, a must-do on any Sabah itinerary!

This region is one of the last remaining sanctuaries for wild orangutans, Bornean pygmy elephants, proboscis monkeys, to name a few. Here are some great accommodation picks.

• Borneo Natural Sukau Bilit Resort - an amazing eco jungle resort surrounded by lush greenery. Spot monkeys swinging from the vines from your own balcony overlooking the river.
• Kinabatangan Wildlife Lodge - Affordable but comfortable lodges on the doorstep of the Kinabatangan.
• Sukau Backpackers B&B - Cheap rooms right on the edge of the Kinabatangan River. The real-deal raw jungle experience and run by guys who organize cheap river cruises.

More on Booking.com

Day 5: Semporna and Bohey Dulang Island Hopping Trip

For the last few days of the ultimate Sabah itinerary 7 days trip, you'll be soaking in the sun on some of Sabah's best islands.

I recommend getting your accommodation to organize transport for you, or contact Mr. Choy (information above) and ask him to drop you at the restaurant where you can take a bus from Sepilok to Semporna. The journey is only a couple of hours.

However, you'll want to leave early to maximize time for an Island hopping trip in Semporna.

Once you arrive at Semporna, drop your bags at your accommodation and head to the public boat jetty to jump aboard a trip. If you're set on seeing the epic Bohey Dulang viewpoint (a must), then I recommend booking this island hopping trip in advance to secure a spot.

Most trips include snorkel gear and lunch and run for about 8 hours.

Finish the day off by catching some sleep in Semporna. However, you'll need to be ready to depart early the next day for a trip to Mabul Island.

Best Travel Insurance for Sabah

Safeguard yourself from unforeseen travel mishaps like accidents, cancellations, delays, and loss of your personal items. SafetyWing offers peace of mind travel insurance for Sabah at super affordable rates.

Get SafetyWing Travel Insurance

Accommodation in Semporna

Sabah's southern coastal city isn't exactly a top pick for the most beautiful places to visit. However, it does serve as the perfect base to launch into amazing islands nearby. Luckily, there are a few great places to stay which makes the experience much better.

• SeaCoral Water Chalet - stay in your own over-water bungalow reaching out over the sea.
• Timba Garden - top mid-range accommodation pick with beautiful queen rooms and garden views. Offers free town and jetty transport.
• Ozzy Lodge - Close to the harbor but far enough to still be clean and less chaotic. Super friendly owner who can organize cheap island-hopping trips.

More on Booking.com

Day 6: Mabul Island and Sipidan Diving

Known as the Maldives of Malaysia, Mabul Island is an incredible coral reef island an hour's boat ride away from Semporna. Many people visit Mabul for diving and snorkeling, and in hopes of doing a diving trip to one of the world's best dive sites; Sipidan Island.

The trip to Mabul Island from Semporna jetty only takes roughly one hour, meaning if you leave early enough, you'll have time to get some dives in and explore a bit of the island.

If you're not diving, then there's still plenty to do. Exploring the interior, where you can mingle with the island locals who have migrated here from the Sulu islands in the Philippines. For me, meeting the fascinating seafaring Bajau people was a highlight for my trip to this remote island.

All lodges can also arrange snorkeling trips around Mabul, as well as dive trips to Sipidan.

Accommodation on Mabul Island

Mabul Island is one of the most budget-friendly snorkeling and scuba diving islands off Semporna. Most lodges here double as dive shops. So, if you want to dive at Sipidan Island, then I suggest that you book in advance with your host.

This way, you'll save money and they can also organize your boat transport from Semporna to Mabul.

• Spheredivers Scuba - great diver's accommodation on Mabul Island with clean rooms spanning out over the water.
• Where I stayed: Mabul Backpackers - Easily the cheapest place to stay on Mabul with all meals included in the price.

More on Booking.com

Day 7: Back to Kota Kinabalu

And just like that, the Sabah itinerary 7 days trip has come to an end. By now, you're probably looking forward to a long, well-deserved rest.

To get back to Kota Kingabalu, you can fly there directly from nearby Taway Airport, just a short taxi drive from Semporna.

Alternatively, budget travelers can take the overland bus for 12 hours from Semporna Bus Station.

Travel Tip: How to Get Around in Sabah Borneo

Sabah is a big region. Covering such vast distances over the course of a single week is going to be a little tiring. To add insult to injury, it can also be fairly difficult to plan transport within Sabah if you haven't got some experience or tips.

Ultimately, you'll have three options for getting around Sabah Borneo, overland buses (long), flying (quicker but can be more expensive), and organizing a private driver (very expensive).

My style of travel is almost always budget-oriented. Truthfully, I prefer jumping on public buses, hitching rides with locals, and experiencing the occasional travel mishap, because hey, they make for the best stories.

But, if you only have the time for a Sabah itinerary over 7 days, then I understand that you want to get it right. So, here's a low down on your options.

Getting Around Sabah Borneo By Bus

Getting around by overland buses is how I traveled around Sabah. There is a long freeway that connects the capital Kota Kinabalu (KK) to Tawau and Semporna in the southeast. Thankfully, this same road connects to most of the highlights on this list of best things to do in Sabah Borneo, including visiting Sepilok and Sandakan.

If you choose the bus route, expect long-distance journeys of around 8-12 hours for some stretches. To maximize time, you can always catch the early morning buses to free up your afternoon, or alternatively, take the night bus (limited routes).

Don't worry, if you've skipped to this bit– I go into more detail about how you'll get from A to B within the actual Sabah itinerary above.

Flying From KK to Sabah Attractions

For those looking to save time, it's possible to fly to the major points on this itinerary without breaking the bank.

Air Asia occasionally offers cheap flights starting at $30 per person from Kota Kinabalu to Sandakan Airport and to Tawau. You can compare the availability and prices on SkyScanner quite easily.

Also, if you’re looking to get to bypass KK and fly straight into Sandakan, then you can also find many budget flights connecting from Kuala Lumpur.

Hire a Private Driver for Sabah

This is easily going to be the most expensive option. Truth be told, I've never been one to hire my own personal driver to take me around a country. However, below is a list of useful resources for finding private drivers or organized tours in Sabah and South East Asia.

• Viator
• Klook
• Get Your Guide
• Rental Car - For finding your own car to drive

Things to Know When Planning Your Itinerary for Sabah

Firstly, as I've already mentioned, in order to tick every single item on the list the best things to do in Sabah Borneo, you're going to need more time.

Borneo is HUGE!

What many people don't know is that Borneo is, in fact, the third-largest island in the world. While northern Sabah is only a comparable chunk, that chunk still covers a total land area of over 73,630 square kilometers.

Unfortunately for the long-distance travel-weary backpacker, this means you'll need to spend a significant amount of your time on buses, or on domestic flights.

However, I guess that's the price we pay if we want to make the most of our limited time in Sabah.

Do I Need Travel Insurance for Sabah Borneo?

Truthfully, I never travel without travel insurance. And, since I'm always traveling, I guess I've always got travel insurance coverage. Ever since I had my entire backpack (everything I own) stolen at a Barcelona airport back in 2015, I vowed to always purchase travel insurance.

The insurance that I used when traveling in Sabah is World Nomads because they offer excellent coverage for adventure travelers. If you're following this Sabah itinerary for 7 days, then you'll be spending your days hiking in the jungle, sleeping along the banks of rivers, island hopping, snorkeling, and maybe even scuba diving.

Unlike most insurance companies, World Nomads covers all of this.

Update: These days I use Safetywing as it's a more affordable option worldwide and includes coverage for COVID.

After Sabah Borneo - More South East Asia Travel Guides

Hopefully, this 7-day Sabah itinerary has inspired you to visit one of Asia's best wildlife gems! While you're here on my blog, check out some of my other guides to more regions in SEA. Alternatively, here are some specific Sabah travel guides you might want to check out.

• How To Get To Kinabatangan River and Where to Stay
• Kinabatangan Caves - Elephant Trail Hike to Sukau Caves
• Mabul Island Travel Guide - How to Get Here & What to Expect in 2023
• Sukau Kinabatangan River Cruise - Independent Travel Guide
• Tun Sakaran Marine Park Island Hopping Guide - Bohey Dulang Day Trip
• What to Do in Kinabalu Park - Complete Trail Guide

The post Sabah Itinerary 7 Days – Top Things to Do in Sabah Borneo in 2023 appeared first on We Seek Travel.

Located walking distance from the popular Kinabatangan River cruise village of Sukau, the cave trail leads through dense rainforest along a path carved out by elephants. This means as I found out, that you have to be particularly careful to avoid any territorial wildlife that calls the Sukau jungle home.

Sukau on the Kinabatangan River

For those looking to spend a little bit of time exploring the Kinabatangan River and to make the most of the incredible wildlife river cruises from here, then chances are you’ll be staying in Sukau.

The village itself is quite small and positioned along the banks of the river itself. There are no ATMs or supermarkets here, so you’ll need to prepare. To help you, I’ve written a detailed blog on how to get here, where to stay and what to expect.

Other Kinabatangan Cave and River Cruise Option

If you’d prefer to visit the larger Gomantong Caves, then you can book a cave and river cruise tour online. I didn’t do this option since I decided to stay in Sukau over a few days. However, if you’d prefer a hotel pickup and a guided tour from Sandakan, then you can book this trip for under $90.

Also, if you’re looking for more information about the Gomantong Caves, then you might find this detailed blog useful.

INTERESTED IN RIVER CRUISES INDEPENDENTLY? READ THIS BLOG.

DON’T MISS: SABAH ITINERARY 7 DAYS – THINGS TO DO IN SABAH BORNEO

How to Find the Sukau Caves

Of course, you can organize a driver or guide from Sukau to go to Gomantong Caves. Unfortunately, I didn’t have a day to spare. So instead, I set out to explore the elephant trail leading to the Sukau Caves, as directed by my lodge owner.

You’ll find the start of the trail at the very end of the road in Sukau, heading downstream. The official name of the area is called Tomanggong Limestone Area and you’ll find the start of the trail pinned under that name on Google Maps.

The best advice is just to follow the road downstream all the way past the lodges and small restaurants.

Once you reach a house that looks like it’s the end of the road, just walk under the small makeshift bridge. Then, continue through the patch of palms and eventually cross a wooden plank leading into the jungle.

Elephant Trail Hike From Sukau – Tomanggong Limestone Area

Hike Distance: 8 KM return;
Total Length: 2-3 hours;
Hike Difficulty: Easy, but can be very wet and swampy.

As I mentioned previously, the trail has been carved out by local Pygmy elephants who roam the jungle area near the Kinabatangan Caves and river. As a result, the trail winds around and cuts back on itself several times, forcing you to cross deep sections of mud.

Overall, the trail is fairly flat, and you’ll find small red and pink ribbons tied onto the trees which lead the way to the Sukau Caves. My advice is to keep an eye out for the tags and ribbons because it’s pretty easy to get lost.

As you approach the cave, you’ll need to follow the trail up the hill a little, revealing a huge cavern opening.

Kinabatangan Wildlife

However, you will definitely need to be careful. Growing up in Australia, I tend to forget about the wildlife hazards other than those of the venomous variety. Consequently, the outcome of the hike could have been much worse if I had unknowingly and innocently wandered into a pack of angry boars or a territorial bull elephant.

Truth is, we did run into a pack of boars and were chased by them. Read the bottom section for the story.

What to Expect at the Kinabatangan Caves

The hike itself is very beautiful, passing through the dense and damp jungle interior that you might expect of Borneo.

The Sukau cave itself has two main caverns. By the looks of it, it also descends deeper underground. There are bats everywhere in the main cavern, so you’ll need to be prepared for that if you’re a bit squeamish.

Chased By Wild Boars

Yep. These things were monsters. If you haven’t seen a Bornean wild boar before, I’ll ask you to google an image of it. The thing is fierce and super scary looking when it’s staring you down, grunting through the bushes in the thick of a swampy jungle.

Although we found the caves, we were forced to run away from an angry and territorial boar on the way back. Luckily, we both lived to tell the hilarious but in hindsight, lucky tale of our great Sukau Caves boar escape.

More Photographs of the Sukau Caves and Trail

Here are some more photos that we took along the trail to the Sukau Caves (Kinabatangan Caves).

If you decide to take the hike, let me know by posting a quick comment below.

MORE SABAH BORNEO TRAVEL GUIDES

• How To Get To Kinabatangan River and Where to Stay
• Mabul Island Travel Guide – How to Get Here & What to Expect in 2023
• Sabah Itinerary 7 Days – Top Things to Do in Sabah Borneo in 2023
• Sukau Kinabatangan River Cruise – Independent Travel Guide
• Tun Sakaran Marine Park Island Hopping Guide – Bohey Dulang Day Trip
• What to Do in Kinabalu Park – Complete Trail Guide

The post Kinabatangan Caves – Elephant Trail Hike to Sukau Caves appeared first on We Seek Travel.

How To Get to Kinabatangan River

First and foremost, how do I get to the Kinabatangan River? If you’re looking to spend a couple of days here, then the best place to stay is the small village of Sukau.

Sukau is located on the banks of the Kinabatangan River and smack-bang in the middle of the Kinabatangan Conservation Area. Since it’s on location so to speak, Sukau is a great place to book a day-to-day Sukau Kinabatangan River cruise for wildlife spotting.

There are a myriad of ways in which you can reach Sukau and the Kinabatangan River that doesn’t require an organized tour, though they aren’t that obvious without any research.

BUS: Buses running from Kota Kinabalu to Semporna pass by the Sukau Junction. You can get off here and hope for a van to take you down the long dirt road into Sukau. Alternatively, buses also run from Sandakan to Semporna and Lahad Datu, which you can jump on and get off at the same junction.
MR CHOY: The most direct and cheapest option is to get shared transport by a Sukau local man known as Mr Choy. Mr Choy does daily trips from Sandakan for 50 Ringgit and can also pick you up from Sepilok on the way. His Whatsapp number is: 019-536-1889.
GRAB CAR: Easily the most expensive option. Expect to pay around 300 from Sandakan. I’ve been told that drivers even ask for more since they’ll have to drive all the way back too.

For more information on how to get here, I’ve also written a Kinabatangan River blog post here.

Kinabatangan River Accommodation

Yes, it’s possible to stay on the Kinabatangan River, namely in Sukau. There are also options that cater to every budget.

BUDGET RAINFOREST LODGING: RB LODGE
The cheapest Kinabatangan River accommodation you’ll find in Sukau. This is where I stayed. The rooms are a bungalow style and located right on the edge of the river. Breakfast is included and a double room costs less than $14 USD per night.

BACKPACKER VIBE: SUKAU BACKPACKER’S B&B
Located a few hundred meters from the RB Lodge, this B&B costs a few extra dollars but has more comfortable and cleaner rooms. The breakfast is also a buffet style.

NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC SUKAU RAINFOREST LODGE
The Sukau Rainforest Lodge has to be the coolest place to stay on the Kinabatangan River. The lodge is located on the banks of the river is the first ecotourism company in the area. The lodge owners are built on conservation and facilities include communal halls, lounge, restaurant, boardwalks, a pool, and a bar. They’ve also won several tourism and sustainability awards.

You can also compare all Sukau and Kinabatangan River accommodation options on Booking.com.

DON’T MISS THE SUKAU CAVE HIKE: READ THE GUIDE

What to do in Kinabatangan River

The best thing to do in the Kinabatangan River is to take a Sukau Kinabatangan River cruise. If you’re already in Sukau, these are relatively inexpensive and definitely a must-do activity. But hey, that’s why you’re reading this Kinabatangan River blog right?

Boats cruise down the river and deep into the Kinabatangan Conservation Area to get a rare glimpse at the unique Sabah Bornean wildlife.

River Cruise Cost: 50 Ringgit Per Person

Staying on the river means that you don’t need to buy a pre-booked package on check-in. All lodges and hotels in Sukau. At the RB lodge, where I stayed, the host offered open trips where we could choose to join in on morning, afternoon or night cruises.

Most Sukau Kinabatangan River cruises hire local fishermen to guide you down the river, which is great because you’re contributing directly to local communities.

READ MORE: SABAH ITINERARY 7 DAYS – THINGS TO DO IN SABAH BORNEO

Sukau Kinabatangan River Cruise Itinerary

Wondering about what to expect on the river? Here’s a quick itinerary of options you have to choose from and what kind of animals you might be lucky enough to spot.

Kinabatangan River Wildlife

I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again, the Kinabatangan River is one of the most biodiverse places that I’ve ever visited. Here’s a quick summary of some of the Kinabatangan River Wildlife you might see based on how rare they are.

Common

I’m not a biologist by any means, but I’ve categorized these species as common based on what I was told by the guide and which species we spotted on every trip.

Common wildlife includes:

• Long-tailed Macaque Monkeys (there are thousands)
• Proboscis Monkeys (endangered)
• Hornbills
• hawk eagles
• owls (night cruises)
• stalks
• Kingfishers

Less Common

Less common species are those that we were told are quite rare, but those you’ll have a decent chance of seeing if you take a few Sukau Kinabatangan River cruises.

• Leaf Monkeys (and different species variants)
• Bornean Gibbon
• Flying squirrels (night)
• Saltwater Crocodiles
• Turtles
• Black Leaf Monkey
• Pythons
• Wild Boar
• Wild Deer
• Orangutans
• Irrawaddy dolphins
• Monitor Lizards

Super Lucky

• Pygmy Elephant
• Otters
• Tarsiers (night cruise)
• Slow loris
• Freshwater Sharks
• Sumatran rhino
• Sun bears

Of course, since this is just a Kinabatangan River blog post and not a wildlife encyclopedia, it doesn’t list every single animal you might encounter. For more information from actual wildlife professionals, you can check out this website.

Sunrise Cruise

The morning cruises are my favorite. Though you might not spot as many monkeys, the light seems to penetrate the trees on the river banks revealing loads of hidden reptiles and also bird species.

We were also told that it’s a higher chance to spot more birds, but I think we saw just as many in the afternoons.

Sunset Cruise

A Sukau Kinabatangan River cruise for sunset usually starts around 4:30 PM and is similar to the morning cruise. However, you’ll have more chance of seeing different monkey species’ as they make their way to the river banks in the afternoon.

Keep in mind though that the chance for rain is higher during this time. Your guide will probably drop you back just after sunset.

Night Cruise

The night cruises are the most unique trips. You’ll be armed with a torch to spot nocturnal species including tarsiers, possums, squirrels and of course, the glowing eyes of 4 meter plus crocodiles.

After three days on the river, we did 5 trips to maximize our chances of spotting the rarer animals like Orangutans, rhinos, and Pygmy Elephants. Unfortunately, we didn’t spot any of these. However, we saw more than our fair share of animals, many of which are incredibly rare.

Tips For the Kinabatangan River

Here are some quick tips that will serve you well on your trip to Sukau. If you have any more questions about independent Sukau Kinabatangan River cruises or anything else, you can throw down a comment below or email me. I’d be more than happy to help.

Bring Food and Snacks

The village is very remote and you won’t have access to general comfort foods or snacks. Most restaurants take advantage of the lack of services and charge a hefty premium.

Budget Restaurant

There is one small restaurant located roughly 500 meters downstream from RB Lodge which serves relatively cheap local food. Here, you can avoid the hefty prices and still get a decent Nasi Goreng or Mie Goreng for 7 Ringgit.

Bring Cash

Here’s where I messed up. Since Borneo had been a much more expensive destination than what I was used to, I simply didn’t realize that I hardly had any cash left on me when I arrive in Sukau. I quickly found out that there are no ATMs within an hour’s drive.

Luckily, Choy, our driver from Sepilok, was kind and trustworthy enough to take my debit card to the ATM on his next morning run to withdraw some cash for me. Seriously though, avoid the embarrassing situation and make sure you bring sufficient cash for your accommodation and Sukau river cruises.

Bring a Dry Bag

The Kinabatangan River is a seriously wet place. This is especially true in the wet season. I’d recommend bringing a dry bag to store your electronics in and to bring extra dry clothes since anything wet will likely remain that way.

Mosquito Repellant

You’ll thank me later.

Walk the Elephant Trail to Sukau Cave

In Sukau, there is one particular trail that I believe is a must. The trail winds through the thick rainforest into a huge cave system. This one isn’t on any travel guides or books and is a local gem.

Check Out the Kinabatangan River Fireflies

If you can brave the rampant mosquitos, you’ll be able to spot fireflies flying around almost everywhere in Sukau at night time. If this is something that you’ve always wanted to see, then just pop out at night and go for a look.

More Photos From Sukau and The Kinabatangan River

Hopefully, this Kinabatangan River blog will help you discover your inner Nat Geo photographer.

After some more wildlife inspo? Here are some more snaps from the Sukau river cruise and the Kinabatangan River.

MORE BORNEO TRAVEL GUIDES

• Getting to Mabul Island – Budget Travel Guide
• How To Get To Kinabatangan River and Where to Stay
• Kinabatangan Caves – Elephant Trail Hike to Sukau Caves
• Sabah Itinerary 7 Days – Top Things to Do in Sabah Borneo in 2023
• Tun Sakaran Marine Park Island Hopping Guide – Bohey Dulang Day Trip
• What to Do in Kinabalu Park – Complete Trail Guide

The post Sukau Kinabatangan River Cruise – Independent Travel Guide appeared first on We Seek Travel.

As you may well know, independent travel in Sabah Borneo isn’t always the easiest or the cheapest. Luckily, however, getting to the Kinabatangan River to see the last remaining glimpses of Borneo’s once-flourishing biodiversity can be done independently – and on a backpacker’s budget.

Where is the Kinabatangan River?

The Kinabatangan River, known as Sungai Kinabatangan in Malay, is the longest river in Sabah, and the second-longest in Malaysia with a total length of 560 KM.

The river is located in the Sandakan Division in northeastern Sabah and runs from the interior Sabahan mountains to the saltwater mangrove wetlands on the shores of the Sulu Sea.

The Kinabatangan River is known for its incredible biodiversity and for being a sanctuary for endangered species including Proboscis Monkeys and Orangutans.

Where to Stay on the Kinabatangan River

For jungle river cruises and access to the Kinabatangan Wildlife Sanctuary, the best place to stay on the river is in a small town known as Sukau. There are a few accommodation options here and many river guides live in this town.

Sukau Accommodation

BUDGET RAINFOREST LODGING: RB LODGE
The cheapest Kinabatangan River accommodation you’ll find in Sukau. This is where I stayed. The rooms are a bungalow style and located right on the edge of the river. Breakfast is included and a double room costs less than $14 USD per night.

BACKPACKER VIBE: SUKAU BACKPACKER’S B&B
Located a few hundred meters from the RB Lodge, this B&B costs a few extra dollars but has more comfortable and cleaner rooms. The breakfast is also a buffet style.

NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC SUKAU RAINFOREST LODGE
The Sukau Rainforest Lodge has to be the coolest place to stay on the Kinabatangan River. The lodge is located on the banks of the river is the first ecotourism company in the area. The lodge owners are built on conservation and facilities include communal halls, lounge, restaurant, boardwalks, a pool, and a bar. They’ve also won several tourism and sustainability awards.

You can also compare all Sukau and Kinabatangan River accommodation options on Booking.com.

DON’T MISS THE SUKAU CAVE HIKE: READ THE GUIDE

How to Get to Kinabatangan River

Getting to the Kinabatangan River and Sukau involves taking a bus or private transport from the main tourist hubs in Sabah. These include Kota Kinabalu, Sandakan, Sepilok, and Semporna.

However, it’s still a little tricky for independent travelers since there aren’t many large hubs or cities within a reasonable distance. The below options should cover you and answer your question of how to get to the Kinabatangan River, no matter where you start from.

Flying in Sabah, Borneo

The closest airport to the Kinabatangan River is in Sandakan. If you’re not a fan of bumpy overland options, Air Asia also has cheap flights starting at $30 per person from Kota Kinabalu to Sandakan Airport. If you’re looking to get to bypass KK and fly straight into Sandakan, then you can also find many flights, most of which connect through Kuala Lumpur.

COMPARE FLIGHTS TO KOTA KINABALU AND SANDAKAN ON SKY SCANNER OR MOMONDO

How to Get From Kota Kinabalu to Kinabatangan River

The fastest way to get from Kota Kinabalu to Kinabatangan River is to take a flight from KK airport to Sandakan. From here, you’ll need to take an overland bus detailed below, or private transfer to Sukau. Read on further for information on how to get to Kinabatangan River from Sandakan.

Bus From Kota Kinabalu to Kinabatangan River

To get to Kinabatangan River from Kota Kinabalu by bus, you will need to go to the northern bus terminal (Inanam). There are several buses here going to Sandakan, and two buses daily going to Semporna (7:30 AM and 7:30 PM).

You can tell the ticket vendors that you want to go to Sukau, or Kinabatangan River. They will recommend that you take the bus going to Semporna, and get off at the junction to Sukau, where you can find cars and vans parked waiting to take tourists down the dirt road to the lodges. The trip from Kota Kinabalu to the Sukau junction takes roughly 6 hours by bus and follows the highway to Semporna.

Sukau Junction Map

DON’T MISS: SABAH ITINERARY 7 DAYS – THINGS TO DO IN SABAH BORNEO

How to Get from Sandakan to Kinabatangan River

There are two main options for getting to Kinabatangan River from Sandakan. The first option is to take a public bus leaving from the long-distance bus terminal (Stesen Bas Sandakan on Google Maps) towards Lahad Datu and then hopping off at the Sukau junction and hoping that a car or van will be there to take you to Sukau.

This first option is a bit annoying, firstly because the long-distance terminal is a bit out of town, and secondly because you’ll need to rely on a way to get to Sukau from the junction since it’s a 45KM stretch of dirt road to the actual village.

Mr Choy Sandakan

The better choice and the option that I took is to get a direct transfer with a local legend: “Mr Choy”. Choy lives in Sukau and does daily transfers in his minivan from Sandakan for 50 Ringgit per person. You can contact him on WhatsApp; 019-536-1889 or by email: choysukau80@gmail.com. The best part is, you won’t need to change buses or vans, Mr Choy will take you from accommodation in Sandakan or Sepilok to your accommodation in Sukau or vice versa.

Choy is such a great guy. After screwing up and not bringing enough money to Sukau (there aren’t any ATMs for over an hour), he took my Debit Card on his next daily run and got money out for me in Sandakan, even though I’d only met him the day prior.

Sepilok to Kinabatangan River (Sukau)

To get to Kinabatangan River from Sepilok, you could either wave down a bus going to Lahad Datu at the Sepilok junction and follow the same plan as above – or you could message Choy on Whatsapp. Since Sepilok is on the way, Choy will also pick you up from your accommodation in Sepilok.

How to Get from Semporna to Kinabatangan River

Those in Semporna and wondering how to get to Kinabatangan River from Semporna, will have similar options. By now, you’ll realize that there aren’t any direct public transport services to Sukau on the Kinabatangan River.

From Semporna, it’s best to take a morning bus to Kota Kinabalu at the bus station near the harbor. This bus will follow the same standard bus route as the reverse trip from Kota Kinabalu and you will have to get off at the Sukau Junction just the same. From here, again take a van waiting on the road to Sukau.

IN SEMPORNA? READ THE SEMPORNA ISLAND HOPPING BLOG TO BOHEY DULANG

MORE SABAH TRAVEL GUIDES

• Kinabatangan Caves – Elephant Trail Hike to Sukau Caves
• Mabul Island Travel Guide – How to Get Here & What to Expect in 2023
• Sabah Itinerary 7 Days – Top Things to Do in Sabah Borneo in 2023
• Sukau Kinabatangan River Cruise – Independent Travel Guide
• Tun Sakaran Marine Park Island Hopping Guide – Bohey Dulang Day Trip
• What to Do in Kinabalu Park – Complete Trail Guide

The post How To Get To Kinabatangan River and Where to Stay appeared first on We Seek Travel.

Like many of you, the Bohey Dulang viewpoint hike was one of the main reasons I wanted to visit Semporna and the surrounding islands. However, when I was planning my trip, I found that there wasn’t much reliable information online about a Bohey Dulang day trip or a Tun Sakran Marine Park island hopping trip.

For that reason, I’ve written this comprehensive guide to help you make the most of your time in this incredible part of Malaysian Borneo.

How To Get to Tun Sakaran Marine Park

Getting to the Tun Sakaran Marine Park requires travelers to make their way to Semporna, a city located off on the east coast of Sabah in Malaysian Borneo.

Semporna is an old fishing settlement that has gained popularity with tourists for being the gateway to the Tun Sakaran Marine Park, or Semporna Islands Park, as it’s also known.

How to Get to Semporna

You’ll have two primary options for getting to Semporna, take a 12-hour bus or a plane to Tawau and then a minibus or taxi to Semporna.

Getting to Semporna by Flying

Surprisingly, flying to Semporna from Kota Kinabalu is extremely affordable. I usually stick to budget travel options, so I overlooked flying to Semporna. Air Asia has standard flights from KK to Tawau daily starting at only $18. However, you’ll need to pay for a Grab car to Semporna (80 Ringgit) or find a shared minivan at the airport.

Note it’s also possible to fly from other parts of Asia including Kuala Lumpur straight to Tawau.

You can compare flights directly to Semporna using Momondo or Sky Scanner. If you plan to drive to the airport, search for exclusive discounts and deals on airport parking with ParkFellows.

VISITING KOTA KINABALU? READ THE KINABALU PARK TRAIL GUIDE

Getting to Semporna by Bus

The more popular option for budget travelers visiting more parts of Sabah is to take the overland bus. From Kota Kinabalu, there is a morning and night bus from Inanam station departing at 7:30 AM and 7:30 PM for 75 Ringgit per person.

If you’re coming to Semporna to visit Bohey Dulang and to do a Tun Sakaran Marine Park island hopping trip from Sandakan, Sepilok or the Kinabatangan River, then you can also hail down a bus from the main road. Depending on where you get on, expect to pay around 45 Ringgit for this bus trip. It’s best to ask your accommodation for help on getting the bus to Semporna from these places.

Although the marine park hosts incredible marine biodiversity and beautiful islands like Bohey Dulang, it’s unfortunately gained a reputation for being the dirtiest city in Sabah. There have also been historic issues kidnapping cases in and around the city by the Abu Sayyaf terrorist group. However, this is now well under control by the Malaysian military, which now have a substantial presence in the region.

HEADING TO MABUL? READ THE BUDGET TRAVEL GUIDE TO MABUL ISLAND

Tun Sakaran Marine Park Island Hopping

From Semporna, you’ll have a few options for a Tun Sakaran Marine Park island hopping trip. You’ll most likely see a few of these trips advertised in the city and most probably also by your accommodation.

Generally, these trips depart early in the morning from the Semporna Public Jetty, between 7:30 and 9:00 AM, and typically return at 5 PM.

SABAH TRAVEL GUIDE: SABAH ITINERARY 7 DAYS – THINGS TO DO IN SABAH BORNEO

Semporna Island Hopping Cost – Where to Book

I saw these Tun Sakaran Marine Park island hopping trips advertised anywhere between 110 Ringgit and 250 ringgit per person. There’s also a wide disparity in price between Malaysian and Non-Malaysians, even though the marine park entrance fee difference is not that great.

If you want to join in on a shared Tun Sakaran Marine Park island hopping trip, I’d recommend going to the Semporna Public Jetty and booking directly there, or booking with your hotel if they offer competitive prices. After a bit of bargaining, we paid 110 Ringgit per person for the “A Package”, including a stop at Bohey Dulang, Mantabuan Island, and Sibuan Island. This was inclusive of all fees and lunch.

Private Trip Option

If you’re in a larger group, then I’d recommend booking a private boat. This will give you more flexibility for time and islands. You can save time and haggling by booking this private boat trip online complete with eTicket.

If you’re only interested in a boat to Bohey Dulang, then you can also negotiate this with the guys at the jetty.

Tun Sakaran Marine Park Entrance Fee

Besides the fee for the Bohey Dulang day trip or Semporna Island hopping trip itself, you’ll have to pay the Tun Sakaran Marine Park entrance fee. For Non-Malaysian Nationals, this entrance fee costs 10 Ringgit per person. Remember to ask if this is included when you book.

More details about this entrance and conservation fee can be found on the official Sabah Parks website.

Semporna Jetty Fee

As well as the conservation entrance fee, the local government also collects a Semporna hetty fee of 10 Ringgit per international person and 2 Ringgit for Malaysians. This is another fee that you will need to determine whether it’s included in your agreed price or not.

Island Hopping Tours

Since there are so many islands in Semporna and the Tun Sakaran Marine Park, you’ll also notice that there are a few different island hopping day trips to choose from. Here’s a rundown of the typical tours that you’ll find.

Since a Bohey Dulang day trip was my number one priority in Semporna, I chose Package A. If you’re interested in the second option, you can read this detailed blog highlighting both trips.

Bohey Dulang Day Trip + Mantabuan and Sibuan

Here’s an outline of what you might expect on this epic island hopping trip in Semporna!

Bohey Dulang

The first stop on the Tun Sakaran Marine Park island hopping tour is to Bohey Dulang. Due to the epic mountain and coral landscapes from the summit, this has become one of the most famous viewpoint hikes in Sabah.

Every boat to Bohey Dulang arrives at the same jetty, which leads to the beach and the start of the viewpoint hike.

Bohey Dulang Entrance Fee

There is no specific entrance fee to Bohey Dulang since the conservation fee is covered by the Tun Sakaran Marine Park Entrance Fee. However, your boat driver or guide will register your names with the island authorities. If you get a private boat to Bohey Dulang, you’ll need to organize the conservation fee in advance.

Bohey Dulang Viewpoint Hike

By now, you’ll know that the viewpoint hike on Bohey Dulang is the clear island highlight. The hike follows a steep incline and rewards you with a tremendous view of the croissant-shaped island and patches of shallow reef scattered throughout the marine park.

Bohey Dulang Height: The total height of the Bohey Dulang viewpoint is 265 meters. However, the tallest peak on Bohey Dulang is 353 meters.

Hike Difficulty: Since the hike is fairly steep, you’ll need a reasonable level of fitness. However, the path is well maintained and has wooden stair structures for many parts, so it should be fairly easy for most people.

Total hike time: The total hike distance is 600 meters. Expect about 30-40 minutes to reach the top.

My Experience

When you’re planning a Bohey Dulang day trip or Tun Sakaran Marine Park island hopping, I’d recommend to avoid booking following heavy rainfall, if possible. When I visited, I was told that the track was closed because of the rain the previous night.

Although the path was blocked by gates and fences, I was luckily able to sneak around the trail by jumping over the wooden dock and running up to the start of the trail. I definitely wouldn’t recommend doing this, since it’s probably illegal and it’s best to respect the park authorities. But, since I’m a fairly experienced hiker, there was no way I was going to miss the viewpoint due to a little rain (the path was completely dry and safe anyway…).

Let me tell you now that the viewpoint definitely lived up to, and gracefully exceeded the hype!

READ ABOUT MY FAVORITE VIEWPOINT IN ASIA: PADAR ISLAND VIEWPOINT

Bohey Dulang Beach

Other than the viewpoint hike, you can also spend time on the beach just near the jetty. However, since you’ll have limited time on an island-hopping trip, I’d recommend doing the hike instead. If you organize a private tour, you can request a full Bohey Dulang day trip exploring and snorkeling on the different beaches around the island.

Mantabuan Island

The next stop was Mantabuan Island. This is a small sandbar island surrounded by some of the clearest water that I’ve ever seen. The island is home to a small population of sea gypsies and also a large military complex.

Mantabuan Island is an OK snorkeling site, but I found that exploring the island itself was a better way to spend our time there. This second stop is also where our trip ate our free lunch.

Since it’s a heavily patrolled military area, there are “No Drone” signs everywhere. Although I was seriously tempted to check out this incredible island from the sky, I wasn’t going to push my luck.

Sibuan Island

The last stop on the Tun Sakaran Marine Park island hopping trip is Sibuan Island. But before we made it, our captain stopped briefly to allow us to jump in and snorkel at a shallow reef for about 30 minutes.

Sibuan Island is a little larger than Mantabuan, but still quite small. Similarly, there are a few local residents, a military tower, palm-lined white sand beaches, and a thin jungle interior.

We spent our time exploring Sibuan Island both on land and in the water. Our boat driver took us out to the slope on Sibuan for us to see turtles and many tropical fish. In my opinion, Sibuan Island was the best snorkeling spot on the trip.

Following a brief stop at Sibuan Island, it was time to turn back and drive back to Semporna Harbor and grab some local food at the bustling markets.

Back to Semporna – Where to Stay

HIGHEST VALUE PRIVATE AC ROOM WITH EPIC BREAKFAST – OZZY LODGE
By far my favorite accommodation in Borneo! The owner here is extremely helpful, friendly and makes a killer breakfast. The location is great since it’s a little out of the dirty harbor area, but still very easy to reach.

BUDGET BACKPACKERS – ZEN HOSTEL
Zen Hostel is one of the highest-ranked hostels in Semporna and is located right in the center of the city. If you don’t mind the rubbish and hectic vibes of the port, then staying at this hostel is a great option.

COMPARE ALL THE BEST SEMPORNA ACCOMMODATION DEALS

More Photos of the Tun Sakaran Marine Park Island Hopping

Here are some more photos of the island hopping trip from Semporna!

MORE SABAH BORNEO TRAVEL GUIDES

• How To Get To Kinabatangan River and Where to Stay
• Kinabatangan Caves – Elephant Trail Hike to Sukau Caves
• Mabul Island Travel Guide – How to Get Here & What to Expect in 2023
• Sabah Itinerary 7 Days – Top Things to Do in Sabah Borneo in 2023
• Sukau Kinabatangan River Cruise – Independent Travel Guide
• What to Do in Kinabalu Park – Complete Trail Guide

The post Tun Sakaran Marine Park Island Hopping Guide – Bohey Dulang Day Trip appeared first on We Seek Travel.

To hike the several Kinabalu Park trails below the mountain and to see most of the area’s offerings it’s possible to head here on a Kinabalu National Park day trip from Kota Kinabalu.

If you leave early enough, you’ll still have plenty of time to get a good nature and hiking fix in.

Kinabalu National Park

Kinabalu National Park is Malaysia’s first World Heritage Site, made famous for its plant and animal diversity, and of course, housing the tallest mountain in South East Asia; Mount Kinabalu.

Kinabalu Park is Malaysia’s first World Heritage Site. Also the Centre of Plant Diversity for South East Asia, the Park boasts more than 5,000 vascular plant species and the Park has no shortage of fauna as well, being home to some 90 lowland mammal species and many others.

Sabah Tourism

Other than the main summit, there are plenty of winding and interconnecting trails that offer great hiking opportunities.

Where is Kinabalu National Park?

Kinabalu Park is located approximately 100 kilometers east of Sabah’s Capital; Kota Kinabalu (KK). The road in from KK is a continuous steady ascent as it snakes its way up the mountain foothills of the park.

You’ll immediately notice the altitude, with temperatures rapidly dropping once you reach the Kinabalu park entrance, which sits at 1550 meters.

Kinabalu National Park Accommodation

If you’d prefer to stay in the park over taking a Kinabalu National Park day trip from Kota Kinabalu, then you have a couple of options:

CHEAPEST HOSTEL OPTION: HAPPY GARDEN RESORT
This hostel is just outside the main entrance to the Kinabalu National Park area. You’ll be able to grab a room in an 8-bed dorm here for under $7 a night.

STAYING INSIDE THE PARK: SUTERA SANCTUARY LODGES
This one is a little more pricey, but still isn’t going to break the bank at roughly $28 for a twin room.

You also have the choice of staying in nearby Ranau or Kundasang, both of which have several lodges and hostels to choose from. You can compare all the best accommodation deals around the “Mount Kinabalu Landmark” by clicking these links to Booking.com or Agoda.

How to Get to Kinabalu Park

Getting to Kinabalu Park is quite easy from Kota Kinabalu. You’ll have the option of choosing either a shared bus or a private taxi. Both options take approximately 2 hours.

Bus From KK to Kinabalu Park

The cheapest way to get to Kinabalu Park from KK is to take a shared bus. These leave regularly from the small inner-city bus station, located in front of the hotel “Dreamtel”. I’ve pinned the exact location of the bus terminal below.

The cost for a bus from KK to Kinabalu Park is 20 ringgit per person for a small minivan that drops you directly to the park entrance. My advice is to get here before 6:30 AM if you plan to make it a day-trip, as the first bus fills up quickly.

If you miss the first bus, you might have to wait a couple of hours for the second bus to fill up, or jump in a shared taxi.

Taxi from KK to Kinabalu Park

If you’d prefer to take a taxi, you can find 4 and 6-seater cars right next to the bus terminal. The cost-per-person for this option is 25 ringgit or 100 ringgit for a private car.

While the Grab App does work in Kota Kinabalu, we found it cheaper to just go to the bus terminal and organize taxi transport from there.

Getting Back to Kota Kinabalu

Both the above options to get to Kinabalu Park from KK are one-way only. This means that you will need to organize your own return transport. After you’ve finished the hikes and all of the things to do in Kinabalu Park, you can find minibusses going back to KK back at the entrance to the National Park.

Since we were returning a little late, we didn’t see any private minivans. Instead, we waited to wave down a passing bus heading back from Ranau.

The fare for the bus trip back from Kinabalu Park to KK was 20 ringgit, however dropped us at the Northern Bus Terminal (Inanam). We then needed to get a Grab car back to our hostel, which was only an additional 10 ringgit.

Kinabalu Park Entrance Fee 2019

Before you hit the trails, you’ll need to pay the Kinabalu Park entrance fee. This fee is 15 ringgit per person, which is approximately $4 USD. Children get a discount at only 10 ringgit per person.

What to Do in Kinabalu Park – Trail Guide

After arriving and paying the entrance fee, you might be wondering about what to do in Kinabalu Park. If you’re not climbing Mount Kinabalu, then there are still several hiking trails that loop around the park.

Due to the high altitude, Kinabalu Park has a unique variety of vegetation, which is a habitat for hundreds of different birds, possums, and monkeys. The area is fairly wet year-round, so the hikes prove to be a real Bornean rainforest experience.

If you’d also like to add in the Porong Hot Springs to you Kinabalu National Park day trip, then you could also book this tour in advance, which includes all fees, lunch, and transport to both destinations.

FULL SABAH GUIDE: SABAH ITINERARY 7 DAYS – THINGS TO DO IN SABAH BORNEO

Mount Kinabalu Trail Map

Here’s the official map to help you orientate yourself around Kinabalu Park. It details all of the main trails as well as the main Mount Kinabalu trailhead.

Want to ride here yourself? Rent a motorbike online in advance in KK.

Kinabalu Park Hiking Trails

Here’s a quick summary of the main short hiking trails that wrap around the feetof the towering Kinabalu peak.

Liwagu Trail

HIKE DISTANCE: 5620M
HIKE TIME: 2 hours

The Liwagu trail is the longest path in Kinabalu Park. The majority of the trail follows the small river that runs down the mountain. Since it’s the longest, you won’t find many day-trippers here, which is perfect if you’d prefer to hike by yourself.

Along the way, you’ll climb over several waterpipes, make some steep ascents and descents and eventually reach the top carpark which is the trailhead for Mount Kinabalu. In my opinion, if you’re wondering about what to do in Kinabalu Park and you have to choose one trail, make it the Liwagu Trail.

Mountain View Trail

HIKE DISTANCE: 150M
HIKE TIME: 15 minutes

At the top of the Liwagu Trail, just before the entrance to the Mount Kinabalu trailhead, you’ll see a small but steep trail that penetrates into the thick scrub on the opposite side of the road.

This trail is short but offers some of the best views of Mount Kinabalu and the Kandamaian Borneo Waterfall which flows down its steep cliffs.

Bukit Ular Trail – CLOSED

I was planning to add this trail into the loop but found that it was closed (October 2019). Unfortunately, I can’t comment too much on this one, but if you visit Kinabalu Park and find that it’s open, let me know what it’s like.

Kiau View Trail

HIKE DISTANCE: 2344M
HIKE TIME: 1 hour

An alternative to the longer Liwagu trail is the Kiau View Trail, which also begins near the park entrance. This trail is also scenic, with many colorful species of birds. There’s no river to follow on the Kiaw View Trail, but the end offers an excellent view over the Kinabalu Park.

Pandanus Trail

HIKE DISTANCE: 598M
HIKE TIME: 30 minutes

The Pandanus trail is a short trail that joins the Kiau View trail to the road leading through the center of the park. You typically wouldn’t choose this trail as the main hiking path, but it’s better served to access the Kiau View Trail.

Silau Silau Trail

HIKE DISTANCE: 3057M
HIKE TIME: 1-1.5 hours

The Silau Silau trail is one of the most popular trails in the park since it joins several of the other branching trails in the Kinabalu Park. Compared to the others, it’s also very easy due to being almost completely flat.

Mempening Trail:

HIKE DISTANCE: 3396M
HIKE TIME: 2 hours

Mempening is another flat trail, which is also a common choice for what to do in Kinabalu Park. I didn’t complete the entire path, but it is fairly flat the whole way up to the road where you can join onto the Kiau View trail to create another loop.

From the Mempening trail, you can also detour up the steeper routes to Bukit Tupai and Bukit Burung for some small shelters and viewpoint opportunities.

Mount Kinabalu Hike

Of course, the main attraction of what to do in Kinabalu Park is Mount Kinabalu itself. The mountain is the tallest in South East Asia, and trekkers can make the summit in a 2-day trip without any climbing experience.

This means that the trek is very busy. The National Park has responded by making the entry price and trekking fees ridiculously expensive. As a result, I chose not to climb, mostly because of my budget but also because I don’t particularly support the requirement of paying hundreds of dollars to do a hike.

Still, if it’s on your bucket list, you’ll need to book in advance as apparently, slots fill out very quickly.

For a full package with all permits and transport organized for you, you can book this package which is the highest-rated Mount Kinabalu package I could find online.

Alternatively, you could check out the official website, which also has a wealth of information for the hike.

Over to You

As you can see, when it comes down to answering what to do in Kinabalu Park, it mostly is just hiking and trekking! If you’re like me and decided not to hike to the summit, then I’d still recommend that you take a Kinabalu National Park day trip to explore the lower trails and to spot some unique plants and wildlife!

Want to share your experiences? Let me know what you thought of the park in the comments!

MORE SABAH TRAVEL GUIDES

• How To Get To Kinabatangan River and Where to Stay
• Kinabatangan Caves – Elephant Trail Hike to Sukau Caves
• Sabah Itinerary 7 Days – Top Things to Do in Sabah Borneo in 2023
• Sukau Kinabatangan River Cruise – Independent Travel Guide
• Tun Sakaran Marine Park Island Hopping Guide – Bohey Dulang Day Trip

The post What to Do in Kinabalu Park – Complete Trail Guide appeared first on We Seek Travel.