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.

Our Contact

Orangutan sheltering from the rain at Sepilok

Home › Tours ›

Kinabalu Geopark

5D4N Sabah Highlights (Kinabalu Geopark, Sepilok & Kinabatangan river)

5 days
4 nights
Departs Kota Kinabalu
Varied
Price fromRM 3,070
Private room, minimum of 2 people
Duration5 days
4 nights on the road
DepartsKota Kinabalu
Daily, subject to availability
Groupmin 2 pax
Enquire about this trip

About this trip

A perfect blend of authentic local hospitality, scenic hiking and incredible wildlife! Leave Kota Kinabalu behind and head first to Kiau village in the heart of Kinabalu Geopark, explore one of the many trails in the Geopark, then stay overnight in the village to experience authentic Dusun hospitality. Set off the next morning to Sepilok, stopping off along the way at Kinabalu Park, Poring Hot Springs & Sabah Tea plantation. Stay the night in Sepilok then visit the orangutan & sunbear sanctuaries the following morning before finishing your adventure with 2 nights at the wildlife rich Kinabatangan River in search of proboscis monkeys, pygmy elephants, orangutans and more. This tour departs from Kota Kinabalu each Tuesday, Thursday & Saturday based on a minimum of 2 people and alternative dates may be available on request.

Highlights

  • Hike to the summit of Nuluh Lingion
  • Dusun homestay with a host family in Kiau village
  • Guided visit to Sepilok orangutan & sun bear sanctuaries
  • Dusk & dawn river cruises for proboscis monkeys, orangutans and more

    • Trip facts

    Kinabalu Geopark, Kinabatangan River, Poring, Sepilok
    Cultural, Homestay, Hot Springs, Jungle walks, Night Walk, River Cruise, Wildlife
    5 days of travel
    Physical difficulty 2-3 / 5
    Departs from Kota Kinabalu
    Minimum 2 pax per departure
    Rates: Pricing valid till 31st Dec 2026
    WhatsApp us
    Send an enquiry

    Day by day

    Day 1

    Kota Kinabalu - Kinabalu Geopark

    Pick up around 6.30am from your accommodation in Kota Kinabalu to begin the scenic drive to Kiau Village in the foothills of Mount Kinabalu, if the weather is on your side you will be able to enjoy a great view of Mount Kinabalu! Once you arrive in Kiau Village you will meet your local guide and begin the two hour long hike to the summit of Nuluh Lingion (other hikes are available within the National Park upon request with at least 3 days notice). Along the way, you’ll walk through local farms where you can spot (and taste!) fresh pineapple, jackfruit, wild ginger, bananas and more depending what is in season. Continue your hike through primary forest up to the scenic lookout point where, weather permitting, you’ll have panoramic views of Mount Kinabalu and it's waterfalls! Enjoy your packed lunch and a well deserved rest at the summit of Nuluh Lingion (1420 meters). After lunch, descend back to the Kiau Village for a chance to sample local Dusun food at one of the homestays, meet your host family and check into your simple accommodation for the night*. Meals - L, D *A stay in Kiau village offers you the opportunity to immerse yourself in true Dusun culture and hospitality, accommodation is in a simple private room with shared bathroom facilities. If you would prefer an alternative to the homestay experience please let us know and we will be happy to suggest some alternative accommodations (additional charges apply).

    Day 2

    Kinabalu Geopark - Poring Hot Springs - Sepilok

    Following an early rise, as is the village way, and a leisurely breakfast with your host family, transfer out to Kiau junction to catch the West to East shuttle. Your first stop will be around 30 minutes later at Kinabalu Park where you will have a chance to stop for photos of Mount Kinabalu and a breath of fresh mountain air. Continue 1 hour by road to Poring hot springs and take a couple of hours to explore the various activities on offer including the canopy walk, butterfly garden, orchid garden and swimming pool (self-guided visit, individual entry fees not included, approx RM5 - RM15 per attraction). Next stop is Sabah Tea plantation for lunch or a cup of local Sabah tea (own cost) before continuining on overland to Sepilok which is around 3.5 hours drive away. Check-into your hotel in Sepilok and have dinner at the in-house restaurant (own cost) or explore nearby options before getting some rest. Meals: B

    Day 3

    Sepilok - Kinabatangan River

    Pick up from your hotel in Sepilok at 8.45am. Your guide will first take you to the orangutan sanctuary to watch the younger, playful orangutans in the nursery before catching the 10am feeding. Around 11am, head over to the sunbear sanctuary to watch the sunbears (the world’s smallest species of bear!) from raised walkways. Continue on to the Kinabatangan river for lunch and check-in to Hornbill Lodge. After lunch and an orientation to the lodge, you’ll join your first boat cruise in search of wildlife and birdlife along the banks of the Kinabatangan River into your river. Return to the lodge for dinner and then choose to either relax at the lodge or join the night walk in search of nocturnal animals. (B, L, D)

    Day 4

    Kinabatangan River

    As day dawns, join your second river cruise and watch as the river comes to life. Keep an eye out for bird life including Borneo’s endemic hornbills and have another chance to spot multiple species of primates. Return to the lodge for breakfast then join your guide for a jungle walk looking for signs of orangutans such as nests in the trees or even orangutans themselves if you are lucky! Enjoy lunch overlooking the river and a chance to rest before joining your afternoon river cruise in search of more of this area's unique wildlife. After dinner, join your guide for a night walk or add-on a night cruise in search of nocturnal wildlife along the river bank. Meals - B, L, D Optional add-on: night cruise: RM100 per person

    Day 5

    Kinabatangan river - Sandakan airport / hotels

    Wake up early and join your guide for a final dawn river cruise then return to the lodge for breakfast. Check out and transfer back to Sandakan, arriving at the airport in time for flights departing 1pm or later or hotels in Sepilok or Sandakan. Meals - B Optional add-on: Gomantong caves & Sepilok Rainforest Discovery Centre Guests who have additional time on the last day can choose to visit the Gomantong caves on the way back to Sandakan, enjoy lunch at a local restaurant then explore the canopy walk at Sepilok Rainforest Discovery Centre before being dropped off at Sandakan airport in time for flights departing by 6pm or hotels in Sepilok / Sandakan. If you would like a transfer to Lahad Datu, Semporna or to combine this tour with a visit to Tabin wildlife reserve, Danum Valley or Turtle island please just let us know.

    Where you'll stay

    Kiau Village Homestay

    Kiau Village Homestay

    Kiau village, Kota Belud, Sabah
    Kiau is a cluster of Dusun villages in Kota Belud district on the western foothills of Mount Kinabalu. Rather than a single hotel, visitors stay in family homes coordinated by a central village organisation, so rooms and meals are simple and home-cooked. Days centre on village life, farm and paddy walks, waterfall treks and chats with your host family from the Dusun community.
  • Local homestayTwin beds, double beds, or rooms sleeping larger families / groups can be arranged on request
    • FacilitiesAccommodation is in village family homes, with meals cooked by the host families.
    Good to knowThis is a community homestay rather than a hotel, so expect simple shared family living rather than hotel facilities. Some rooms have their own bathroom facilities whilst others are shared with your host family. Kiau is roughly two hours by road from Kota Kinabalu.
    A closer look
    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

    What's included

  • Meals as per itinerary
  • Transfers Kota Kinabalu – Kinabalu Geopark - Sepilok – Kinabatangan – Sandakan (other destinations easily accessible, just ask for advice)
  • Accommodation: 1 night Kiau village homestay, 1 night Tanini Sepilok, 2 nights Hornbill Lodge
  • Entry fees: Kinabalu Park, Poring hot springs, Orangutan Rehabilitation Centre, Sunbear sanctuary
  • Community guide for Kinabalu Geopark trekking, nature guide for Sepilok & Kinabatangan river

    • Not included

  • Tourism tax: RM10 per private room per night
  • Flights / transfers other than stated
  • Meals & drinks other than stated
  • Poring hot springs activity fees: Canopy walk / butterfly garden / Hot tub RM10 each, Slide Pool RM5
  • Camera fees - Note on Camera Use 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

    Private roomRM 3070From RM3070 per person, minimum of 2 people
    Pricing notesHigh season supplement, per person, all tours in April, July, August & September 2026 — RM 200 Tourism tax per private room per night — RM 10 Optional add-on: night cruise (day 4), per person — RM 100 Camera fees at Sepilok: zoom lens 100-400mm / video camera, per unit — RM 10, fixed-lens 400mm and above / film-making equipment, per unit — RM 1000
    Rate validityPricing valid till 31st Dec 2026

    Frequently asked questions

    Who is this trip suitable for?
    Hiking in Kinabalu Geopark can be challenging, especially in wet conditions, and alternative easier hikes or activities are available on request. The Kinabatangan river portion involves some moderate exercise (walking on flat ground) but is suitable for all levels of fitness.
    Where will I stay?
    You have one night in a Kiau village homestay, one night at Tanini Sepilok and two nights at Hornbill Lodge on the Kinabatangan river. In Kiau village the accommodation is a simple private room with shared bathroom facilities. Accommodation may vary according to availability, and the photos provided are examples of the types used.
    Can I upgrade the homestay night?
    Yes. If you would prefer to upgrade your first night from the Kiau village homestay to a hotel near Kinabalu Park or a private mountain lodge, just let us know and we will be happy to offer you additional options.
    How do I travel between the west and east coasts?
    On day two you transfer out to Kiau junction to catch our West to East shuttle, which stops at Kinabalu Park, then Poring hot springs for a couple of hours, then Sabah Tea plantation, before continuing overland to Sepilok, around 3.5 hours' drive away. All transfers from Kota Kinabalu through Kinabalu Geopark, Sepilok and Kinabatangan to Sandakan are included.
    Which meals are included?
    Meals are provided as per the itinerary: lunch and dinner on day one, breakfast on day two, breakfast, lunch and dinner on days three and four, and breakfast on day five. Lunch at Sabah Tea plantation and dinner in Sepilok on day two are at your own cost, as are any other meals and drinks not stated.
    When does the tour depart and how many people are needed?
    The tour departs daily based on a minimum of two people. Solo travellers are welcome to enquire about available tours and alternatives.
    What optional extras can I add?
    You can add a night cruise on day four for RM100 per person. Guests with additional time on the last day can also visit the Gomantong caves on the way back to Sandakan, enjoy lunch at a local restaurant and explore the canopy walk at Sepilok Rainforest Discovery Centre before being dropped at the airport for flights departing by 5.30pm.

    Photos from this trip

    More trips like this one

    Kinabatangan River boat
    Kinabatangan River

    2D1N Kinabatangan River Experience (Hornbill Lodge)

    2 days
    Departs Sandakan
    From RM 900
    View tour
    Kinabatangan Hornbill Lodge aerial
    Kinabatangan River

    3D2N Kinabatangan River Safari (Hornbill Lodge)

    3 days
    Departs Sandakan
    From RM 1,300
    View tour
    Orangutan
    Kinabatangan River / Sepilok

    3D2N Sepilok & Kinabatangan River Safari (Hornbill Lodge)

    3 days
    Departs Sandakan
    From RM 1,590
    View tour
    Bat exodus at Gomantong Caves, Sabah
    Kinabatangan River

    4D3N Kinabatangan River Safari with Gomantong caves bat exodus (Hornbill Lodge)

    4 days
    Departs Sandakan
    From RM 2,190
    View tour
    Selingan Turtle Island
    Kinabatangan River / Sepilok / Turtle Island

    4D3N Turtle Island, Sepilok & Kinabatangan River Safari

    4 days
    Departs Sandakan
    From RM 3,090
    View tour
    Aerial view of Selingan Turtle Island, Sabah
    Sepilok / Turtle Island

    2D1N Turtle Island (Selingan) & Sepilok sanctuaries

    2 days
    Departs Sandakan
    From RM 1,790
    View tour

    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

    ★ 4.7 / 5 from 288 traveller reviews on TripAdvisor