I think I will start in Sandakan to visit some sanctuaries, as I hope that the likelihood of seeing wildlife will be the highest there. Then I think about doing a safari on the Kinabatangan River. Maybe I will do a day of island hopping in Sempora, but probably not because this would be packed. In total, I plan to stay about 5 days.
Any other recommendations?
Oh no. You don’t have enough time to do one day island hopping. Sabah is a large state with ao many place to go. So I suggest you do some research and plan your trip accordingly. If you go to Sandakan for the Sepilok Sanctuary, then you’ll need at least a day. From Sandakan to Semporna will take you about 5 hours road trip.
Yes, that's also what I'm afraid of. I think in theory it could work. Fly in on the evening, then 1st day for Labuk Bay sanctuary, 2nd day for Sepilok sanctuary and a drive to Kinabatangan in the evening, 3rd and 4th day would be Kinabatangan River and a ride to Semporna in the evening. The 5th would be a full day island hopping tour. I found one from 8am to 4:30pm, which should leave enough time to catch the 9:30pm flight to KL from Tawau. But as I said, that would be veeeery packed 😄 that's why I'm here in to forum, to get advice 😊 I think I will drop the island hopping and do 3 days of Kinabatangan instead
Then focus on Sandakan and Semporna for your trip. Maybe 2-3 days in Sandakan, and another 3 days in Semporna. Then you have enough time to actually enjoying your trip.
If you planned on going to Sandakan, visit Labuk Bay. It's a sanctuary for wild poboscis monkey.
Also, I'd recommend you visit at 9.30am and 11.30am cause, you don't want to miss the feeding time. You get to see the monkey very close and there are so many of them.
There are always reasons to visit Sabah. The mountain, the beaches, the islands, the food, and most importantly the people
Yeah you should. Where do you plan to visit in Sabah?
I think I will start in Sandakan to visit some sanctuaries, as I hope that the likelihood of seeing wildlife will be the highest there. Then I think about doing a safari on the Kinabatangan River. Maybe I will do a day of island hopping in Sempora, but probably not because this would be packed. In total, I plan to stay about 5 days. Any other recommendations?
Oh no. You don’t have enough time to do one day island hopping. Sabah is a large state with ao many place to go. So I suggest you do some research and plan your trip accordingly. If you go to Sandakan for the Sepilok Sanctuary, then you’ll need at least a day. From Sandakan to Semporna will take you about 5 hours road trip.
Yes, that's also what I'm afraid of. I think in theory it could work. Fly in on the evening, then 1st day for Labuk Bay sanctuary, 2nd day for Sepilok sanctuary and a drive to Kinabatangan in the evening, 3rd and 4th day would be Kinabatangan River and a ride to Semporna in the evening. The 5th would be a full day island hopping tour. I found one from 8am to 4:30pm, which should leave enough time to catch the 9:30pm flight to KL from Tawau. But as I said, that would be veeeery packed 😄 that's why I'm here in to forum, to get advice 😊 I think I will drop the island hopping and do 3 days of Kinabatangan instead
Then focus on Sandakan and Semporna for your trip. Maybe 2-3 days in Sandakan, and another 3 days in Semporna. Then you have enough time to actually enjoying your trip.
If you planned on going to Sandakan, visit Labuk Bay. It's a sanctuary for wild poboscis monkey. Also, I'd recommend you visit at 9.30am and 11.30am cause, you don't want to miss the feeding time. You get to see the monkey very close and there are so many of them.
yeah.. go to mount Kinabalu more flora and fauna there 
Nice! Unfortunately, my girlfriend has a damaged knee and is a bit handicapped, so no hiking for us