the best kinabatangan tour

Kinabatangan River Cruise: A Must-do in Borneo (2024 guide)

By: Author Kris

Posted on Last updated: January 23, 2024

The Kinabatangan River is an area with tropical lowland rainforest vegetation and unique ecosystems.  It’s a popular place to spot wildlife.

Do you have plans to visit this lush green region during your Borneo trip? A Kinabatangan river cruise is a once-in-a-lifetime experience.

In this article, we share the best time to visit the Kinabatangan river, how to get there, some excellent all-inclusive Kinabatangan river lodges, and what it is like to spend a day in the jungle.

There is a really good chance that this post contains affiliate links. If you click one of them, we may receive a small commission (for which we are deeply grateful) at no extra cost to you.

In a Hurry? Here you will find the most important information about making a Kinabatangan River Cruise

• The Kinabatangan River in Borneo can be visited almost all year round.
• The most popular way to get here is to fly to Sandakan. That’s also how we got here.  Most Kinabatangan river lodges include transportation to and from Sandakan airport in their bookings.
• The price of your Kinabatangan river cruise package depends on many elements. We advise taking an all-inclusive package.  You will have nothing to worry about because your tours and your meals will be included. As you are in the jungle there are no other restaurants around.
• We stayed in the Borneo Natural Sukau Bilit Lodge and loved our stay.

Table of Contents

Best time to visit the Kinabatangan River

The Kinabatangan River in Borneo can be visited almost all year round. March to early September are the driest months.

This is a great time to see wildlife near the Kinabatangan river.

From April to October is a good period for bird lovers as it is the flowering and birding season.

We went in July and we had nice weather with blue skies and we saw a lot of wildlife including orangutans and pygmy elephants.

The wettest months are November to March. This season has its advantages and disadvantages.

The main advantage is that you can enter deeper into the river channels and you will have more chances of spotting wildlife.

The disadvantage is that it will rain a lot and sometimes the river and channels are flooded. Especially during the monsoon season in December and January.

We recommend you to avoid the monsoon season.

How to get to the Kinabatangan River in Borneo?

The most popular way to get here is to fly to Sandakan.  That’s also how we got here.  Most Kinabatangan river lodges include transportation to and from Sandakan airport in their bookings.

If you are not sure if it’s included, you should check this with your lodge.

The journey involved a long drive in a minibus and then just a few more minutes over the Kinabatangan River.

This will be the case for most Kinabatangan river accommodations as most of them are located close to the pier at the main road.

Kinabatangan Riverside Lodges

The price of your Kinabatangan river cruise package  depends on many elements.  The level of comfort of the accommodation will make a difference but there will also be differences in what’s included in your package.

Some Kinabatangan river lodges offer all-inclusive packages (typically including all meals and 2 daily Kinabatangan River Cruises) but some only include your accommodation.

We advise taking  an all-inclusive package.   You will have nothing to worry about because your tours and your meals will be included. As you are in the jungle there are no other restaurants around.

If you are just like us a big nature fan,  opt for a 4 days/3 nights package  so you can enjoy 3 full days in the Malaysian wilderness. You will have more chances to see the orangutans and pygmy elephants. We saw different animals on each river cruise.

There’re many Kinabatangan river tours and accommodations. Remember that you are in the jungle and that these river accommodations may not offer all the amenities that you are used to.

Here we share 3 comfortable Kinabatangan accommodations with air conditioning that offers all-inclusive packages.

Borneo Natural Sukau Bilit Resort

We stayed in the Borneo Natural Sukau Bilit Resort, one of the more comfortable Kinabatangan riverside lodges. It’s the only lodge in Kinabatangan rated 2 stars. 

The manager took really good care of us and we were treated with delicious meals after every river safari.  

We comfortably enjoyed the pleasures of the jungle :-).

Check prices and availability here:

Booking.com

Nature Lodge Kinabatangan

The Nature Lodge Kinabatangan offers basic clean rooms with air conditioning.  

Incredibly friendly staff.

The tours are good and the group sizes are considerably smaller than other tours.

Kinabatangan Wildlife Lofe

The Kinabatangan Wildlife Lodge offers spacious rooms with air conditioning.  

They offer a reasonable selection of well-prepared food, Very friendly and helpful staff.

The river safaris are excellent and the guides are good at spotting wildlife.

If you aren’t convinced of these hotels, you will find a lot of other hotels along the Kinabatangan river on booking.com: Booking.com

Jungle days with Kinabatangan river safaris

A typical day in the jungle takes an early start mostly around 5 or 6 o’clock in the morning.

A small snack and some coffee will be waiting to help you wake up before you head to the boats to do a Kinabatangan cruise at sunrise.

2 hours later you will get back to your lodge where you will enjoy breakfast.

After breakfast, you have time to read that good book that you wanted to read for so long.  You could take a nap or if you’re like me you could unwind by just listening to the sounds of nature.

You will be amazed at how quickly it is time for lunch…

Most packages will include all meals and morning- and evening river safaris

After lunch, you have time until 4 PM to do more of the same. At 4 PM it is time for another Kinabatangan river cruise.  Your sunset cruise typically lasts 2 hours and returns to the lodge after dark.

Dinner will be waiting for you when you get back to the lodge.

Most Kinabatangan river accommodations offer all-inclusive packages with all meals (no drinks) and morning and evening cruises included.

You can choose to add some extra excursions to your Borneo river safari packages like a night walk, a night cruise or an excursion to a nearby village.

The forest is alive day and night and a night excursion is particularly interesting if you want to see the nocturnal animals. (think, among other things, of big hairy spiders)

You can also approach birds more easily to take some really good close-up pictures.

We were hoping to see the Pygmy elephants but when we inquired as to their location upon arrival our hopes were quickly scuttled.  The main group of elephants had moved to a location that was too far away, out of reach for our boat safaris.

We had set our hopes for elephants but the orangutans, birds, and snakes we saw on the first day generously made up for failing to see any elephants.

If you love nature this is definitely a place you should go to.

Things only got better from there. You can imagine how excited we were when we encountered some elephants during our evening cruise on the second day.

We became even luckier on the third day when we got to see some elephants swimming. At the end of our 3 days we had spotted orangutans, snakes many proboscis and macaques and lots of birds (kingfishers, raptors, eagles, owls, …)

Some of the lodges include optional tours upon arrival and departure.

We opted to include these tours when we booked our package at the Borneo Nature Lodge and visited the Sepilok orangutan rehabilitation center on our way to the lodge and the Gomatong cave upon departure.

Very often a Borneo orangutan tour is included, a tour where you visit an orangutan rehabilitation center, but other lodges may offer different Kinabatangan river tours.

The Sepilok orangutan rehabilitation center

Since earlier on we visited  the Semenggoh rehabilitation center  we can make a good comparison of both and I think Sepilok beats Semenggoh. 

Not that we didn’t like Semenggoh, as animal lovers I would visit each center if I could, but if you have to choose between the two my first choice would be Sepilok. 

They have a professional and very informational visitor center where you learn a lot about these interesting animals. 

The presentation and the video in the center make your visit somewhat more worthwhile.

The 3 best activities to do in Kuching .

If you only have time for one Borneo orangutan tour our advice would be to visit the  Sepilok orangutan rehabilitation center.

The creepy Gomatong caves on our way back

On our last day, we got to sleep late, actually just a normal hour but if you have to get up at 5 for the morning cruise it’s a treat to sleep until 7 for once.

After breakfast, we headed to the Gomatong cave .

One part of the cave is open to the public and here you can witness the conditions in which twice yearly the edible bird’s nests are harvested.  These swallow nests are a delicacy in China and they pay big money for it.

But not only swallows are living in the cave… A population of bats lives in the cave and their pile of guano has attracted millions of cockroaches and centipedes.

As soon as you stopped walking those little creatures started walking across your feet which means I haven’t taken any pictures and share some pictures taken by other braver visitors (credit in the picture’s caption).

I do respect the guards that live in the cave day and night to protect the bird’s nests

I think I could say our visit was disgusting but interesting at the same time.  We witnessed an ecosystem here as we had never seen one before.

The Gomatong cave is situated in a wildlife protected area and as you make your way along the walkway towards the cave you should keep your eyes open for orangutans. We did see 2 of them.

Other people reported that they had also seen lemurs and colorful kingfishers.

Nature enthusiasts should definitely put a nature lodge stay along the Kinabatangan river on their bucket list. The river safari in Borneo is an unforgettable experience.

You adopt the pace of nature and in just a few days you will leave recharged with some great memories.

Staying in a comfortable lodge in the middle of the jungle has something magical.

We did it in Peru and we repeated it here in Kinabatangan and both times it was one of the best memories of our trip.

Don’t forget your binoculars!

A torch can come in handy to use during your night walk (usually torches are provided).  You might also need it as some hotels don’t have 24/7 electricity.

As soon as the sun sets the mosquitos come out.  Make sure to bring mosquito repellent to avoid becoming a mosquito buffet.

One day seems too short to visit this vast region but if that’s all you have you should have a look at this one-day Kinabatangan excursion .

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Sukau Rainforest Lodge

• Utan Rainforest Lodge
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Kinabatangan Wildlife Safari (Villa & by Boat)

Most popular tour 3d2n at the award winning sukau rainforest lodge..

from MYR 3,164 / person

• Tour Highlight

Recommended Tours

• Duration: 3D 2N
• Booking Pax: Min. 2
• Physical Level: Soft

Introduction

MOST POPULAR TOUR! 3D2N at the award winning Sukau Rainforest Lodge. Your tour starts the minute you embark on your journey by boat. Experience wildlife encounters as you enter the river of Kinabatangan. Truly the best wildlife experience in Kinabatangan you can get.

Key Highlights of this Tour

Featuring Stays at

Sandakan - Sepilok - Sukau Rainforest Lodge (By Boat)

Our adventure begins as we pick you up from the Sandakan Airport or your hotel in Sandakan, then we’ll head straight to Sepilok Orangutan Rehabilitation Centre. There, you'll get to learn about the rehabilitation effort done at the centre through a short video screening. Make your way to the feeding platform to witness the feeding of orangutans and other monkeys around. You can also spend time observing the cheeky little younglings in an enclosed nursery area.

After lunch, embark on a 2.5 hour journey by speedboat up the Kinabatangan River to Sukau Rainforest Lodge.

Right after checking-in, go on board for a late afternoon cruise in search of Borneo's wildlife and birds. Return to the lodge to savor a scrumptious dinner at Melapi restaurant, followed by a slide presentation and interpretation by a naturalist guide.

Rise and shine for the morning river cruise up the Kinabatangan River to Kelenanap oxbow lake to view more birds and wildlife. After breakfast, join in the nature walk along the lodge's Hornbill Boardwalk with the in-house naturalist. It will be free at leisure after lunch. In the afternoon, proceed for another river cruise to check off your wildlife sightings.

Sukau Rainforest Lodge - Sandakan - Transfer out (by boat)

Have breakfast before leaving for Sandakan by speedboat. Once we reach Sandakan we’ll stop by for lunch.

For flights in the afternoon, we’ll proceed to the airport for the 1430hrs flight to Kota Kinabalu.

For those taking the evening flight, you'll have a chance to visit Rainforest Discovery Centre. Take a bird view of the centre from the canopy walk and hanging bridge, explore the botanical garden, home to various species of flora before leaving for the airport.

Price Remarks

• Validity Rates are valid for travel by 31 March 2025.
• Availability This tour runs every day. Prior booking required.
• High Season Surcharge (March, July – August) MYR 300.00 per person at Sukau Rainforest Lodge
• 25% OFF when sharing a room with ONE adult/parent.
• 50% OFF when sharing a room with with TWO adults/parents.
• This is a kid friendly tour, discount is applicable to children based on their birth year and following room sharing policy in certain property. Contact our consultant to know more.
• Transfer Charges Additional charges per person applies for pick-up and drop-off outside Sandakan Airport or hotels in Sandakan Town area and pick up time may vary.
• Bring Your Own Bottle Borneo Eco Tours is moving towards a single-use plastic free environment! So, please join our movement by bringing your own refillable water bottle during your time with us. Our vans and coaches are prepared with water containers so that you can refill your bottle anytime throughout the tour.

Explore Borneo Your Way!

Our Borneo Specialist can tailor this itinerary for you.

Notes [ Expand All ]

Tour includes.

• Accommodation
• Meals as specified
• English speaking guide
• This tour package rates include pick-up and drop-off from Sandakan Airport or hotels in Sandakan Town

Tour Excludes

• Domestic airfare [Kota Kinabalu(BKI) - Sandakan(SDK) - Kota Kinabalu(BKI)]
• Camera fee and items not mentioned
• Tourism Tax (TTx) flat rate of RM10 per room per night.

Things to Bring

• Personal toiletries
• Torch light
• Insect repellent
• Drinking water bottle
• Walking shoes

Additional Notes

• Camera Fee at SOURC Note on Camera Use at Sepilok Orang Utan Rehabilitation Centre: Cameras and video camera equipment for personal use are chargeable at RM10.00 per unit. Mode of payment is cash only.
• Travel light to Sukau Rainforest Lodge For the comfort and convenience of our guests, it is recommended to travel light by preparing an overnight bag for your stay in Sukau Rainforest Lodge. Complimentary storage in Sandakan will be provided for any extra luggage. (For guests departing & returning to Sandakan Only).
• Night Cruise Optional River Night Cruise tour at Sukau Rainforest Lodge is highly recommended to all our guests (available with a small fee)
• Double or Twin Bed Double or twin bed cannot be guaranteed and are subject to availability upon check in.

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Kinabatangan river cruise – The best trip in Borneo (amazing experience)

Posted on Last updated: October 27, 2022

Categories Sabah , Visit Malaysia

Our East Sabah trip is not complete without the Kinabatangan River trip.

Kinabatangan is Sabah’s longest river, beginning from the southwest and ending at the Sulu sea east of Sabah. Kinabatangan is 560 kilometers long, the longest in Sabah and Malaysia’s second longest river.

The lower Kinabatangan wildlife reserve has the highest concentration of wildlife in Borneo. The river cruise at the Kinabatangan area is the best way to observe the animals along the riverside.

That is why we have planned to stay at Bilit Adventure Lodge for three days, exploring the Kinabatangan Wildlife Sanctuary by joining the river cruises and jungle walks.

Don’t miss the video shot at Kinabatangan River. It is at the end of this article. 👇👇

1. Our trip from Kuala Lumpur to Kinabatangan river

Since there is no international flight to Sandakan, you must fly to either Kota Kinabalu or Kuala Lumpur and then take the internal flight to Sandakan if you come from another country.

As Malaysians, we took the internal flight from Kuala Lumpur to Sandakan, which is the most convenient way. We spend a few days visiting the Sandakan town, the Sepilok Orangutan Rehabilitation Centre, and Labuk Bay Proboscis Monkey Sanctuary before heading to Kinabatangan River.

Bilit and Sukau are two villages located at the lower Kinabatangan river, where you can book lodges to stay during your visit. The road trip from Sandakan Airport to Bilit and Sukau Village is about two hours, depending on the traffic.

This article will share what we have seen during our trip to the Kinabatangan river. You can read our review of Bilit adventure Lodge here .

2. Where did we stay while visiting the Kinabatangan river?

We arrived at Billit Adventure Lodge in the afternoon at about 4:00 pm and immediately prepared to join the evening cruise starting at 5:00 pm.

It is located on the Kinabatangan riverbank, making it super easy to join the river cruise in the morning and late afternoon. According to our guide, we expected to spot different wildlife in the morning and afternoon.

The lodge is quite basic but has all the basic amenities required. Our room was spotless, with an attached bathroom and air conditioning. That was the lodging we looked for as we were here for the wildlife, not aiming to stay at a luxurious resort. The cost is also quite competitive.

Bilit Adventure Lodge is located opposite the river near Kampung Bilit. There is no road or vehicles on this side of the river as it is a virgin jungle. 

If you are looking for more luxurious accommodation, check out Sukau Rainforest Lodge at Sukau village.

3. Additional stuff we brought for the Kinabatangan trip

Here is a list of specific things we carried during our Kinabatangan river trip.

• Binoculars . Since we stayed on our boat during the cruise, binoculars are essential to locate the birds, monkeys, orangutans, and pygmy elephants.
• I also brought my full-frame camera and telephoto 100mm-400mm zoom lens . Full frame camera allowed me to crop in during postproduction, as some animals were just too far from me. I also had a tripod , which is handy for photographing wildlife. 
• As suggested by our guide, I used the insect repellent called Mosi Guard , which is effective for leeches.
• Since we had jungle tracking, our headlamps were helpful during our night trekking tour.
• We purchased our leech socks , but Bilit Adventure Lodge can provide them for the guest for a small fee. 
• I used my regular trekking shoes . My wife purchased the locally made Addidas Kampong in Sandakan, which locals widely use for trekking. It is especially useful when crossing rivers and streams, as it has good grips and is quick to dry.

Note : If you are using your iPhone, I suggest purchasing a telephoto lens dedicated to iPhones. Telephoto Moment lenses are made for iPhone. It can increase the focal length up to four times, greatly useful for wildlife photography.

4. Animals that we spotted during the Kinabatangan river safari

We joined the early morning river cruise and afternoon cruise because different animals will come out at other times of the day.

Although we have seen orangutans and the proboscis monkey at Sepilok, seeing them again in the wild is a different experience. The Kinabatangan river is the natural habitat for various primates, including the proboscis monkey, long and short-tailed macaques, and orangutans.

The cruise offers a relatively easy way to observe wildlife along the riverbanks. The late afternoon Kinabatangan river cruise took about two hours. 

A. Borneon pygmy elephants

These elephants have separated from relatives like Asian elephants since 300,000 years ago. As a result, during the evolution process, they become smaller and endure significant body changes.

They have long tails, large ears, and a straight tusk. They are relatively small, about 8 to 9 feet tall, even when fully grown.

We were lucky to sight a herd of Bornean pygmy elephants at the riverbank. No one can guarantee that we could see the elephants, depending on our luck. The elephants roamed into the inner land the following day, and visitors could only see one elephant the next day!

Hunting, poaching, and reduced genetic diversity due to the small population contributed to the near extinction of Bornean pygmy elephants. As a result, they are considered endangered species. It is only estimated about 1500 remain in the wild of Borneo. 

Although you can spot the pygmy elephants in Borneo at Danum Valley and Tabin Wildlife Reserve, the easiest place to spot these elephants is along the Kinabatangan riverbank.

B. Proboscis monkey

Proboscis monkeys are the largest monkey species in Asia. The male is generally about 70 centimeters tall, and his weight can go up to 20 kilos. They have a large and long noses for males. Female noses are not as large as the males but larger than most monkeys. In addition, both females have bulging stomachs that look like potbellies.

Proboscis monkeys are an endangered species in Borneo. Their predators are large lizards, crocodiles, and some large birds, like eagles.

Their natural habitats are mixed dipterocarp-kerangas, mangroves, and lowland forests near freshwater and rivers.

They were pretty naughty and jumped from one tree to another. One of the proud males nearly fell to the ground. After that, he just sat there quietly. His expression is like saying, ‘Oh my God, what have I done?’

C. Orangutans

Orangutan is also an endangered species in Borneo.

The best way to get closer to orangutans is to visit them at Sepilok Orangutan Rehabilitation Centre.

Orangutan has long arms and short legs. They have reddish brown hair covering their bodies. The male can weigh up to 75 kilos while females can reach about 37 kilos. Fruit is the most crucial component of the diet. 

Orangutans spend most of their time in trees. Our guide helped us to spot a few wild orangutans during our river cruise.

D. Saltwater crocodiles

We saw a few saltwater crocodiles during our cruise, but it was pretty tricky to photograph because they were mostly beneath the water.

Saltwater crocodiles have a reputation as one of the most aggressive crocodiles when they are fully grown. So we were a little bit nervous initially, but our local guide said that as long as they were not disturbed, we were saved from observing them from afar.

E. A variety of birds

We spotted a variety of birds during our cruise. 

It wasn’t easy to find them initially, but our guide with trained eyes spotted them quickly. Otherwise, we could not locate them except the great egret on the riverbank.

Among all the birds we spotted are storm’s stork, oriental pied hornbill, rhinoceros hornbill, falconet, green imperial pigeon, and stork bill kingfisher.

5. Guided jungle walk at the riverine forest

Besides the Kinabatangan River tour, we went for a guided jungle walk after dinner and another during the day.

a. Night walk in the jungle

Since the jungle is located in the wetland, the trail can be pretty muddy.

The lodge has provided boots for us as the regular trekking shoes were not suitable in the swampy area. We also wore leach socks to prevent getting bitten by the leeches.

Walking in the jungle at night was a different kind of experience because it was pitch dark.

We were asked to switch off our headlamps and torch at one point for a minute to let us experience how it feels in total darkness. It was a unique experience for anyone who had never tried that before, as we saw absolutely nothing.

Our guide helped us spot insects, nocturnal animals, and birds while meandering through the muddy bushes. It was such a good experience that we joined the night walk again on the second night.

Our guide also spotted a slow loris that had not been seen for the past three years. Unfortunately, it was too dark, and we did not manage to take a good photograph.

b. Trekking through a swampy area

The following day, our guide brought us to a different area without any clear trail at certain parts. 

This area is swampy, and the boots given to us came in handy. Not many animal animals were found, but walking through the swampy area was quite an experience.

6. What’s next in our itinerary?

Our stay at Kinabatangan river is a new experience. We spotted many animals, insects, and birds we had never seen before. Our next stop was Tabin Wildlife Reserve at Lahad Datu, where we enthusiastically anticipate seeing more rare species and visiting the mud volcano.

6. More information about the Kinabatangan River trip

A. what is the best time to visit the kinabatangan river.

Anyone can visit the Kinabatangan river in Borneo any time of the year. However, it is best to visit during the dry season between March and September. April to October is the best time if you like bird watching because that’s the birding season.

Avoid the monsoon season, especially between December and January, as it will rain a lot, and sometimes the river and the channels are flooded, making it inaccessible.

B. How long should you plan your trip to Kinabatangan river?

Since it takes about 3 hours to travel from Sandakan to Kinabatangan river, I suggest you stay here for at least two nights.

During your stay, you can join the morning and evening cruises, where you will spot different wildlife.

In addition, don’t miss out on the jungle trail walk during the day and at night. There is a high chance you will see some rare nocturnal animals and birds that can only be able to find at night.

Watch our video shot during our stay at Kinabatangan River . 👇👇

If you have read this blog post this far, don’t miss out on the video shot at Kinabatangan River. Click the image below to watch on YouTube (shot in high definition!).

Other places we visited in Sabah, Malaysia

If you like this article, you may also want to read about other articles we wrote during our visit to Sabah, Malaysia.

• (EP1 Sabah) Sandakan food guide: Ten best restaurants in Sandakan
• (EP2 Sabah) Sandakan Heritage Trail & Memorial Park guide- Best places to visit in Sandakan
• (EP3 Sabah) Sepilok Jungle Resort review- Our true experience (with amazing hospitality)
• (EP4 Sabah) Labuk Bay Proboscis Monkey Sanctuary- feeding session (amazing photos)

Tuesday 21st of February 2023

Hi, what company did you use for your travel guides for your Sabah trip? Thanks

Monday 6th of March 2023

The tour company is Sepilok Tropical Wildlife Adventure. Here is their website: http://www.stwadventure.com/main.php

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KINABATANGAN RIVER CRUISE IN SABAH BORNEO: THE ULTIMATE GUIDE!

WANDERING HOW TO PLAN A KINABATANGAN RIVER CRUISE WHEN VISITING SABAH BORNEO?

When we visited Borneo for 2 weeks for our honeymoon, we were surprised by how little information there was on what exactly a Kinabatangan river cruise was and how / where to book them, which we found very frustrating.

Now armed with new found knowledge from our personal experience here, we have specifically written the blog post below to explain everything you need to know about planning a Kinabatangan River cruise to save you the same annoyance!

Includes: All cruise booking options, how to get to Kinabatangan River, accommodation options, wildlife to spot (including the iconic Borneo Big 5 ), tips and more!

KINABATANGAN RIVER CRUISE: AN INTRODUCTION

Located north of Sabah, Borneo is the mighty Kinabatangan River, the second longest river in Malaysia. The enriched river banks and dense canopies are home to the highest concentration of wildlife in one place in Borneo!

The ability to take a cruise down the Kinabatangan River allows visitors to head deep into this epicentre of activity with ease to spot the very best of Borneo’s wildlife.

When we visited Borneo, the majority of wildlife we saw – including orangutans, pygmy elephants, proboscis monkeys, macaques, dozens of birdlife and saltwater crocodiles – was on a Kinabatangan River cruise!

When we say cruise, we’re not talking a big catamaran. A river cruise on Kinabatangan River is always in a small motor boat, with usually no more than 6 to 8 guests plus guides.

From our own personal experience, we compiled all of the information below to help you easily plan your own epic experience on the Kinabatangan River.

PLANNING A KINABATANGAN RIVER CRUISE

Before we headed to Borneo, there was very little information about how to plan a Kinabatangan River cruise. We were under the assumption that you had to be part of an organised, all-inclusive tour to be enrolled on a cruise.

So when we arrived, it surprised us to find out that in fact most accommodation dotted along the Kinabatangan River (from the luxury Sukau Rainforest Lodge to the budget lodges) offer their own in-house cruise experiences on the Kinabatangan River.

There really is an option to suit everyones travel preferences and budget. We explain the two options in more depth below:

OPTION 1: ALL-INCLUSIVE HOTEL & CRUISES

The first option is to book your stay at Kinabatangan on an all inclusive basis, which includes all transfers from the airport and onward travel, all food and drinks throughout your stay and – most importantly – all river cruises already reserved and booked.

Many visitors may prefer this for peace of mind that everything is already sorted before you arrive, all you have to do is turn up!

If you do decide this option, we highly recommend using local tour agency Sticky Rice Travel. We personally used them to organise our trip to Kinabatangan and they provided a great, reliable service. Check out all of their Kinabatangan River all-inclusive tour options here .

While this option may be the most expensive, Sticky Rice Travel do give 3 accommodation options to choose from to help cater to different budgets, ranging from ultimate luxury at Sukau Rainforest Lodge (where we stayed) or mid-range premium at Borneo Nature Lodge or Borneo Eco Camp.

OPTION 2: BOOK CRUISES INDEPENDENTLY AT CHOSEN ACCOMMODATION

The second option is perfect for those who don’t mind not going all-inclusive and looking for a more budgeted, independent travel experience.

You can easily find some great budget Kinabatangan River lodges (we recommend Kinabatangan Wildlife Lodge ), which you can easily reserve the best deal yourself on Booking.com.

You can contact them directly before you even arrive to confirm they do provide Kinabatangan River cruises, and even pre-pay / pre-book river cruise time slots for the duration of your stay for added peace of mind.

In 2023, a cruise per person at Kinabatangan Wildlife Lodge is 80 MYR (Approx. £13 GBP / $17 USD).

If you aren’t too fussed about pre-booking, you can always book your cruises when you arrive (though we recommend to pre-book during Borneo’s busier period between May to September).

GETTING TO KINABATANGAN RIVER

As the Kinabatangan River is in a protected and relatively remote location, it’s super handy to know all viable options on how to get there easily. We lay out all of the best options to consider below. You will notice we have broken this down into two simple steps:

• Arrive into Sandakan Airport (SDK)
• Land transfer to Kinabatangan River

ARRIVE INTO SANDAKAN AIRPORT (SDK)

The closest airport to the Kinabatangan River is Sandakan (SDK), a very small local airport on the North coast of Sabah. You can fly into Sandakan from multiple nearby airports:

INTERNALLY FROM BORNEO:

✈️ You can fly direct from Kota Kinabalu (BKI) to Sandakan Airport (SDK) . Kota Kinabalu is Borneo’s main International airport, located on the left-hand side of Borneo. From Kota Kinabalu, there are multiple internal flights to Sandakan every day. The flight duration is 50 minutes.

✈️ You can fly direct from Lahad Datu (LDU) to Sandakan Airport (SDK) . Lahad Datu is a tiny airport located on the right-hand side of Borneo. There is 1 direct internal 35 minute flight available every day. As a side note, Lahad Datu is the closest airport to Borneo Rainforest Lodge in the Danum Valley .

FROM MALAYSIA:

✈️ You can also fly directly from Kuala Lumpur (KUL) to Sandakan (SDK) airport. There are multiple direct 2 hour 50 minute flights available every day. We personally did this option, and flew with AirAsia from Kuala Lumpur straight to Sandakan.

LAND TRANSFERS FROM SANDAKAN AIRPORT TO KINABATANGAN

From Sandakan airport, it is roughly a 2 hour drive to Kinabatangan River . On reaching the river, some Kinabatangan lodges require an additional 5 minute boat ride to get to their river bank location if they are not accessible by road. An example of this is Sukau Rainforest Lodge.

There are multiple ways you can arrange a land transfer from Sandakan airport to your Kinabatangan River accommodation:

PRIVATE TRANSFER (PRE-ARRANGED TOUR)

If you want zero hassle and all transfers booked before you arrive in Borneo, booking a pre-arranged tour is the best option for you.

From our personal experience, we recommend local tour agency Sticky Rice Travel. Check out their Kinabatangan River all-inclusive tour options here , which include all land transfers, accommodation and food.

This can also be arranged as part of a longer bespoke itinerary throughout Borneo, not just specifically for Kinabatangan. If this is of interest, contact them directly for more information.

PRIVATE TRANSFER (HOTEL PICK-UP)

If you haven’t got a fully pre-arranged tour but you have reserved Kinabatangan accommodation yourself (i.e. on Booking.com ), it is very common practise to pre-arrange a transfer from Sandakan airport directly through your accommodation before you arrive.

This will be an additional cost you will settle directly with your accommodation. The average price for a private vehicle charter from Sandakan airport is around RM300 per way (approx. £56). This is a convenient option as it will ensure you are taken directly to your accommodation, including the boat ride (if required).

USE GRAB (MALAYSIA’S VERSION OF UBER)

Another option is to book a taxi ride using GRAB , Malaysia’s version of Uber which is widely used throughout Borneo. We recommend downloading the app and setting up your account before you arrive for a seamless process.

You can check approximate fares to any destination using their Fare Check service beforehand to see which is the most cost effective option.

This option however only covers the land transfer up to the river. Check with your accommodation whether it requires an additional boat ride from the river. If so, arrange a pick-up point and approximate ETA for them to then collect you.

HIRE A CAR AND SELF-DRIVE

For those wanting full control of their itinerary, another option is to hire a rental car and drive from Sandakan airport to your Kinabatangan River accommodation. For this option, first check that your accommodation is road accessible, and your lodge caters for parking).

It’s worth noting the road leading up to Kinabatangan for the last hour or so is pretty bumpy, so we would only recommend this option to confident drivers.

ACCOMMODATION AT KINABATANGAN RIVER

Dotted along the Kinabatangan River, there are approximately 15 different accommodation options to choose from, with lodges ranging from budget-friendly options to the pricier luxury lodges.

All accommodation along the Kinabatangan River will offer Kinabatangan River cruise options, either included as part of the stay or at an additional cost, which you can easily pre-book with them beforehand or just arrange once you arrive.

We have listed a few popular options to suit different budgets:

LUXURY OPTION: SUKAU RAINFOREST LODGE 💰💰💰

MID RANGE OPTION: BORNEO NATURAL SUKAU BILIT RESORT 💰💰

BUDGET OPTION: KINABATANGAN WILDLIFE LODGE 💰

LUXURY OPTION: SUKAU RAINFOREST LODGE

Sukau Rainforest Lodge is unquestionably the most popular (and most expensive) Kinabatangan River accommodation – and for good reason!

Beautifully integrated into the surrounding landscape, this eco-friendly lodge provides a sense of luxury, the perfect choice for honeymooners in Borneo!

With 40 rooms available ranging from Superior Rooms to Villas , this lodge also provides morning, afternoon and evening river cruises with incredible tour guides, has a riverside restaurant and bar, 2 dip pools with sun loungers and a nature boardwalk.

If you want to be ultra Deluxe and your budget allows, we would recommend staying in a Villa at Sukau Rainforest Lodge! While the Superior Rooms we stayed in were nice, they were smaller than expected and the Villas (from the outside) looked amazing and very big!

We personally recommend this accommodation after our stay here. You can contact them directly via their official website or alternatively, book a stay with them through our recommend local tour company, Sticky Rice Travel.

MID-RANGE OPTION: BORNEO NATURAL SUKAU BILIT RESORT

The Borneo Natural Sukau Bilit Resort is a mid-range Kinabatangan River accommodation with an added sense of grandeur.

All room options are all-inclusive of food, drink and tours – with prices ranging from £75 per night (single dorm) to £227 a night (deluxe room, 2 day 1 night package).

The tours included during your stay here are morning and afternoon river cruises, plus guided walks to point out smaller creatures and fauna around the resort.

Nestled directly on the Kinabatangan River bank, this idyllic location does however mean there is no option to park a hire car, however the resort does offer private airport pick-up from Sandakan. Contact them to arrange in advance.

BUDGET OPTION: KINABATANGAN WILDLIFE LODGE

The Kinabatangan Wildlife Lodge is a very budget-friendly Kinabatangan River accommodation, at approximately £60 per night for a private double room (including breakfast).

Situated just a 5 minute walk away from the Kinabatangan River, the lodge offers two cruise time slot options: Early morning (6am) and afternoon (4pm). You can book these during your stay.

To top it off, Kinabatangan Wildlife Lodge offers private vehicle transfers from Sandakan airport at 300 MYR per way (approximately £50 GBP / $64 USD). This lodge is accessible by road, so an additional boat ride is not required to get to the lodge.

Free private parking is also available on-site, perfect for those arriving by rental car.

KINABATANGAN RIVER WILDLIFE

Of course, it is down to luck and circumstance to what wildlife you will see during your visit to the Kinabatangan River.

Nonetheless, it is worth noting that best times to visit to see wildlife on the Kinabatangan River in Borneo is between May to October. This is when Borneo is at its driest and the trees begin to fruit.

This tempts all manner of creatures, especially Orangutans, down to the lower parts of the tree canopies and increasing your chances of spotting them!

To give a rough idea of what you might be able to expect, the wildlife we saw during our Kinabatangan River cruises in the month of September are:

• Pygmy Elephants
• Estuarine Crocodiles
• Red Leaf Monkeys
• Proboscis Monkey
• Long-Tailed Macaques
• Pig-Tailed Macaques
• Hornbills (Pied / Oriental)
• Storks and countless small, colourful birds.

KINABATANGAN RIVER CRUISE: “KNOW BEFORE YOU GO” FAQ’S

Where is the kinabatangan river.

The Kinabatangan River is located on the North East of Borneo island, specifically in the state of Sabah. It is the second longest river in Malaysia, and is well known for being one the best places to see wild Orangutans in Borneo!

IS KINABATANGAN RIVER WORTH VISITING?

Yes! The Kinabatangan River is absolutely worth visiting for anyone visiting the Sabah region of Borneo. Kinabatangan River cruises allow for the best chance to see some of Borneo’s most amazing wildlife in the wild, including wild Orangutans, Pygmy elephants, Proboscis monkeys, Saltwater crocodiles and more!

HOW TO VISIT KINABATANGAN RIVER?

To visit to Kinabatangan River, you can either pre-arrange an all-inclusive tour with a local tour agency (we recommend Sticky Rice Travel). Alternatively, you can book your accommodation and cruises independently. Click here to see descriptions of both options in-depth.

HOW TO GET TO KINABATANGAN RIVER FROM SANDAKAN?

To get to Kinabatangan River from Sandakan, there are multiple land transfer options you can choose from that best suits your travel preferences or budget. Click here to see all of the best options available.

HOW LONG SHOULD I STAY AT KINABATANGAN RIVER?

From our own experience, we would suggest 3 days and 2 nights is the perfect amount of time to stay at the Kinabatangan River.

With a Kinabatangan River cruise basically being the main thing to do here, 3 days worth of cruises in the morning, afternoon and potentially at even night will give you plenty of opportunities to spot as much wildlife as possible!

WHAT TIME IS A KINABATANGAN RIVER CRUISE?

It is worth noting most Kinabatangan accommodation will offer 2 daily cruise slots, typically early morning (6am) and late afternoon into sunset (4pm).

However, some will also offer an additional night-time Kinabatangan river cruise to spot nocturnal animals. If this is something that interests you, be sure to book an accommodation which offers this service.

One such accommodation that does offer night time cruises daily is Sukau Rainforest Lodge , where we stayed. It was possible to book the night cruises last minute on the day.

CONCLUSION: KINABATANGAN RIVER CRUISE

In conclusion, from our own personal experience we would recommend a Kinabatangan River cruise to anyone visiting the Sabah region of Borneo.

The Kinabatangan River is one of the core protected areas and wild animal sanctuaries left in Borneo, meaning it is one of the best places to see a colossal amount of wildlife.

As mentioned previously, we strongly advise to visit between May to October. This is the best time to visit Kinabatangan and see Borneo wildlife, being the driest season with plenty of fruiting trees that coax Borneos wonderful creatures – especially wild Orangutans – for you to see!

With regard to accommodation, there are plenty of options dotted along the Kinabatangan River to suit all travel preferences and budgets. Likewise, there are multiple easy private transfer options to choose from to get to Kinabatangan River.

We hope you have the most incredible time, and truly wish you the best of luck seeing the ‘Borneo Big 5’ wildlife check list on your river cruises!

This blog post was written by… Jordie Flain! Founder of TheFlainsTravel.com, Travel Itinerary Creator & Wildlife Enthusiast

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Jordie Flain is the owner and author of The Flains Travel, a travel blog with emphasis on ethical wildlife experiences, "seen to be believed" natural beauty and "real magic" phenomena, such as the northern lights. Jordie crafts every itinerary and post to perfection for travellers to follow and get the very most out of their time in a destination.

Dive Into Malaysia

Kinabatangan River: Everything You Need To Know

Considering visiting the Kinabatangan River? Great choice! This area is fantastic for wildlife spotting and is an easily accessible and good priced Sabah jungle experience.

The Kinabatangan River is the second longest river in Malaysia (and longest in Sabah). It’s 560 kilometres long and starts in Borneo’s interior before making its way to the sea. It’s a chocolate colour and surrounded by rainforest which is home to much wildlife.

This is a great place to spot wildlife although for a sad reason. The forest that lines the river is getting smaller and smaller as palm oil plantations grow. This means that the wildlife is more concentrated making them easier to spot.

It’s easy to explore this area thanks to the lodges that line the river and can take you on cruises and treks to help you appreciate this area.

Of course, when you haven’t been here before, it can be confusing to work out what you need to do, and if it’s even worth your precious vacation time to take a Kinabatangan River trip in the first place.

Below, I walk you through it all with everything you need to know to make the decision to go including how to book your Kinabatangan River Borneo trip. I also share all my experiences from visiting here myself in this Kinabatangan River blog as well as a full video walk through of the experience of visiting the Kinabatangan River.

If you already know you want to go and simply want to book a tour to the Kinabatangan River, you can find my guide to the best Kinabatangan River day trip and longer trip options here.

Planning a trip to Malaysia? Have any questions?  Join our Malaysia Travel Planning Facebook group here now!  It’s the perfect place to ask any questions and to be inspired!

Why Visit The Kinabatangan River?

Exploring the Kinabatangan River and its banks is a fantastic choice for nature lovers and anyone wanting to experience the diverse wildlife of Sabah.

It is the only place in the region where visitors can observe ten different primates, including the iconic orangutan, Bornean gibbon, macaques, proboscis monkeys and tarsiers. The area is also home to other fascinating creatures, such as monitor lizards, crocodiles, wild boars and Borneo pygmy elephants, providing a remarkable experience for those interested in wildlife observation.

The Kinabatangan River is a haven for birdwatchers, with various Bornean hornbill species, pittas, kingfishers, and many other birds to spot.

Accessing the area is relatively easy as it is only a couple of hours’ drive from Sandakan or Sepilok to the lodges where river cruises along the Kinabatangan begin.

However, planning ahead is necessary as it is not possible to reach here via public transportation. Booking a tour in advance is the best and most feasible way to visit here.If you are looking for bracelet. There’s something to suit every look, from body-hugging to structured, from cuffs to chain chain bracelet and cuffs.

Where Is Kinabatangan River, Sabah, Malaysia?

The Kinabatangan River is south of Sandakan. The lodges are located between the main AH150 highway pictured below and the coast.

Here is a Kinabatangan River map.

Kinabatangan River Wildlife

There are lots of Kinabatangan River animals that you have a chance to spot.

The main ones are:

• Pygmy elephants
• Bornean gibbon
• Long-tailed and pig-tailed macaques
• Proboscis monkeys
• Silver-lead and maroon langurs
• Monitor lizards

Also, keep a look out for birds. You can see all varieties of Borneo’s hornbills, pittas, kingfishers, storm’s stalk, white-fronted falconet, oriental darter and more.

Of course, this isn’t a zoo and nothing is guaranteed. You would be unlucky not to spot at least a few of these animals though.

For the best chance of spotting wildlife, stay as long as you can and do as many cruises as you can especially at different times of the day.

Kinabatangan River Cruises

The main Kinabatangan activity is taking river cruises. This is a must-do activity.

All Kinabatangan River cruise overnight packages include a cruise in the early morning and late afternoon. I recommend you do as many of these as you can. Night cruises are also often available, usually at an extra charge.

Early morning and late afternoon are considered the best times for wildlife spotting, but each time of day or night has a chance of spotting different animals. So I recommend you go on at least one cruise at each time option.

The early morning cruise is best for birds and orangutans, afternoon for proboscis monkeys and evening for crocodiles and nocturnal birds.

On my cruises, I saw a range of monkeys, birds and crocodiles. I especially loved the morning cruise. It was so peaceful and calm.

This is why I don’t recommend a day trip to Kinabatangan River if you can avoid it. Day trips only go on a late afternoon cruise. This is better than not visiting the Kinabatangan River at all though.

Cruises may not only cover the Kinabatangan River, but also its tributaries.

The cruises themselves are on small boats with a guide and driver. There are usually 10-16 people per cruise on small seats with full views of the surrounding area. Cruises last 1 – 2.5 hours.

Trekking At Kinabatangan River

In addition to cruises, you can also go trekking along the Borneo Kinabatangan River. Most lodges offer some time of trekking, with night treks being particularly popular to see insects, frogs, sleeping birds and nocturnal wildlife.

I did a night trek at the Borneo Natural Sukau Bilit Resort. This involved trekking through the mud (they supplied rubber boots) and looking out for creatures such as insects, frogs, sleeping birds and nocturnal animals.

If you do a multi-night package, there is usually trekking on the middle day during the daytime as well.

How To Get To Kinabatangan River

As mentioned before, there isn’t public transport to the Kinabatangan River Malaysia lodges. However, package tours or day trip to Kinabatangan River will just about always include transfers from the Sepilok/Sandakan region.

This means it makes the most sense to get to the Sandakan area and then travel from Sandakan to Kinabatangan. You could also get a taxi here or hire a car and drive yourself.

If you are travelling from Kuala Lumpur to Kinabatangan River or from Kota Kinabalu to Kinabatangan River, you can first fly to Sandakan and then travel onwards as stated. Flights are usually great value ( check here ). There are also buses from Kota Kinabalu to Sandakan here.

Because I wanted to travel on to Lahad Datu after I visited the Kinabatangan River, I arranged a taxi through my lodge. It was pricey though, so if you are looking to save money, you best option is to go back to Sandakan afterwards and travel onwards from there.

Kinabatangan River Accommodation

There are a few lodge choices along the Kinabatangan River. Here are some options.

Borneo Natural Sukau Bilit Resort

This is a beautiful resorted located right by the river with fabulous views. The whole resort is built from local wood on stilts and there are boardwalks between the villas and the main resort area. It helps the resort buildings fade into the surrounding rainforest.

It has a chill-out vibe and is a great place to hang out between activities with comfortable beds for night time.

There a range of room types. All are heavily constructed in wood and have decor hand-crafted by local tradesmen.

Dorm rooms are available for budget travellers with three bunk beds. There are also cottage and deluxe villas with twin beds, fans, desks and clothes racks. There is also a triple room with a queen and a single bed.

I stayed in a deluxe villa here which was just amazing. It had a great balcony looking out over a lake area (pictured above).

All rooms have their own bathrooms, a balcony and air-conditioning.

There is a restaurant and seating area on-site with great views over the river. The meals and staff are great and I had a fantastic time at this resort.

Packages here include early morning and late afternoon cruises, evening night walks, meals and transfers to and from Sandakan.

Click here to see the latest package prices or see my full review here.

Bilit Adventure Lodge

This fabulous riverside lodge offers similar packages to the Borneo Natural Sukau Bilit Resort above with morning and afternoon river cruises, transfers, jungle hikes and all meals.

For rooms, you can choose between air-conditioned rooms and cheaper rooms with fan only. All have private bathrooms with the air-conditioned rooms also offering hot showers and tea and coffee making facilities.

There is a restaurant on-site and great views,

Click here to see the latest prices. You can also find their three day/two night package tour here .

Tanjung Bulat Jungle Camp 

To really get away from it all, consider the Tanjung Bulat Jungle Camp. This is owned and operated by a local tribe with proceeds supporting local community projects.

It’s in a more remote location so you are more likely to have your river cruises free of other boats. They also only allow 12 guests maximum at any one time so you can definitely have a more intimate experience at this place.

Stays are by package tour only. They include all meals as well as morning, afternoon and night cruises giving you a great chance of spotting lots of different wildlife.

Click here to see their latest 2 day/1 night package prices or here for their 3 day/2 night package price.

How To Visit The Kinabatangan River

The best (and easiest) way to visit the Kinabatangan River is with a package tour purchased before visiting.

As mentioned above, this is the best way to get to the area and you’ll want a deal which includes river cruises and accommodation (if you’re starting overnight) anyway.

River lodges are also spread out so it’s not really a place to just show up and then try to find your accommodation.

Luckily for you, it is very easy to book beforehand.

Here are some more details or you can find our full write-up of travel package and day tour options here.

You can day tour to Kinabatangan River but note that these will only include an afternoon boat ride.

Here are your options:

Overnight Trips

Staying by the Kinabatangan River is definitely the way to go if you have the budget and time. This will give you more opportunities to spot wildlife and it’s just a great place to chill and hang out.

How To Book Your Trip To The Kinabatangan River

Work out which lodge you want, how many nights and then you can simply click on the links in the tables above to book your trip to Kinabatangan River. They all include everything you need.

If you book elsewhere, it’s important to ensure that the twice-daily river cruises are included in the price. While night cruises, walks and other activities may require an additional fee, be sure to read the details carefully. After all, the river cruises are the main attraction.

When To Visit The Kinabatangan River

You can visit year round, although note that the area can flood in the rainy season (October to March) which can stop tours if your lodge is affected. Heavy rain can also stop river cruises and trekking.

The upside is that there is more area to explore with more rain as there are more tributaries.

Wildlife spotting is usually best from March to September with bird spotting best April to October (when it’s flowering).

What To Take To The Borneo River Kinabatangan

I recommend you take the following to Kinabatangan River:

• Any cash you need (there are no ATMs)
• Poncho or rain jacket
• Torch or headlamp for night walks
• Hiking shoes
• Mosquito Repellent
• Long shirt and pants
• Long socks (or leech socks)

Kinabatangan River Video Walk Through

To get an even better idea of what you’ll do and what to expect at Kinabatangan River, watch our full video walk through below.

It shows you everything from the journey here to inside a resort to the animals we saw on the cruises.

Final Words

I absolutely loved visiting the Kinabatangan River, and I’m sure you will too. The wildlife spotting is superb and it’s hard to get an easier way to see wildlife in their natural habitat than from sitting in a boat.

The lodges can also be great. I particularly loved staying at the Borneo Natural Sukau Bilit Resort.

I hope you have enjoyed this full guide to Kinabatangan River. It’s a fabulous experience that should be on all itineraries to Sabah.

It can seem a little complicated when you first look into visiting here, but all you need to do is book a package tour and you’ll be all set to go.

You can find all the best Kinabatangan river cruise packages and tours here or all our guides to Sabah here .

Related posts:

By Sharon Gourlay

Sharon is a certified Malaysia travel expert and can't get enough of travelling and talking about Malaysia since she first visited 21 years ago. She travels around Malaysia multiple times a year both alone and with her kids. She used to call Penang home and especially loves this food paradise. Sharon also has a Bachelor of Arts in Asian Studies, a Certificate III in International Travel Sales and has been certified by Tourism Malaysia as a Malaysia Travel Expert. Through this site, she'll help you have the perfect trip to this amazing destination.

Kinabatangan River

The 560-kilometre Kinabatangan River is Sabah’s longest river, beginning in the Crocker Range in Southwest Sabah and ending at the Sulu Sea southeast of Sandakan. From the headwaters to its vast river mouth, the Kinabatangan passes through a diverse range of habitats, including dipterocarp forest, seasonally flooded riparian forest, oxbow lakes, nipah and mangroves. Whilst the upper reaches of the Kinabatangan River have been extensively logged, much of the lowland forest and mangroves have survived.

This vast floodplain forest contains a rich mix of vegetation that supports a remarkable diversity of wildlife; including proboscis monkeys, orangutan, gibbons, Bornean pygmy elephants, tarsiers, slow loris, macaque monkeys, crocodiles, freshwater sharks, Irrawaddy dolphins, hornbills and a variety of other birds.

In 2005 the Sabah government gazetted the Kinabatangan Wildlife Sanctuary. This protected area essentially forms a narrow wildlife corridor that follows the river. Whilst the sanctuary now safeguards an area of 27,800 hectares, a range of conservation issues remain . A number of NGOs and researchers are active in the Kinabatangan, contributing to conservation projects and working to better understand the environment.

The Kinabatangan River has gained a justified reputation as one of the top wildlife watching destinations in Southeast Asia. Sukau, located 132 km from Sandakan, is the main centre for wildlife tourism along the river. Abai, 47 km from the mouth of the Kinabatangan, also has lodge accommodation and serves as jumping off point for boat-based wildlife watching tours of the lower Kinabatangan and its tributaries.

Borneo Adventure offers a range of multi-day tours focusing on the wildlife attractions of the Kinabatangan River. These include 2D1N, 3D2N and 4D3N tours and packages. These trips include overnight accommodation at the Kinabatangan Riverside Lodge at Sukau and the Abai Jungle Lodge. Some tours combine stays at both of these lodges and others include a night at MY Nature Resort in Sepilok.

All tours include morning and afternoon boat cruises so that you can see a wide range of wildlife. The tours begin with a pick-up at Sandakan airport (or your hotel) and include a visit to the Sepilok Orangutan Rehabilitation Centre and the Sun Bear Centre before departing Sandakan and travelling by boat to the Kinabatangan River.

To get an idea of the great wildlife watching you can experience on a tour of this destination watch our Kinabatangan video .

View more destinations on our Borneo Destination Map .

Kinabatangan River Cruise (Sukau) 3D2N

3 days / 2 nights Kinabatangan River tour including Sepilok Orang Utan and Sun Bear Centres, 2 nights at the Kinabatangan Riverside Lodge in Sukau plus wildlife watching river cruises

Kinabatangan River Cruise (Abai & Sukau) 3D2N

3 days / 2 nights Kinabatangan River tour including Sepilok Orangutan and Sun Bear Centres, 1 night at Abai Jungle Lodge, 1 night at the Kinabatangan Riverside Lodge in Sukau and wildlife watching river cruises

Kinabatangan River Cruise (Abai & Sukau) 4D3N

4 days / 3 nights Kinabatangan River tour including Sepilok Orangutan and Sun Bear Centres, 1 night at Abai Jungle Lodge, 2 nights at the Kinabatangan Riverside Lodge in Sukau and wildlife watching river cruises

Sepilok & Kinabatangan River Cruise (Sukau) 4D3N

4 days / 3 nights Kinabatangan River tour including Sepilok Orangutan and Sun Bear Centres ,1 night at MY Nature Resort at Sepilok, 2 nights at the Kinabatangan Riverside Lodge in Sukau and wildlife watching river cruises

Sandakan Wildlife Watching Tour 4D3N

4 day, 3 night night wildlife tour of Sepilok & Kinabatangan River, designed for those arriving in the afternoon on the Kuala Lumpur-Sandakan flight

Labuk Bay, Sepilok & Kinabatangan River Cruise (Abai & Sukau) 4D3N

4 days / 3 nights Kinabatangan River tour including Labuk Bay, Sepilok Orangutan and Sun Bear Centres, 1 night at MY Nature Resort at Sepilok, 1 night at Abai Jungle Lodge, 1 night at the Kinabatangan Riverside Lodge in Sukau and wildlife watching river cruises

Looking forSabah Holiday Packages that visitKinabatangan River? View holiday packages

WhatsApp +60 17 811 8149

Email [email protected]

Kinabatangan River Cruise | Half Day | Sabah, Borneo

From: $ 148

If you are short on time during your holiday and really want to have the chance to see some of the wildlife Borneo is famous for, then the Kinabatangan River Half-Day Trip is an ideal choice. During this trip, you’ll join a late afternoon river cruise along the famous Kinabatangan River in search of wildlife along the river banks, followed by dinner at a Lodge located along the Kinabatangan River. Short & sweet!

Note – The price shown above is for one person (based on a minimum of two people per booking). There is also a Peak Season charge calculated for any trip between 1 July and 30 September. Simply add the number of persons wishing to book. Choose a date and hit the Check Availability button.

Prices are valid until 31st March 2025 (NLK07).

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Kinabatangan River Cruise – Half Day Tour in Sabah, Borneo

A river cruise along the Kinabatangan River is typically in the ‘top 5’ for most tourists coming on holiday to Sabah, Borneo. The Kinabatangan River offers a relatively easily accessible, and affordable, option for viewing wildlife along the banks the river and in the rainforest fringing the river banks.

Most visitors going to the Kinabatangan River will join a 2D1N or 3D2N Kinabatangan River Cruise Trip as they offer more river cruise activities and, therefore, increased opportunities for seeing wildlife. If you are short on time during your action-packed holiday and only have an afternoon and evening free then this half-day trip is an ideal choice for you. During this trip, you will join a late afternoon river cruise down the Kinabatangan River . Kinabatangan River Cruise , Sabah, Borneo is famous for its astounding multiplicity of wildlife creatures. As well as being home to several species of primates the river is home to underwater inhabitants, crocodiles. From bird watching to seeing snake coiled up on a branch overhanging the river, this half-day river cruise adventure is a match made in heaven for wildlife and nature enthusiasts who are short on time in Sandakan.

Prepare to be amazed on your Kinabatangan River Cruise Half-Day Tour

If you want more wildlife encounters during your holiday in Borneo, and have an extra day available, then you should consider the 2D1N Kinabatangan River Trip as an ideal alternative and join to river cruises and a visit to Sepilok Orangutan Sanctuary.

Trip Itinerary – Kinabatangan River Cruise Half-Day Tour

10:45hrs – 11:00hrs: For those staying in hotels in Sandakan, you will be collected for your tour. You will then be transferred to the Sepilok area.

11:30hrs -11:50hrs: Customers staying in Resort / Lodges near Sepilok will be collected for the Kinabatangan River Cruise Half-Day Trip.

11:50hrs – 12:30hrs: You will stop at Mango Garden Restaurant at Nature Lodge Sepilok, where you will have a chance to have lunch (lunch is included for new bookings from 8th August 2018) and have a toilet break. If you do not want to have lunch, you can relax in the seated area in the Lodge’s large, open reception area.

12:30hrs: You will then be transferred by minibus to Kinabatangan Nature Lodge, which is located on the banks of the Kinabatangan River in the Kinabatangan Wildlife Sanctuary, a ~ 2.5-hour journey (including stop). On the way, you will make a brief stop, typically at Kota Kinabatangan, the nearest town from Nature Lodge Kinabatangan, to refresh (toilet stop plus cafe facilities available). During the journey, you will pass by small towns, oil palm plantations and local villages. Most of the villagers are the Orang Sungei (derived from the Malay words “the river people”). Their main source of living income is fishing, and, in times of low harvest, they build boats. Some of the locals work on the oil palm plantations. During the harvesting season in Gomantong cave, they work as harvesters for the Swiftlet bird’s nest.

~14:45hrs – 15:00hrs (subject to traffic): Arrive at Kg. Bilit and take a short boat ride across the Kinabatangan River to the Lodge, the starting point for your late afternoon Kinabatangan River Cruise. Your Nature Guide will provide a wildlife & conservation briefing in advance of your river cruise (if you arrive at the Lodge after 3:30 pm this briefing will happen after the Kinabatangan River cruise. After the briefing, you can relax in the Lodge’s restaurant area (free flow water, coffee and tea available for free) before your Kinabatangan River cruise starts.

16:00hrs: You will join your late afternoon Kinabatangan River cruise in search of wildlife along the Kinabatangan River (for ~ 2 hours). Life jackets will be provided for your river cruise. The Kinabatangan River is home to at least six different species of primates, including the Proboscis Monkey, Leaf Monkey, Long and Short-Tailed Macaques, Gibbons and even the Orangutan. During certain times of the year, you will also catch the Borneo Pygmy Elephants at the riverbank. There will also be plenty of opportunities to see birdlife such as the White Egret, Oriental Darter, Rhinoceros Hornbills and the Buffey Fish Owl.

18:00hrs: Around 6 pm you will return back to the Kinabatangan Nature Lodge. It’s then time for dinner at the Lodge’s restaurant, set amidst the secondary forest. After dinner, there will be a brief presentation on the wildlife in the Kinabatangan area and also the conservation programme was undertaken by Nature Lodge Kinabatangan. You will have the opportunity to contribute to the Voluntary Conservation Levy-VCL (RM20.00), which was initiated by WWF Malaysia and supported by the Kinabatangan-corridor of Life Tourism Association (KiTA), which goes towards supporting conservation efforts in the area.

20:00hrs: Start your transfer back to your hotel in Sandakan city. The estimated time of return to Sandakan city is 22:00 hours.

Amazing elephants of Kinabatangan River banks

Trip Pre-requisites – Kinabatangan River Cruise Half-Day Tour

The trip is open to all. Minimum 2 persons per booking.

Trip Inclusions

• Return transfer from Sandakan or Sepilok area to Kinabatangan Nature Lodge (by road).
• Return short boat transfer from Kg. Bilit to the Kinabatangan Lodge.
• 1 x late afternoon Kinabatangan river cruise. The Kinabatangan River cruise included with this trip will travel as far upstream as ~7km to Pontian Point and downstream, a maximum of ~ 10 km to Tenegang Besar Point.
• Meal: Lunch (for new bookings from 8th August 2018), Dinner.
• Refreshments: free flow water, coffee and tea in the restaurant at the Kinabatangan Lodge.
• Guiding by a licensed Nature Guide (English speaking).
• 0% Sales and service Tax on the tour price as applicable from 6th May 2019.

Trip Exclusions

• Personal spend
• Other meals not stated. Alcoholic or soft drinks at the Lodge.
• Single supplement if you book this trip on your own (and no other customers are booked on the same trip).

The Kinabatangan River Cruise trip price is based on a shared trip basis – surcharges are applicable if you would like a private boat for the river cruise or private land transfer via minibus.

Recommended Packing List For The Trip – Kinabatangan River Cruise Trip

Comfortable clothing for a tropical climate, binoculars for viewing wildlife, insect repellent, raincoat, hat, sunscreen, and sunglasses. Please take your passport with you on this trip – your passports will be checked at the Kinabatangan Lodge.

If weather, or other factors (e.g. landslide), makes an activity unsafe, the Lodge will adapt the trip itinerary for safety reasons. There will be no refund if a trip itinerary needs to be adapted on the day due to safety reasons.

3 reviews for Kinabatangan River Cruise | Half Day | Sabah, Borneo

Graeme King – 12/03/2019

Myself, wife and son have recently completed a Kinabatangan River tour and feel compelled to write to confirm what an exceptional experience the whole event turned out to be. Our driver Alan was prompt and very courteous picking us up from the Sheraton hotel in Sandacan and taking us to the lodge for lunch (which was excellent) and the return drive late on in the evening. He was exceptional.

The trip to the river jetty was a little arduous with at times poor road conditions and was hard driving but Alan was an accomplished driver and he remained very courteous throughout the 2 hour journey and felt safe with him

On reaching the River we were impressed with the staff on the lodge side if the river who made us feel very welcome. After a brief tour of the facility we were taken to the River where our guide and ‘pilot was Ramsan. There were a number of competing boats on the river at the time but Ramsan seemed to have an added insight into where the best spotting places were and boy did we see some wildlife. We had the right guy here! When we returned we were treated to another cracking meal prior to departure back to the hotel.

Ordinarily I do not write tour reviews however the experience which we had on our river trip on the day was such that I just had to give praise to those guys that made it such a great day for us.

Jillian Hannah – 18/07/2018

We very much enjoyed our trip, thank you very much. It was the perfect trip for a flying visit, as we’re already now into day 2 of our Hong Kong stop. The half day trip was perfect for us although I’d hope to do a couple of nights next time we’re in Borneo!

We were overjoyed to see the wildlife that we did. Our guide Beatrice was lovely and personable, and tried hard to find every type of wildlife possible for us.

The pick up and drop off were right on time, it was all very smooth and easy. The meal was delicious and our dietary requirements were catered to well. The atmosphere was great at the lodge and we met lots of nice, friendly people.

IrishAngel1 Rugby (TripAdvisor) – 11/06/2018

Kinabatangan River Half Day Trip – We did the Kinabatangan River Half Day Trip and it was very well organised. It took about 2 hours from Sandakan and we were picked up and dropped off at the hotel. Definitely bring a light raincoat & sunscreen with you as the weather is changeable on the river, Also a pair of binoculars is a must. You will be supplied a life jacket. Whilst on the river we were extremely lucky to see Proboscis Monkeys, Long and Short Tailed Macaques, Borneo Pygmy Elephants, Rhinoceros hornbill and even an Orangutan. It was a buffet for dinner and the food was good, the toilet facilities are undercover, reasonably clean, but are basic and expect a few spiders. Overall a nice trip but you will see over 2 hours of palm oil plantations ( this really does make you consider the use of palm oil at home) so I would bring a book or something to read.

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Kinabatangan River

As far as we know looking at local papers and government announcements There has never been any history of a security or criminal acts in the Kinabatangan area. This also includes Danum Valley, Tabin, Selingan island and Lankayan Island. However, there was a very small isolated incident on the outskirts of Sandakan.

The route to the Danum Valley Feild Centre Office in Lahad Datu is 124 kilometres and takes approximately 1 hour 54 minutes. Here is the normal route:

Take Jalan Sukau to AH150 for 32 min (36.8 km)

Follow AH150 to Lorong Fajar 1 in Lahad Datu for 1 hr 19 min (87.0 km)

Take Lorong Fajar 2 and Lorong Fajar 6 to Lorong Fajar 9 for 2 min (190 m)

The journey from Sandakan Airport (SDK) to Kinabatangan River (Bilit) is 156 kilometres and takes 1 hour 57 minutes approximately. The route it takes is:

Follow Jalan Airport and Jalan Lintas Labuk to Jalan Ranau – Sandakan/Jalan Sapi Nangoh/Route 22 for 8 min (5.1 km)

Follow Jalan Ranau – Sandakan/Jalan Sapi Nangoh/Route 22 and Jln Sandakan-Lahad Datu/AH150 to Kinabatangan for 1 hr 13 min (73.9 km)

Take Jalan Sukau to Jalan Kampung Bilit for 32 min (36.8 km)

Seeing an orangutan in its natural habitat is one of the top reasons for coming to Borneo. In Borneo, there are around 11,000 orangutans in Sabah and 1,600 in Sarawak. In Sabah, the top three places to see orangutans in the wild, along with other wildlife encounters on offer, are the Kinabatangan River, Danum Valley and Tabin Wildlife Reserve. 

Kinabatangan River, Sabah

the Kinabatangan River is one of the best wildlife-watching destinations in Southeast Asia. If you spend a few days here joining river cruises you will have a very good chance of seeing an orangutan in the wild. Wildlife watching on the Kinabatangan is done from boats making this location suitable for a range of ages and fitness levels. The Kinabatangan River is the easiest and most ‘comfortable’ option in Borneo for seeing Orangutans in the wild.

Danum Valley, Sabah

Danum Valley  is the best place to see wild orangutans in pristine, undisturbed forest. Sightings are not ‘guaranteed’ but there is a pretty good chance of seeing an orangutan if you spend a few days at Danum. You will join guided treks into the forest in search of wildlife (including orangutans). The trekking is relatively easy so you don’t need to be super fit. 

Tabin Wildlife Reserve, Sabah

Tabin Wildlife Reserve  is a large protected forest area covering 122,500 hectares. At Tabin, there are reasonable chances of seeing an orangutan by joining guided treks into the forest but they are not as high as Danum or the Kinabatangan. 

Alongside these ‘seeing orang-utans in the wild’ options, you also have the chance to see orangutans at the world-famous Sepilok Orangutan Rehabilitation Centre. At Sepilok Rehabilitation Centre illegally captured, orphaned and injured orangutans are taught to survive in the wild again. The Centre has two feeding sessions a day which is open to the public during which you can go to a raised platform to watch the orangutans come in from the surrounding forest to be fed.

Which one of these options is best for you for seeing orangutans in Borneo depends upon your budget, how to fit you are, how much time you have and the way you want to go in search of orangutan (by foot, boat or 4WD safari). Choose one, or more, of the above options to have the best chance of seeing an orangutan in Borneo.

The pygmy elephant (or Bornean pygmy elephant) are the smallest elephants in Asia and are endemic to Borneo. With only about 1,500 Bornean pygmy elephants left on Borneo, they are classified as critically endangered. For those visiting Borneo to see wildlife, the Bornean Pygmy elephant is likely to be in your top 5 of things to see. Encountering a herd of these elephants is unforgettable, and often once in a lifetime, experience. Whilst Borneo is big (it’s the third-largest island in the world) the pygmy elephant can only be found in a limited area in the forests of northeastern Borneo (with most found in Sabah, Borneo). The pygmy elephants migrate throughout the year, following a traditional corridor, and the top three places to see pygmy elephants in Sabah, Borneo are as follows:-

The Kinabatangan Wildlife Sanctuary is a narrow corridor of Protected lowland rainforest along the banks of the Kinabatangan River. Herds of the Bornean Pygmy elephant migrate through this sanctuary and when they are passing through they can be seen for a few days along the banks of the river as they forage for food. If you are lucky to be visiting the Kinabatangan River whilst they are in the area you will have the privilege of being able to watch the elephants during morning and afternoon river cruises. As with all wildlife encounters, sightings cannot be guaranteed but the more days you spend at a Lodge on the Kinabatangan River (and therefore more river cruises you join) the increased chance of seeing the rarer wildlife finds like the pygmy elephant. 

Danum Valley

Danum Valley , or Danum Valley Conservation Area, is one of the largest protected areas of primary rainforest in Sabah and offers a ‘safe-haven’ for the pygmy elephant and other wildlife found here. Elephants can often be seen along the access roads into Danum Valley, as well as roaming through the forest. There are two locations tourists can stay at in Danum Valley to see wildlife – Borneo Rainforest Lodge and Danum Valley Field Centre. At both locations, you are able to join guided treks into the forest, and guided night drives, in search of wildlife including the Bornean pygmy elephant.

Tabin Wildlife Reserve

Tabin Reserve is considered to be the largest wildlife reserve in Malaysia and covers an area of lowland forest of approximately 300,000 acres. It is home to the Bornean pygmy elephant as well as many other endangered wildlife species. Similar to Danum Valley, the access roads and guided treks into the forest provide the best opportunities to see pygmy elephants. There is one location tourists can stay at in Tabin Reserve –  Tabin Wildlife Resort .

At 560 kilometres long, the Kinabatangan River is Sabah’s longest river with the lower reaches of the River being home to a rich concentration, and diversity, of wildlife. This makes the Kinabatangan River one of the most popular places for tourists to visit during their holiday to Borneo. The simplest way to get to the Kinabatangan River is too join an organised tour. As the Kinabatangan River is located towards the east coast of Sabah the starting point for most tours to the River is from Sandakan (Sandakan Airport or from a hotel in Sandakan). 

How do you get to Sandakan?

Sandakan is a middle-sized city located on the east coast of Sabah and well connected to Kota Kinabalu and Kuala Lumpur. The main ways to travel to Sandakan from within Sabah are by plane, by public bus or by private transport.

Internal flights operate daily from Kota Kinabalu (BKI) and Tawau to Sandakan Airport. Air Asia and Malaysia Airlines operate daily flights from these airports to Sandakan. You can also fly direct from Kuala Lumpur Airport (KUL) to Sandakan Airport on a daily basis. Flying to Sandakan is an easy, quick option and if flights are booked well in advance you can typically pick up low price tickets with the airlines.

By public bus

A slightly cheaper option than flying is to catch a public bus to Sandakan Bus Station. You can catch a public bus from bus stations in Kota Kinabalu, Semporna or Tawau to Sandakan. The most popular bus route is from Kota Kinabalu to Sandakan. In Kota Kinabalu, you will need to go to the northern bus terminal (located in Inanam). There are several buses here going to Sandakan on a daily basis. We’d suggest you try and catch the first buses to depart in the morning as it’s a long journey to Sandakan bus station (a ~ 6 – 7 hour journey). 

By private transport 

This includes hiring a car to drive to Sandakan, using a local taxi or via an organised private coach transfer. 

How do I get to the Kinabatangan River Independently?

For independent travellers wanting to arrange their own way to the Kinabatangan River, there aren’t any direct public transport services to the two main villages on the river which provide access to Lodges on the Kinabatangan River – Bilit & Sukau. You would need to use local bus service and ask to be dropped off at Sukau Junction, followed by catching a transfer with a local van from Sukau Junction to either Bilit or Sukau (a ~ 45km journey). For this option, you still need to have booked a stay at a Lodge near the Kinabatangan River and arranged a transfer with the Lodge from your drop off point. This option may be a cheaper alternative to an organised tour but is a lot more hard work and involves more time for the amount you may save.   

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Borneo » Borneo Highlights » Kinabatangan River

Discover amazing wildlife at the Kinabatangan River

The Kinabatangan is the second-largest river in Malaysia and the largest in Sabah. It originates in the mountains in the centre of Sabah and winds 348 miles (560 kilometres) to its mouth into the Sulu Sea. While the areas along its upper reaches have suffered dramatically from deforestation and clearing, the mangrove swamps and forests in the lowlands are better preserved.

The river offers incredible biodiversity in these areas, only comparable to that of the Amazon in South America. Crocodiles live in the river itself, while the adjacent forests are home to clouded leopards, orangutans, pygmy elephants, sun bears, proboscis monkeys, gibbons, macaques, and many bird species. Kinabatangan River is considered one of Southeast Asia’s best wildlife-viewing areas. Accordingly, the locals call it „Sabah’s gift to the earth“.

To protect this flora and fauna, some 27,000 hectares along the river have been protected as the Kinabatangan Wildlife Sanctuary. The Gomantong Caves are another highlight near the river. They are home to about 1.5 million bats and swiftlets each.

Kinabatangan Wildlife Safari

VERY POPULAR TOUR! On this 3D2N tour to the Kinabatangan River, you have a great chance of encountering wildlife. Perhaps the best wildlife experience on the Kinabatangan you can get.

Sabah Wildlife Safari

Pure wildlife! Experience the best of Sabah’s wildlife on this 8D7N tour : Kinabatangan River, Danum Valley and Sandakan. With overnight stays at the Sukau Rainforest Lodge and the Borneo Rainforest Lodge.

Sandakan Wildlife Safari

A perfect 4D3N tour for wildlife fans with overnight stays on Selingan Turtle Island (1 night) and at the Kinabatangan River (2 nights at Sukau Rainforest Lodge) as well as a visit to the orangutans in Sepilok.

River safaris are the best way to explore the area

As in many other regions in Borneo, it is not advisable to explore the rainforest in the area around the Kinabatangan River on your own. The danger of getting lost is too high. In addition, dwarf elephants, orangutans, and other animals can be dangerous. However, many accommodation and tour providers offer guided hikes: some of them even at night, providing an entirely different insight into jungle life.

River safaris are the best way to go on a discovery tour. The trips usually take place early in the mornings and in the afternoons. It is at these times that the chances of seeing animals along the river. Monkeys, in particular, feel safer by the river and spend the night there. During the day, however, they often hide in the rainforest. For this reason, night trips are often offered. These provide visitors with the chance to see more nocturnal animals.

With a little luck…

The guides on the boats usually have many years of experience and are excellent at spotting jungle inhabitants at the edge of the river. But at the Kinabatangan, like anywhere else, you need a little luck to see animals in the wild. The rainforest here is not as dense as in other nature reserves. The flipside of this, though, is that not so much food is available, and the wildlife seems to have adapted to that.

The guides pay attention to every sound, every movement, and the individual silhouettes of the animals. They are always on the lookout to show you as many of the creatures found in this area as possible and make your safari a unique experience.

During the rainy season, there are a few places where it is possible to diverge from the river channel and explore oxbow lakes. These are bodies of still water that were either once connected to the Kinabatangan River but have since been cut off, or floodplains that are re-flooded annually during the rainy season. The advantage of the oxbow lakes is that they offer a greater concentration of wildlife.

Crocodiles, orangutans, pygmy elephants, and many more: The incredible diversity of Kinabatangan

The wildlife in and around Kinabatangan is incredibly diverse. Among the most common sightings are various species of macaque monkeys. But proboscis monkeys live here as well and regularly stay near the river. Especially in the morning hours, there are often opportunities to watch the monkeys frolicking.

You can also spot huge monitor lizards basking in the sun on trees, or snakes slithering across branches. You may also have the chance to observe crocodiles swimming in the brown water or resting on the shore. The odds of seeing crocodiles in the Kinabatangan River are fairly high.

It’s always a good sign if your guide heads toward the shore and shuts off the boat’s engine. Perhaps they have spotted an orangutan high up in the treetops? However, the orangutan population in the Kinabatangan area does not seem to be very large, so you should not expect to see apes roaming free here.

Another highlight of the river are Borneo dwarf elephants. Hopefully luck will be on your side and you will be able to watch them eat grass on the river bank or cross the Kinabatangan. But the smallest elephants in the world are also rare. This is another species that it will take some luck to spot.

Additionally, there is highly diverse bird life along the river. This includes various hornbill and kingfisher species, ospreys, oriental dollarbirds, several trogon species, and the colourful bee-eaters.

Borneo Rainforest Lodge

Experience the Danum Valley Conservation Area! Spend a luxurious 3D2N tour at the Borneo Rainforest Lodge in the middle of the pristine rainforest and discover an abundance of wild animals, birds and insects.

Exploring the rainforest on foot

A hike through the rainforest provides insight into a totally different side of the jungle and completely different wildlife. For example, you will see many reptiles, spiders, and insects. Furthermore, a night excursion, whether by boat or on foot, offers the chance to explore the rainforest from a completely different perspective.

Therefore, when booking, ensure that your accommodation or tour operator also offers excursions at night. Then you might be lucky enough to see clouded leopards, another extremely rare species native to the areas along the Kinabatangan. Not only are they nocturnal but they are also extremely well-camouflaged, which makes spotting them even more difficult.

Kinabatangan is also affected by the clearing of the jungle

Unfortunately, the rainforest clearing has not spared Kinabatangan and the area around Sukau. In and around Sukau is where most of the accommodation for tourists are located. It is from here that the boats set off on the river safaris.

Whether you head north or south, after a while you will see palm oil plantations along the river banks. Sometimes they border the river directly. In many cases, only a thin strip of rainforest has been preserved.

This, however, allows the animals to walk along the river. In some places, conservationists have already stretched ropes across the river. Since orangutans cannot swim, the ropes serve as a crossing point for them. They also provide a means of escape if an ape has wandered into an area where palm oil plantations are close to the river.

The Gomantong Caves: another highlight along the river

The Gomantong Caves, which are located in the wildlife sanctuary, are the most extensive cave system in the lower Kinabatangan area. They are divided into two parts: the lower Black Cave („Simud Hitam“) and the upper White Cave („Simud Putih“). The caves’ names derive from the swiftlet nests that can be found there.

In Chinese cuisine, these nests are considered a delicacy and are served in swallow’s nest soup. To protect the population, collecting nests in the Gomantong caves is only allowed twice a year. Once before the eggs are laid, so that the birds still have time to build a new nest, and then again after the fledgling birds have left the nests.

White Cave is the larger of the two caves but is not open to the public. It is located at the back of the Black Cave and an approximately 30-minute climb is required to reach it. White-nest swiftlets nest here. Their nests are the more valuable.

Black Cave is open to the public. It is located only a few minutes from the entrance building. In it, the less valuable nests of the black-nest swiftlets are found. Compared to other caves in Borneo, the cave is quite small and accordingly, it is quickly navigated.

The acrid smell of the guano of the bats and swiftlets is conspicuous. However, this environment is a perfect habitat for the many insects and other small animals that live there.

How to get to the Kinabatangan area

Getting to Kinabatangan on your own is not common. Getting to Sukau, a small town right by the river, is a more realistic option. There is a daily minibus shuttle that runs between Sukau and Sandakan. Other than that, the areas along the river are not served by public transport.

Usually, transportation is arranged either by the accommodation or the tour provider. The most common starting points are Sandakan or Sepilok and the trip takes about 2-3 hours. On such trips, you also become aware of the seemingly endless palm oil plantations you drive past in Borneo..

A few accommodation providers also pick up their guests in Sandakan by boat.

Accommodation along the river

There are different types of accommodation in the Kinabatangan area: from basic homestays to upscale lodges, there is something for every preference and budget. Most of the accommodation is located in and around Sukau, a small town right on the river. You can find a restaurant and a shop there as well.

Our recommendation

The Kinabatangan River is one of the  highlights of Borneo . However, you should not set your expectations too high, because rainforest clearings have left their traces. Nevertheless, sailing along the river in idyllic tranquillity and looking out for animals is an unforgettable experience.

It is advisable to compare different tours and book early. In particular, you should pay attention to which local services, especially excursions, are included in the packages. Otherwise, seemingly cheap offers can turn out to be expensive afterwards.

If you don’t want to visit the region immediately after your arrival, Sepilok is a perfect starting point. For most of the tours, this is on the route between the river and  Sandakan . Accordingly, starting here reduces travel time and is sometimes also a bit cheaper.

Unfortunately, there are a lot of leeches in the areas along the river. You should therefore bring protection against the little bloodsuckers if you are planning hikes (which is advisable).

Check this out

Besides the Kinabatangan River region, there are many other nature highlights in Borneo. Check out the following:

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How to take the BEST Kinabatangan River Trip

This 560-kilometer-long river is part of the Sukai-Kinabatangan Wildlife Sanctuary and runs through Sabah state in Malaysian Borneo.    It is a simply stunning area to visit and encounter a wide variety of wildlife.  The Kinabatangan River has the highest concentration of wildlife in Borneo.  While most of the travel and wildlife spotting is from the river, most people stay in riverside lodges and spend several days here.   It’s possible also to take wildlife hikes and the wide variety of habitats provides for diverse wildlife spotting.  Taking a Kinabatangan River cruise and tour provides fabulous opportunities to see truly wild animals in their native environment.

THIS POST MAY CONTAIN COMPENSATED AND AFFILIATE LINKS MORE INFORMATION IN  OUR DISCLAIMER

EASIEST WAY TO VISIT

Is to take a trip from Sandakan. These trips include transport to and from the river. And they include accommodation. Staying overnight on the river is the BEST way to see all the wildlife that the area has to offer. Book early for the best accommodation!

Why You Should Visit the Kinabatangan River

This is the area of Borneo that has the largest concentration of wildlife on Borneo.  It means that this is your best chance of seeing some of Malaysia’s animals in the wild.  It is also possible (and we did) to see some of Malaysia’s rarest animals.  In the Kinabatangan River area, you can spot

• Proboscis monkeys
• Pygmy elephants
• A whole variety of birdlife including the hornbill, kingfisher, and the endangered Storm Stork

Best Tours of the Kinabatangan River

There are a variety of ways to see this area and the wildlife in it. If you only have a half-day or one day, then your best options are to focus on the wildlife rehabilitation centers. They are amazing. and you’ll get to see these stunning creatures in a natural habitat. You won’t, however, get to travel on the Kinabatangan River. You’ll need to stay around for at least 2 days to do that. The best options for visiting are:

Best Half-Day and One-Day Trips of the Kinabatangan Area

• Half-day visit to the Sepilok Orangutan Rehab Centre
• Half-day visit to Sepilok Orangutan Rehab Center + the Sun Bear Conservation Center
• Day Trip from Sandakan to see Orangutan and Probiscis Monkeys
• Full-Day Trip to see Orangutan, Probiscis Monkey & Sun bears from Sandakan

Multi-Day Trips to the Kinabatangan River

If you truly want to see the natural aspects of the Kinabatangan River, then you need to come and stay overnight. In the jungle. But that doesn’t mean that you have to rough it. Far from it. And what you pay here goes a long long way. Many of the accommodation options you can book (see later in this article) are ALL-INCLUSIVE – which means that you get all your food, water and river cruises, night walks, and forest trail walks included. It doesn’t include beer, which you’ll have to pay for in cash. You may, when booking accommodation-focused trips have to pay for a transfer from Sandakan. Here are the best trips you can book that are all-inclusive, and include transport.

Best 2 Day One Night Visit to the Kinabatangan River Area

This one night, 2 day visit to the Kinabatangan area includes one night’s accommodation at the Sepilok Jungle Resort, located in the rainforest. You’ll get to visit the Sepilok Orangutan Rehabilitation Centre and the Sun Bear Conservation Center. It includes your lunch and breakfast and transfers to and from Sandakan hotels or the Sandakan airport. You can reserve this here. Note that this does not have a Kinabatangan River Cruise included.

Best 3 Day 2 Night Kinabatangan River Cruises included

This 2 night, 3 day Kinabatangan River stay includes 2 nights at the Bilit Adventure Lodge, surrounded by the rainforest. You’ll get to cruise on the river, and see the wildlife in its natural habitat – there are elephants, orangutan, maroon langur (endemic to Borneo), and Bornean gibbon (endemic to Borneo), snakes, crocodiles, civet cats, monitor lizards, macaques, and otters. If you want to stay in the rainforest and cruise on the Kinabatangan river this is a superb option. Reserve your place here.

Do everything on this 4 day, 3-night visit to the Kinabatangan River

If you really want to experience everything that the Kinabatangan River has to offer, then this is the trip for you. You’ll stay for one night at the Sepilok Jungle Resort and visit the Sepilok Orangutan Rehab Center, then see the sun bears at the Sun Bear Conservation Center, there’s also a visit to the Rainforest Discovery Center to see red giant flying squirrels and birds. Then you’ll move to the Bilit Adventure Lodge and stay there for two nights. Your visit will include river cruises, night walks, and forest trail walks. It doesn’t get better than this! See availability for this Kinabatangan River trip here!

When to Visit the Kinabatangan River

One of the beauties of the Kinabatangan River is that you can visit it all year round, almost regardless of the weather.   November to March is the rainy season in Borneo and while this means that you’ll be able to go further into the offshoot channels of the river, it also means that at the peak (December to January), it might be pretty tough to get there.

If you’re looking to visit the Kinabatangan River to view birdlife, then taking your trip between April and October will give you the best chance of spotting avian life.

Where is the Kinabatangan River?

The Kinabatangan River is located on the island of Borneo, in the Malaysian state of Sabah.  It runs from the Crocker range of mountains in the southeast of the state to the Sulu Sea to the southeast of the city of Sandakan.

What to Expect on a Kinabatangan River Cruise

Depending on how long you spend in the Kinabatangan River area you can expect to see a wide variety of wildlife here.  Many of the species that you’ll see here you won’t be able to find anywhere else in the world.  The banks of the Kinabatangan River are home monitor lizards, macaques, the Proboscis monkey, orangutans, and crocodiles.  You’ll also find herds of the Borneo pygmy elephants.  These are the smallest elephants in Asia.

If you’re looking for other ethical places to see elephants, then I highly recommend the Mondulkiri Elephant Sanctuary in Cambodia. It is glorious. We took a hike there and you can read about it here.

How long should you spend on the Kinabatangan River?

As your trip to the Kinabatangan area takes around 3 hours to get from Sandakan, you’re going to spend half a day getting there.  We recommend you spend at LEAST 2 nights in the Kinabatangan area.  You’ll often find that adding an extra night doesn’t add a huge cost to your trip.

There is no National Park fee to pay, and depending on the lodge that you select, you may also be able to spot wildlife directly from your lodge, as we did.  However, you’re going to want to take regular trips out onto the river.  Our schedule, which is reviewed at the bottom of this article had us taking 2 river trips a day (morning and early evening), mid-afternoon walks, and evening walks as well.    Unless you have a specific wildlife interest in the area you are unlikely to return to this area, so we recommend that you make the most of it!

There’s a lot that you can see here, depending on how much time you have.

If you like National Parks, then also head to Bako National Park, near Kuching also on Malaysian Borneo, our guide to Bako National Park is here.

Half-Day Trips to the Kinabatangan River Area

Here are the half-day short trips to the Kinabatangan River.

Half-Day Visit to the Kinabatangan River Area to see Orangutan & Sun Bears

This half-day Kinabatangan area trip picks you up either from Sandakan airport or your hotel and takes you to the world’s largest and oldest Oran Utan Rehabilitation Centre. You’ll also get to see the first Sun Bear Conservation Centre in the world. (I wrote about Sun Bears here ) At the end of your visit, your English-speaking driver will return you to either your hotel or the airport. If you only have a very short time here this is a great option to explore this part of the world and see the animals that make it so special. You can book online for immediate confirmation here.

Half-Day Trip to the Sepilok Orangutan Centre

This is a truly magical place to visit. And this half-day trip to Sepilok makes it super easy to get here and back to your hotel. You’ll be collected from your accommodation and taken to the Sepilok Orangutan Rehab center. This is one of the top things to do in Sabah and you’ll get to see how baby orangutans are nurtured back to health, and see how they place, you can even participate in feeding time. Get immediate confirmation of your place, and free cancellation too.

One Day Trips to the Kinabatangan River Area

If all the time you have is one day, then here are two options for a day trip to the Kinabatangan River. Note that these day trips take place from Sandakan. You can be picked up from the airport in Sandakan or your accommodation.

See Orangutans & Proboscis Monkeys in a One day Kinabatangan Trip

This 10-hour day trip to see Orangutans & Proboscis Monkeys picks you up from either your hotel or Sandakan airport and then transports you, with an English-speaking guide to the oldest and the biggest Orang Utan Rehabilitation in the World. You’ll get to see the work done here and get up close with Orangutans, there’s even the chance to get involved at feeding time. See how baby orangutans are rehabilitated and how they play. Then you’ll visit the Rainforest Discovery Centre where you can experience its amazing ecology and biodiversity. Your final stop on this day trip in the Kinabatangan River area is the Labuk Bay Proboscis Sanctuary, situated at the center of the mangrove forest, close to the sea shore. This is the only place to watch the Proboscis Monkey at close range in Borneo. Reserve your place to see Orangutan and Proboscis monkeys here.

See Orangutans, Proboscis Monkeys & Sun Bears in a One day Kinabatangan River Area Trip

In this 9-hour day trip , you’ll get a little less time in each location, but you’ll get to visit the oldest and biggest Orangutan Rehabilitation in The World. During the visit, which happens at feeding time, you’ll see where orphaned baby Orangutans get nursed back to health, and how they learn by playing. Then you’ll go to the Labuk Bay Proboscis Sanctuary, the only place in Borneo where you can view this monkey at close range. Finally, you’ll get to visit the Sun Bear Conservation Centre. Your trip will wrap up with a forest walk through the rainforest before you’ll be transported back to your hotel or the airport. This day trip really packs it in, and if a day is all you have it’s great value for money to see the wildlife of the Kinabatangan River area. Book your place now, this trip is super popular.

Now, this is where it gets interesting. And this is what I recommend. What you’re seeing on the one-day or less tours of the Kinabatangan area are the wildlife rehab centers for sun bears, orangutans, and proboscis monkeys. They are all amazing centers and do fantastic work. But if you want to see the wildlife along the river, wake at dawn and see the rainforest waking up, or take a night hike along forest trails, then you’ll need to stay at least one night. You’re better off staying 2 or 3 nights, as animals don’t perform here. this is the Jungle. And it’s a long way to come.

How to Get to the Kinabatangan River

Virtually all tours and cruises of the Kinabatangan River start from the closest main town, Sandakan, which you’ll find in the eastern part of the state of Sabah on Malaysian Borneo.   Sandakan is around a four-hour drive to the Kinabatangan River area.  This timeframe is, however, rainy season dependent.

If you are traveling from other parts of Malaysia to visit the Kinabatangan River, it’s advisable to spend the night before your trip in the town of Sandakan.   Check accommodation options in Sandakan now

How to Get to the Kinabatangan River from Kuala Lumpur

You’ll be able to easily take a flight from Kuala Lumpur to Sandakan Airport, which is located VERY close to the town of Sandakan.  While it is possible to take an early morning flight to Sandakan from KL, we recommend spending the night before your Kinabatangan River cruise in Sandakan to ensure you have time to make the trip to the river.  –  Check Kuala Lumpur to Sandakan flight options now

The alternative cheaper route from Kuala Lumpur to Sandakan is to fly from Kuala Lumpur to Kota Kinabalu and then take a bus from Kota Kinabalu to Sandakan.  The bus takes around 6 hours from Kota Kinabalu to Sandakan.  The combination of flight and bus is usually cheaper than flying directly to Sandakan, but you’ll spend an entire day getting here.  Check your options here, but we recommend flying directly to Sandakan.

If you’re coming over from Kuala Lumpur, then our guide to Malaysia’s capital city is here.

How to get to the Kinabatangan River from Sandakan

This is the easy bit.  For you, at least.  It takes a minimum of four hours to travel from Sandakan to the Kinabatangan River area.  In the wet season, this can take a lot longer. Much of the route is not paved and becomes heavy, clogging mud very quickly, so you’ll want to ensure that your transport has a great 4WD option and high clearance!  99% of all trips to the Kinabatangan River include transport from your hotel or hostel in Sandakan.

Check these options f or Kinabatangan Tours from Sandakan now!

How to Get to the Kinabatangan River from Kota Kinabalu

The cheapest way to go from Kota Kinabalu to the Kinabatangan River is by bus to Sandakan from Kota Kinabalu.  The bus journey is easy, but long – about 6 hours.  You’ll get to travel past the entrance to Mount Kinabalu and see the palm oil plantations that are taking over the landscape of Malaysia.

It’s not possible to book the bus ticket to Sandakan from Kota Kinabalu online at this time.    You’ll need to either book with your hostel or hotel, or go to the bus station in Kota Kinabalu and buy the ticket.  Two bus companies run this trip, and so long as you get there about 90 minutes before the bus leaves you should be able to book a ticket.  If you want to book online for your trip to Sandakan from Kota Kinabalu, then we recommend a flight.

You can also fly from Kota Kinabalu to Sandakan – flights are relatively cheap (not as cheap as the bus though) and the flight takes an hour – check the options for flights to Sandakan from Kota Kinabalu here .

If you are traveling to Sandakan from Kota Kinabalu to start a Kinabatangan River tour then you’ll need to stay overnight in Sandakan one night > best options here

While you’re in Sandakan, be sure to check out some of the best things to do there, our guide is here.

Where to stay on the Kinabatangan River

For visiting the Kinabatangan River area and seeing wildlife, you have a choice of staying in a lodge on the river – and our two recommendations are below – or you can stay in a homestay in the village of Sukau Bilit.   Note that any transfers for these stays will be an additional cost and you will need to negotiate with your host any river cruises that you wish to take.

For a full Kinabatangan River experience, we recommend staying in a lodge on the river.  And it doesn’t have to completely blow the budget.

The Borneo Natural Sukau Bilit Resort with Private Cottages or Dorms

This place is amazing , it was our luxury stay for 2 nights.    It’s located directly on the banks of the Kinabatangan River.  All the buildings are on wooden stilts above the forest floor and are connected by a series of boardwalks.  All the rooms and the main lodge are constructed of local Borneo Iron Wood, native to Borneo.  All the rooms have balconies, air conditioning, a ceiling fan, and mosquito nets.  Ensuite bathrooms have hot and cold showers.  You can spot wildlife from the resort itself. Reserve a room now! The rates are all-inclusive, which means all your river cruises and food are included.

It is quite simply glorious.   Their packages include transport to and from Sandakan, as well as river cruises and night walks.  This is amazing value for a stunning location.  Take the longer package for the best option of seeing more wildlife.  Check availability and book now.

The Gorgeous Borneo Nature Lodge

All packages include transfers to and from Sandakan town or the airport (transfers take 2-2.5 hours each way).   Each of the lovely wooden chalet-style rooms, located on stilts above the forest floor has mosquito nets, air conditioning, and en suite bathrooms.  All packages also include river cruises and forest walks.  Meals are taken in the common area restaurant and lounge.  There’s also a satellite TV here and you can also fish from the resort.  Check availability and book now.

The Last Frontier Boutique Resort

While the Last Frontier Boutique Resort isn’t set on the Kinabatangan River, it is in quite a stunning location – on the top of a 350-foot high hill overlooking the Kinabatangan Forest Reserve.  The only way to access this resort is by way of 600 steps. Up.  You will be staying in the middle of the jungle, and this location is stunning.  We didn’t stay here as they didn’t have availability when we visited, but we did take a hike here to see the views and the location.  Some rooms have an en suite, and boat cruises and jungle-trekking activities are included in every stay.  Meals are included and there is an on-site bar (beer and wine) for extra costs.  Transfers from Sandakan can be arranged at an extra cost, ask when or before you book.

Book this amazing location for your Kinabatangan Experience now!

Wildlife Spotting on the Kinabatangan River

This is a unique place to spot wildlife.  The Kinabatangan Reserve is home to a huge variety of birds, crocodiles, proboscis monkeys, orangutans, and Asia’s smallest elephants to name but a few species that you can expect to find here.

What wildlife can you expect to see on the Kinabatangan River

The wildlife that you see will depend on the trips that you take – and all of the places to stay that we recommend have included river cruises and jungle walks (day and night).  You are most likely to spot the wildlife in the early morning or later afternoon.

Pygmy Elephants on the Kinabatangan River

The pygmy elephants of Borneo are baby-faced with oversized ears, plump bellies, and tails so long they sometimes drag on the ground as they walk.   They’re genetically different from other Asian elephants and were isolated more than 300,000 years ago from their cousins on mainland Asia and the island of Sumatra.  They’re the smallest elephants in Asia.  Even when they’re fully grown they look like babies.

There are only around 1,500 of these left in the world.

Orangutans on the Kinabatangan River

The Bornean Orangutan is native to Borneo.  They are an endangered species and seeing them in the wild (as well as at the rescue centers in Sepilok, one of the best things to do in Sandakan , and Semenggoh , one of the best things to do near Kuching ) is a stunning experience.  You will most likely see them on a river cruise.

Orangutans are becoming increasingly endangered, as their habitat continues to decrease.  If you take the bus from Sandakan to Kota Kinabalu you’ll see the increasing number of palm oil plantations responsible for this.

Proboscis monkeys on the Kinabatangan River

They’re reddish-brown, and this monkey is endemic to Borneo, where they exist alongside the Bornean Orangutan.  They’re the largest monkey species native to Asia – males are generally 66 – 76cm tall, and weigh in at up to 22 kilos.  The males have a large nose  (or Probiscus) – which can be more than 10cm long and both males and females have bulging stomachs – like a potbelly.  They’re also called, a “Dutch” monkey, as the Bornean often thought that they looked like their colonizers, with large noses and bellies.

Crocodiles on the Kinabatangan River

Crocodiles are territorial, so it’s relatively easy for your guide to find crocodiles for you to photograph along the banks of the Kinabatangan River.  The river is home to the most deadly of crocodiles, the saltwater crocodile and you are bound to see at least a few of them.

Snakes on the Kinabatangan River

There are around 160 different types of snakes on Borneo.  Most of the everyday ones are harmless, and most of the time you won’t even see them unless your guide points them out.

Birdlife on the Kinabatangan River

This area is a birders paradise – this is the home of some of Borneo’s most glorious birds, which include the smallest raptor in the world, the White-Fronted Falconet, and the endangered Storm’s Stork as well as Dwarf Kingfishers, Wallace’s Hawk-eagle, the Malaysian Flycatcher, Oriental Darter, the Rhinoceros Hornbill, the Asian Black Hornbill, and the Oriental Pied Hornbill.

The Storm Stork

The Storm Stork is a 90cm long stork with black and white plumage, a red bill, and red legs, it has a world population of fewer than 500 individuals and is officially endangered.

The best time of day to spot wildlife on the Kinabatangan River

You’ll want to ensure that whatever tour you select, it includes trips on the river and hikes at the time of day when it’s best to spot the wildlife that you want to.  The best times to spot wildlife are

0530-0730:  Best time for spotting birds and orangutans

1600-1730:  Best time for spotting proboscis monkeys

1900 +  Best time for crocodiles and nocturnal birds

Kinabatangan River Tour Tips

• Take a head torch/headlamp with both white and red lights – your accommodation may be located away from the central lodge. Red lights are best for nighttime viewing, you won’t scare away the animals or blind them.  A head strap means you’ll keep both hands free.
• We know that it’s exciting seeing wildlife, but be sure to keep quiet. Exclaiming wow loudly or shrieking will only frighten animals away.  Keep your mouth shut and whisper!
• Make a note of the species that you see, when you see them. It’s tough to remember what’s what when you return home with hundreds of photos.
• Don’t get too close. Stay away from animals.  Do NOT feed them.  Getting too close to animals and feeding them endangers them and their future survival.

BEST RECHARGEABLE HEADLAMP

Rechargeable Headlamp

Nitecore is a fabulous brand, and this is a great rechargeable headlamp for all your travels. Charges really quickly and it’s super bright too.

Our Review of our visit to the Kinabatangan River

We left our hotel in Sandakan at 12:30 promptly.  Our Kinabatangan River tour was two nights on the Kinabatangan River along with transfers, four river cruises, two-night walks, and a hike to Oxbow Lake.

You can book a similar trip ahead of time – and get a GREAT price for a Kinabatangan River Adventure

Next up was the Borneo Nature Sukai Bulit Resort. It’s just new promised our host in Sandakan. The photos looked like it was new, and so did the pics posted on Facebook in May of that year. Two and a half hours and 6 other folks (four Germans and two Aussies) later, we’d arrived. It looks exactly like it did on the internet. To say we were all stunned was an understatement.

It is lovely

The lodge itself is located RIGHT on the river, the accommodation is set a little further back.

We have a “private cottage” – which is basically a detached wooden chalet on stilts with a rainfall (hot water) shower, two large twin beds, individual mosquito nets, a fan, and air conditioning. There are even multiple electricity sockets. I think I’m in heaven.

There is crisp white bed linen, warm duvets (which kind of concerns me, it is currently around 30 degrees outside), a very comfortable mattress, a really decent pillow and we have face cloths (!!!) and fluffy white towels. And there’s a reading light too. I bet the Aussies who only booked for one night are frantically trying to rearrange their plans!

Our trip from Sandakan took 2.5 hours and we were welcomed with an icy flannel and drinks (tea, coffee, and water are available for free the whole time we’re here), and then shown to our rooms. The two German guys are in a dorm, which they say is nice. It’s just the two of them at the moment, so they have their choice of all six toilets in there! This truly was a fabulous tour from Sandakan, you can see some of the other top Sandakan tours that I’ve written about here.

High tea of fried bananas, coffee, and tea was at 3:30 pm and we met Aloy our guide. We were joined by 6 others who arrived yesterday for our first river cruise.

The dining room where we’ll take our meals sits right on the edge of the property, right on the river banks, so we can watch the world float by.  We can actually see the Asian pygmy elephants from the restaurant. Without binoculars, although they certainly help.

Just after 1600, we took to the boat. Arthur, our tour guide (up until now) and driver, is our host and Roy is our driver for the next two hours, although we don’t have to go far for our first stop.

There are 14 of us in our boat and we join nine other boats hovering, 50 meters from the elephants and watching them feed.

Later, the elephants are literally 200 meters from our lodge. Our night walk is subsequently canceled, we can’t go on the trail when there are elephants there, but at the moment that’s of no consequence, because we’re here watching them eat, mate, swim, and generally be elephants in the wild.  Now that is more than a little bit cool.

There’s a group of folks who have been at a resort across the river from us for 7 days and today is the first day that they’ve seen elephants, a boat alongside has come from 20 kilometers upriver to see the elephants, so we feel incredibly lucky.

It is a further few minutes before we’ve found a group of Proboscis monkeys.

It’s hard to spot them as the sun is starting to go down behind the trees that they’re in, but we manage a few shots.

Our final sighting is of a bird that’s endangered in Malaysia, the Storm Stork.  We can’t really see anything more than the silhouette against the setting sun, so we head back and at 6:15 pm we’re back at the boat jetty.

“Dinner at 7”, says Joe as we all troop off back to our rooms.  There’s no night walk tonight, as the elephants are too close, so there will be “alternative” entertainment after dinner.

Dinner is buffet style – rice, a chicken dish, plus bitter gourd (which is REALLY bitter), cucumber salad, oysters fried up in oyster sauce with vegetables, long beans, and some form of meat.  It is SO good to have dishes that don’t taste as though they’ve been fried to within an inch of their life. And plain white rice. It’s good food.

After dinner, Joe introduces us to the team – drivers, boat drivers, chef, and the kitchen staff. He explains that Malaysia is made up of 42 different peoples and tribes and explains where the team is from. There will be a short cultural show, he explains, some music and dancing and if we play an instrument we can join in, but we can all join in the dancing.

And we do. There are several traditional Malay dances, which few of us seem able to master, (this is like your worst Dad’s dance at an 80’s disco nightmare EVER) but which aren’t too dissimilar to a barn dance or a line dance and just as we’re all starting to get rather warm, we wrap up with La Bamba and Aloy on guitar with a final traditional Malay song.

We might not have got our night jungle walk, but it’s been a really pleasant evening that we wrap up with a Tiger sighting. This one costs 10 RM for a 330 ml can and is wonderfully, bitterly cold. Then after THE best shower in 15 months on the road (you have to visit this place for the shower alone, actually scratch that, I might not have left by then, I have another 65 days or so left on my visa..and it is going to be hard to leave this bathroom and bedroom) we turned in.

The alarm is set for 05:15, coffee will be ready at 05:30 and we’re going crocodile hunting at 6.

Getting up the next morning, it turns out that the noises we heard in the night were elephants, closer than we’d thought, but not close enough to disturb us in our little cocoon of luxury. ( I doubt anything would have moved me from it).

Two cups of coffee later, we’re all in the boat heading on the hunt for crocodiles as the mist covers part of the river, the boat is mostly silent.

Well, the people in the boat are, the engines whine as we head upriver.

Two hours later and we’ve spotted several crocodiles, who must snooze in the same spot each morning based on Aloy’s unerring ability to motor along at high speed and drift to a halt before he seemingly finds them, and we’re back for breakfast.

There’s time for a quick shower and we’re off on a walk.   We can’t head into the Jungle area, because although the elephants have swum across the river, they could also swim back, so we’re going up “Dutch Hill” with Aloy.

We walk through the village and find ourselves at the bottom of a set of rickety wooden steps.  These are the steps to the “Last Frontier” ( book your place now , this place goes QUICK!)   It turns out that this is Aloy’s Dad’s land and it’s leased to the Last Frontier folks.   It gets rave reviews, but there are a huge number of steps here.  And no other way in.

The view from the top is so-so, but I can’t deny it’s gloriously isolated and it must be wonderful to see the stars and listen to the wildlife here at night.

But we’re staying on the river, and so we headed back, we’d spent a couple of hours just wandering, the only wildlife being the yellow-banded tree snake that we saw just on leaving the property.  Curled up sleeping in a tree above our heads.  (shudder).

After lunch, we head out on another walk into the village – just a few minutes away.

We make it as far as a homestay.  Where we’re sat on the porch to eat Hari Raya delicacies while Aloy chatters away with his mates.  And then it’s more time on the river.

It might sound like this was a non-stop trip, but it definitely was laid back and slow – the lack of Jungle Walks was a little disappointing, but there’s no doubt that the Kinabatangan River is beautiful.  It was busier though on this second day, with more boats, but also more wildlife that we started to get better at spotting.

Another herd of elephants – this time we found them downriver and sat, engine idling for perhaps an hour just watching them feed, drink and bathe.

The only low point of the trip was a boat from the Sukai Greenview Resort (the only folks to reply to us on email) which pulled up to the river bank and sat there, less than 5 meters from the elephants, who were clearly disturbed by the intrusion for the entire time we were watching, while those inside the boat took selfies after selfie and laughed and shrieked at their good fortune.

It’s such a huge privilege to be here and to see these animals in their habitat, but each time we see them and each time we see something like this happen,  I can’t help but wonder on the damage that we’re doing to them.  Is it better to stay away?  How do we police better management? And it just makes me feel so very sad.

Elephants seen we headed downriver, one boat idled near the bank on the other side, then pulled off as we pulled up.  We sat in silence, apart from the clicking of cameras (seriously, they’re all digital, doesn’t anyone know where the sound off button is?), and watched.

This was our old man of the forest in the wild.  The Bornean Orangutan.

We only had a few minutes of his time, but it was absolutely magical.

Returning to the lodge and another canceled Jungle Night Walk (it’s those elephants again) it was an early night for all because we were up again at 0515 for our last trip on the river.

More crocodiles, and birds this time.

Malaysia Travel Tips

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Final Words on Visiting the Kinabatangan River

The final word as we left the Kinabatangan and headed back to Sandakan goes to the elephants.  We’re leaving our wonderful rainfall shower, and crisp white linen, and heading back to a hostel, but it truly has been an honor to spend time in this glorious location, I hope it, and the animal habitat don’t get overcome with selfie-stick-waving hordes.

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Sarah Carter

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2 thoughts on “ How to take the BEST Kinabatangan River Trip ”

• 2 comments

Wonderful adventure Sarah! My family learned a lot from yr sharing before we visited Sandakan. The orangutan, Proboscis monkeys and the birds were amazing. Come back to Malaysia and visit other parts of the country again…!

So glad you had a great time, I miss Malaysia, Borneo specifically, it is my favourite place in Malaysia!!

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Kinabatangan River Borneo: guide to a bucket list jungle experience

Beams of a rising sun shining through the morning fog over the Kinabatangan River, the magical silence interrupted by the calls of monkeys and flapping wings of hornbills flying over. We’re sitting in a small boat, cruising down the Kinabatangan River deep in the jungle of Borneo. Despite the early hour, we’re intently observing the river banks to spot wildlife.

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It’s difficult to capture this experience in words… It was magical and moved us deeply, we’ll never forget it! Definitely one of the highlights of our Malaysian travels .

In this guide, we’ll give you all the information you need to experience and plan this multiple-day and night Kinabatangan River cruise and jungle adventure yourself . How to do this on a budget , where to sleep, how to get there and so much more!

This guide is useful to anyone traveling out there. But as we were there with two small kids of 6 and 7 years old, we’ll also show you this amazing experience deep in the jungle of Borneo, is perfectly doable with young children !

Read more:  Our travel diary, we discover magical Borneo

How to get to the Kinabatangan River

The Kinabatangan River is situated in Sabah , the northern province of Malaysian Borneo .

Although it isn’t really difficult to reach Kinabatangan, there is no direct public transport to Sukau or Bilit, which are the two main villages next to the Kinabatangan River where you can stay to do these cruises. You’ll have to pass one of the hubs nearby, which are Kota Kinabalu, Sandakan, Sepilok, or Semporna .

A lot of the hotels or resorts offering the 2D/1N or 3D/2N jungle and river experiences will include a private pickup from either Sandakan, the Sukau junction, or the Sepilok junction . Read more below to get the details. If you’re out of options, you can always contact Mr Choy , a local from Sukau who arranges private transport. His number is easy to find on Google and we’ve heard very good reviews.

First of all, you need to fly to Borneo . It is very cheap to fly from Kuala Lumpur to either Kota Kinabalu or Sandakan with Air Asia .

It depends on the rest of your Borneo itinerary which one you should choose. Sandakan is closer to Kinabatangan, but we flew to Kota Kinabalu because we wanted to spend some time there as well.

From Kota Kinabalu to Kinabatangan

There are two ways to get from Kota Kinabalu to Kinabatangan

This is the   cheapest option . From Kota Kinabalu, busses leave to either Sandakan or Semporna.

If you take the bus to Semporna, get off at the Sukau junction. If you take the bus to Sandakan, you can either stay on the bus till Sandakan or ask them to drop you off at the Sepilok junction.

Whichever option you take, ask your accommodation to pick you up there. Or try to find a van at the junctions and ask them to bring you to your destination. 

The bus ride takes long (about 6 hours) and passes Mount Kinabalu which is the interesting part. After that, you get hours of palm tree plantations. It’s such a shame to see how much jungle has disappeared. But because we wanted to visit the orangutan sanctuary at Sepilok,  we decided to take the bus to Sandakan anyway, even with two young kids.

You could go straight from Kota Kinabalu to Kinabatangan, but it will be a very long day that way. Staying overnight in Sandakan or Sepilok could be a better option.

We highly recommend choosing Sepilok! You’ll get a more authentic jungle experience and nicer accommodation. We spent the night in the Paganakan Dii Tropical Retreat . It was basic, but we had a lovely stay right in the jungle and they arranged our transport to the Sepilok center.

Compare accommodations in Sepilok here.

If you choose to stay in Sandakan anyway, try to book accommodation near the beach. We’ve heard it’s not safe everywhere, but this area is okay.

Compare accommodations in Sandakan here.

By plane and bus

Flying by plane from Kota Kinabalu to Sandakan is by far the quickest option to reach the Kinabatangan River. It will be a bit more expensive than by bus, but still very affordable with Air Asia. Not as good for the environment on the other hand. Ask your hotel or resort to pick you up in Sandakan, if possible even on the same day.

Check out cheap tickets from Sandakan to Kota Kinabalu here.

If not, take the bus from Sandakan to Semporna or Lahad Datu and again, ask them to drop you off at the Sukau junction. Ask your accommodation to pick you up there or try to find a van at the junctions and ask them to bring you to your destination.

If you want to visit  Sepilok before heading over to Kinabatangan, take the bus to Kota Kinabalu and ask them to drop you off at the Sepilok junction.

From Sandakan or Sepilok to Kinabatangan

First, check if your accommodation can arrange a transfer from Sandakan or Sepilok. The resort where we booked our 3D/2N stay at Kinabatangan, picked us up in our accommodation in Sepilok. Very handy, especially with kids.

If that’s not possible, from Sandakan, take the bus to Semporna or Lahad Datu and get off at the Sukau Junction. From Sepilok, wave at the bus to Lahad Datu or Semporna that is passing by at the Sepilok Junction.

Taking Grab is possible, but it will cost you a lot. Drivers often will charge double because they need to drive back with an empty car.

From Semporna to Kinabatangan

In Semporna, take the bus to Kota Kinabalu and get off at the Sukau junction. From there, take one of the vans waiting to drive you to Sukau or Bilit, or wait for your hotel/resort pickup.

The best time to visit the Kinabatangan River

Travel to Sabah is possible all year round, but the  best time to visit Borneo is from March until September . Also for diving, with clearest views from April to June. If you love photography, you better choose to travel to Borneo during the dry season.

Starting from October, your chances of heavy rainfall increase significantly, and traveling in Borneo from November to February means you are right in the middle of the rainy season. It’s possible but we wouldn’t recommend it, especially with kids.

Kinabatangan River on a budget

If you start to search the internet to plan a Kinabatangan River Cruise, it appears as if the only way to experience this, is to book one of the many tour packages , often organized from Kota Kinabalu or Sandakan. They are  very expensive !

However, it is perfectly possible to plan everything yourself and it will be much cheaper !

Read more: Best travel planning resources and inspiration

We love to travel with our kids on a budget so we arranged everything without an agency and got an amazing, all-included , 3-day Borneo jungle experience for RM 1490 ($350/€330) for the whole family. We paid around $130/€120 for an adult and $65/€60 for a child, including all jungle treks and river cruises, accommodation, and food.

You could even just book a room and arrange the river cruises or jungle treks when you’re there. Most homestays charge about RM50 per person for one river cruise.

Read more:  The ultimate guide to travel with kids on a budget

How to arrange your own Kinabatangan experience?

First, contact one of the resorts or homestays we discuss below and book your tour directly with them. Ask them if they can pick you up in Sandakan, Sepilok, or where the bus drops you.

Next, take the bus from Kota Kinabalu, Sandakan, Sepilok, or Semporna as we explained above, instead of flying or grabbing a private taxi. Await your pickup, call Mr Choy, or walk over to your resort. And that’s it!

Kinabatangan River with kids

We often get the question if Borneo and the Kinabatangan River are suitable for children. First of all, yes! Take your kids over there! The whole family will love it!

We absolutely believe you can travel to Borneo with kids of all ages ! There are many activities, villages, cities, and cultural experiences that are great for even the smallest kids.

However, we’re not sure if babies or toddlers are ready for wildlife spotting . For example, in Bako National Park or at the Kinabatangan River, during one of the jungle treks or river cruises, you have to be silent. The guides listen to the sounds of the jungle to spot the wildlife. And as all parents know, it can be hard sometimes to get babies and toddlers quiet… 

Our girls were 6 and 7 when we did this jungle experience! They loved it! It’s one of the things they still talk about. They made many drawings afterward of the wildlife they saw on the river banks. The whole experience left a deep positive impression on them and certainly sparked their love for wildlife and the rainforest !

Where to stay at Kinabatangan River – Accommodations

Almost all of the homestays and resorts offer their own river cruises and jungle treks. Most people choose the 3D/2N or 2D/1N packages , but you can also just book a room and arrange your own jungle experiences à la carte .

We did a 3D/2N package. which we can highly recommend if you have the time (especially with kids). It will take you a while to get here and if you only stay one night, you might feel rushed. The place is amazing and so relaxing, take your time to enjoy it! That way you’ll have the most chance to spot the ‘big five’ of Borneo.

There are two villages next to the Kinabatangan River where you can find resorts and homestays, Sukau and Bilit . We stayed in Bilit, but Sukau is the most famous one.

Homestays are often basic, so don’t expect luxurious facilities. There are some more expensive resorts around if you would like some more luxury. And Sukau is mostly Muslim, so you’re not allowed to drink in the homestays.

Below we list some popular homestays that have great reviews. And the one we stayed in, of course!

Accommodations in Sukau

Sukau RB Lodge:  Probably one of the cheapest homestays around, which is also reflected in the accommodation. It is clean but old and very basic. However, if basic is okay for you, this is your place.

Sukau Riverside Homestay:  You stay with the most friendly family who will make your time here unforgettable with their delicious meals and excellent river cruises. Accommodation is basic but clean.

Osman’s Homestay:  Another homestay that gets great reviews and offers affordable packages or rooms and à la carte jungle experiences. 

Sukau Backpackers B&B:  This homestay also offers very affordable clean rooms and has great package prices. 

Sukau Greenview:  One of the most popular homestays that offer very affordable 3D/2N or 2D/1N packages. Their rooms are a bit more comfortable than the budget options.

Sukau Rainforest Lodge:  A National Geographic award-winning eco-lodge. They offer comfort and amazing experiences, but all sustainable and eco-friendly. 

Accommodations in Bilit

Borneo Natural Sukau Bilit Resort:  this is the resort we stayed in. Their rooms are very comfortable and clean and they have amazing package deals. We paid RM 530 for an adult and RM 215 for a child. This included all meals, 4 river cruises, 2 night walks, and 1 jungle trek. We loved our stay by the river and our kids even got the opportunity to plant two fig trees. Locals are trying to recover the rainforest after the deforestation by the palm oil industry.

Kinabatangan Nature Lodge:  They offer great value for money. They have both dorms and private rooms. 

Wildlife Spotting at the Kinabatangan River

The borneo big five.

A lot of people who come to Borneo, want to see the Borneo big 5 !

• Pygmy Elephant
• Proboscis Monkey
• Salt Water Crocodile
• Hornbill (8 types of hornbills live here in total)

Chances are very high you’ll see proboscis monkeys, crocodiles, and hornbills. To spot the small pygmy elephants and orangutans you need to get lucky, with the elephants being the hardest one.

These elephants roam the flanks of the river, looking for food. The guides usually know if they are anywhere around. If so, the main focus of your river cruises will be to find them. While doing that, you’ll see countless other animals.

On our first river cruise, we already saw 4 of them. Unfortunately, the Pygmy elephants never revealed themselves to us. The guides said they hadn’t been around for a few weeks.

Plenty of wildlife around Kinabatangan

Besides the Big 5, there is so much more wildlife to observe around the Kinabatangan River. Unfortunately, due to the many palm oil plantations nearby, animals are forced to live around the river, which is why it’s so easy to spot them.

Remember there is never any guarantee of how many and which animals you’ll see. Although the guides are experts in wildlife spotting and know the jungle very well, these animals are free to go wherever they want (luckily!). But trust me, you’ll see enough!

• Orangutan (if you get lucky)
• Proboscis monkey (endangered but plenty around)
• Long-tailed and short-tailed macaques (hundreds of them)
• Leaf monkeys (less common, we saw the silver leaf monkey)
• Borneo gibbon (you need to get lucky, but you might hear them)

• Kingfishers
• Owls (during the night)

Reptiles and amphibians:

• Saltwater crocodiles
• Monitor Lizard
• Frogs (mostly during the night)
• Turtles (if you are lucky)

Countless insects

Other amazing animals if you are lucky:

• Irrawaddy Dolphin (very rare)
• Sun Bear (very rare)

What to do at Kinabatangan River

If you come over here, it’s because you want the ultimate jungle and wildlife spotting experience. You can book river cruises and jungle treks à la carte with your homestay, or you might have booked a 3D/2N or 2D/1N package with your homestay.

We booked the 3D/2N experience with our kids . Below you can find our program. Although this might seem like a lot, we were all so enthusiastic about spotting the wildlife we didn’t mind. You’re absolutely free to skip something if you’re too tired. We skipped the night walk on our second night to give our girls some more sleep.

Itinerary for a 3D/2N Kinabatangan River Experience

• 11:45 am pick up in Sandakan or 13:00 am in Sepilok
• 3:30 pm tea time
• 4:00 pm river cruise about 2 hours
• 7:00 pm dinner
• 8:00 pm night walk for about 1 hour but it’s subject to weather availability
• 10:00 pm overnight

Second day:

• 6:00 am morning cruise about 1 hour
• 7:30 am breakfast
• 9:30 am Jungle trekking about 45 minutes
• 12:00 pm lunch
• 3.30 pm tea time
• 8.30 am check out – transfer to Sandakan or to one of the junctions where you want to take the bus to your next destination.

Morning Sunrise River Cruise

Be ready for an early awakening , as your morning cruise leaves at 6 a.m. sharp! Despite the very early hour, these sunrise river cruises were our favorite.

The morning fog creates a mystical atmosphere and the sun is not visible yet. It is still rather cold (so wear a jacket) and the animals are very active before the heat of the day rolls in.

The early morning is a perfect time to see crocs, as they try to catch one of the hundred birds or small monkeys sitting around the river. We saw some huge adult saltwater crocodiles and a few babies lying on the mud of the river banks.

Once the sun starts to rise and you get deeper into the jungle, you’ll see more and more monkeys wake up giving you an amazing show! We spotted macaques, proboscis monkeys (who are endangered but are commonly seen here), and even some leaf monkeys. 

Day Trek Jungle Experience

After having breakfast and resting a bit, it’s time to discover the surrounding jungle. It’s amazing how the local guides spot the wildlife! They’re definitely experts!

However, I have to be honest, we saw some, but not a lot of wildlife during our walk. Mainly because the jungle directly surrounding our homestay has been severely reduced due to the palm oil industry. Locals are trying hard to recover that. Our girls even planted two new trees near our homestay.

Nevertheless, a walk through the rainforest is never boring ! Our local guide, who lived here all his life, told us many interesting stories about surviving in the jungle and special trees, plants, and insects. Which leaves to use as a medicine, which branch to transform into a weapon.

Afternoon Sunset River Cruise

The afternoon cruises are great for spotting monkeys . Once the heat of the day is over, they love to rest, play, and just sit around the Kinabatangan River banks. 

We got very lucky and spotted orangutans immediately on our first sunset cruise and again the day after that. An entire family (mom, dad, and baby) were hanging out high in the treetops. We’ll never forget the experience of observing the ‘man of the jungle’, as orangutan means in the local language.

Many birds hang around the river as well. We spotted hornbills flying over, a kingfisher sitting on a branch, and  lizards  and crocodiles resting in the sun.

Again, being on a boat in the middle of the Borneo jungle while the sun is setting is magical . After spotting many monkeys, birds, a lizard, some crocodiles, and a few others, all we could do was silently enjoy the sunset over the river while going back to our homestay.

Night Walk Jungle Experience

Make sure you don’t miss a night walk in the jungle of Borneo! Many species come out at night, some scarier than others. But no worries, your very knowledgeable guide will not only spot them for you but also reassure you there is nothing to be afraid of.

For our girls this was a very thrilling experience, walking with their flashlight through the jungle looking for wildlife. At night, the sounds of the jungle are everywhere. This is how exciting as it gets!

We saw many insects , frogs , a palm civet cat , heard the monkeys, and spotted lots of birds sleeping on branches.

Environmental and ethical issues at Kinabatangan

Unfortunately, there is a reason why the Kinabatangan River is now such an amazing experience and one of the hot spots to see wildlife. The rainforest in this area has been severely reduced by the palm oil industry , forcing all the animals to live near the river which increases the chances of seeing them.

When we came by bus from Kota Kinabalu, we were devastated to see how much of the natural habitat of the wildlife had been destroyed . We saw palm plantations for hundreds of kilometers in a row.

If you come to this area, try to support the local communities and the environment . They have lost their land to the multinationals and are trying to earn an income out of tourism.

Book your stay with homestays , run by families who work with local people and fishermen. Besides the fact you provide them with an income, this choice is better for the environment as well. They use smaller boats and cook more local food.

A lot of local people understand how important the rainforest is for their existence and preserving wildlife. They try to buy back the land of the palm oil industry and make it into the forest again. When we were here, our girls also planted a fig tree each. Small steps, but every little help counts!

Here are some organizations you can support in their efforts to recover and preserve the rainforest, wildlife, and local communities.

• Itochu Corporation : Group working together with WWF to restore the tropical rainforests and conserve Borneo’s ecosystem.
• WWF – Heart of Borneo : An ambitious transboundary conservation initiative to preserve the heart of Borneo.
• Save The Orangutan : Program to protect and recover the natural habitat of the orangutan
• World Land Trust : buying land to make into forests again.
• Borneo Nature Foundation : Saving the rainforest by habitat protection, canal blocking, fighting fires and reforestation.
• Rainforest Trust : setting up crowdfunding to protect the rainforest and buy land.
• The Borneo Project : brings international attention and support to community-led efforts to defend forests, sustainable livelihoods, and human rights.

Tips before you go

If you plan a Kinabatangan River experience, here are some useful tips to make the best out of your stay.

The reason you come here is to spot wildlife of course. But adjust your expectations. Don’t expect you’ll be able to check everything on your bucket list. These animals are wild, which means they don’t pop up every time you want them to. For example, we didn’t see the Pygmy Elephants. However, no need to worry! You’ll see plenty of wildlife!

The homestays and villages are remote. Bring cash before you come here! There aren’t any ATMs nearby. And most homestays or restaurants won’t accept paying by card.

Don’t forget to stock up on food and snacks as well. Although the local people provide excellent food in their homestays, you might want to bring some extra snacks, especially for kids. There aren’t any big supermarkets around and everything will be much more expensive.

You’ve come to the jungle to spot wildlife, experience the rainforest, and relax. There won’t be any good Wifi or 4G. Some homestays do have a connection, which will allow you to send a message or mail and maybe even upload a picture. But that’s about it. So put your phone, tablet, or computer aside and enjoy the environment!

What to bring for a Kinabatangan River Cruise

Besides the regular stuff, you would bring to any vacation in South-East Asia, here are some things we really advise you to take along when you come to the Kinabatangan River.

First of all, it rains a lot in the area! It’s called a rainforest for a reason. Which means the humidity can be very high (above 90%). Try to avoid cotton clothes, they absorb the humidity. In the morning and evening, it can be rather cold as well. So don’t forget the following essentials:

• Rain jacket  for women , men , or kids . If you want to safe space, you could also choose a rain poncho .
• Dry bag  as you’ll be in a boat a lot and might encounter rain. So bring a dry bag to protect your valuables such as your camera or phone.
• Longsleeve or fleece for the afternoon for women , m en, or kids .

During your stay, you’ll need to do one or more jungle treks and  river cruises . Some homestays will provide boots but don’t count on it. It can get very hot as well during the day. So don’t forget the following essentials:

• Good hiking shoes for women , men , or kids . Personally, we love the Merell shoes.
• Hiking socks for women , men , or kids .
• Strong sunscreen , we like Banana Boat Sunscreen a lot, also for our kids.
• A hat for the sun  for women , men , or kids .
• Mosquito repellent: we use OFF! which works amazing. It is not as harmful as some others (especially for kids) and is perfect for the tropics.
• Leech socks: fortunately, we didn’t need them. And some homestays offer them to use. But it doesn’t hurt to bring your own leech socks.

You come here to spot wildlife . You’ll want to have a few essentials to enhance the experience and capture the animals truly.

• Binoculars  for adults or kids . Our homestay offered their binoculars, but the small and rather cheap one we brought was better. They don’t need to cost a lot to be great!
• A good camera:  we love our compact and affordable Sony A6000 , but with the upgraded full-frame Sony A7R IV you will have all the options. Full-frame cameras offer a lot more options for taking pictures in low-light situations.
• Zoom lens:  the wildlife won’t pop up right next to your boat. If you’d love to capture it, make sure to bring a zoom lens . Anything above 200mm will be great! I even used my camera as a binocular too.
• Flashlight:  during the night walks, you have to take a flashlight or headlamp .

Between the jungle experiences, you have some time to relax .

• Flip flops  for women , men , and kids .
• Yoga pants  for women , men , and kids .

And last but not least, don’t forget these other essentials.

• First-Aid Kit:  we bring our first-aid kit everywhere. You can either make your own or buy a complete first-aid kit .
• Water bottle, let’s reduce plastic!  We take our water bottles everywhere!

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1 thought on “kinabatangan river borneo: guide to a bucket list jungle experience”.

Amazing post! 🙂 Do you have the link for the Borneo Natural Sukau Bilit Resort? I seem I can’t find them anywhere online. Only tour operators… Thanks! Best, Joao

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The Island Drum

Southeast Asia based travel blog and information source for Langkawi, Malaysia and the surrounding areas.

Choosing Tours in Sabah: 16 Must See & Dos in Sandakan & Kinabatangan in 2023

October 14, 2022 by Vanessa Workman 4 Comments

Flying into Sandakan will leave you with a chunk of daylight to see and do quite a few things on your very first day, so take advantage of it and explore Sandakan. If you are scheduling a jungle resort stay and Kinabatangan area tours, they often include an airport pick up or hotel pick up, which leaves you to exploring Sandakan on arrival or on the return leg of your journey. Your choice. I’d personally recommend some time in Sandakan first before heading off into the jungle. At any rate, here are 16 things to see and do in Sandakan & Kinabatangan to consider when booking your tours in Sabah.

Choosing Tours in Sabah: Best Things to Do in Sandakan City

1. follow the sandakan heritage trail.

After arriving into Sandakan, one of easiest first things to do, is to follow the well-marked Sandakan Heritage Trail , which visitors can take on their own time and at their own pace. The route takes about one hour and begins at the 100-year-old Masjid Jamik and ends at the Sandakan Heritage Museum .

The Sandakan Heritage Trail is a no brainer for newbie Sandakan visitors and it’s also free. Yet a couple of those stops on the trail may warrant a bit more time, so I’ll give them their own highlights. Like to be prepared? Get a copy of the Sandakan Heritage Trail map HERE

2. Visit the Agnes Keith House

If you’re a fan of colonial style architecture, then you will appreciate the Agnes Keith House. It’s number 4 on the heritage trail map, but it’s a great first stop for new arrivals because there’s also a unique restaurant nearby.

The Agnes Keith Hous e was a British colonial government quarters, known as ‘Newlands’, and was the home to Henry George Keith, his wife Agnes and son George. Henry Keith was the Assistant Conservator of Forests for the governor of North Borneo. However, in addition to the gorgeous refurbishing of the original building (which was destroyed during World War II) it was Mrs. Keith who brought fame and recognition to the property.

Agnes Newton Keith wrote three books based on her life in Borneo; Land Below the Wind in 1939, Three Came Home in 1946, and White Man Returns in 1951. Three Came Home is the only book which was not written from the shores of Sandakan. It was a post-World War II account of the Keith family’s life as prisoners of war, and was written after their temporary, post-wartime departure to Canada.

Newlands was rebuilt after 1946. It became the first government permanent timber building to be built after World War II and was forever referred to as the ‘Agnes Keith House’. The Keith’s permanently left Sabah in 1952.

Today the building has been restored and turned into a heritage house by Sabah Museums and the Federal Department of Museums and Antiquities . It is furnished with reproductions of colonial furniture and antiques and highlights the life of Agnes and her family. To keep in the colonial spirit of things, the English Tea House & Restaurant is right next door.

Agnes Keith House,296, Jalan Utara, Sandakan Open: Daily, 9:00am to 5:00pm, Tel: 089-221 140 Entry: RM15 (Under age 12, free)

3. Get Historical at the Sandakan Heritage Museum

Last but not least, and number 10 on the Sandakan Heritage Trail map is Muzium Warisan Sandakan Wisma, better known as the Sandakan Heritage Museum . Not what you might expect from a Malaysian heritage museum, but the Sandakan Heritage Museum houses several displays which highlight the Borneo movements of American adventurers Martin and Osa Johnson .

The Johnson’s legacy may include a certain degree of exploitation, especially in the case of their time in North Borneo, depending on the source. But on the plus side, their film documentations of Borneo during the 1920s and 1930s has left the world with an incredible, historical glimpse of an amazing part of Malaysia. You can read more about this adventurous couple HERE

Sandakan Heritage Museum, Pusat Bandar, Sandakan Open: Daily, 9:00am to 5:00pm, Tel: 088-255 033 Entry: Free

4. Take a Free Walking Tour

5. Explore the Sandakan Art Trail

Although you will see various street art all-around Sandakan City, there is also an official Sandakan Art Trail with attached information markers which highlights several works of art. Each official marker includes an art trail map, theme inspiration and credits the artists by name, which is something you don’t often see at other street art locations in Malaysia .

The eight locations include a wall at the Sandakan Heritage Museum , the stairs next to the Public Bank , Astaka Padang Bandaran Sandakan , the REX Building , the former Standard Chartered Building , STP PUMP Pasar Umum , the Sandakan Central Market (Pasar Umum Sandakan) and Jalan Servis Harbor Square (more famously known now as Creative Lane ).

6. Shop Till You Drop at Sandakan Central Market

Malaysia markets are always an interesting cultural experience and worth a visit, especially if you like to shop or eat local foods. Located near the waterfront, you can expect to find an abundance of fresh seafood and a whole lot more at the Sandakan Central Market . The massive market has 3 floors worth exploring, so be sure to allot yourself plenty of time.

The ground level is typical of a wet market with loads of fruits and veggies, shrimp pastes, dried fish and Malaysian kuihs taking center stage. The second and third levels have Malay and Chinese food stalls. You will also find clothing, shoes and household goods at the Sandakan Central Market, so keep your eyes open for some great deals.

Sandakan Central Market, Jalan Pryer, Pusat Bandar, Sandakan Open: Daily, 6:00am to 5:00pm

7. Pay Your Respects at Sandakan Memorial Park

Located 11km from Sandakan city, the Sandakan Memorial Park is the site of a former World War II prison camp . With its careful landscaping and modern signboards, the park is almost too sterile, aside from a few rusty pieces of forgotten machinery dotting the grounds. But for those who are acquainted with the past horrors of this site, the quiet whispers of nature could easily be interpreted as the whispers of the dead.

Approximately 2500 Australian and British prisoners of war died at the Sandakan POW camp. Many had initially been captured by the Japanese military during the Battle of Singapore (in February 1942) and were shipped to Borneo to help build an airstrip for the Japanese military. 6,000 Javanese civilians were also used as forced labor on the airstrip construction.

In 1945, the surviving Australian prisoners were, on three separate occasions, used to carry baggage and supplies for the Japanese battalions relocating to the western coast. The hike across North Borneo took its toll on many of the already weak prisoners. Sandakan Memorial Park is the first stop of these prisoner of war routes known as ‘ The Sandakan Death Marches ’. Only six prisoners survived.

Although the park or its small onsite museum has no entry fee, donations are used for daily maintenance and upgrades. The Office of Australian War Graves operates an account for donations, which can be made payable to DVA Official OAWG Contributions.

Sandakan Memorial Park, Jalan Labuk, Taman Rimba, Sandakan Open: Daily, 8:00am to 6:00pm, Tel: 089-275 400 Entry: Free, Donations appreciated

Choosing Tours in Sabah: Best Things to Do in Sepilok

8. get back to nature at the rainforest discovery centre.

Located within the Kabili-Sepilok Forest Reserve (and just 2km from the Sepilok Orang-utan Rehabilitation Centre, the Rainforest Discovery Centre is an environmental education facility run by the Sabah Forestry Department . The Rainforest Discovery Walk is paved for the most part and wheelchair and stroller friendly.

A rather intimidating 347-meter, long Canopy Walkway provides a birds-eye-view of the surrounding forest. It also has sign boards to help non-bird experts identify some of the 300 species of birds (and other wildlife) that call the RDC home. The Rainforest Discovery Centre is so abundant with birds that it’s the official location for the Annual Borneo Bird Festival , which is usually held in October.

An onsite Exhibition Hall offers an introduction to Sabah’s flora and fauna and a Plant Discovery Garden has displays of more than 250 species of native orchids, pitcher plants, ginger plants, and more. You may need a couple of hours, to fully appreciate all that the center has to offer. So be prepared. They also have a Night Walk : Monday, Wednesday & Friday 6:00pm to 8:00pm.

Rainforest Discovery Centre, Kabili-Sepilok Forest Reserve Open: Daily, 8:00am to 5:00pm, Tel: 089-533 780 Entry: Adults RM15, Kids (5-17 years) RM7, Kids under age 5 free

9. Visit the Sepilok Orang Utan Rehabilitation Centre

An absolute not-to-be-missed if visiting the Sandakan district, the Sepilok Orang Utan Rehabilitation Centre is 26-kilometers west of Sandakan. The center opened in 1964, long before rescuing wildlife became trendy. It was the first orangutan rehabilitation project focused on rescuing orphans (and later injured adults) whose lives had been negatively affected by the logging industry, plantations, illegal hunting, and the illegal pet trade. Orangutans are presently only found in the jungles of Borneo and Sumatra.

Baby Orangutans stay with their mothers for 7 to 10 years to learn all of the skills necessary to survive in the jungle. If the mother is killed, the babies have little chance of surviving. That’s why it is essential to have proper rehabilitation.

It will take up to 10 years for Sepilok rehabilitation graduates to be releasable to the wild, at the cost of 8K Ringgit per Orangutan per year.  It’s a commitment. So please visit them during your visit to Sandakan because the center needs all the support it can get. Plus, the Orangutans are guaranteed to put a smile on your face because they’re so cute.

The center has a feeding platform and outdoor nursery where visitors can observe the Orangutans (at a distance) and take plenty of photos. Interestingly enough, despite the feeding station looking a bit staged, if it’s fruit season in the jungle then there is a good chance that no Orangutans will show up at the feeding station. During fruit season the jungle has plenty of tasty snacks for the Orangutans to feed on. You can read more about the Sepilok Orang Utan Rehabilitation Centre HERE

Sepilok Orang Utan Rehabilitation Centre, Jalan Sepilok, Sepilok Open: Daily, 9:00am to 11:00pm, 2:00pm to 3:00pm Thursday, 9:00AM to 11:30am, 2:00pm to 4:00pm Tel: 089- 531 180 Entry: RM30 (additional RM10 for cameras)

10. Meet Sun Bears at Bornean Sun Bear Conservation Centre

Established in 2008, the Bornean Sun Bear Conservation Centre (BSBCC) offers a sanctuary and rehabilitation program for injured or (previously) captive sun bears. Sun Bears are the smallest bears in the world and are presently in danger due to habitat loss (development and timber industry), illegal hunting, and they are also at risk of capture for the illegal pet trade industry.

The BSBCC presently has 37 rescued sun bears within their 2.5 ha parcel of forest. Visitors can observe the sun bears via an elevated wooden walkway but are never allowed to come into direct contact with them. Sign boards introduce some of the bears and tell their stories as well as display sun bear information. Education and awareness are a big part of the center’s objective so don’t be shy about asking questions. In Sabah, sun bears are now categorized as a Totally Protected Species under the Sabah Wildlife Conservation Enactment 1997 . Jail time and big money fines are given to anyone ignoring sun bear protection laws.

Since the BSBCC is conveniently located next to the Sepilok Orang Utan Rehabilitation Centre , visitors can easily spend several hours visiting the two sanctuaries, so be sure to give yourself enough time to thoroughly explore both. You can also ‘ Adopt a Sun Bear ’ from the conservation center. Adoptions can be made under your own name or given as a gift. An excellent gift for the wildlife lovers or animal rights supporters in your life.

Bornean Sun Bear Conservation Centre, Jalan Sepilok, Sepilok Open: Daily, 9:00am to 3:30pm, Tel: 089-534 491 Entry: Adults RM30-50, Kids (13-17 years) RM15-25, Kids under 12 free (additional camera fee of RM1,000 for cameras with lenses 500mm or more)

Choosing Tours in Sabah: Best Things to Do in Kinabatangan 

Kinabatangan is one of 5 districts in the Sandakan division of Sabah.  It’s about 8o-kilometers from Sandakan City (a 90+ minute drive away, depending on the traffic and road conditions.). In addition to having loads of jungles and amazing wildlife, Kinabatangan has another story to tell, and that is one of survival. In a non-academic nutshell, the local people of the Lower Kinabatangan have lived off the surrounding rainforests for generations. Rainforests provided them with food, medicine, household goods and trade worthy products.

Due to deforestation issues and efforts to fix things, some of the communities of Kinabatangan eventually found themselves surrounded by a protected forest reserve, which meant there wasn’t much for them to do where traditional livelihoods were concerned, except maybe fishing. Thus began their introduction to eco-tourism.

The Kinabatangan region is especially attractive, not only in an adventurous jungle sense, but tourists are now the direct bread and butter for the various communities. The locals in turn welcome you with open arms and real smiles, and offer you Sabah experiences you will never forget. Here are a few must-dos in Kinabatangan:

11. Spend a Few Nights in a Jungle Resort

I’ve been fortunate to have stayed in several jungle resorts in Sabah , but Bilit Adventure Lodge (in Kampung Bilit) is thus far my favorite, because they are located next to the Lower Kinabatangan River. It also has spacious rooms, it’s clean, well-maintained and has a chilled-out jungle vibe. I just felt especially comfortable there.

Bilit Adventure Lodge has 12 semi-detached and 12 detached chalets. All rooms come with comfortable queen size bed, with exception to 6 detached chalets that come with king size beds. All rooms have air-conditioning, private bathrooms with hot and cold-water showers. Bottled water and coffee and tea sets are provided as well as basic toiletries.

A wooden walkway connects the chalets to the restaurant and dock areas, with a separate ‘nature’ walkway for strolling (or rolling) through the adjacent forest area. The restaurant serves delicious daily buffets or one can order from the menu a la carte. They also have a quiet full bar. WIFI is available at the restaurant, but it may get temperamental at times so do expect that. Other than that, Bilit Adventure Lodge is a sweet choice for a home away from home jungle accommodation.

Bilit Adventure Lodge/ Kampung Bilit Seberang Kota Kinabatangan, Sabah Tel: (+6) 088-448 409

12. Take a Kinabatangan River Cruise

Sungai Kinabatangan ( Kinabatangan River) is the largest and longest river (560km!) in Sabah, Malaysia. A must visit during a trip to Sandakan, especially if you’re a wildlife and nature fan. The 2.5-hour journey from Sandakan to the Kinabatangan River is absolutely worth the effort to take a Kinabatangan River Cruise .

Although mornings and sunsets are more conducive to seeing wildlife, there is still a 99% chance you will indeed see wildlife at any time of the day. The Kinabatangan River is home to a plethora of wildlife including Proboscis and Macaque monkeys as well as Pygmy Elephants , Crocodiles and more!

Be sure to bring a pair of binoculars and/or use a zoom lens (if you have one) because the National Geographic moments on the Kinabatangan River are incredible and offer great photo ops. Kinabatangan River Cruises can be booked from any resort along the river; such as Bilit Adventure Lodge and Myne Travel & Resort.

13. Plant a Tree with KOPEL

Can’t see the forest for the trees is an old idiom that means a person can’t see the big picture because they are basically too busy nitpicking the details. But with KOPEL Rainforest Reforestation Program you see plenty of both! In fact, there are so many trees along the Kinabatangan River that you may wonder why bother adding more. However, KOPEL has a plan.

KOPEL is a community co-op based in Kampung Mengaris, Kinabatangan. It was started by a group of individuals from different villages in the Batu Puteh area to help the Sungai Orang (River People) have livelihoods through ecologically sustainable tourism ventures. Tree Planting is one of those ventures and is part of KOPELS’s forest restoration program. KOPEL has been planting trees since 1999 after realizing the severity of the forest degradation in the Lower Kinabatangan.

You won’t get your name on a tree or any special plaque for your tree-planting efforts, but you will get the satisfaction that you helped the planet as well as the people of Kinabatangan. You’ll also get a pretty fun boat ride to the tree planting area. You can read more about KOPEL’s Tree Planting program HERE

14. Visit a Homestay and See a Cultural Show

The Orang Sungai of the Lower Kinabatangan have more than 20 dialects in their language and have unique stories to tell through music, dance and their daily lives in general. Visitors can arrange a homestay visit through MESCOT KOPEL , a Community Ecotourism Co-operative initiative for the Batu Puteh communities of Kampung Batu Puteh, Kampung Mengaris, Kampung Perpaduan and Kampung Singgah Mata.

Based in Kampung Menagaris, the Miso Walai Homestay Program has been in operation since 2000. At that time there were more than 30 families participating in the program. Today the households range from rustic to more modern, and offer cultural experiences through traditional local food, household and farm ‘chores’, as well as village games and sports.

Homestay visits and other cultural activities can be booked through MESCOT KOPEL, which is also based in Kampung Menagaris. They are under the umbrella of the KOPEL eco-tourism cooperative, which means they work together.

15. Learn Traditional Cooking at TREC

TREC, better known as the Tungog Rainforest Eco Camp is a sustainable tourist’s dream accommodation. Located adjacent to the Kinabatangan River, the rustic camp is designed to ensure zero waste, no chemicals and maximum water conservation. The camp has ten live-in jungle platforms and limit their visitors to a maximum of 20 persons at a time. They also use no electricity. If you need a serious digital detox or simply want to hang out in a hammock and commune with nature, Tungog Rainforest Eco Camp is the place to go. 

All meals are provided and guests can help with food prep (and learn about cooking traditional local food) or just kick back and enjoy the meals that are served. Special non-guest ‘group’ cooking classes can be pre-arranged through MESCOT KOPEL .

Tungog Rainforest Eco Camp/ Kampung Mengaris Kinabatangan, Sabah Tel: (+6) 012-380 1070

16. Don’t Forget to Eat Like a Local

Regardless of where you travel to in Sabah, or what tours in Sabah you sign up for, Sabah has amazing local food. Finding some of the best eateries is much easier now thanks to the launch of Tourism Malaysia Sabah’s SeeEatFood Trail Fun Map . The culinary themed travel brochure comes with a colorful map and highlights 42 seafood restaurants within Kota Kinabalu , Kudat, Sandakan , Lahad Datu, Semporna, Tawau and Labuan. Seven locations in one neat package! But these restaurants don’t just serve seafood, many also serve non-seafood dishes as well as have vegetarian menu listings.

For more information about Tourism Malaysia Sabah’s ‘SeeEatFood’ Trail Fun Map and their fabulous list of 42 top seafood restaurants in Sabah and Labuan, visit their website at www.malaysia.travel . You can also get information at the Tourism Information Center at the Kota Kinabalu International Airport.

That’s a Wrap and My Two Cents on Choosing Tours in Sabah:

Having explored Malaysia for many years now, I’ve learned that locking myself into tight timeline schedules is not the best way to see the country. Malaysia has many layers and sometimes the most interesting opportunities can come up rather randomly.

My best advice for anyone planning a trip to Borneo is to leave yourself some wiggle room when choosing tours in Sabah. You don’t need your hand held in Malaysia. The more you rely on yourself, the more opportunity you will have to mix and mingle with local people in the ‘real’ world, not just the ‘safe’ world of airport pickups and deliveries, and private drivers from point A to point B.

Don’t get me wrong, it’s pretty awesome having those services, but having both experiences is even better. We call it ‘free and easy’ in the blogger/media world; time to do your own thing. And that’s my advice to others, be sure and schedule in some free and easy time for yourselves, because your Malaysia experience will be even more memorable. 

For more information about tours in Sabah, contact Tourism Malaysia

October 14, 2022 at 7:05 pm

Such a detailed guidance and explanation! Hopefully ppl will find Sandakan and Kinabatangan amazing as much as we did! What a great memory to experience this ecotourism with this lovely team and you!! :,)

October 14, 2022 at 7:39 pm

I hope so too Suzai. Looking forward to going back again sooner than later. :D

January 20, 2023 at 10:24 pm

great information, solo traveller, planning a borneo trip either this may or in september 2023, coming in from KUL to sandakan, enjoying/sightseeing sandakan and sights around, presently trying to come up with an itinerary, trying to find out best program, and a good driver/guide. then continuing to KK by plane.

January 21, 2023 at 1:55 am

Thanks, hope it helps. Have you considered KK first? That was actually my first Sabah experience and in hindsight I think it was a good introduction for me. I was also alone, but was pretty happy with the things I did get to see and do in the 5 days I was there. Tourism Sabah also has an office there and they can hook you up with recommended licensed guides or drivers that are registered with them. You will be able to base out of KK as well as Sandakan City and can actually use GRAB taxi’s to get to many places near the cities.

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Finding Alexx

| Bucket list adventures around the globe

Asia , Bucket list travel , Malaysia · September 16, 2024

The ultimate 3 week Malaysia itinerary (including Borneo!)

Looking for a 3 week Malaysia itinerary that includes city breaks, culinary hot spots, paradise islands and outdoor adventures? This three week Malaysia & Borneo itinerary is the answer!

Planning a three week Malaysia itinerary can feel overwhelming, there are too many epic places to explore, and sorting out how to get from A to B isn’t always straightforward.

After spending six weeks zigzagging through the cities, islands and jungles of Malaysia as a solo traveller, I’ve streamlined the highlights of my trip into the ultimate three-week itinerary, visiting both Peninsular Malaysia and the state of Sabah in Malaysian Borneo.

I’ve even researched all the best transport and tour options, so you don’t have to waste your time getting bogged down in the logistics.

With this itinerary for 3 weeks in Malaysia you’ll get to experience buzzing cities, rich culture, heavenly street food, and unique wildlife, with some dedicated island time set aside too. It combines Malaysia’s best experiences into one smooth journey, ticking off bucket list moments in Kuala Lumpur, Ipoh, George Town (Penang), and the best bits of Sabah in Malaysian Borneo.

So whether you’re wanting to eat your way around street food markets, come face to face with endangered animals, or immerse yourself in local culture, this Malaysia travel guide has got you covered. Let’s get into it!

Table of Contents

Quick summary: 3 weeks in malaysia & borneo, malaysia & borneo itinerary map.

A summary of the three week Malaysia & Borneo itinerary

• 3-4 days in Kuala Lumpur
• 2-3 days in Ipoh
• 3-4 days in Penang
• 1-2 days in Kota Kinabalu
• 3 days in Kinabatangan River
• 1-2 days in Sepilok
• 5-6 days in Semporna/Sipadan

Planning your three weeks in Malaysia & Borneo

Where is malaysia.

Malaysia is a country in Southeast Asia, split between two main regions:

• Peninsular Malaysia : Situated south of Thailand and north of Singapore, and home to the most popular tourist destinations in Malaysia, like Kuala Lumpur, Penang and Langkawi.
• Malaysian Borneo : Located across the South China Sea to the east of Peninsular Malaysia, Malaysian Borneo covers some of the island of Borneo, and it’s split into two states: Sabah and Sarawak.

So Borneo is a part of Malaysia?

Some of it is!

The island of Borneo is actually shared between three countries: there’s Malaysian Borneo , Indonesian Borneo, and the tiny independent nation of Brunei.

When is the best time to visit Malaysia?

The best time to visit Malaysia totally depends on where you’re going, and if you’re visiting a couple of different regions then there’s no perfect time of the year that gets you the best weather everywhere you go, but here are some typical weather patterns to keep in mind:

• Kuala Lumpur has the best weather from June to August and December to mid-February, though afternoon thunderstorms are common year-round. March to May are the hottest months of the year, and November is the rainiest.
• The west coast of Peninsular Malaysia (Penang, Langkawi) is impacted by the southwest monsoon between September and November so these months can get super rainy, but it’s hot and humid year-round.
• The east coast of Peninsular Malaysia (Perhentian Islands) is impacted by the northeast monsoon from November to February, and the islands pretty much shut down. The best time to visit is between March and October.
• Malaysian Borneo is a year-round destination, with wildlife spotting opportunities throughout the seasons, and tropical downpours can happen at any time. The dry season is from March to October and is ideal for trekking and scuba diving, but July and August get busy busy busy. November to February is the wet season which can impact some outdoor activities and scuba diving visibility, but it also means less people and lower prices.

How to get around Malaysia

🚄 To get between the stops in Peninsular Malaysia in this itinerary (Kuala Lumpur, Ipoh and Penang), I’d recommend catching the train, which services all three stops. It’s comfortable, efficient and affordable, just be sure to book in advance if you’re planning on travelling at peak commute time.

🚍 There are buses between those spots too, they’re generally cheaper but take longer due to winding roads and traffic.

🎟️ You can book train and bus tickets in Malaysia at 12Go >>

✈️ To get from Peninsular Malaysia to Malaysian Borneo, you’ll need to fly. You can find cheap flights with budget airlines like AirAsia or BatikAir.

🚌 To get around Malaysian Borneo, you could book a small group tour, catch local buses, book private drivers, or jump on domestic flights between Kota Kinabalu, Sandakan (for Sepilok) and Tawau (for Semporna). I’ve explained the options for each route in the different destination sections, and I’ve got a more detailed breakdown of transport in my Borneo itinerary .

How much to budget for three weeks in Malaysia

Average prices in Malaysia really vary between destinations, but here’s a rough guide to help you plan your budget.

🛌  Accommodation : Hostel dorms from $5-15USD, budget hotels or homestays from $15-30USD, 3* hotels and average apartments from $25-30USD, and nicer apartments or hotels from $30-60USD. 5* hotels from as low as $70USD per night in Kuala Lumpur! Borneo prices and anywhere that’s super touristy will be slightly higher than big cities like Kuala Lumpur.

💤 I book almost all my accommodation while travelling through booking.com, I find that they have the best range, often offer free cancellation, and have the most transparent pricing >>

🚐  Transport : Expect to pay $5-20USD for long bus or train journeys, domestic flights from as little as $20USD (not including checked baggage), Grab (ride-hailing app) very affordable for getting around cities.

🍜  Food : Cheeeeap! You could eat for $5-10USD per day if you’re happy with street food stalls, local restaurants and fresh fruit from markets, sit-down meals at Western-style restaurants start from $8-12USD, even a fancy dinner out will be half the price of what you’d find in Europe, North America or Australia/New Zealand.

🎟️  Activities : Many popular things to do in Peninsular Malaysia are free or very cheap, like Batu Caves, street art murals, mall-hopping, KLCC Park, the Habitat at Penang Hill, and KL Tower. Day tours in a shared group in Peninsular Malaysia and Malaysian Borneo range from $30-70USD, more if you want a private booking. Bucket list activities like jungle treks, river safaris, scuba diving etc. make a bigger dent in your budget, upwards of $80USD per day.

Budget travel tips for Malaysia

📶 Get an eSIM! I use MobiMatter for all my eSIMs while travelling, they’re always LOADS cheaper than Airalo and Holafly (the two eSIM brands you’ve probably seen sponsored posts for), and you can get extra cashback on your first SIM with the promocode FINDINGALEXX

💰 I’ve got two more promocodes for you too, and you can use these on almost every tour and experience I’ve mentioned in this Malaysia itinerary:

• You can save 10% on your first booking with Klook using the promocode FINDINGALEXXKLOOK
• And you can save 10% on your first booking with KKDay with the promocode FINDINGALEXX

Both of these are leading providers for travel experiences in Southeast Asia, and you can book things like attraction tickets, city tours, multi-night trips and airport transfers, either on their websites or their apps.

💳 Use a travel card with no fees, I use a Wise card for all my daily spending around the globe

🚅 Book the KLIA Ekspres train to get from Kuala Lumpur Airport to the city, it’s cheaper than a taxi and it gets you there quickly and comfortably (and you can get 10% off with the promocode FINDINGALEXX)

🍜 Eat at local markets

🏠 Stay at guesthouses, hostels or homestays

✈️ Book domestic flights in advance, prices do jump up if you book last minute. Find the best travel times and cheapest flights with Skyscanner .

The ultimate three week Malaysia itinerary

Who is this malaysia itinerary for.

This itinerary is perfect for anyone keen to experience the key highlights of Malaysia in three weeks, balancing city breaks, ocean adventures and wildlife spotting. No need to rent a car or splurge on a private driver either, you can follow this exact trip using public transport with the option for some short organised tours.

It’s not too fast-paced, with 2-4 nights in most stops, but it does skip some popular destinations like Langkawi and Cameron Highlands in favour of more remote but absolutely worthwhile places (in my opinion) like Sabah in Malaysian Borneo.

The end of the Malaysian Borneo itinerary segment includes a chunk of time for scuba diving, so if you’re not already certified, this is the perfect opportunity to give it a go. If that’s not your thing then at the bottom of the blog I’ve listed some potential extensions/detours/swaps to fill your three weeks in Malaysia, so you can tailor the trip to suit your preferences. Too easy!

Kuala Lumpur

How to get there: Kuala Lumpur is one of Asia’s major transport hubs, you can find direct flights here from loads of countries around the world.

How long to stay: 3-4 days

About Kuala Lumpur

I firmly believe that Kuala Lumpur (or ‘KL’ as it’s usually referred to) deserves more attention from travellers. It’s a world-class city with street food that rivals Bangkok, affordability that rivals Ho Chi Minh City, and shopping malls that rival Singapore, while also being safe and easy to navigate. The dream city break!

The city boasts a seamless fusion of old and new, a perfect combo modern technologies and rich cultural heritage from Malaysia’s varied past, and there’s plenty to see, do, eat and experience to build a Kuala Lumpur itinerary that’s tailored to you.

Things to do in Kuala Lumpur

• Climb the 272 rainbow steps at Batu Caves to marvel at the jagged limestone formations and spot cheeky monkeys
• Wander through Kwai Chai Hong for the best street art
• See the Petronas Towers, it’s free to visit the bottom of them for the classic photo, but tickets for the observation deck sell out days in advance so book early
• If you can’t get tickets to the towers, KL Tower also has an observation deck that offers epic views and is less likely to sell out
• Eat your way around the stalls at Jalan Alor Food Street with a group food tour
• Bargain hunt at Petaling Street market in Chinatown
• See the bright and beautiful temples in Brickfields (Little India) and stop off for some Indian sweet treats
• Visit the city’s key landmarks like Merdeka Square, the National Mosque, Istana Negara (King’s Palace) and National Monument

• Head to Bukit Bintang at night to watch it come alive
• Enjoy fresh air and green space at Perdana Botanical Garden
• Shop! Pavilion, Suria KLCC and The Exchange TRX are the best shopping malls, Plaza Low Yat has 7 floors of tech and gadgets, Central Market is best for independent gift shops and cute souvenirs, and Berjaya Times Square has a literal rollercoaster inside the shopping centre

Though Kuala Lumpur is cheap and fairly simple to navigate, the most efficient way to see the city’s main highlights is with an organised tour like this top-rated shared tour or this private tour . This way you can see most things in a single day and then take the other 2-3 days to indulge in the culinary scene, enjoy some retail therapy, or take a day trip to somewhere like the Genting Highlands , Putrajaya or Melaka .

See more things to do in Kuala Lumpur on KKDay >> (and save 10% with the promocode FINDINGALEXX)

Where to stay in Kuala Lumpur

• citizenM Bukit Bintang is my top pick for an elevated budget stay, ideal location with a bus stop right outside, comfortable private rooms and a chilled out but social atmosphere
• The Freedom Club is the best-rated hostel in KL
• OA The Factory Bukit Bintang is a cheap and cheerful social hostel with pod-style beds
• There are lots of super cheap apartments in KL from as little as $25USD a night, but just know that these are often in huge residential buildings like the Regalia or Chambers, so you’re sharing the facilities like infinity pools, gyms and the elevators with hundreds or sometimes thousands of other people. The photos also make them look much nicer than they are, speaking from experience! Worth the risk if you’re on a tight budget, just be sure to read the reviews carefully to know what to expect.

• MoMo’s has simple but comfortable rooms in Chow Kit
• lyf Chinatown is ideal for solo travellers wanting a bit more than a hostel
• Santa Grand Signature is a top-rated 4* hotel
• KLoe Hotel is a stunning boutique hotel with epic artist lofts, this one is on my personal hotel bucket list!
• Lanson Place Bukit Ceylon Apartments are my faaavourite place to stay in Kuala Lumpur, with luxurious 1, 2 or 3 bedroom apartments at fantastic value. Loads of space, excellent facilities, very friendly staff, and KL Tower views from some apartments!
• The RuMa , EQ and Banyan Tree are the top-rated luxury hotels in Kuala Lumpur

How to get there: Catch a 2-3h train or a 2-2.5h bus from Kuala Lumpur

How long to stay: 2-3 days

Most travellers taking the overland route from Kuala Lumpur to Penang opt to head through Ipoh and on to the Cameron Highlands, but after visiting both, I’m 100% on Team Ipoh.

The culinary scene is on fire, the old town is authentic and charming, and it offers easy access to spectacular cave temples and Malaysia’s only geothermal hot springs.

Things to do in Ipoh

• Learn about Malaysia’s colonial heritage with this suggested walking route
• Search for the hidden (and not-so-hidden!) murals in the old town
• Marvel at the insanely impressive cave temples of Kek Lok Tong, Sam Poh Tong, Perak Tong and more, tucked into ancient limestone cave complexes just out of the city
• Experience Ipoh’s famous coffee scene with a slow afternoon at a cafe
• Treat yourself to a day pass at Banjaran Hotsprings Retreat , a luxury wellness resort hidden amongst the rainforest. This place is reason alone to add Ipoh to your Malaysia itinerary!
• Trek the jungle in search of the largest flower in the world, the rafflesia

Where to stay in Ipoh

• Dé Cafe & Rest House (cheap capsule beds close to the train station)
• The Brownstone Hostel (decent reviews, a really chill vibe)
• Jindagu Hotel (affordable rooms in a central location)
• The Horizon (great value apartments and a rooftop pool)
• Ipoh Bali Hotel (Bali vibes, excellent reviews)
• Bedrock Hotel (best-rated 3* hotel in Ipoh)
• Nothing beats the Banjaran Hotsprings Retreat , my absolute favourite luxury hotel in Malaysia and one of the best I’ve ever stayed at. Each villa has a private pool and a geothermal hot tub, there’s a bunch of different pools and caves to visit around the resort grounds, you can join a meditation or yoga session with their in-house Guru, and the staff are absolutely brilliant. Actual perfection.

George Town, Penang

How to get there: 2 hour train from Ipoh to Butterworth, then catch the car ferry (20 minutes) or a Grab (20-25 minutes) to your accommodation in George Town

How long to stay: How much of your three weeks in Malaysia you dedicate to Penang will depend on your travel preferences, I’d recommend setting aside 3-4 days to allow for lots of foodie experiences, some slower pace old town exploring and the chance to get out of town, but you might want more time if your taste buds rule the roost, or less time if you’re not fussed on the food.

About George Town

George Town is the capital of the state of Penang, but some tourists tend to use both George Town and Penang to refer to the same destination. If someone says they’re “going to Penang”, they probably mean George Town.

This is one of the best foodie destinations in the world, with street food stalls and hole-in-the-wall restaurants serving up specialties like char kway teow, asam laksa, hokkien mee and nasi lemak. I hope your pants have a stretchy waistband!

Aside from the food there’s also a beautifully preserved old town, endless street art, vibrant temples and some active adventures within close reach.

Things to do in George Town

• Eat, eat, eat! I would happily spend an entire week in George Town just to visit a new restaurant each meal of each day. Don’t miss Bibik’s for authentic Nyonya cuisine, Lagenda House for satay chicken, La Vie en Rose for pastries, Mollie for Laksa, and Cecil Street hawker market for cheap street food.
• Discover the city’s famous murals, lots of them were painted by legendary street artist Ernest Zacharevic
• Explore the UNESCO-listed Old Town, where you can see opulent colonial mansions and grand Chinese temples
• Take a guided tour through the old town to learn about the history from a local guide, with an included tri-shaw ride
• Visit Kek Lok Si Temple, one of the biggest Buddhist temple complexes in Southeast Asia, with an incredible panoramic outlook
• Head up to Habitat on Penang Hill for an epic sunset view, or book a ticket to TOP Penang for the view from the state’s tallest tower
• See the the floating neighbourhood of the Clan Jetties on George Town’s waterfront
• There are beaches at Batu Ferringhi if you’d like some time in the water, but this itinerary is about to take you to Malaysian Borneo which has a significantly nicer swimming spots
• Channel your inner child with a day trip to ESCAPE , one of Malaysia’s best theme parks, where you can ride the world’s longest zipline-coaster!

Where to stay in George Town

• Sleep Box Penang is my go-to for a super comfortable budget stay, they have stylish and spacious private rooms with shared bathrooms, just a short walk from the centre of George Town
• New Great Shanghai and Homs Hostel are both top-rated female-only hostels
• 24 Kimberly (homely hostel with cheap dorm rooms)
• SAVV Hotel (top-rated 3* hotel with a lush pool)
• Le Dream Boutique Hotel (affordable 4* hotel with great reviews)
• Areca Hotel (charming 4* hotel with a super aesthetic courtyard)
• I loved my stay at The Edison (photos below), a beautifully-restored colonial mansion with huge rooms, stylish interiors, an authentic interior courtyard, and a hidden pool out the back. If you stay here make sure you try the pineapple cinnamon jam at breakfast, honestly I think it’s the best jam I’ve ever had in my life.
• Eastern & Oriental Hotel is another bucket list stay for me, that pool 😍

Kota Kinabalu

How to get there: Fly direct from Penang (2h 50m)

How long to stay: 1-2 days

About Kota Kinabalu

Kota Kinabalu (KK) is the jumping off point for the Malaysian Borneo part of this three week itinerary, but it’s worth spending a day or two in Sabah’s laidback capital city to see the sights, taste the food, and maybe embark on a day trip before you head inland.

Things to do in Kota Kinabalu

• Savour sea-to-table seafood at KK Garden restaurant
• Or try a variety of local specialties at the bustling night markets
• Visit the magical floating mosque, which is perfectly reflected in the surrounding lagoon on a clear day
• Enjoy sunset cocktails at the waterfront
• Learn about indigenous culture at the Sabah State Museum or head to Mari Mari Cultural Village to experience it yourself
• Take a day trip to Kinabalu Park for some hiking, Tunku Abdul Rahman Marine Park for snorkelling or diving , or the Kawa Kawa River for a firefly cruise

Where to stay in Kota Kinabalu

• TOOJOU Hostel  is my go-to, they’ve got dorms and private rooms, a dedicated co-working space, a rooftop bar, and a hostel cat named Pablo who uses the twisty slide to get from the 1st floor to reception. Yes, I’m serious .
• H2 Worldpackers  (cheap and cheerful social hostel)
• ACJ Residence  (cosy budget private rooms)

• The Aru Hotel  (studios and apartments away from the city chaos)
• The LUMA Hotel  (stunning boutique design hotel, very affordable for what it is)
• Hotel 7 Suria  (simple, cheap, fantastic location next to the port)
• Gaya Island Resort (photos below) is the perfect place if you want a luxe stay, only 15 minutes from KK by boat and you’ll arrive at this paradise island eco-resort. Award-winning spa, delicious dining experiences, an in-house conservation team running epic wildlife experiences, a highlight of my time in Borneo.
• Hyatt Centric  (super stylish and new 5* hotel with a rooftop swimming pool)
• Ritz Residence  (fancy, opulent hotel rooms in the Imago shopping complex)
• Shangri-La Tanjung Aru  (top-rated 5* beachfront resort)

Recommended Borneo tour: East Sabah Adventure

Before I dive into the Borneo destinations on this three week Malaysia itinerary, let me quickly tell you about the tour I did: the East Sabah Adventure with G Adventures .

Borneo isn’t as well-connected as Peninsular Malaysia, and getting from A to B can be time-consuming and expensive if you’re travelling Malaysia solo, so I decided to jump on an eight day tour to minimise the logistical side of things.

It also had added benefits of meeting likeminded travellers, having a legendary local guide who was an expert on the region’s wildlife, and offering fantastic value for money vs. me replicating the itinerary by myself.

The tour was eight days in total, starting and ending in Kota Kinabalu, covering Kinabatangan River and Sepilok which I talk about below, as well as having an island stay at Walai Penyu off the coast of Sandakan. Lots of wildlife experiences are included!

If you want to slot this tour in to your Malaysia trip, you could fly from Penang to KK on the tour’s first day, just arrive by 6pm for the welcome meeting.

At the end of the tour, if you want to follow the rest of this itinerary and head over to Semporna for some ocean time, I’d actually recommend leaving the tour a day early to save time. Instead of catching the flight from Sandakan to KK on Day 7 of the tour, book your own flight from Sandakan to Semporna instead, and say goodbye to your tourmates at the airport. When the tour arrives in KK it’s just free time with no organised activities, so you’ll just miss out on the typical goodbye dinner (extra cost) and nothing more. Saves a day, and saves an unnecessary flight!

Want more info? Read my full East Sabah Adventure tour review or my two week Borneo itinerary .

Kinabatangan River

How to get there: 5-6 hour drive from Kota Kinabalu, or fly to Sandakan (40m) and then it’s 2-3 hours to Kinabatangan

How long to stay: 3 days

About Kinabatangan River

One of the best and most accessible spots in Borneo for wildlife spotting, the Kinabatangan River is a haven for animal lovers and keen photographers. There’s no better way to search for orangutans, pygmy elephants and proboscis monkeys than on a river safari, giving you an unbeatable vantage point for seeing these rare animals in their natural habitat.

Staying for a couple of nights at a jungle lodge means you’ve got time for multiple safaris as well as night walks, giving you even more chances of seeing what you’re here for.

Things to do in Kinabatangan River

• A river safari, obviously. Most lodges run them in the early morning and late afternoon, when the animals are at their most active.
• A night walk through the jungle to see creatures that prefer the darkness, like tarsiers, frogs, owls and civets
• Birdwatch from the riverfront deck of your lodge

Where to stay in Kinabatangan River

The majority of the lodges along Kinabatangan River are located in the Bilit and Sukau areas, and most of them offer all-inclusive packages with meals and guided activities included. Some well-rated options are:

• Sukau Rainforest Lodge  (premium luxury rainforest lodge)
• Borneo Natural Sukau Bilit Resort  (where I stayed on my tour, simple but well-equipped jungle huts, and Rian, our lodge wildlife guide, was brilliant)
• Bilit Adventure Lodge  (more comfortable with upgraded amenities)
• Borneo Jungle Adventure  (basic but great reviews)

How to get there: From the Kinabatangan River lodges it’s 1h 45m by car, or 20-25 minutes if you’re coming from Sandakan

About Sepilok

Sepilok is renowned for its wildlife conservation efforts, with the main attractions being the Orangutan Rehabilitation Centre and the Bornean Sun Bear Conservation Centre. A day or two is enough time to visit the centres, see the animals, learn about the conservation projects and what we can do to help, and spend a bit of time in the rainforest too.

Things to do in Sepilok

• Visit the Orangutan Rehabilitation Centre to see young orangutans play at the nursery, and cross your fingers to see a semi-wild orangutan up close (these are orangutans that live freely in the conservation area behind the centre, but that have access to the centre’s twice-daily feedings if they feel like it)
• Head next door to the Bornean Sun Bear Conservation Centre, which is dedicated to protecting the world’s smallest bear species. See rescued sun bears, learn about the impact of poaching, deforestation and the illegal wildlife trade, and buy a cute souvenir, knowing that your money is going somewhere important.
• Explore the rainforest from above at the Rainforest Discovery Centre, where you can wander the canopy walkway and spot leaping monkeys and soaring hornbills

Where to stay in Sepilok

Sepilok has eco-lodges that are very similar to the ones I just mentioned in Kinabatangan River.

• Paganakan Dii Tropical Retreat   (super cheap, great reviews)
• Sepilok B&B  (also budget-friendly)
• Borneo Sepilok Rainforest Resort  (where I stayed on my tour, a bit more expensive with nice rooms and a swimming pool)
• Sepilok Forest Edge Resort  (glamping tents)
• Sepilok Nature Lodge  (a premium option, lots of reviews mention wild orangutans in the lodge grounds)

Semporna & Sipadan

How to get there: From Sepilok take a 20-25 minute Grab to Sandakan, then fly to Tawau Airport (TWU) and catch a 1.5-2h transfer to Semporna on the coast. A bit of a rigmarole, but totally worth it!

How long to stay: 1-2 days in Semporna, 4-5 days on one of the islands if you want to scuba dive

About Semporna

Semporna is the gateway to Malaysian Borneo’s best scuba diving spots, offering underwater explorers access to one of the most diverse marine ecosystems and some of the healthiest coral reef in the world.

Spend a day in laidback Semporna to embark on a day trip to hike Bohey Dulang for magical views, then it’s time to explore another layer of Malaysia. And by another layer, I mean under the sea!

Where to stay in Semporna

• Bubble House (I spent a night here before my dive trip, quiet, comfortable homestay)
• Island Backpackers  (budget-friendly social hostel)
• MY SPACE  (futuristic capsule hostel)
• Amazing Rooms  (simple, central hotel)
• Timba Timba Garden Resort (peaceful, rustic retreat slightly out of town)
• Larapan Water Village  (brand new small overwater resort)
• Sea Star Resort  (4* overwater resort)

About Sipadan

If you’re already certified, chances are you’ve heard fellow divers talk about Sipadan , and now it’s your chance to tick this slice of ocean paradise off your travel bucket list . There are some rules you need to be aware of though:

• Sipadan permits are limited to 254 divers per day, and they get booked up early. To secure a permit you need to book a Sipadan package with a dive operator, they generally have a minimum number of nights you have to stay to ensure your permit, ranging from 2 to 5.
• You’ll need your Advanced Open Water certification to dive Sipadan, if you don’t have it yet then just book the course with your dive operator and you’ll be able to do it on Day 1 and Day 2 of your trip, then you can do your Sipadan day afterwards
• You get two Sipadan dives on a Sipadan day, then your final dive of the day will be at Mabul or Kapalai on your way back

If you’ve never dived before but are willing to give it a go, you can do Discovery dives or your Open Water certification with any of the dive operators in the area, and you’ll get to dive at places like Mabul Island and Kapalai Island to see giant turtles, vibrant coral, tonnes of macro life, cuttlefish, octopus and more.

And if you’re just keen to snorkel then that’s fine too, stay at one of the island resorts (there are overwater bungalows for a fairly affordable price) and you’ll still be able to see loads of marine life from the surface.

Where to stay for diving at Sipadan

My absolute top pick for any Sipadan dive trip, and one of the coolest travel experiences I’ve ever had, is Seaventures Dive Rig .

This is the only dive rig in the world , an ex-oil rig that’s been ugly duckling-ed and transformed into an eco-friendly scuba diving paradise, with comfy cabins, super tasty buffet meals, a PADI 5 star dive centre, and an external elevator that literally takes you into the ocean for you to descend to the thriving house reef.

Your stay here includes three boat dives per day, unlimited house reef dives (!!!), and you get one guaranteed Sipadan for a three night stay, or two guaranteed Sipadan days for a five night stay.

You can do your Open Water course on the rig, your Advanced Open Water course (I did mine here), and it’s the only place in the world you can do the PADI Rig Diver Specialty Course. When you’re not breathing through a regulator, you can relax on the sundeck, challenge your dive buddies in the games room, get a massage, or do the 8m high or 20m high rig jump if you dare.

Read my full Seaventures DIve Rig review >>

Watch my Seaventures Dive Rig video >>

Book your Seaventures Dive Rig package >>

Other options for your 3 week Malaysia and Borneo itinerary

If you’ve got a bit more time, or you want to swap out any of the places I’ve recommended in the three week Malaysia itinerary above, here are some other popular destinations to visit.

Cameron Highlands

The Cameron Highlands are located between Ipoh and Penang, a popular stop for tour groups to visit its luscious tea plantations, rolling landscapes and strawberry farms. It’s also one of the few parts of Malaysia that offers a reprieve from the oppressive heat and humidity, thanks to the cooler climate at elevation. I’ve left it off the itinerary because I personally didn’t rate it during my first Malaysia visit a few years ago.

I’m not sure there’s a nice way to say this so I’ll just say it straight: it’s SUPER tacky. Like people in Transformers costumes roaming the street to get paid for photos, endless trashy plastic souvenirs, and sub-par accommodation and food that’s more expensive than anywhere else in Malaysia, completely inauthentic.

Oh, and it’s haunted 🙃 I’m actually not superstitious at all, but the hotel we stayed at in Cameron Highlands was undeniably home to some kind of paranormal activity. Doors that moved themselves, self-opening microwaves and an all-round creepy aura were enough for one of our friends to give up her solo room and come bunk with us for the night!

The most popular beach destination in Malaysia, you’d probably expect Langkawi to be included in any Malaysia itinerary, but for this trip I’ve opted to focus on the more remote and untouched coastal wonders of Borneo instead.

Langkawi’s tourism industry is decades ahead of Sabah, which means more commercialisation, higher prices and far more people to share the sand with. It’s fine for a holiday, but it’s certainly not an authentic cultural experience.

There are some world-class resorts there though, so if you’ve got ringgit to spare and want a dreamy place to stay, Langkawi could be an add on for your three weeks in Malaysia.

Perhentian Islands

Another beach option in Peninsular Malaysia, the east coast Perhentian Islands are significantly harder to reach, less developed and more unspoilt than Langkawi over on the west coast. I’ve only left them off this itinerary because I haven’t been there myself, but right now they’re at the very top of my Southeast Asia bucket list!

The diving here might not be as highly-regarded as Sipadan, but it’s still world-renowned, and many divers make the arduous flight-taxi-boat journey to discover what’s living beneath the surface of these remote islands.

If you don’t want to make the trip to Borneo then you could combine the Perhentian Islands with the Taman Negara Rainforest (info below) to tick the wildlife and underwater boxes in Peninsular Malaysia.

Taman Negara Rainforest

This ancient rainforest is your best bet for wildlife in Peninsular Malaysia, so if Borneo’s not going to work for your Malaysia itinerary, consider booking a guided tour here instead.

You’re likely to see macaques, gibbons, hornbills, kingfishers, eagles, crocodiles, colourful butterflies and tapirs, and if you’re incredibly lucky you might get to spot Asian elephants, Malayan tigers, clouded leopards and sun bears.

You can reach the national park from Kuala Lumpur by a combo of bus, train, taxi or boat, with the journey taking 4-8 hours depending on your chosen mode of transport.

Sarawak is the Malaysian Borneo state that sits south of Sabah, it’s well worth a visit but is difficult to fit into just three weeks in Malaysia and Borneo.

If you have more time to explore, or if you want to drop Peninsular Malaysia’s cultural hot spots of Penang and Ipoh in favour of more off-the-beaten-track experiences, then Kuching, Gunung Mulu National Park and Bako National Park are additions worth considering.

Add on Singapore

Obviously not actually *in* Malaysia, the city-state of Singapore sits at the southern point of Peninsular Malaysia, making it an easily accessible extension of your three week itinerary.

Budget airlines fly between Singapore and all Malaysian international airports constantly, or from Kuala Lumpur you can catch a bus (5-6 hours) or a train to Johor Bahru and then switch for the final journey to Singapore (7-10 hours).

3 week Malaysia itinerary FAQs

Is malaysia safe for solo female travellers.

Malaysia is generally considered safe and welcoming for solo female travellers, and I didn’t have any safety concerns during my time there, but there are a couple of specific things I want to mention 👇🏼

⚠️ Sabah’s travel warnings

The east coast of Sabah, including Semporna and Sipadan, have had past issues with piracy, which has resulted in travel warnings from some governments that are still in place, despite the last incident happening back in 2016. I’ve explained this and how it can impact your trip in more detail in my two week Borneo itinerary .

🏮 Kuala Lumpur’s markets at night

The only time I felt a little uncomfortable as a solo female traveller in Kuala Lumpur was at Jalan Alor Food Street at night, it was just so hectic I got overwhelmed with the noises, smells and bright lights, and because I was overwhelmed I probably drew attention to myself.

Be prepared for a bit of chaos, keep your belongings secure because pickpockets can target this area due to the crowds, and consider booking a food tour to experience it in a less stressful way haha.

👗 Appropriate clothing

Malaysia is an Islamic country and it’s important to dress and act modestly, both to respect the people and places you visit, and to avoid unwanted attention.

Touristy places like KL and George Town aren’t super conservative, and Borneo’s coastal areas are also quite laid back, but in smaller towns, villages or anywhere with temples, you’ll be expected to cover your shoulders and knees.

Is three weeks in Malaysia enough?

Spending three weeks in Malaysia is enough to experience a bunch of the country’s highlights, from sleek cities to cultural capitals to wildlife moments you’ll never forget. This itinerary isn’t too rushed, but if you’d like to travel at a slower pace then simply drop one of the stops altogether and you’ll gain a couple of extra days.

What to do with two weeks in Malaysia

If you’ve just got time for a two week Malaysia itinerary, I’d suggest:

• 2-3 days in Kuala Lumpur
• 1 day in Ipoh
• 2-3 days in Penang
• Fly to Kota Kinabalu and join the 8 day Sabah G Adventures tour , which covers Kinabatangan River, Sepilok and a turtle conservation island off Sandakan

What to do with one week in Malaysia

If you’re limited to just a week in Malaysia, you’ll want to stick to either Peninsular Malaysia or Malaysian Borneo.

With one week in Peninsular Malaysia, you could do:

• 2-3 days Kuala Lumpur
• 2 days Ipoh
• 2-3 days Penang

Or with one week in Malaysian Borneo, you could do the G Adventures Sabah tour (8 days in total), or just fly into Sandakan and spend your time in Sepilok, Kinabatangan River, and either the islands off Sandakan or fly to KK to snorkel in the Tunku Abdul Rahman Marine Park.

What should I pack for three weeks in Malaysia?

• Lightweight, breathable clothing, it’s humid AF
• Modest clothing, including a scarf to cover your shoulders for temple visits
• Waterproof jacket
• Good walking shoes for jungle treks
• A reusable drink bottle
• High SPF sunblock
• Insect repellent

My toxic trait is that I can’t write a single blog post less than 6000 words 🙃 if you’ve made it to the end then I hope I’ve helped you figure out your perfect 3 week Malaysia itinerary!

If you have any questions then as always just pop them in the comments, and I’ll get back to you as soon as I can.

Safe travels!

OTHER MALAYSIA TRAVEL GUIDES & ITINERARIES:

• The perfect two week Borneo itinerary
• Why you should add the world’s only dive rig to your bucket list
• The ideal Borneo wildlife tour: Sabah with G Adventures
• Solo travel in Kuala Lumpur: All you need to know

MY GO-TO TRAVEL PLANNING RESOURCES Flights ✈️ I use Skyscanner to find the best flights for my trip and then I’ll always book direct with the airline to protect myself from having to deal with dodgy third parties if anything goes wrong. Trains 🚂 If I’m travelling through Europe, I try to travel by train wherever possible! For an extended trip (2+ weeks) I’ll calculate if a Eurail Pass is worth it , or I’ll book point-to-point tickets through RailEurope or the local train operator. Accommodation 🛎️ I book almost all of my accommodation through booking.com , they have a user-friendly website + app and many of their options are free cancellation, easily cancelled with a simple click of a button. Activities 🗽 I use GetYourGuide , Klook and Viator to look for activities in the places I visit, or I just Google ‘things to do in [city]’! P.S. If you book anything on Klook you can use the promocode FINDINGALEXXKLOOK to get 10% off Travel cards 💳 I’m a Wise gal through and through, they’ve been my chosen travel card for more than five years now. You can easily top up your card from your bank account or through Apple Pay, convert your money to local currency, and spend money with minimal fees and the best exchange rates around. Travel insurance 🩺 I use Cover-More NZ travel insurance for my own trips, I have a comprehensive policy and I’ve only had good experiences with them. Cover-More also has an Australian company , but if you’re from elsewhere then two popular insurance options for global travellers are SafetyWing (cheaper policy, lower coverage) and World Nomads (more expensive but significantly better coverage). Luggage 💼 I travel with Samsonite Cosmolite suitcases , one 75cm check in bag and a 55cm carry on bag, and I absolutely adore them and will never travel with anything else! They are SUPER lightweight (2.8kg and 1.9kg respectively) so I have much more space for my actual stuff. Camera gear 📸 I use a iPhone 15 Pro Max for phone photos/videos, and my camera kit includes a Lumix S9 (incredible lightweight full-frame camera, a game changer for travel creators!) with a 20-60mm lens, a Lumix G9 with an 8-18mm and 12-60mm lens, a DJI Mini 3 Pro drone and a GoPro Hero 10 . I do all my writing and editing on my ASUS Zenbook 14 , it’s lightweight but powerful enough for photo editing and intense blogging sessions.

Written by:

Alexx is the human behind the keyboard and camera here at Finding Alexx. She’s a full-time solo traveller with a passion for finding bucket list experiences, unique stays that are worth writing home about, and those meals you’ll think about for the rest of your life. Having visited more than 60 countries (50 of them solo!), she shares super detailed itineraries and travel guides on the blog, as well as providing an authentic behind-the-scenes look at all her adventures (and misadventures) on Instagram.

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2D1N Kinabatangan River Wildlife Tour

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• Tour Code : BC-SO-K2
• Availability : Everyday
• Duration : 2D1N
• Departure Time : 11.45 am onwards
• Drop Off : Sandakan City
• Minimum Age : No Limit
• Minimum Pax : 1 Person
• Pick Up : Wisma Khoo/Sabah Hotel/Airport/Sepilok

WHY CHOOSE US?

1. VALUE FOR MONEY

Best Price, no hidden fees! (Our prices are always affordable)

2. WE PRACTICE SUSTAINABLE TOURISM

Contribute to the local community! (We hire local experts and promote local products)

All start time are estimated and for reference purposes only. Actual timing will be provided prior to your departure.

2D1N KINABATANGAN RIVER WILDLIFE TOUR

Validity: 1 Jan 2024 – 31 Dec 2024 (MYR/Pax For All Market)

Optional add on tour (myr/pax).

CHILD RATE:

1) Child rate: Applied to a child aged 2 – 11 years old.  50% of tour fee will be charged.

2) Aged 12 years old and above considered as adults, and adult rate will be applied.

3) Infant below 2 years old is Free of Charge.

SINGLE SUPPLEMENT:

1) Add on  RM100 per pax  on top of the package rate stated above.

1) Tour is based on Seat-in Coach Basis and subject to weather conditions.

2) There are four standard pick-up points: Wisma Khoo in Sandakan city, Sabah Hotel, Sandakan Airport, and Sepilok area only. Pick-up times vary depending on the individual pick-up location. Please inform us of your preferred pick-up point at least 1 day before tour departure.

3) Federal Tourism and Culture Ministry of Malaysia has imposed a Malaysian Tourism Tax (TTX) effective from September 2017. Foreign tourists are required to pay a flat rate of MYR 10 per room per night  regardless of hotel star level. The tax will be collected from every check-in guest directly at the resort which is not included in the package.

4) All rate are quoted in Ringgit Malaysia & Nett  (No hidden cost unless otherwise stated)

5) All passports and visas must be valid at least 06 months from the date of entry into the country destination.

PACKAGE DETAILS

Return Land Transfer

• Hotel > Borneo Natural Sukau Bilit Resort > Hotel/Airport

One Night Accommodation

• At Borneo Natural Sukau Bilit Resort (On twin sharing basis)

River Cruise

• TWO (2) Scheduled river cruise (Day1 – Afternoon cruise, Day 2 – Morning cruise)

Full Board Meal Free Flow Coffee and Tea In-house Guide

Air Fare Travel Insurance Camera Fees (If any) Guided Night Walk (Upon request with RM30/pax) Malaysian Tourism Tax (TTX) Others not stated

Insect Repellant Sun Block Lotion Binocular Camera Headlamp / Torch Light Leech Sock Sandal Hat & Raincoat

**Wear comfortable light cotton casual attire with short/long pants is recommended

After commencement of tour service there will be no refund in part or full, will be made for unused service/activity.

Full passport/IC number, name, nationality, gender, confirmed flight details and pick up point are required.

Sightings of wildlife animals are not guaranteed.

Tour activities are subject to weather conditions, and may be re-organised to best meet operational situations.

The safe keeping of your personal belongings are at your own responsibility.

We strongly recommend that all guests take up adequate travel insurance that covers accident, loss caused by cancellations, loss of baggage, personal property, medical expenses, medical evacuation and weather disruption that caused any acitivity cancellations.

Borneo Calling shall be relieved of all its obligation and liabilities in the event and to the extent of its performance of this agreement is delay or prevented in whole or in part by any cause beyond its control, including without limiting to, act of God, change of laws, war, riot, strikes civil unrest, fire, flood, earthquake or explosion, sale, essential construction, to the property, epidemics as confirmed by the government of Malaysia or/and act of terrorism.

SANDAKAN > KINABATANGAN RIVER

Pick up from Sandakan city and proceed to Kinabatangan River . A trip up the river at dawn or dusk is the best opportunity to see Borneo’s wildlife.  The journey will take approximately 2 hours drive and passing through rustic countryside. Upon arrival at the resort, you will be greeted by the resort’s crew and refreshment will be served followed by briefing featuring the overview of the resort routes & safety. Check in to your room.

At 1600 hrs, embark on the adventure of your life to spot the elusive Proboscis Monkey, Orang Utan, Silver-Leaf Monkeys, Macaques, Crocodile, birds, and many more. Enjoy cruising along the mighty Kinabatangan River and be mesmerized by a myriad of wildlife along the riverbank.

You might even sight the world smallest elephant – Borneo Pygmy Elephant in search of food at the riverbank during certain seasons. Apart from that, all the eight species of hornbill found in Borneo make this river their home too! When the sun goes down, its time for dinner.

After dinner, Overnight at Borneo Natural Sukau Bilit Resort. (Optional night walk – upon request with RM30/pax top up and subject to weather conditions) Geared with your headlamp or torchlight, taking uncertain steps into the dark jungle trail to look for interesting insects, frogs, sleeping birds, and nocturnal wildlife that may turn up after dark. Enter a world inhabited by the shy night creatures before the day end. 

KINABATANGAN RIVER > SANDAKAN

Wake up to the calls of gibbons and hornbill. Proceed for an early morning cruise along the Kinabatangan River to observe more wildlife and birdlife. Return to the resort for breakfast. Check out and depart for your return journey to back to Sandakan city.

TOUR DETAILS

Scheduled Transfer

• Schedule transfer only applicable on tour arrival and departure date, based on seat-in coach basis.
• Package prices are inclusive of land transfer on the check-in and check-out day only. Additional fees will be charged for unscheduled transfer which is not included in the package.

Meal Timing

Check in & check out.

ABOUT KINABATANGAN RIVER

Kinabatangan River

Kinabatangan River , Sabah’s longest river, flowing 560km from the mountainous interior to the Sulu Sea, is one of the most exciting and accessible places to explore the rich biodiversity of  Sabah , Borneo. Along its lower reaches, where the river winds as sinuously as a snake across the flatland, it rises and spills over its bank every monsoon season to create Sabah greatest freshwater floodplain.

The river offers an incredible opportunity to see a large range of wildlife including  Proboscis Monkey   (an endemic species to the island of Borneo), the Orang Utan,   Borneo Pygmy Elephant , crocodiles, otters, and countless rare and beautiful birds.

ACCOMMODATION

BORNEO NATURAL SUKAU BILIT RESORT

The resort is approximately 2.5 hours drive from Sandakan and has the most enviable location. Comprises 6 types of room and each of them is hewn and hand-crafted by local tradesman using the Borneo Iron Wood – a rare timber tree native to the Borneo and are exquisitely designed and decorated with local materials to blend harmoniously into the natural landscape of the rainforest.

Nestled along the bank of the Kinabatangan River, the resort is surrounded by quaint local village that provides a unique “close to nature” experience with plenty of opportunities for river cruise, jungle trekking, stroll through traditional villages and chance to see the proboscis monkeys, the orang utan, pygmy elephants, the oriental darter, hornbills, kingfishers and many living in their natural habitat.

It is a heaven for nature lovers and for those who need to retreat into nature, to recharge and to escape to a different reality. With the unique and classic ethnic room designed resembling the typical and traditional village house, the resort rests on the 4ft wooden stilts rising within the nature forest with the cottages scattered among the ancient trees and linked by series of boardwalk with each room comes with its own balcony. It is truly a great escape to enjoy the sounds of nature at its finest. 

Borneo Natural Sukau Bilit Resort

Types of Room At The Resort

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