Kinabatangan River Cruise In Borneo: What To Know!

Last Updated: April 23 2024

The Kinabatangan River in Sabah is known worldwide for its biodiversity, making it one of the top wildlife-watching destinations in Southeast Asia. Here you can spot various species, but seeing orangutans in the wild is certainly a highlight – it was for us anyway!

Taking a Kinabatangan River cruise is one of the best experiences we’ve ever had. To ensure you also have a fantastic experience, this guide will take you through everything you need to know. This includes how to get there, where to stay, and what species you can expect to see.

So let’s dive right in!

Some posts on this site contain affiliate links. If you buy or book something through these links, we earn a small commission, but at no extra cost to you! If you want to learn more, you can take a look at our privacy policy!

Where Is The Kinabatangan River?

Often referred to as the Kinabatangan Wildlife Sanctuary, the Kinabatangan River is found in Northeastern Sabah, more specifically the Sandakan Division. It’s the longest river in Sabah at 560 km (348 miles) long, and the second-longest in Malaysia so it’s certainly worth a visit.

Sukau and Bilit are the two main villages in this area and both are easily accessible. Sukau is located around 110 km (68 miles) from Sepilok, while Bilit is about 104 km (64 miles away).

Sandakan is located around 120 km (74 miles) away, and the journey takes around 2 hours.

How To Visit The Kinabatangan River, Sabah

When it comes to exploring the Kinabatangan River, you’ve got two options. You can organise the trip yourself which is what we did, or you can opt for a package deal with one of the lodges/B&Bs. Below, we’ll give you a quick overview of both to see which option suits you the best.

Visit Independently

You can organise a Kinabatangan wildlife safari independently if you’re on a tight budget. This is what we did, and it wasn’t difficult either. It’s just a case of finding an accommodation that offers Kinabatangan River tours and excursions.

We opted for Sukau Backpackers B&B as a double room costs just £16 a night. They also offered us a transfer from Sepilok at 50 MYR (£8.40) per person, although this may have increased now. Suddenly, staying for a couple of nights doesn’t seem so unreasonable!

All our river cruises were then booked through our B&B, and other excursions were available too, all for a great price.

Visit With A Package

Alternatively, you can book a package deal if you’re interested in a Kinabtangan River cruise. Many lodges and guesthouses offer package deals, and these will typically include your transfers, food, accommodation, and excursions, so offer great value for money.

If you opt for a more luxurious lodge, naturally the price will be much higher than visiting independently. However, you may be surprised by the price of some package deals, especially those offered by smaller guesthouses and B&Bs.

For those who prefer convenience over budgeting, a package deal is the best option. Everything will be sorted for you, and you’ll have a few other activities included too!

Visit on a day trip

If you’re short of time, a Kinabatangan River cruise day trip may be the best option. These typically run from Sepilok or Sandakan, so you’ll need to head here first if you’ve flown into Kota Kinabalu.

There are both half-day and full-day tour options offered by various companies so there are plenty of options. Just make sure you shop around for the best deal and opt for an ethical tour provider.

However, we highly recommend that you spend at least a few days along the Kinabatangan River. This way, you’ll give yourself the best chance to spot wildlife, including the elusive orangutan.

Going on a Kinabatangan River Cruise

Our Experience of Kinabatangan River Cruises

Of all the things to do in Borneo, a Kinabatangan River Tour is certainly one of the best. You’ll spend approximately 1.5-2 hours cruising along the river (sometimes longer) and can enjoy the sounds of the jungle as you explore this area of Borneo.

During our time here, we went on two Kinabatangan River cruises. Due to the weather, we opted for two afternoon cruises as the weather conditions in the morning were misty and rainy. This didn’t seem to be optimal wildlife-watching conditions!

On these cruises, we spotted a wealth of wildlife including wild orangutans, proboscis monkeys, macaques, crocodiles, snakes, and more. One of the most magical moments of our life occurred here when a huge male orangutan crossed the river along one of the jungle bridges above.

As you cruise along the river, you’ll have an experienced guide with you who will look out for wildlife. The guide is fantastic at spotting orangutans hiding in the trees and is extremely passionate. Honestly, without his eagle eyes, I doubt we’d have seen half the species that we did.

If you stay at Sukau Backpackers B&B, make sure you keep your eyes peeled, as you can also spot wildlife right from your chalet. This includes monitor lizards, turtles, and various bird species such as hornbills.

How much does a Kinabatangan River cruise cost?

We didn’t opt for a Kinabatangan tour package, so it was simply a case of paying for the excursions. During our visit to this part of Borneo, we did a couple of river cruises and at the time, these cost us 60 MYR (£10) per person. At 120 MYR per couple, the price is very affordable and you’ll be left with memories to last a lifetime.

Just be aware that prices may differ depending on where you stay. If you’re staying further out or in a more luxurious lodge, the cost of a Kinabatangan River cruise may be more expensive. Some places do allow you to negotiate though so that’s always a bonus.

*It’s important to note that with the pandemic and other global issues, the prices in this guide may have increased. If you find that to be the case, feel free to drop us an email and we’ll be happy to update this guide!

Visiting the Kinabatangan River on a Budget

Of course, it’s not just the river cruise prices that you need to consider, especially for those on a budget. First of all, you’ll need to factor in the cost of accommodation if you’re not going for a package deal.

We stayed at Sukau Backpackers B&B which cost us around £16 for a double room. Over three days, this cost us under £50, which was much cheaper than other lodges in the area.

Another huge bonus of staying here was that we could book all our excursions through the B&B. During our visit, other excursions started from 30 MYR (£5) per person with some being more expensive.

In terms of food, you’ll find that many lodges will offer set meals. During our stay, the B&B offered set meals for 20 MYR (£3.35) per person. Although this isn’t expensive, one of our meals at a nearby restaurant came to the same price. This included two meals and four drinks.

The Total Cost of Our Kinabatangan River Trip

We sorted everything for our trip and found it very easy to organise transfers, accommodation, and excursions. This gave us more flexibility when it came to excursions, compared to going for a package deal.

Whilst in Borneo, the cheapest Kinabatangan River package we could find was priced at 350 MYR (£66 at the time) per person. This was for a 2-night stay in a dorm. The more expensive packages can cost upwards of 1500 MYR (£251) per person, so prices vary greatly.

In total, we paid £74.50 per person for 3 nights and had a double room with a private bathroom. Here’s a quick breakdown of our expenses:

• Transfers: 200 MYR (about £38)
• Accommodation: 238 MYR (about £45)
• Excursions: 240 MYR (about £46)
• Food and Drink: 105 MYR (about £20)

Total: 783 MYR (about £149)

GBP prices correspond with the currency exchange rate at the time of travel. This will be different now!

Helpful Information About The Kinabatangan River, Borneo

How To Get To The Kinabatangan River

You’ll likely travel from Sandakan or Sepilok to reach the Kinabatangan River. From either of these destinations, you’ll head to Sukau or Bilit, the two main areas along the river.

For those on a package deal, your transport will typically be included. In some cases, you’ll travel overland, while others will see you take a boat from Sandakan.

You’ll find that many lodges and guesthouses will offer transfers or a shuttle service. If you haven’t gone for a package, there will be an extra charge as the area is so remote but it’s worth it in our opinion.

During our trip a few years ago, a transfer from Bandar Tying (near Sepilok) to Sukau was around 50 MYR (£8.40) per person, although the price may have increased by now! It was a simple journey and we got to admire epic jungle views along the way.

The Best Time To Visit The Kinabatangan River

Although you can visit the Kinabatangan River at any time of year, April to October is considered one of the best times to visit. This is the dry season and is the main flowering and fruiting season, which makes it a great time of year for spotting various animal and bird species.

November to March is the rainy season which is when we visited Sukau. December and January are considered the wettest months when the area can flood. This makes it easier for boats to navigate the river channels, so still offers fantastic wildlife-watching opportunities.

We stayed in Sukau during February and had the most incredible time! You may encounter more rain at this time of year, as you’ll be visiting in the rainy season but you’ve got a great chance of spotting wildlife still, especially orangutans.

No matter when you visit, just book your accommodation in advance!

Where To Stay Along The Kinabatangan River

When heading on a Borneo river cruise in this area, there are two main places you’ll stay. The majority of lodges and guesthouses are found in either Sukau or Bilit, and there are some fantastic options. Below, we’ll include some of our top recommendations!

Budget: Sukau Backpackers B&B

We stayed at Sukau Backpackers B&B during our trip so can highly recommend this place! The rooms here are very affordable and although basic, they feature a private bathroom and balcony area.

The highlight of staying at this B&B is that they can organise a range of activities and excursions for you, including a Kinabatangan River cruise. It’s also possible to book package deals through them!

Mid-range: Kinabatangan Wildlife Lodge

In Bilit, you’ll find the Kinabatangan Wildlife Lodge. It’s just a short walk from the river and offers dorm beds and private rooms, so there’s something for everyone.

You’ll have breakfast included in your stay and will benefit from having free WiFi (even in the middle of the jungle). There’s also a quirky bar on-site and various excursions and activities to choose from.

Luxury: Bilit Adventure Lodge

Bilit Adventure Lodge is one of the more luxurious options along the Kinabatangan River. Here, you’ll find traditional wooden lodges on stilts, which boast jungle views and an ensuite bathroom (with a hot shower).

There’s an on-site restaurant at the lodge where you can try local dishes and a tour desk so you’ll have no issues booking activities and excursions. Luggage storage is also available.

Flora & Fauna Of The Kinabatangan River

Famous for its biodiversity, there’s a wealth of wildlife-watching opportunities along the Kinabatangan River. This area boasts one of the world’s richest ecosystems and is one of the only places on Earth where 10 different species of primate can be spotted.

The Bornean orangutan is the main draw for nature lovers, but various other species are found here too. These include the proboscis monkey, Bornean pygmy elephant, Malayan sun bear, clouded leopard, and slow loris among others.

As you cruise along the river, you might also spot freshwater sharks, Irrawaddy dolphins, monitor lizards, crocodiles and terrapins. No matter where you look, you’re bound to spot wildlife of some kind!

The Kinabatangan River is also an important bird-watching location. In fact, all of Borneo’s hornbill species are found in this area, including the Oriental Pied Hornbill and the Rhinoceros Hornbill. As there’s so much to see, we highly recommend packing a pair of binoculars if you can!

Top Tips For Visiting The Kinabatangan River

When it comes to heading on a Kinabatangan River cruise, there are a few things you should know. Here are some of our top tips to ensure you have a fantastic time:

• There are typically three different cruises available; morning, afternoon, and evening. The timings are generally as follows; 6 am, 4 pm, and 7:30 pm although specific timings will depend on the operator. Going at two different times (e.g. an afternoon and evening cruise) will give you the chance to spot various animal species, including those that only come out at night.

• This area has limited dining options, with Restaurant Simpang Tiga being one of the only choices. Meal packages are available at many accommodations although prices are more expensive.

• We’d recommend packing a good camera for your trip so you can snap awesome photographs of the orangutans. If you can, opt for a zoom lens to get close-ups of the wildlife. Ours is the Sigma 70-300mm f/4-5.6 and is very affordable!

• Depending on where you stay, you may want to pack a few snacks for your visit. From our accommodation, the nearest shop was quite a walk and there wasn’t too much choice.

• Many of the guesthouses and lodges won’t have WiFi as the area is very remote. During our trip through Borneo, we opted for a Digi sim card and managed to get service here so we could keep in touch with friends and family.

• Although going on a Kinabatangan River cruise is an exciting experience, be sure to keep quiet when looking out for wildlife. Talking loudly or shrieking will only startle the animals, and they’ll quickly retreat into the jungle before you know it.

Frequently Asked Questions About The Kinabatangan River

Is the Kinabatangan River worth visiting?

The Kinabatangan River is one of the best wildlife-watching destinations in Asia, so it’s certainly worth a visit. For the best experience, you’ll want to head on a river cruise but other activities are available too.

You can spot various wildlife species along the Kinabatangan River, including orangutans, proboscis monkeys, Bornean pygmy elephants, crocodiles, gibbons, and hornbills.

Why is the Kinabatangan River famous?

The Kinabatangan River is known for its biodiversity and endemic species and is one of Malaysia’s most protected areas. As such, it’s a must for any Borneo itinerary!

There are some fantastic jungle lodges located along the river, and many offer various activities too, including river cruises, night safaris, and jungle treks, so there’s a lot to do in this area.

What is the Borneo Big 5?

The Borneo Big 5 stands for the most iconic species found on this island; the orangutan, pygmy elephant, proboscis monkey, estuarine crocodile, and rhinoceros Hornbill.

You can see all of these creatures along the Kinabtangan River making it one of the top wildlife-watching spots in Borneo. For the best experience, stay here for a couple of days to try and spot them all!

How long is the Kinabatangan River?

Kinabatangan is the longest river in Sabah at 560 km (348 miles) long. It’s also the second-largest river in all of Malaysia, and it passes through various landscapes including mangroves.

Final Thoughts About Going On A Sabah River Safari

Going on a Kinabatangan River safari is an experience like no other! It’s the perfect way to appreciate everything Borneo has to offer, and you’ll likely see a variety of wildlife.

No matter whether you’re travelling in style or you’re on a budget like we were, you can make the most of your time here. Although organising the trip independently is more work, it can often be much cheaper. However, we’d still recommend checking out package deals too as you may be pleasantly surprised!

If you have any questions about going on a Kinabatangan River cruise, please get in touch with us via Facebook, Instagram, or in the comments!

Here are some other guides that you may find helpful:

• Where To Stay In Borneo: The Top Hotels
• The Best Things To Do In Kuching

PIN IT FOR LATER!