The Kinabatangan River in Borneo is one of the most incredible, and easily accessible places to see all the wondrous wildlife in Asia. Here, you’ll see some of the most incredible animals in Sabah, from Orangutans and proboscis monkeys, to wild cats, pygmy elephants, and even birdlife.
By far, the best way to see the Kinabatangan river is with a cruise or guided tour. This gives you an opportunity to drift serenely down the river yourself, enjoying all of the wonderful nature around you. Here, we’re going to share our top tips on the best ways to see the Kinabatangan river for yourself.
How to Get to the Kinabatangan River
Running from the mountains in the southwest side of Sabah, to the Sulu Sea, the Kinabatangan river is a 350-mile stretch of phenomenal beauty, and natural wildlife. Visiting this river gives you the best opportunity to see some of Malaysia’s incredible animals in the wild, from crocodiles, to monkeys and beyond.
Usually, to visit this region, you’ll first need to take a flight to Borneo, then travel to either Kuala Lumpur, Sandakan, or Kota Kinabalu with Air Asia. Typically, the easiest way to start your tour is to travel to Sandakan, as it’s closest to the river overall.
If you want to make the most of your trip, we definitely recommend an overnight trip, or spending a few days in the region, so you can watch the amazing sunrises and sunsets, and get the best opportunity to see a wide variety of different types of wildlife.
The Best Way to See the Kinabatangan River
As mentioned above, the best way to see the Kinabatangan river is with a cruise that places you right at the heart of the action. The biggest challenge is usually figuring out how long your tour should last. On average, we recommend spending at least 2 nights here, for the best experience.
You won’t have to pay any National Park fees, and depending on the lodge or accommodations you choose, you might even be able to spot the animals straight from your room.
If you’re pressed for time, you could consider taking the Borneo Dream half-day river cruise. This late afternoon cruise offers an excellent opportunity to search for wildlife along the river banks, and it’s followed by a delicious dinner at a local lodge.
Multi-Day Tours of the Kinabatangan River
Although a half-day cruise can be phenomenal, you’ll be more likely to see a wide range of wildlife, and have a more memorable experience with a multi-day trip. We offer a 2-day cruise with a one night stay at a local lodge, which also includes a late-night trek into the secondary rainforest near the river, and a visit to the Sepilok Orangutan Rehabilitation Centre.
Staying overnight in the jungle is a fantastic way to immerse yourself in the amazing nature of Borneo, and unlock opportunities to see wildlife like never before.
If you want to extend your tour even further, you can consider:
The 3-Day Kinabatangan Wildlife Sanctuary Tour
This tour combines a two-night stay at a lodge on the Kinabatangan river with three treks into the rainforest located in the Wildlife Sanctuary, a trip to the Sepilok Orangutan Rehabilitation Centre, and a visit to the local Rainforest Centre. This is one of the best ways to see the Kinabatangan river for yourself, and expose yourself to as much nature and wildlife as possible while visiting Borneo.
A Turtle Island and Kinabatangan River Tour
Borneo isn’t just well-known for the amazing Kinabatangan river. It’s also home to one of the world’s most incredible turtle sanctuaries. With a three-day or four-day tour combining a Kinabatangan river adventure with a trip to Turtle Island, you get the best of both worlds.
The four-day trip is the best way to optimise your chances of plenty of wildlife encounters. You’ll have an overnight stay on Turtle Island to look forward to, as well as two days at a Kinabatangan River lodge. Plus, the tour includes 3 treks, a visit to the Orangutan Rehabilitation Centre, and the Rainforest Discovery Centre.
A 3-Day Birds of Borneo Tour
If you’re more interested in the colourful and tropical birds of Borneo than turtles, why not consider a “Birds of Borneo” tour? This will take you to two of the best birding locations in all of Borneo, the Kinabatangan river, and the Rainforest Discovery Centre.
Visiting these two locations in the same three-day trip will give you endless opportunities to spot hundreds of different bird species. Plus, you’ll be given guidance and insights by your own Bird specialists guide along the way.
The Kinabalu Park and Kinabatangan River Cruise
If you’re planning on a visit to Kinabalu Park during your Sabah holiday, and you don’t want to miss out on seeing the Kinabatangan river too, this is the perfect cruise for you. This unique trip includes access to a range of wonderful activities, like trekking through the park, and a chance to see Orangutans at the Sepilok Sanctuary.
Kinabatangan River and Danum Valley Tour
For lengthier trips to Sabah, consider Borneo Dream’s amazing five-day tour which combines two of the region’s best wildlife spotting locations. This tour of Danum Valley and the Kinabatangan river gives you access to relaxing cruises, trekking through the rainforest, and visits to the Sun Bear Conservation Centre, Sepilok Orangutan Centre, and the Rainforest Discovery Centre.
It’s the ultimate tour experience for anyone who wants to see the Kinabatangan river, and explore some of the other wonders the region has to offer.
Explore the Wonders of the Kinabatangan River
The Kinabatangan River is one of the most beautiful tourist attractions to visit in Borneo, and one of the best locations out there for wildlife lovers. The great thing about it is that you can also visit all year-round, although if you’re looking for birdlife, we’d recommend planning a trip between April and October for the best results.