>What's been said about us

Extracts from the Lonely Planet:

"[The Sungai Kinabatangan] is one of the best places in Borneo – indeed in all of South East Asia – to observe wildlife; and the Kinabatangan is a highlight of any nature-lovers’ trip to Sabah."

Photo: Eugene Tan

Photo: W. Hochstetter

"Sighting of the unique Proboscis Monkeys are common among the mangroves, two macaque species – the long tailed and pig tailed – are common; Orang Utans are also seen..."

Photo: Eugene Tan

Photo: Suzette Burrell

"Bird-watchers will find the bird-spotting incredible: all 8 species of Borneo’s hornbills species are seen regularly; two species of the gorgeous pittas are reasonably common, and rarities include Storms storks and bizarre Oriental darter, or snake bird."

Photo: Naka Nobuko

Photo: Eugene Tan

"There are trails around Uncle Tan’s Wildlife Camp and an occasional rhino has dropped by; but the best way to see animals is to cruise up and down the river."

Photo: Eugene Tan

Photo: Eugene Tan

"The success rate of animal-spotting largely depends on the local knowledge of your guide."

"Uncle Tan’s: The first and still the best for the Kinabatangan."

"Uncle Tan’s Wildlife Camp is a long-standing budget option. It’s ultra basic accommodation, but among the diehards it’s a legend; the food is very good and many return for a second visit…….. trips go well beyond the electric-motor 'Eco-Tourism' some of the big expensive operators are content to provide.

Although basic, Tan’s camp is well equipped for contingencies and his guides are among the best around – an important consideration if you want to see the best wildlife, upriver villages and generally have an adventure in reliable hands."

>The Wildlife Camp Experience

Our Wildlife Camp is situated in a jungle environment. It is in an old river bed by some beautiful ox-bow lakes. If it is a Tropical Rain Forest you want to experience, then Uncle Tan’s Camp is the place you want to visit. Wake up to the sound of birds chirping and monkeys chattering, start the day by joining the river safari, spend the afternoon jungle trekking or simply relax taking in the essence of natural surroundings, and end the day with a night river safari. Whatever your interest or preference, there is always something to do and something new to discover in nature.

Photo: Kevin Tan

We do however wish to remind visitors that set in such a natural environment, the Camp is not exactly the HILTON! Facilities are not of a FIVE STAR Resort & SPA and are in fact Spartan in nature, but we do our best under "circumstances of wilderness" to make your visit enjoyable and comfortable. You will get plenty of attention, hospitality and wildlife to observe. And… you will have plenty of good food. Yes, we will feed you well!

Photo: Eugene Tan

During the rainy seasons, there will be mud and pools of water along the tracks. In the recent two years, due to excessive logging, flooding occur often between the months of November and April. The floodwater may rise high – part of the camp may be under water. Toilets too may be under water. It can be inconvenient – but it is during the floods that many more animals are seen. The monkeys stay on trees; the bigger mammals – pigs, deer and even elephants can be seen on the high grounds which become small islands. When you ride in the boat around the lakes, you will actually be moving amongst the canopies of the trees – birds and butterflies will be seen in great numbers.

>3 days 2 nights package itinerary

DAY ONE:

Optional: Visit to the Orang Utan Centre in the morning
The morning before we leave for Camp, we transport our visitors to the Orang Utan Rehabilitation Centre. The transfer will be between 9:00 a.m. - 9:30 a.m. Feeding at the Centre takes place at about 10:00 a.m. We pick up our visitors at noon and proceed to our Ops Base for lunch and to prepare for the trip to Camp. The Orang Utan Centre is close to our Ops Base/B&B. The transfer to and fro the Orang Utan Centre is an additional and courtesy service we provide to our visitors. We do not charge for providing the transfer.

You may also proceed to the Orang Utan Centre directly on your own and join our other visitors when you're done for the transfer back to our Ops Base/B&B. It would be good to let us know in advance so that our driver will look out for you.

9:00 a.m. - 9:30 a.m. - Transfer to the Sepilok Orang Utan Rehabilitation Centre. Register and buy your own entrance ticket (RM 10.00 for locals and RM 30.00 for foreigners)*. Register at the counter of the Forest Research Centre and then visit the Entomology Section to a see a big exhibition of insects. You will be at Orang Utan Centre on your own.

*[The price of the entrance ticket is NOT included in the package/s price. The transfer to/fro the Centre is courtesy service we provide without charge]

12:30 p.m. - 1:00 p.m. - Pick up from the centre for lunch at Uncle Tan’s Operations Base/ B&B.

Our vehicles shuttle to and fro the OU Centre. If you miss the vehicles, just give us a call at 089-535784 or Mobile Phone: 016- 8244749. We are nearby and someone will come to pick you up.

Q: I do not want to go to the Orang Utan Centre. What time should I come to Ops Base to join the trip to Camp?
A: We ask visitors to come to our Ops Base at about 1:00 p.m. to have lunch, register and prepare for the trip. The trip leaves our Ops Base for Camp at 2:30 p.m.

The starting/meeting point is at our Ops Base; at 1:00 p.m.
1:00 p.m. - Lunch. Set Menu – Local recipes. You will have enough time for lunch, coffee and registration. The trip will depart for the Camp at about 2:30 p.m.

2:30 p.m. - Depart for the the Kinabatangan River en route to Uncle Tan's Wildlife Camp. You will travel by van to the old ferry site at the Kinabatangan River. The drive would be about 1hour 30 mins.

4:00 p.m. - Arrive at the old ferry site at the Kinabatangan River and prepare for the boat ride to Camp. At the ferry site, please allow 20-30 minutes for our staff to load luggage and supplies before the ride to Camp.

The boat ride to the Camp will be about an hour.The cruise to the Camp is in itself a River Safari. The boatman will zig-zag about to show you the wildlife. When the boat changes directions, look towards that direction. The boatman could have seen something interesting. The guides will point out to you what they have seen. During the Safari, remember not to tease or shout at the animals. We do not want to frighten them and make them shy of future safari boats.ETA at Camp is at about 5:30 p.m. Settle in and proceed to the dining area for tea/coffee. At about 7:30 p.m, the Camp Captain or staff on duty will give a briefing on the programmes and activities during your stay.

Dinner will be at about 8:00 p.m.

Where weather permits and the river conditions are right, a night safari will be organised on the Lakes or on the main river after dinner at about 9:00 p.m. There will be a spot light on board the safari boats and the guides will do the spot lighting for wildlife. You will see many sleepy PROBOSCIS MONKEYS, Owls, Herons and Crocodiles.

During the fruit season (July – September) when you go out on the Night Safari, look up and watch the sky a bit. You may see many giant Flying Foxes flying in formation above you.

By about 10:30 p.m., you should be back in the Camp. Do not go straight to bed. Try to keep awake a bit longer and sit quietly in the dining area. You will almost certainly see a few CIVET CATS roaming around the dining area and jumping on the dining table. Sometimes, a LEOPARD CAT may also turn up. You will also, very likely, see BEARDED PIGS. A female bearded Pig, "KUM KUM" (pronounced as 'come come') and her family are regular visitors.

Photo: Eugene Tan

Lights out at midnight.

Note: Please do not feed the animals at the Camp. We do not want to encourage them to become cosmopolitan.

Photo: Naka Nobuko

Day Two: back to top

At about 6:00 a.m., the staff on duty will do a morning call and shout "MORNING SAFARI, MORNING SAFARI". Those who do not wake up would be left to continue to sleep peacefully and it would be nobody else's fault if the Morning Safari is missed.

Quickly do your toilet and bathroom thing and then get to the dining shed for a cup of coffee and biscuits before starting the Morning Safari. Try not to miss this. Plenty of wildlife are seen during the Morning Safari. It is just so beautiful to see the sun rising above the misty river. The Morning Safari begins at about 6:30a.m.

8:30 a.m. - You should be back in the Camp for breakfast.
After breakfast, at about 10:30 a.m., the Camp Captain/staff on duty will organise activities for visitors. If weather condition is right, a trek in the jungle would be carried out to introduce you to the flora and fauna. Some insects and frogs may also be spotted. Though late morning is not the best time for wildlife viewing, Orang Utans are sometimes seen.

Photo: Eugen Tan & Suzette Burrell

Q:   What about leeches?
A:    Leeches are not considered a big problem at the Camp or surrounding jungle area. To give an idea, chances of finding a leech at the Camp area is considered much more rare than spotting an Orang Utan.

Photo: Uncle Tan's collection

Lunch is at 12:30p.m.

After lunch, have a nap and rest. In the heat of the afternoon, not much wildlife will be seen. Afternoon time is also the time when our staff take a break.
During their afternoon break, the staff often play volleyball or what they call "Shaolin Soccer". Some of them may go fishing. They will always invite visitors to joins them in their games and activities. Do not be shy to join in the fun. They will be happy to have you join them in their fun and games.

After tea time, take a walk along the lake shores to the point where the two lakes meet. This is where you will have a good chance to see some otters.
At about 5:00 p.m., an evening boat ride would be conducted. During the last hour or so before dark, plenty of wildlife can be seen. If the sky is clear and evening sun strong, this would be a good time to take some photographs.
The evening ride would be for about 1 hour 30 mins.

Dinner is at 8:00 p.m.
At 9:00 p.m. a night trek will be organised. The jungle at night is different from the day. Though this activity is considered "quite tough" as it involves walking in the swampy area, many visitors find the trek at night to be the most interesting activity.

You must have your own torchlight for the night trek. The guide will show you how to spot small wildlife with your torchlight. No need for fancy, expensive torchlight. A simple torchlight using two AA batteries will suffice. LED torchlight are not recommended as they are too diffused and do not spot that well. Also, they are a pain for others.

Lights out at midnight.

DAY THREE: back to top

If there is spare room in the boat, you may go out on the Morning Safari for another time. If space is limited, please give the new arrivals a chance to go on their first Morning Safari.
8:00 a.m. to 9:00 a.m. - Breakfast
Unless you are staying on for extra days, departure from the Camp will be at 10:00 a.m.

The boat ride to the old ferry site will take about an hour. Some of you may have planned to travel on to Semporna.

A good plan would be to go to Lahad Datu (about 1.5 hrs, RM 15.00) directly from the ferry site or the nearby Kinabatangan Bridge. LD is where visitors change bus to get to Semporna (about 2.5 hrs, RM 20.00). This will save you going back with the other to our Ops Base or Sandakan just to be back on the same route you came from. There are mini vans and buses plying the route to LD where you can hop on an be on your way to LD.

If you do the Standard 3D/2N or the 5D/4N Camping add-on, on the day you leave Camp, you will arrive back at our Ops Base at about 12:30 noon. Lunch will be provided at our Ops Base.

If you are planning to go to the Mountains or Kota Kinabalu, ask our staff to assist you to book a seat on the Express Bus. The bus comes by the Sepilok Junction/Circle at about 2:00 p.m. You do not have to go to town to catch the bus. Stand at the roadside and it will stop to pick you up.

If you plan to go to the airport/Sandakan town, please ask our staff to assist you to get a van that you can hire. Hired vans to the airport/Sandakan town costs about RM 30.00 for the whole vehicle. The van hire is your private deal with the driver. We do not run this service. Please pay the fare directly to the driver.
We advise visitors to take a later flight out of Sandakan. At time of this update, there is a SDK-KK flight ETD 2:00 p.m. Though the 2:00 p.m. ETD would technically be possible, it would be really tight and leaves no leeway for delays, traffic, etc. It is therefore preferable not to take this ETD.

NOTE: You take part in the package strictly AT YOUR OWN RISK.

Do not swim in the main river. Big crocodiles have been spotted taking full grown pigs. You do not want to be Mr. Croc’s meal for the day!

Avoid bringing hard liquor to the camp – beer is Okay. Our Staff Co-operative sells beer, bottled water and soft drinks.

Remember: It is a Wildlife Camp you are visiting - NOT A RESORT & SPA – The camp is very basic – no treated running water, no full-time electricity – but plenty of wildlife to see. The jungle is a green hell to some but a lost paradise for many. Give due respect to the wildlife in the area – they were there first and you are in their home territory – be a good guest.

- original text by Uncle Tan

“This responsibility [caring for the environment] has less to do with the question of right or wrong than with the question of survival. The natural world is our home. It is not necessarily sacred or holy. It is simply where we live. It is therefore in our interest to look after it. This is common sense.”

- Tenzin Gyatso (The Dalai Lama) - "Ancient Wisdom, Modern World"

>Activities At Uncle Tan’s Wildlife Camp

River Safari
The cruise into Camp is in itself a river Safari. In addition, we organize morning safaris at 6.30 a.m., and when the weather is fine and river conditions good, we organize night Safaris for spotting wildlife. This is done after dinner. Often, crocodiles and many owls are seen on Night Safaris. Every visitor gets a chance for at least ONE Night Safari and ONE Morning Safari.

Trekking In The Jungle
The best way to observe wildlife is to trek out of the immediate Camp area. The trails are quite well used and clear to follow.

As part of our activities, we conduct a guided trek in the surrounding jungle area. The Camp Captain/staff of duty will brief you in better detail about schedule, expected wildlife sighting, etc. when you arrive at Camp.

Visitors may also trek on their own.

The best way to observe wildlife is to trek out of the immediate Camp area. The trails are quite well used and clear to follow.

Expected Wildlife Sighting at Uncle Tan’s Wildlife Camp and surrounding area

Other Activities
Other activities that the Camp Captain/staff on duty may choose to conduct include volleyball matches, cast net fishing, afternoon rides, night treks to look for nocturnal creatures, etc.

Please note these activities are extras and choice of activities carried out are at the discretion of the Camp Captain/staff on duty.

>Getting there

Where we are
The closest town to us is Sandakan. Many of our visitors fly to Sandakan from Kota Kinabalu. Air Asia and Malaysia Airlines serve this route.

If you are coming from Kuala Lumpur, Air Asia flies direct to Sandakan.

Trips to our Wildlife Camp are arranged from our Operations Base in Sepilok. The starting/meeting point is at our Operations Base; 1:00 p.m.

Departures to Uncle Tan's Wildlife Camp at the Kinabatangan River are arranged from our Operations Base/B&B premises in Sepilok, 14 miles from Sandakan town. As we would require to make prior arrangements and co-ordination for the trip, we ask that visitors come to our Operations Base/B&B first.

Trips to the Wildlife Camp depart daily at 2:30 p.m.
Trips to the Camp are on daily basis. Visitors are advised to be at our Operations Base/B&B premises at about 1:00 p.m. This will give enough time for lunch and registration. The trip will depart for the Camp at about 2:30 p.m.

How to get to our Operations Base/B&B
We are situated in Sepilok, nearby the Orang Utan Centre. We are the first Tour Operator premise on the Sepilok Road. Heading towards the Orang Utan Centre, we are on the right-hand side, a couple of hundred metres from the main road Junction/Circle.

Coming from Sandakan town/airport, it would be easiest to take a taxi. Tell the driver you want to go to Uncle Tan's NEW PLACE at Sepilok. The taxi ride would take 20-30 mins. Fare is RM 30.00.

If you are coming by express bus from KK/Mountain/Tawau/Lahad Datu/Semporna, get the bus driver to drop you off at the Sepilok Junction/Circle. This is at Mile 14. From this point, you will be close to our B&B and Operations Base. It would take a few minutes walk along the Sepilok Road to get to our place from the Junction/Circle.

[Please Note: The Wildlife Camp is at the Kinabatangan River. Our Operations Base/B&B is in the Sepilok area, nearby the Orang Utan Centre. These are 2 different places - quite apart in distance from each other. Visitors come to our Ops Base first. We then organise things and leave at 2:30 p.m. for the Kinabatangan river by van en route to Camp. At the river, our boats will then take visitors to Camp]

Sepilok Orang Utan Rehabilitation Centre
The morning before we leave for Camp, we transport our visitors to the Orang Utan Rehabilitation Centre. We will then pick up our visitors 12:30 p.m. - 1:00 p.m and proceed to our Ops Base to prepare for the trip to Camp. The Centre is near our Ops Base/B&B. The transfer to and fro the Centre is an additional service we provide to our visitors. We do not charge for providing the transfer.

>Signing Up for the Wildlife Camp

How much does it cost?
The cost for the Standard 3D/2N trip is RM 320.00 per person. Subject to availability of space, extended stay is possible. The cost for each day extended is RM 60.00 per person.

It is possible to stay one night at the Camp although to get the best experience, we recommend two night's stay. With a night's stay, you will still get to do one night safari as well as one morning safari but you won't have enough time to do the guided trek in the jungle the next day as you would be leaving the Camp. As for cost, we will deduct RM 60.00 being the charges of one day's stay less. The cost would be RM 260.00 per person.

The price is ex our Ops Base in Sepilok and it covers transportation by van to and from the Kinabatangan River, transportation by boat to and from the Camp, all river Safaris, jungle treks, accommodation in camp huts, 3 meals a day (B,L,D), coffee/tea available all day plus some tea time snacks and biscuits. There are no hidden costs, no guide fees, no surprises - as plain as that.
The things you may want to purchase from our staff co-operative canteen would be beer, bottled water and soft drinks. Beer, bottled water and soft drinks are NOT included in the price.

Please note that prices mentioned are subject to change*.
*[We are quite happy with the current prices and would like to maintain the same price for as long as we are able to. We have been in business for some time already and we are fully aware that it is not in our interest to increase prices as it would make selling our packages more difficult. However, as seen over the past few years, matter like fuel prices, increased costs of doing business, etc., impacted businesses everywhere. These things can occur outside our control and planning and may compel us to make a price revision in order to stay in business. Please however be assured that revision (if any) would be made only after careful weighing of all factors and would be reasonable]

FAQ
Q:    Are children allowed to go to the Camp?
A:    We welcome children to visit our Camp. Prices for children below 7 years old is half the adult price. There is no charge for children below the age of 2. This half charge apply to the 3d/2n package only. For other packages, prices are the same for adult and children.

Q: Can I leave my extra bags/luggage at the Ops Base while I go to the Camp?
A: You can leave your extra luggage with us when you go to Camp. But do this only if you plan to return to our Ops Base/Sandakan after Camp. If you plan to head to the islands off Semporna or to Danum Valley, etc., it would be better to take everything with you as it would be more convenient to proceed directly to Lahad Datu and then on to your destination directly from the Kinabatangan Bridge. Otherwise, you'll have to return to our Ops Base just to pick up your things and go back the same route you just came from.

Note: No valuables, cash, travel documents, etc should be left in the backpack/luggage kept with us for storage. We will NOT entertain any complain regarding loss/damage of valuables, cash, etc.

>Bookings & Reservations

The Wildlife Camp is very popular with visitors and we often get full bookings during peak season (May till September). It would be advisable to make your bookings early. You can either call us or email us your enquiries/booking. Though Email is our preferred mode of communication, if time is short, calling us to check availability/confirm booking may be a better option.

We do not ask for deposits for confirmations [except for customised programmes or bookings for 10 pax or more]. You can pay us when you arrive. Payment will be in Ringgit cash only.

Q: Can you issue an invoice?
A: We are a small company and humbly apologise that we do not issue invoices nor do we offer credit terms.

Q: Do you require credit card verification for bookings?
A: We do not require your credit card details for booking as we do not have the ability to receive payment via credit card. Sorry. Payment would be in cash, in Ringgit.

>Contact Details

Email Reservation & Communication Desk: --> click here <--

Note: We make it a point to provide quick response to emails received. If you do not get a response from us within 3 working days, it is possible that your mail has not reached us. Please resend.

Attaching previous email

As we receive and have to handle many enquiries and confirmations each day, it will help us provide you a faster reply if you could attach previous email communication.

Ops Base and B&B:
Lot No. 1
Mile 14, Jalan Sepilok,
Sandakan,
Sabah, MALAYSIA

+6089-535784, +6089-531639 or Mobile Phone +6016- 8244749

Note: The number listed in the Lonely Planet Guide is the old number of the previous premises. It is no longer in use. Please use the numbers above to contact us.

Uncle Tan Wildlife Adventures is a Licensed Tour Company under
Ministry of Culture, Arts & Tourism Licence No. KKKP 3067
 
Malaysian Association of Tour and Travel Agents (MATTA)
Membership No. MA1867

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