Travel Tips

Oct 2008, I went for 3 days 2 night Kinabatangan river safari. There were few operators, but I went with Uncle Tan. RM320 (Oct 2008). The package is all-in.

Uncle Tan base camp is located 2KM from the Orang Utan sanctary. Same drop off point "Mile 14". But the Safari trip is not in that area. It takes about 1-1.5 hours from the base camp to Kinabatangan river bridge, where you start the journey to the jungle!.

http://www.uncletan.com/

To get to the base camp:
1. Transportation by plane from KK. Take flight from KK to Sandakan city, then it is about 10 km from airport to Sepilok (RM20-30).

2. From Sandakan city to Sepilok, it is about 26 KM (taxi fare RM40).

3. Transportation by land from KK to Sandakan. Take the morning bus from KK and the ride is about 7 hours. Bus fare I think is about RM60 (not sure). Get off at Miles 14 (before arriving Sandakan city) where there is a roundabout with a stautus of orang utan.

4. From Semporna, it takes about 4.5-5 hours, via Lahad Datu. Minbus or big coach RM40 (Oct 2008).

There are several operators, but I think there is not much difference among the operators as the whole center of the trip is to ride on boat along the same Kinabatangan river and trek lightly in the jungle. I think the key diffence will be the accommodation condition. This is the kind of accommodation in Uncle Tan camp site.

Depending where you are from and your experience to determine whether the camp environment is comfortable or acceptable. But in the jungle, there is no talk of comfortability.

Remember to bring lots of mosquite repellent. Shower? yes, but with rain water. So be prepared this is not even a no star hostel.

Viewing the crocodile could be rewarding of your trip! But I don't want to sit in front of the boat, nor do I wish the boat to flip over and become the lunch for crocodile!

Finally I made it. Will I come back? I guess not unless it is only a day trip ONLY! :-)

I met good friends from France and Italy. We talked and dreamed about wine, champagne, fresh cream cake and pastries. Of course afternoon Cafe au lait and cafe latte + tiramisu. It was so fun!