By far the best river in South East Asia to spot Wildlife
So which is the best river in Borneo to spot the wildlife? The answer is Kinabatangan River. Located at the eastern side of Sabah.
Kinabatangan River is the longest river in Sabah snaking its way about 560 km from the headwater located deep inside the heart of Sabah at Maliau Basin and nearby Trusmadi – Pinangoh mountain range and drains out at the Sulu sea.
The jungle that grows on both side of the river provides habitat and food for the wildlife. This jungle is home for endangered and the endemic Orang Utan, Proboscis Monkeys, Red Leaf Langurs, Bornean Gibbons and other leased concern primates such as Silvered Langur, Long Tailed Macaque, Western Tarsier and Slow Loris.
If you are more into birding Kinabatangan is perfect place, with 8 species of Hornbills, 11 species of Kingfishers, 16 species of woodpeckers basically it is home to around 200 species of Birds.
Four feline spices with Clouded Leopard being the largest, eight species of Civet cats, Pygmy Elephants, Salt Water Crocodiles that can reach up to 18 foot. This makes Kinabatangan is so special and a must visit destination for wildlife enthusiasts.
At Kinabatangan, most tour packages include three river cruises per day, each lasting around two hours:
Morning Cruise: Usually departs around 6:00 AM. Great for spotting birds, monkeys, and sometimes orangutans.
Afternoon Cruise: Begins around 4:00 PM, ideal for catching wildlife before dusk.
Night Cruise: Starts after dinner (~8:00 PM), focusing on nocturnal creatures like owls, crocodiles and civets.
However, if you’re looking for something more immersive, you can arrange for a customised cruises. These can be longer in duration and cover more remote parts of the river, increasing your chances of seeing rarer species and avoiding crowds. Perfect for wildlife photographers or serious nature enthusiasts!
Just be sure to request this in advance, as custom cruises often require private arrangements and may cost a bit more.
As for the accommodations there are many lodges, homesteads and even resorts along the river within the village area. Sukau, Bilit and Bukit Garam to name a few.
For our Kinabatangan packages, we are using a locally – owned B&B in Sukau. A simple yet charming base right by the river. Private room with ac, attached bathroom and toilet with water heater. This version keeps it warm, authentic and appealing to eco-conscious travellers. A fantastic way to support the local community.
For travelers who prefer a bit more luxury without sacrificing the jungle experience, we also offer stays at a higher-end lodge in Bilit, just a short drive from Sukau. Nestled along the Kinabatangan River, this lodge blends comfort with nature beautifully.
Guests can enjoy:
Spacious air-conditioned rooms with stylish interiors
Private balconies or verandas overlooking the river or gardens
En-suite bathrooms with hot showers and modern amenities
On-site restaurant serving both local cuisine
Lush surroundings with boardwalks, observation decks, and guided nature walks
All of the accommodations are with breakfast, lunch and dinner. Vegan or vegetarian diet is not a problem.
We specifically choose Sukau Village because of it strategic location, apart from cruising along the main river, you can also cruise at the smaller tributaries nearby namely Resang, Menanggol, Oxbow in search of the wildlife.
The best duration is either 3D2N and if you are looking for specific wildlife 4D3N is a great timing.
How to get there?
- Fly from KUL to SDK airport get picked up from the airport at 1300 hrs and drive 2 hours to Sukau Village located next to the river.
- Fly from KUL to BKI (Kota Kinabalu International Airport) get a grab car to Inanam long distance bus terminal and get a ticket to either Lahad Datu, Semporna or Tawau. Get off at Kota Kinabatangan and the agency that you’ve booked from will pick you up and send you to Sukau Village.
- Get the same bus if you are coming from either Kinabalu Park, Ranau or Telupid.
Looking forward to cruise with you at Kinabatangan River. See you soon
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