Kinabatangan river cruises are the heart of any trip here: small boats, an experienced guide and a stretch of river with a wildlife density that is second to none in Sabah. But not every cruise is the same. Here is how the timing works, what each cruise is good for and what to bring.
How many Kinabatangan river cruises are on a typical trip?
On our 3D2N safari from Hornbill Lodge you get an afternoon cruise on day one, dawn and afternoon cruises on day two, and a final dawn cruise on day three — four in total. Night cruises can be added. Two nights is our recommended minimum for exactly this reason: more cruises, more chances.
What is the afternoon cruise like?
The first cruise leaves at 4pm and lasts about two hours. This is prime time for proboscis monkeys, which gather in riverside trees to settle for the night, and for long-tail and pig-tail macaques and silver leaf monkeys. Crocodiles are often seen basking on the banks as the light goes gold, and if pygmy elephants are in the area, this is when herds are most often spotted from the boat.
Why get up for the dawn cruise?
Because the river comes to life at first light. Dawn is the best time for birds — Borneo’s endemic hornbills in particular — and a second chance at primates before the heat sets in. It is cool, misty and quiet. Tea & coffee are available before the cruise and a full breakfast served afterwards.
What is a night cruise for?
Nocturnal wildlife along the banks: sleeping birds and kingfishers picked out by the guide’s torch, and the eyeshine of crocodiles and small mammals. It is an optional add-on after dinner, alongside the included night walk on the lodge trails.
What is the West-coast alternative?
If you are based in Kota Kinabalu and short on time, the Klias wetlands day trip is one of the best West-coast spots for proboscis monkeys. Pick-up is around 1.15–1.45pm for the two-hour drive, a 90-minute speedboat cruise at 4pm, a Malaysian buffet dinner, then a short cruise to see fireflies lighting up the mangroves. You are back in Kota Kinabalu around 9–9.30pm.
What should I bring on the boat?
Binoculars are the single most useful item and these can be rented from reception at Hornbill Lodge if you don’t have your own. Then: insect repellent, sunscreen, a hat, a raincoat (tropical showers arrive fast), a water bottle and your camera. Leech socks are useful for the jungle walks rather than the boat. Bring a small dry bag to keep your valuables dry on the boat.
How many cruises should I do?
Wildlife at the Kinabatangan river does not keep a timetable, which is why we build trips around several cruises at different times of day rather than one long outing. Your guide’s eyes are the real advantage — most guests are amazed at what they would have drifted straight past. Four cruises will give you lots of wildlife-spotting opportunities but for the best chance of seeing the Borneo Big Five, consider a 3 night stay.
Book the 3D2N Kinabatangan River Safari or ask us about the Klias day trip from Kota Kinabalu.
