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Sandakan: 4D3N Imbak Canyon Tour Wild Expeditions

New4 daysSandakan
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From $1,442
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Length

4 days

Itinerary

4 days planned

Group

Max 8

Guides

Malay, English

Overview

Imbak Canyon offers a rare opportunity to journey into the past and experience the Earth in its original form. Located in the active region of borneo, this untouched haven is frequently referred to as the "Lost World" due to its ancient rainforest, which has stayed largely unspoiled for millions of years, resulting in a stunning display of rich biodiversity. This isolated valley spans 30,000 hectares, a lush refuge surrounded by towering sandstone cliffs that have safeguarded this unique ecosystem for millions of years. As journey through the lush jungle, be surrounded by the sound of nature, hornbills, mammals, and majestic dipterocarp trees that create a green cathedral overhead. The beautiful Imbak Waterfall, a multi-tiered waterfall that drops into a clean pool, offers a moment of untouched beauty that no camera can capture. Visit helps save this important wildlife corridor for orangutans, pygmy elephants, and clouded leopards.

Day by day itinerary

  1. 1Deepest of Borneo⌄

    Your adventure begins with a pick-up at your Sandakan hotel or the airport. The journey itself is a taste of the untamed wilderness for half a day from Sandakan to Telupid, into the base of the Kinbabatangan at a different point. We'll welcome the guests and then give a quick rundown of Kinabatangan's history and local culture. Next, hop into a tough 4WD for an exciting ride along the logging roads right into the heart of the Imbak Canyon conservation area. The gravel road to the Imbak Canyon Studies Centre can get a bit bumpy and slick when it’s wet, and pretty dusty when it’s dry.

    When arrive to the Imbak Canyon Studies Centre (ICSC), settle into your cosy, eco-friendly lodge or camping depending on your options and be briefed on the wonders that await. Once the afternoon heat cools down a bit, take a quick stroll around the headquarters giving a sneak peek at the amazing birdlife and maybe even some of the local mammals. Check in and rest.

    Dinner will be served buffet-style in the Bambangan Dining Hall. Our guests will enjoy native Malaysian cuisine. After dinner, head over to the Conference Room for a video presentation from the ICCA team and a chat about Imbak Canyon Conservation Area. Guests can check out the stunning scenery at the Bornean Majestic Refugium. Time to turn off the lights, overnight at Imbak Canyon Studies Centre

    Meals: Dinner

    Overnight: Overnight at Imbak Canyon National Park

  2. 2Trekking into Untouched Wilderness⌄

    Prepare for a guided morning stroll around the area to spot gibbons. Breakfast will be served at the Bambangan Dining Hallnd and its buffet style. Enjoy the soothing atmosphere of the woodland while eating breakfast "Al-Fresco" style.

    Adventure in the forest (packed lunch), Trekking activity: Start your journey at the Suspension Ara Bridge and travel 1.3 km on the Ara route (formerly known as the Phenology route) to Kapur Bridge. Until you get at the majestic Big Belian Tree, keep walking over 1 km. Stop briefly at the Big Belian Tree for a chance to take a picture against the backdrop of the old woodland. Watch out for the loud cries of the several hornbill species that call this area home.

    Continue hiking till reach the famous Imbak Falls, which are 39 feet wide and 700 meters high. Rest and savour your lunch while listening to the calming sound of the cascading waterfalls.

    Head back to camp by car via main road and enjoy the rainforest scenery at your left and right on your way to the centre with add on swimming at the pristine wilderness of the Imbak River.

    After dinner at the Bambangan Dining Hall, if the weather permits, continue your nighttime approx two hour night drive to see nocturnal wildlife in the wild and seek the opportunity to see any Malay civet cats, flying squirrels gliding between trees, and deer stopping by the side of the road. Light goes out at 11 am overnight at Imbak Canyon Studies Centre.

    Meals: Breakfast · Lunch · Dinner

    Overnight: Overnight at Imbak Canyon National Park

  3. 3Conservation and Night Safari⌄

    Start your day with a hearty breakfast at Bambangan dining hall and dive headfirst into the rich tapestry of local culture. As wander through the gallery, be tickled pink to learn the ropes of playing traditional instruments in the morning light.

    After lunch, explore the UMS-funded fertigation and composting site, where folks and families pitch in to support sustainable agriculture and turn trash into compost. Keep your day going with a chill walk through Giant Tree Park, where you'll be surrounded by those awesome tall ancient trees.

    Time for a tea break at the Bambangan dining hall, then off to sunset drive from Centre to Imbak Falls – the perfect spot to catch the sun dipping below the horizon.

    Another two-hour night walk for nocturnal animals in the wild if weather permits, and it is another best chance to spot any wildlife. Light off approximately 11 am, overnight at Imbak Canyon Studies Centre

    Meals: Breakfast · Lunch · Dinner

    Overnight: Overnight at Imbak Canyon National Park

  4. 4A Dawn Chorus⌄

    Breakfast. Gather for a group photo in front of the reception facility by closing speeches to finish the expeditions, taking with unforgettable sights, sounds, and scents from one of Borneo's last great wildernesses. Check out.

    Arrive back to Sandakan to end the journey.

    Meals: Breakfast

What's included

  • ✓Forest ranger and guide with VHF radio and night drive
  • ✓Lunch
  • ✓Dinner
  • ✓Breakfast
  • ✓Round trip transfer pickup and drop-off
  • ✓Accommodation x 3 night
  • ✓Coffee, tea, and drinking water
  • ✓All national park admission fees

Not included

  • ✕DSLR camera user must fill out the photography registration form
  • ✕Insurance

Good to know

Cancellation: All sales are final. No refund is available for cancellations.

  • Not recommended for pregnant travelers
  • Public transportation options are available nearby
  • Suitable for all physical fitness levels
  • The national park offers basic lodgings in the midst of the jungle, with no luxury amenities.
  • The ticket is valid for the activity date specified in your reservation, and changes to the date are not permitted.
  • It is advised that you bring your own binoculars to enhance your wildlife experience.
  • Imbak Canyon management reserves the right to adapt or amend the route as deemed necessary. eg, raining and risk of tiger presence.
  • It's best to book at least two travellers to get a better rate, going solo will cost you more.
  • Cell phone coverage might not be available. But sometimes, it can get thrown off by heavy rain or satellite issues.
  • Please be informed that the tour's start and end timings may be delayed due to weather, traffic, local legislation, or current conditions.
  • This experience does not guarantee a specific wildlife encounter.
  • Make sure to grab any supplies you might need before heading to ICCA. Think about picking up some locally made rubber hiking shoes (like "Adidas Kampung"), a charger, insect repellent, medicine, snacks, and all that useful stuff! You can find these things in Telupid town before heading to Imbak Canyon, just in case you forgot to bring them along.
  • Electricity is available from 7 am to 11 pm.

From

$1,442

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