River Junkie – fuel the addiction
River Junkie – fuel the addiction

River Junkie Tours Sdn. Bhd. — licensed Kota Kinabalu tour operator (KPL/LN5696), MATTA member, running wildlife safaris, Mount Kinabalu climbs and cave trips across Sabah and Sarawak since 2008.

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School of bumphead parrotfish at Sipadan

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Danum Valley

10D/9N Reefs & Rainforests

10 days
9 nights
Departs Sandakan
Varied
Price fromRM 9,990
From RM9990 per person based on private twin share room (min 2 pax)
Duration10 days
9 nights on the road
DepartsSandakan
Tours depart every Wednesday and Sunday subject to availability, other departure dates may be available on request
Groupmin 2 pax
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About this trip

Not everyone who visits Sabah wants to dive and not everyone who dives wants to visit the rainforest. Luckily for those of you out there who love to do both, we have the perfect combo itinerary for you! Start your adventure at the wildlife sanctuaries in Sepilok before continuing South to the Kinabatangan river. Spend a couple of days cruising the river in search of Sabah's iconic wildlife before putting on your trekking shoes and heading into Danum Valley, a 130 million year old rainforest home to orangutans, pygmy elephants, wild cats, exotic birds and more. Take a quick boat ride from Semporna to Mabul island for the final leg of your journey, 4 nights of diving & snorkelling bliss on the doorstep of Sipadan Island, one of the world's best diving destinations. Tours depart every Wednesday and Sunday subject to a minimum of 2 people per departure.

Highlights

  • Sepilok orangutan and sunbear sanctuaries
  • Dawn & dusk river cruises for pygmy elephants & proboscis monkeys
  • Guided rainforest trek at Danum Valley Field Centre
  • Scuba diving & snorkelling at Sipadan Island
  • Accommodation across Sepilok, Kinabatangan, Danum Valley & Mabul

    • Trip facts

    Danum Valley, Kinabatangan River, Semporna/Sipadan, Sepilok
    Canopy Walk, Caves, Diving, Jungle walks, Night Walk, River Cruise, Snorkelling, Wildlife
    10 days of travel
    Physical difficulty 3 / 5
    Departs from Sandakan
    Minimum 2 pax per departure
    Rates: Pricing valid for trips before 31st Dec 2026
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    Day by day

    Day 1

    SDK airport - Sepilok

    Pick up from Sandakan airport SDK (flight ticket at own expense) and transfer to the Nature Lodge Sepilok. Guests arriving before 2pm can walk a few minutes to the nearby Sepilok Rainforest Discovery Centre to explore the canopy walk in their own time. No meals are included today but there is an in-house restaurant at your accommodation. There are multiple daily direct flights to Sandakan from both Kota Kinabalu and Kuala Lumpur, please refer to Air Asia and Malaysia Airlines websites for flight schedules.

    Day 2

    Sepilok - Kinabatangan river

    Pick up from your accommodation in Sepilok between 8.45 - 9am. Head first to the orangutan sanctuary to watch the younger, playful orangutans in the nursery before catching the 10am feeding. Next your guide will take you to the sunbear sanctuary to watch the sunbears (the world’s smallest species of bear!) from raised walkways. From there you will travel 2 hours overland to Hornbill Lodge and have lunch on arrival. Check-into your room and take a moment to relax before heading out on your first river cruise at 4pm. Over the next 2 hours, your guide will be on the lookout for proboscis monkeys, long-tail & pig-tail macaques, silver leaf monkeys, orangutans, crocodiles, birds and more! After your river cruise, return to the lodge for dinner before joining your guide on an included night walk. Meals - B, L, D

    Day 3

    Kinabatangan river

    As day dawns, join the early morning boat cruise in search of pygmy elephants, proboscis monkeys, hornbills, orangutans and more before returning to the lodge for breakfast. After breakfast join a trek along the river banks looking for wildlife before returning to the lodge for lunch and the chance to relax surrounded by nature. Once the afternoon sun cools down, join the cruise boat for more wildlife spotting opportunities. After a buffet dinner there will be another chance for a night walk looking for tarsiers, frogs, insects, flying squirrels and other nocturnal wildlife. (B, L, D)

    Day 4

    Kinabatangan River - Danum Valley Field Centre

    Wake up to the sounds of hornbills & gibbons and take your last chance to join our boat for a final wildlife spotting dawn river cruise or enjoy a well deserved lie-in before breakfast. Depart from the lodge around 8.30am and stop off at the Gomantong caves to explore the boardwalk and look for orangutans in the surrounding area. Make a brief stop in Lahad Datu for lunch, then continue onto Danum Valley to check in. After check in, your guide will give you an orientation to the field centre before embarking on a mid-afternoon walk. The area surrounding the center teems with wildlife and it is not unusual for you to spot resident orangutan, hornbills etc. Return to center before sundown and enjoy dinner at 7pm. After dinner, go on an included night walk with your guide or arrange for an optional 4x4 night drive (own costs). (B, L, D)

    Day 5

    Danum Valley

    Wake up early for an early morning nature walk nearby DVFC to see the forest come to life. Alternatively, you can also pre-arrange a 4x4 drive to Bukit Atur for a breathtaking sunrise experience atop a canopy of trees – please tell your guide in advance that you are interested in this and he can assist with booking accordingly. Return to center for breakfast and embark on a trail in the area if you wish. Spend late morning resting before having lunch. After lunch, take a dip at the Ulu Segama river before heading off for another trek with your guide. Return to the center in late afternoon, in time to watch the sky change colour as the sun sets. After dinner, go on an included night walk with your guide or arrange for an optional 4x4 night drive. (B, L, D)

    Day 6

    Danum Valley - Semporna - Mabul Island

    Wake up early for early walk and more wildlife sighting possibilities. Return to field centre for breakfast. At 9.30am you will begin your journey from the Field Centre to Semporna, arriving in time for lunch and Scuba Junkie's boat to Mabul at 2.30pm. Lunch is at your own expense this day and Scuba Junkie's staff will be happy to recommend a local restaurant for you on arrival in Semporna. After a 1 hour speedboat ride to Mabul, check-into your room at Mabul Beach Resort and snorkel on the house reef or enjoy a cocktail at the sunset bar before dinner (B, D)

    Day 7

    Mabul

    After breakfast, make your way to the dive centre and meet up with your divemaster for the day. Divers who need to refresh their skills can do a refresher dive at no extra cost as their first dive today. After 2 morning dives around the reefs at Mabul, return to the resort for lunch. Head back out for a third dive in the afternoon before finishing your diving day around 4pm. Snorkelers will follow the same schedule as the divers with 3 snorkelling sessions around the reefs of Mabul throughout the day. Optional night dives may be booked on arrival. (B, L, D)

    Day 8

    Mabul / Kapalai / Sipadan (Day 8 & 9)

    The schedule for these 2 days will be discussed with you after arrival at Mabul. Typically you will spend 1 day diving or snorkelling around Mabul & Kapalai islands (returning to the resort for lunch) and 1 day diving or snorkelling at Sipadan island (full day trip with lunch on the island). Guests who have opted to upgrade to 2 days at Sipadan will spend both of these days diving or snorkelling around Sipadan Island. (B, L, D) Please note that Sipadan permit availability is very limited and dives must be pre-booked with us well in advance

    Day 9

    Mabul / Kapalai / Sipadan (Day 8 & 9)

    The schedule for these 2 days will be discussed with you after arrival at Mabul. Typically you will spend 1 day diving or snorkelling around Mabul & Kapalai islands (returning to the resort for lunch) and 1 day diving or snorkelling at Sipadan island (full day trip with lunch on the island). Guests who have opted to upgrade to 2 days at Sipadan will spend both of these days diving or snorkelling around Sipadan Island. (B, L, D) Please note that Sipadan permit availability is very limited and dives must be pre-booked with us well in advance

    Day 10

    Mabul - Semporna - Tawau airport

    After breakfast and your final chance to explore Mabul, catch Scuba Junkie's 10am boat to Semporna, arriving by 11am. From Semporna it is a further 75min taxi ride to Tawau airport (TWU) in time to catch your departure flight at 2.30pm or later. There are daily flights from Tawau airport to Kota Kinabalu, Kuala Lumpur & Sandakan and flights to Johor Baru depart a few times a week. As schedules are subject to change, please refer to Air Asia and Malaysia Airlines websites for current flight times.

    Where you'll stay

    Tanini Sepilok guesthouse exterior lit at dusk, Sepilok, Sabah

    Tanini Sepilok

    Sepilok, Sandakan, Sabah
    Tanini Sepilok is a small guesthouse set in gardens walking distance from Sepilok Rainforest Discovery Centre and a short drive from the Sepilok Orangutan Rehabilitation Centre and the Bornean Sun Bear Conservation Centre. Chosen for its simple ensuite air-conditioned rooms and ease of access to the Rainforest Discovery Centre for those arriving earlier in the day.
  • Superior roomDouble or twin beds, air-conditioned, en-suite bathroom.
  • Deluxe roomDouble or twin beds, air-conditioned, en-suite bathroom with open-air concept
    • FacilitiesAir-conditioned rooms with en-suite bathrooms, plus an air-conditioned dormitory with shared bathrooms. On-site restaurant serving breakfast (included in your stay) and a la carte meals throughout the day.
    Good to knowSepilok is roughly 30 minutes from Sandakan airport and about 25 minutes from Sandakan town. Room type is allocated at the time of booking, so let us know at the time of enquiry whether you would prefer a double, a twin or dormitory beds.
    A closer look
    Hornbill Lodge

    Hornbill Lodge

    Kinabatangan River, Sabah
    A small riverside lodge on the lower Kinabatangan at Bilit, wholly owned and run by River Junkie Tours. Guests stay in river-facing chalets with private balconies, air-conditioning, ceiling fans and ensuite hot-water rain showers. The lodge manages 30 acres of private riverfront for wildlife, replanting forest, maintaining salt licks and restoring elephant grassland. In addition to daily river cruises, guests also have the opportunity to explore the rainforest on foot on a network of jungle trails only accessible from Hornbill lodge.
  • DormitoryShared dormitory beds, available until 5 November 2026. After that date dormitories are replaced by Family River Chalets and only private rooms are offered.
  • River ChaletPrivate chalet on the riverfront with 1 King size bed & 1 single bed in each room. Sleeps up to 4 people with an extra bed.
  • Family River ChaletPrivate chalet on the riverfront with 1 King size bed & 1 set of bunk beds in each room. Sleeps up to 5 people with an extra bed.
    • FacilitiesLicensed bar and restaurant with river views. Private jetty for river cruises. Jungle trails with complimentary rubber boots. Information corner on local flora and fauna. Free onsite parking.
    Good to knowStarlink wifi in communal areas only, and there is no mobile phone signal. The lodge is built into a hillside, so there is no step-free access to the rooms: the nearest are 10 to 20 steps up and the furthest around 85. Tell us at booking if you need a room close to the restaurant. No plastic bottled water is sold, so bring a refillable bottle. No seafood is served, as there is no sustainable local supply.
    A closer look
    Danum Valley Field Centre

    Danum Valley Field Centre

    Danum Valley, Sabah
    Open to visitors since 1986, Danum Valley Field Centre serves as both a research station and a base for visitors wanting to explore the stunning Danum Valley conservation area. Accommodations provided at Danum Valley Field Centre are simple and the only option for those wanting to explore this pristine conservation area without splashing out on Borneo Rainforest Lodge. Private rooms are ensuite with a fan (Standard Resthouse) or air-conditioning (Deluxe Resthouse). Fans and air-conditioning will only function during the generator electricity hours, currently 7am till 11pm. Guided walks around the field centre grounds and on the numerous rainforest trails give you the chance to spot orangutans, elephants, gibbons, samba deer, hornbills, Wallace's frog and more.
  • Superior Deluxe roomAir-conditioning, ensuite bathroom & fridge. 2 single beds, can accommodate 1 extra mattress
  • Deluxe ResthouseAir-conditioning & ensuite bathroom. 2 single beds. No extra beds allowed.
  • Standard ResthouseFan cooled & ensuite bathroom. 2 single beds, can accommodate 1 extra mattress
  • Hostel dormitory2 separate male / female hostel rooms with 48 beds in each and basic bathroom facilities. Located 10 - 15 minutes walk to the dining hall.
    • FacilitiesDining hall serving simple buffet meals, with dietary requests possible given notice. Over 50 km of marked trails, the Bukit Atur observation tower for sunrise and a track through the rainforest for night drives (4WD activities at additional cost).
    Good to knowThis is a working field station rather than a resort, so facilities are functional. Mains power runs on set hours, currently 7am to 11pm. Moderate fitness is needed: expect to walk two to three hours in heat and humidity. The nearest hospital is several hours away in Lahad Datu. The Hostel building is very basic and only recommended for solo travellers on the tightest of budgets.
    A closer look
    mabul

    Mabul Beach Resort

    Mabul island
    Scuba Junkie's base on Mabul Island, Mabul Beach Resort offers both fan-cooled and air-conditioned rooms just a few steps from the beach. All rooms are ensuite and buffet meals are provided throughout your stay.
  • Deluxe AC roomAll rooms have 1 double bed, some also have a single bed making them suitable for twin or triple-share. Ensuite bathroom & private balcony.
    • FacilitiesPrivate jetty, dive centre, house reef for snorkelling, 2 licensed bars, restaurant, turtle rehabilitation centre & turtle hatchery.
    Good to knowWifi is available in the bar & restaurant area but phone reception may be limited. Accommodation may only be booked as part of a diving or snorkelling package with Scuba Junkie. Sipadan permits are limited and must be booked well in advance. An Advanced Open Water license is required to dive at Sipadan island.
    A closer look

    What's included

  • Meals as per itinerary
  • Transfers Sandakan airport – Sepilok – Kinabatangan – Danum Valley – Lahad Datu - Mabul - Tawau airport
  • Accommodation: 1 night Sepilok, 2 nights Kinabatangan river lodge, 2 nights Danum Valley Field Centre, 4 nights Mabul Beach Resort
  • Entry fees: Orangutan Rehabilitation Centre, Sunbear sanctuary, Danum Valley conservation fee
  • Activities as per itinerary

    • Not included

  • Tourism tax: RM10 per private room per night (payable in cash at check-in)
  • Diving equipment (RM65 per full set per day)
  • Flights / transfers other than stated
  • Drinks
  • Meals other than stated
  • Optional 4×4 activities at Danum Valley such as night safari and sunrise trip at Bukit Atur RM85 per person based on min 3 pax (2 pax RM90 per person)
  • High season supplement if applicable to your dates
  • Camera fees at Sepilok Orangutan Rehabilitation Centre: For any camera with zoom lens from 100 to 400mm, video camera or other video recording equipment for personal use are chargeable at RM10.00 per unit. For any camera (fixed-lens – 400mm and above) or any film-making equipment are chargeable at RM1,000.00 per unit.

    • Prices

    10D9N Reefs & rainforests - private twin share roomRM 9990From RM9990 per person (min 2 pax)
    Pricing notesHigh season surcharges will be added to your quotation if applicable Second day at Sipadan (in lieu of Mabul / Kapalai), per person — RM 1040 Optional 4x4 activities at Danum Valley (night safari / sunrise trip at Bukit Atur), per person based on min 3 pax — RM 60 Optional 4x4 activities at Danum Valley, per person if 2 pax — RM 90
    Rate validityPricing valid for trips before 31st Dec 2026

    Frequently asked questions

    What does this ten-day trip cover?
    You arrive into Sandakan airport and spend a night in Sepilok, then two nights on the Kinabatangan river, two nights in Danum Valley, and four nights on Mabul island, finishing at Tawau airport. It pairs Sabah's rainforest wildlife — Sepilok's sanctuaries, river cruises, Gomantong caves and Danum Valley trekking — with three days of diving or snorkelling around Mabul, Kapalai and Sipadan.
    Which accommodation does this include?
    Standard room types are an ensuite air-conditioned room in Sepilok, an ensuite air-conditioned chalet at the Kinabatangan river, a fan resthouse at Danum Valley Field Centre and a deluxe air-conditioned room at Mabul Beach Resort. Please contact us to discuss options for accommodation upgrades. High season surcharges vary according to the accommodations and will be added to your quotation if applicable.
    What extras should I budget for?
    Not included are flights and transfers other than stated, drinks, meals other than stated, tourism tax of RM10 per private room per night (payable in cash at check-in), diving equipment at RM65 per full set per day, a high season supplement if applicable to your dates, and camera fees at Sepilok of RM10 per unit for a 100-400mm zoom lens or video camera and RM1000 per unit for a fixed lens of 400mm and above or film-making equipment. Optional 4x4 activities at Danum Valley, such as the night safari or the Bukit Atur sunrise trip, are RM60 per person based on a minimum of 3 people, or RM90 per person for 2. A second day at Sipadan in lieu of Mabul or Kapalai can be added for RM1040 per person.
    What do I need in order to dive?
    All divers must bring proof of certification, and a minimum PADI Advanced Open Water Diver licence or equivalent is required to dive at Sipadan. You may need to carry out a refresher dive if Scuba Junkie staff feel it's necessary, and this can be done at no extra cost as your first dive on day seven. If you need to complete your Advanced course in order to dive at Sipadan we can arrange it — just let us know at the time of booking. Do note that Sipadan permit availability is very limited and dives must be pre-booked with us well in advance.
    Can I join if I don't dive?
    Yes — snorkellers follow the same schedule as the divers, with three snorkelling sessions a day around the reefs. Please also note that only reef-safe suncream is permitted, so do check anything you buy or pack to avoid any issues with your package.
    How do I get to the start and away from the end?
    You fly into Sandakan airport (SDK) at your own expense; there are multiple daily direct flights to Sandakan from both Kota Kinabalu and Kuala Lumpur. On the final day you catch Scuba Junkie's 10am boat from Mabul to Semporna, arriving by 11am, followed by a 75-minute taxi ride to Tawau airport (TWU) in time for a departure flight at 2.30pm or later. There are daily flights from Tawau to Kota Kinabalu, Kuala Lumpur and Sandakan, with flights to Johor Bahru a few times a week.
    Will I have electricity and internet along the way?
    Charging points are available at all lodges and use 3-pin UK style plugs. Danum Valley Field Centre has limited electricity hours from 7am to 11pm; other areas usually have 24-hour electricity, though power cuts do happen. Phone and 3G signal is usually good around Sandakan, Sepilok and on Mabul island but can be limited at the Kinabatangan river and Danum Valley, and wifi is not readily available on this trip — if you need to stay connected, buy a local SIM card on arrival in Malaysia.

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    Ready to book, or still deciding?

    Tell us your dates and we will come back with availability, the total cost and honest advice — including when a different trip would suit you better.

    Getting between destinations: we also run private van and 4X4 transfers across Sabah and a daily Kota Kinabalu to Sandakan shuttle — ask us to add either to your trip.

    WhatsApp / phone: +60 11 1265 8581
    Email: info@river-junkie.com
    Hours: 8am–5pm, Monday to Sunday
    Office: Wisma Sabah, Kota Kinabalu, Sabah

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