Kinabatangan River

Logging and jungle clearance for palm oil plantations is a well documented problem in Sabah. However, loggers have an exclusion zone along the banks of the Kinabatangan River, the longest river in Sabah and this has led to the surviving wildlife being forced to within a kilometre of the banks making it much more likely to be spotted.

You will travel by small boat, at dawn and again at dusk, along the backwaters and streams feeding the main river and watch the famed strange nosed proboscis monkeys leaping across the banks showing off to their piers. You can also look out for elephants, snakes, macaques and crocodiles along the banks or lucking in the still waters. The river is also renowned for its birdlife which include many species of hornbills, crested serpent eagles, the Borneon Blue Flycatcher and the Scarlet Sunbird.

Kinabatangan River Hotels

Sukau Rainforest Lodge$$

Sukau Rainforest Lodge (SRL) was born from a vision of creating a complete ecotourism experience. It was built in 1995, with the mission to excel as an ecolodge by providing a unique experience in hospitality, interpretation, conservation with local community participation and leadership development.

All 40 rooms have solar-powered ceiling fans, ac, mosquito netting and en suite facilities with hot water. Other facilities on offer include an open dining area, library and lounge area wi...