Kinabatangan Hornbill Lodge aerial

The Kinabatangan River

The Kinabatangan river is one of the best and most easily accessible places to see wildlife in Asia!
Nearest airportSandakan Airport

The Kinabatangan river is one of the best and most easily accessible places to see wildlife in Asia! The population density of animals on this stretch of the Kinabatangan river is second to none, including so much of Sabah’s most sought after wildlife: Orangutans, proboscis monkeys, pygmy elephants, langurs, wild cats, crocodiles, amazing birdlife and much much more! We recommend you stay at least 2 nights at the Kinabatangan river as this will give you the best chances of seeing as much wildlife as possible. Join sunrise & sunset river cruises, trek through the jungle and take part in night walks & cruises, experienced, eagle-eyed nature guides will be with you throughout to help you spot the critters you may otherwise miss! With varied trip options and accommodation ranging from dorms and private airconditioned rooms to private villas, our Kinabatangan river trips can accommodate just about all budgets and comfort levels.

Hornbill Lodge

Our riverside wildlife lodge on the Lower Kinabatangan River offers a peaceful and intimate base for exploring one of Borneo’s most important wildlife habitats. Set among rainforest and riverine forest, the lodge offers 16 comfortable river-facing chalets with guided river cruises, jungle walks and night activities led by experienced local nature guides. Its low-density setting makes it particularly well suited to independent travellers looking for an authentic Kinabatangan experience with a strong focus on responsible wildlife watching.

Tungog Rainforest Eco Camp

Looking for an eco & budget-friendly alternative to more mainstream Kinabatangan river tours? The Tungog Rainforest Eco Camp (TREC) is designed for the adventurous traveller who doesn’t mind living simply in the rainforest in order to help conserve the environment. TREC is run as part of The Batu Puteh Community Ecotourism Co-operative (KOPEL), an eco-tourism community based cooperative that was started in 1996. The goal of TREC is to create an alternative form of income for the local people, while at the same time rehabilitating damaged ecosystems in the area, protecting the remaining rainforest and preserving the local indigenous culture. Nestled between the curves of the Kinabatangan River and the beautiful Tungog Oxbow-Lake, this basic eco camp offers a different and unique experience of the Kinabatangan River, including the chance to discover the Supu forest reserve and Tulug ancient burial caves.

Sukau Rainforest Lodge

Indulge yourself with a Borneo Villa at Sukau Rainforest Lodge and enjoy travelling to the lodge by speedboat from Sandakan! Perfect for those wanting to experience the amazing wildlife and nature of the Kinabatangan River without leaving behind any of their creature comforts, enjoy the added benefit of a refreshing plunge pool to cool down between river cruises.

Why go

  • Consistent wildlife sightings, including "Borneo's Big Five"
  • Choice of accommodations from simple eco-camp to high-end villas
  • Sunrise & sunset river cruises with eagle-eyed nature guides
  • Night walks & night cruises for nocturnal wildlife
  • Excellent birding opportunities
  • Wildlife you might see

    Orangutans
    Proboscis monkeys
    Pygmy elephants
    Langurs
    Crocodiles
    8 species of hornbill
    Slow loris
    Getting thereThe quickest way to reach the Kinabatangan river is usually to fly to Sandakan airport from Kota Kinabalu or Kuala Lumpur and continue 2 hours by road to your riverside accommodation. Road transfers are included in most packages (except Tungog Rainforest Eco Camp) and transfers from alternative destinations such as Semporna, Lahad Datu or Tawau can be arranged on request. Coming from Kota Kinabalu? Our West to East shuttle can bring you on an overland journey to Sepilok or Sandakan via Mount Kinabalu, Poring Hot Springs and Sabah Tea Plantation; and you can join a Kinabatangan river safari the following day.

    Photos

    Trips you can do here

    Kinabatangan River boat

    2D1N Kinabatangan River Experience (Hornbill Lodge)

    2 days
    Departs Sandakan
    From RM 900
    Kinabatangan Hornbill Lodge aerial

    3D2N Kinabatangan River Safari (Hornbill Lodge)

    3 days
    Departs Sandakan
    From RM 1,300
    Orangutan

    3D2N Sepilok & Kinabatangan River Safari (Hornbill Lodge)

    3 days
    Departs Sandakan
    From RM 1,590
    Bat exodus at Gomantong Caves, Sabah

    4D3N Kinabatangan River Safari with Gomantong caves bat exodus (Hornbill Lodge)

    4 days
    Departs Sandakan
    From RM 2,190
    Selingan Turtle Island

    4D3N Turtle Island, Sepilok & Kinabatangan River Safari

    4 days
    Departs Sandakan
    From RM 3,090
    Kinabatangan bird watching at Sukau Rainforest Lodge

    3D2N Sukau Rainforest Lodge - Deluxe room (overland)

    3 days
    Departs Sandakan
    From RM 2,650

    Travel guides

    Read before you go

    Kinabatangan with kids
    Travel Guides

    What to Do in Borneo with Kids

    Sabah with children, sorted by age: the minimum ages on our trips, what works for under-5s, what to skip, and how to pace a family week between river, reef and rainforest.
    orangutan for homepage
    Travel Guides

    Best Places in Borneo to See Wild Orangutans

    Sepilok or the wild? We rank the Kinabatangan, Danum Valley, Tabin, Deramakot and Sepilok by your real odds of seeing an orangutan, and say how many nights each needs.
    Danum canopy walkway
    Travel Guides

    Choosing a Borneo Wildlife Destination: Kinabatangan, Danum, Tabin or Deramakot?

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