Everything you MUST Know About Kinabatangan River for a Smooth Adventure!
Itâs no surprise that the Kinabatangan River is one of THE best places to see Borneoâs wildlife. As the longest river in Sabah, its riverbanks are frequently visited by beautiful animals that are searching for food.
But itâs not exactly the easiest place to visit independently. But donât worry, because after visiting this incredible place, we can safely say weâre experts on how to navigate it.
So, weâre sharing our handy travel guide, complete with things to do, places to stay, and tips for a stress-free adventure, because the Kinabatangan River is a place you must explore at least once! Read on!
Best Time to Go
Visit from March to October for the dry season, when there are fewer chances of rain. You can spot wild animals around the riverâs edge due to low water levels, and these are good times to go birdwatching.
If you donât mind the rain, you can visit from November to March, during the wet season. But do note that thereâs a chance of high water levels and flooding, so your schedule may get interrupted by the weather.
You can still go there at any time of the year. Wildlife is also active all year.
Things to Know
Currency: Malaysian Ringgit (MYR)
Language: Bahasa Malaysia, English is widely spoken in tourist areas
Location: Sandakan Division, Sabah
River Length: 560 km
Fun Fact: Kinabatangan River is Malaysiaâs 2nd-longest river
What to Expect in Kinabatangan River
Wildlife: Travelling to the Kinabatangan River means youâll see a variety of wild animals. You can spot the Borneo Big Five, which are the orangutan, proboscis monkey, Bornean pygmy elephant, rhinoceros hornbill, and estuarine crocodile.
Weather: Itâs humid all year in the jungle, ranging from 27°C to 35°C. It gets cold during the rainy season, but you should still expect humid weather.
How to Get to Kinabatangan River
Airplane: Book a flight to Sandakan Airport in Sabah. It isnât hard to get here since you can find direct flights from Kuala Lumpur and Kota Kinabalu. You can book your ticket from most major airlines, like Malaysia Airlines, AirAsia, and Batik Air.
Car or Ride-sharing Service: From Sandakan Airport, you can reach Sandakan City by car, which takes around two hours. You can also book a Grab, a ride-sharing app thatâs the Southeast Asian version of Uber.
Private Transfer: If your tour package includes a private transfer, they will meet you at a designated location at the airport and drive you either to Sandakan City or straight to your lodging. This is the quickest and hassle-free way.
Where to Stay near Kinabatangan River
Kinabatangan Riverside Lodge
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Address: Kinabatangan Riverside Lodge Sukau
Contact: +6089-633501, +6089-633503
Check-in & Checkout: 2 pm & depending on the tour package
Pricing: $$
Best For: Couples, groups, and families looking for an eco-friendly stay
Managed by S I Tours, Kinabatangan Riverside Lodge offers a convenient place to stay. Since itâs owned by a tour operating company, you can book a tour and accommodation in one place!
Your stay includes pickup from Sandakan and drop-off at the airport. During the rainy season, you wonât have to worry about flooding since youâll be on higher ground here.
All rooms have en-suite bathrooms, equipped with eco-friendly bath amenities, have hot showers, are provided with a reverse osmosis water purifier system, and have a 24/7 electricity supply!
If you want to cool off, thereâs a pool on site! Basically, everythingâs sorted out, so you wonât have to worry about anything else!
Sukau Rainforest Lodge
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Address: C/O: Borneo Eco Tours Lot 1, Pusat Perindustrian, Kolombong Jaya, Mile 5.5, Jalan Kolombong, 88450 Kota Kinabalu, Sabah (office)
Contact: +6088-438300, online form
Check-in & Checkout: Varies per accommodation
Pricing: $$$
Best For: Solo travellers, families, and couples searching for luxury accommodation
If you want to splurge on a luxury accommodation that sits on the Kinabatangan River, Sukau Rainforest Lodge is a solid choice! This is the first eco-lodge in Kinabatangan, which has continued to serve and protect the area through conservation efforts.
Every room has a Bornean-inspired style, whether youâre staying in a room or the villa. The luxury villa has all the common hotel amenities, plus a private balcony with a screen door.
Meanwhile, the deluxe rooms also have the usual amenities that you donât need to upgrade, as theyâre equipped with an air conditioner, a ceiling fan, a modern bathroom with a hot shower, and your very own indoor sunroom with views of the rainforest!
Plus, it has a pool when you need to cool off after touring the Kinabatangan River, a lounge to unwind, a bar for drinks with friends, a shop for souvenirs to take home, and a boardwalk surrounded by the forest for safe exploration.
Tungog Rainforest Eco Camp
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Address: PPM 538 Elopura Sandakan 90000 Sabah, KOPEL Bhd. Jalan Feri Lama, Kg Mengaris, 90200 Kinabatangan, Sabah (office)
Contact: [email protected]
Check-in & Checkout: 3 pm & 11 am
Pricing: $
Best For: Groups and couples looking for a budget-friendly and simple getaway nestled in the forest
Tungog Rainforest Eco Camp is a budget and eco-accommodation run by the KOPEL Co-op, whose mission is to conserve the areaâs biodiversity while providing income for the people in the local communities.
Nestled in the forest along the winding path of the river, it provides a unique experience and insight into the Borneo rainforest. It also offers plenty of wildlife-watching opportunities without disturbing the ecosystem.
Every stay includes transfers, meals, a river cruise, trekking, and a local guide. Youâre basically booking a stay-and-vacation package, which is very convenient for tourists who want a stress-free experience.
Donât expect a luxury accommodation, though! Youâll sleep in a hut tucked away in the forest, providing a simple stay that gives you lots of opportunities to hear and see wild animals straight from your room.
Hornbill Lodge
– Media credit: hornbill.lodge
Address: Kampung Bilit, 90000 Kinabatangan, Sabah
Contact: +6011-12658581, [email protected]
Check-in & Checkout: Depending on the tour package
Pricing: $$
Best For: Families, couples, groups, and solo travellers searching for comfort and privacy with all the modern amenities
Visitors looking for a super comfortable stay should check out Hornbill Lodge, a place thatâll give you access to wildlife sightings! The best part? Youâve got all the amenities, allowing you to relax after a cruise or a trek!
The chalets are perfect for groups and families, since thereâs air conditioning, an en-suite bathroom, and a private balcony.
Meanwhile, solo travellers or small groups who are looking for a comfortable yet budget-friendly stay can book the dormitory. It manages to provide privacy since itâs a quad-share chalet, equipped with two sets of bunk beds.
What to Do at Kinabatangan River
Join a river cruise
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When in the Kinabatangan River, one must join a boat cruise! Itâs one of the most popular activities in the area since you get to be in the river and see wildlife all around you.
You can find a tour operator for every budget. For a more convenient experience, book a river cruise with your accommodation, which they most probably offer as part of a package.
While cruising the river, youâll most likely spot wild animals, like proboscis monkeys, orangutans, crocodiles, and hornbills. Youâll have to keep an eye out and bring binoculars to see the animalsâyour guide will tell you where to look!
We suggest waking up earlier than usual to get breakfast before embarking on a river cruise. Wildlife is more active very early in the morning, giving you a higher chance to see more animals on the riverbanks.
Trek the jungle
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A jungle hike is a must-do activity when visiting the Kinabatangan River. Just like the river cruise, the hike will be part of a tour package, so youâll join a group and follow a nature guide.
Youâll have the opportunity to spot more animals that donât hang out as often on the riverbanksâa leopard, maybe? This experience will also leave you with plenty of knowledge about the wildlife and its ecosystem.
Wear breathable and comfortable clothing, preferably long sleeves. The humidity in the middle of the jungle will be challenging, especially if you arenât used to it.
Oh, and bring insect repellent unless youâre ready to become mosquito food!
Take a night hike
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Night hikes bring a different perspective of the jungle. It also gives you the chance to see nocturnal animals, such as tarsiers, Sunda clouded leopards, and various reptiles, snakes, and amphibians!
The jungle is pitch black, so bring a flashlight and stay close to your guide. Be careful and be aware of your surroundings, too, since you never know when small creatures will be hanging out in a tree next to you.
Go birdwatching
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The jungle that surrounds the Kinabatangan River is a prime spot for birdwatching. Itâs home to a diverse range of bird species, which you can see day and night.
You can spot the birds while cruising on the river or trekking in the jungle. Just bring your binoculars to see them from afar.
Take a detour to the Gomantong Caves
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Gomantong Caves isnât actually located on the Kinabatangan River, but you can book a tour that includes a short detour before going to your lodging. And we must say, itâs worth it!
Itâs the largest cave in Sabah, with winding passages and estimated to be over three hectares in size. It has two caves, the Simud Hitam and the Simud Putih.
Visitors are only allowed to go to Simud Hitam, which you can access through the boardwalk. While youâre in awe, staring at the caveâs ceiling and all the bats, the floor is full of tiny creatures and bat droppings.
Support the Sepilok Orangutan Rehabilitation Centre
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Some operators offer a short tour at the Sepilok Orangutan Rehabilitation Centre. If this is part of your trip, youâll stop here first before heading to your accommodation.
It rehabilitates orangutans that were injured or orphaned. Theyâre not caged, as they reside in the forest in the reserve, allowing them to live in their natural habitat. Visitors can observe them, but not touch them, to ensure their safety and ours.
Visitors can also help in the centreâs conservation efforts by donating or âadopting an orangutan.â Itâs more of a symbolic adoption, but you do receive a profile of your adopted orangutan, photos, and video footage.
Visit the Bornean Sun Bear Conservation Centre
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Another spot thatâs not in the Kinabatangan River is the Sun Bear Conservation Centre. Itâs located in Sandakan, which you can visit for a short while before heading to the river.
Various tour agencies will also offer this as part of a package. You basically get to visit more places in one tour, giving you the chance to explore more of Sabah.
This is worth a visit, as these sun bears are endemic to Southeast Asia. You can see the smallest bears in the world in their natural habitat and support their rehabilitation journey.
Where to Eat in Kinabatangan River
You donât have to worry about food AT ALL. Your tour will most likely include breakfast, lunch, and dinner (actually, most packages do).
Lodgings in and near the Kinabatangan River also have restaurants. There are no other places to eat here, though, since youâre in the middle of the forest.
What to Bring on Your Kinabatangan River Trip
For a hassle-free travel, we suggest you bring the following:
- Breathable and lightweight clothing because the weather is hot and humid. Preferably long sleeves and pants to keep you safe from creepy crawlies. Bring leech socks, too!
- Hiking boots with good traction because jungle treks will be muddy since it rains a lot. Bring a good pair of sandals or flip-flops for strolling around your lodging.
- Sunscreen, sunglasses, and a hat, preferably one with a wide rim. You need to protect your skin and eyes from the sun, especially when youâre on a river cruise.
- Small waterproof bag or a dry bag to keep your belongings safe in case it rains while youâre out. A raincoat is a good idea, too.
- Insect repellent to keep you safe from bug bites.
- Reusable water bottle to stay hydrated throughout your adventures.
- Binoculars to see wildlife from afar.
- Toiletries, but you can skip this if the hotel provides bath amenities.
- Small first-aid kit and medication for emergencies.
- Cash because not all establishments accept card payments.
A Sample Itinerary for Kinabatangan River
To give you an idea, hereâs a sample itinerary for a 3-day and 2-night stay in Kinabatangan River