By far the best river in Borneo 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, you have three cruise a day for two to 6 hours straight depends on your preferred arrangements. You can take the normal cruise for two hours each sessions morning, afternoon and night or if you want to be different you can take a customised boat cruise that has longer time and cover more distance.
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.
The lodges that we use is a private room with AC, attached bathroom and toilet with water heater.
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 and Tenegang 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
lostborneo travel blog 
Leave a comment