3D2N Kinabalu Park Sayap Wildlife Eco-Adventure

Begin your eco-adventure with a convenient pick-up from Kota Kinabalu International Airport or your Kota Kinabalu hotel lobby. From there, you will be transferred 3 hours to the Sayap Substation in Kinabalu National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and part of the Kinabalu UNESCO Global Geopark. 

Sayap Substation lies in a lesser-explored section of Kinabalu Park, offering a tranquil escape into Sabah’s rich natural beauty. This off-the-beaten-path location is perfect for nature enthusiasts seeking a quieter, more immersive experience compared to the park’s busier areas. Surrounded by lush montane forests, Sayap is a biodiversity hotspot, home to rare plant species such as orchids and pitcher plants, as well as endemic montane birds, frogs, and insects. 

Visitors can explore untouched trails and embark on guided night walks to encounter nocturnal wildlife, a key highlight activity at Sayap Substation. Sayap is also the best place for herping in Sabah, with its wide array of frog, snake, and insect species. The cool highland climate and serene atmosphere make Sayap Substation an ideal destination for eco-conscious travellers seeking a deeper connection with Kinabalu Park’s natural wonders. 

Upon arrival at your Sayap homestay, take some time to settle in and get acquainted with your hosts before savouring a traditional dinner together. 

After dinner, join a knowledgeable ranger guide for an exciting night walk through the park. This guided exploration offers a rare opportunity to discover the unique nocturnal creatures that inhabit this pristine environment. 

Begin your day with a hearty breakfast before setting out on a morning trek through the nearby forest trails. These trails provide excellent opportunities to spot the region’s diverse wildlife. 

The area is teeming with fascinating creatures, including mammals, amphibians, reptiles, and insects. Montane mammals, such as pygmy squirrels and fruit bats, thrive here, with some species being almost exclusive to Kinabalu Park. Notable highlights include Thomas’ Pygmy Squirrel, Black Shrews, and Kinabalu Shrews, all endemic to the region. 

Birdwatchers will be thrilled by the chance to observe mountain-dwelling species unique to Borneo, such as the Red-breasted Tree-partridge and Crimson-headed Wood-partridge. Of Borneo's 29 endemic bird species, 17 can only be found in these high-altitude habitats. 

After your trek, visit the nearby Ficus nursery, an educational centre showcasing Kinabalu Park’s vital conservation initiatives. This visit provides a deeper understanding of the efforts being made to preserve this remarkable ecosystem. The Ficus nursery is also a great place to spot hornbills. All eight species of Sabah’s hornbill species – Black Hornbill, Rhinoceros Hornbill, Wreathed Hornbill, Pied Hornbill, White-crowned Hornbill, Wrinkled Hornbill, Bushy-crested Hornbill, and Helmeted Hornbill – have been spotted here! 

Return to your homestay for lunch and spend the rest of your afternoon at your leisure, soaking in the serene natural surroundings. 

For those seeking more opportunities for discovery, you may opt for a second night walk (at additional expense). 

Start your final day with breakfast, followed by a relaxed morning savouring your last moments in Sayap. 

Bid farewell as you begin your return journey to Kota Belud. Your tour concludes here, leaving you with unforgettable memories of this unique and immersive experience amidst the natural wonders of Kinabalu Park.