The Kinabatangan River, stretching 560 kilometers from the Crocker Range to the Sulu Sea, is Sabah’s longest river. This magnificent river cuts through a variety of habitats, including dipterocarp forests, oxbow lakes, and mangroves. Its rich biodiversity makes it one of the premier wildlife-watching destinations in Southeast Asia.
The river’s floodplain which is formed during the monsoon season is home to many species such as proboscis monkeys, orangutans, and the elusive pygmy elephants. Whether you are cruising along the river or exploring its banks, this area offers a unique chance to encounter wildlife in its natural environment.
The Kinabatangan Wildlife Sanctuary was established in 2005 to protect the ecosystems surrounding the river. Spanning over 26,000 hectares, the sanctuary serves as a refuge for a variety of animals, including silver leaf monkeys, crocodiles, and hornbills. Despite the presence of oil palm plantations nearby, the sanctuary ensures a safe corridor for these creatures.
The sanctuary also connects important conservation areas like the Danum Valley Conservation Area and the Tabin Wildlife Reserve, supporting Sabah’s efforts to protect its natural heritage.
Getting to the Kinabatangan River is relatively easy with several convenient options for travelers. The journey typically begins from Sandakan City, a major gateway to the Kinabatangan River region. Sandakan Airport (SDK) serves as the closest airport to the area.
To start your adventure, you’ll fly into Sandakan Airport, which is located on the east coast of Borneo. The airport is easily connected to major cities in Malaysia, including Kota Kinabalu and Kuala Lumpur, with several flights available every day.
Once you arrive at Sandakan Airport, you’ll have a short transfer to Sandakan City for your onward journey to the Kinabatangan River.
From Sandakan City, you can arrange for a guided transfer to your lodge or tour starting point along the Kinabatangan River. The trip will take you through scenic landscapes, including lowland forest areas, where you may already start spotting wildlife like monkeys, birds, and other animals along the way.
The journey typically takes around two to three hours, depending on your destination along the river, with transfers often provided by your tour operator.
Whether you are visiting for a short wildlife experience or a longer stay, your journey to the Kinabatangan River promises a chance to see the beauty of Borneo’s east coast and the rich natural landscapes that surround the river.
A Kinabatangan River cruise is one of the best ways to experience the wildlife and scenery of the area. You can choose from half-day, full-day, or multi-day river cruise packages depending on your preference. These cruises offer incredible opportunities to spot birds, orangutans, and even crocodiles along the river.
Guided jungle walks and night walks enhance the experience, allowing you to see nocturnal animals such as slow lorises. While on the cruise, you may also enjoy a peaceful early dinner, listening to the sounds of the rainforest.
The ideal time for a Kinabatangan River tour is between March and October when wildlife along the river is more active. To ensure a smooth trip:
Remarkable Borneo Travel & Tours Sdn Bhd offers a range of tour packages to explore the Kinabatangan River and surrounding wildlife areas. Here are two great options:
This 4-day, 3-night tour takes you on a journey through some of Borneo’s most iconic wildlife destinations. The tour includes a visit to the Sepilok Orang Utan Rehabilitation Centre (Sepilok area), Selingan Island, and Sukau on the banks of the Kinabatangan River.
You’ll enjoy river cruises, guided jungle walks, and visits to wildlife sanctuaries. This tour offers a comprehensive wildlife experience and is ideal for those wanting to immerse themselves in Borneo’s natural beauty.
This shorter 3-day, 2-night package is perfect for those with limited time. It combines the best of wildlife in Sepilok, Selingan Island, and Sukau, including river cruises, a visit to the orangutan center, and turtle watching. While shorter than the 4D3N package, this tour still offers plenty of opportunities to witness Borneo’s incredible wildlife in action.
Both packages include return transfers, meals, and comfortable lodge accommodations along the river. Whether you choose the 3D2N or the 4D3N tour, both packages offer an unforgettable wildlife experience in the heart of Borneo. Click here to see our full tour package details including our rates (child rate and adult rate).
Our travel agency also offers other travel packages, such as the Mount Kinabalu climb package, the Danum Valley package, and more
Staying in a lodge near the Kinabatangan River offers a chance to relax while staying close to nature. Options range from budget-friendly guesthouses to luxurious resorts, with some lodges offering guided jungle walks and conservation programs.
For a unique experience, consider staying at the Kinabatangan Riverside Lodge, which provides convenient access to the river and its wildlife. Many accommodations include meals such as lunch and dinner, offering a taste of local flavors.
Throughout the tour, you’ll enjoy delicious meals that reflect the region’s diverse culinary heritage. Meals are typically served at the lodge, where you’ll experience a mix of traditional Borneo dishes and international cuisine.
Early dinners are often arranged to allow guests to relax after a day of exploration, and you may even have the opportunity to enjoy a meal while cruising along the river, with lunch provided during the cruise.
The surrounding area of the Kinabatangan River is equally fascinating. The rustic countryside of Kota Kinabatangan is dotted with small villages, oil palm plantations, and rice fields.
These areas provide a glimpse into the daily lives of the local people and offer a contrast to the wild landscapes of the river and forests. The region’s rich culture and heritage are also worth exploring during your trip.
As mentioned above, the ideal time to visit the Kinabatangan River is during the dry season, from March to October when the weather is better for wildlife watching. However, the region is beautiful throughout the year, with the rainy season offering a lush, vibrant rainforest experience.
Both the 3D2N and 4D3N tour packages from Remarkable Borneo cater to various preferences and offer a chance to experience the unique wildlife of Borneo. Whether you’re looking for a short adventure or a more in-depth exploration, these packages provide everything you need for an unforgettable trip.
A Kinabatangan River tour offers an incredible opportunity to explore the wildlife wonders of Borneo. From the pygmy elephants and proboscis monkeys to the stunning birdlife and lush rainforests, this journey promises a rewarding experience.
Whether you choose a river cruise, jungle walk, or night walk, the tour allows you to connect with the wild side of Borneo. With tour packages available for both short and extended stays, there’s no better way to experience the biodiversity of Sabah’s longest river and its surrounding sanctuaries.
Some top activities to try in Sabah include climbing Gunung Kinabalu, enjoying the excitement of white-water rafting, visiting the Mari-Mari Cultural Village, and diving in Sabah’s beautiful islands.
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Remarkable Borneo Travel & Tours is a Malaysian tour operator based in Kota Kinabalu, Sabah. We offer a wide range of affordable and appealing Sabah tour packages, such as Mount Kinabalu climb, Borneo tours, Sabah diving and island packages and Sandakan tours. Our mission is to provide memorable travel experiences that allow our customers to discover the wonders of Borneo.
