[n 1] The area is known for its high biodiversity, including its limestone caves at Gomantong Hill, dryland dipterocarp forests, riverine forest, freshwater swamp forest, oxbow lakes, and salty mangrove swamps near the coast. We went in July and we had nice weather with blue skies and we saw a lot of wildlife including orangutans and pygmy elephants. Opposite the rehab centre is the Bornean Sun Bear Conservation Centre. The river cruise at the Kinabatangan area is the best way to observe the animals along the riverside. bonjour With luck, youll be rewarded with the sight of flying lizards or even giant squirrels taking to the air. Ook hebben we geen contact gekregen met de touroperator. Clicking on click above will take you to the current prices. Is it worth paying extra money doing the. We stayed in the Borneo Natural Sukau Bilit Resort, one of the more comfortable Kinabatangan riverside lodges. He is so passionate about the Rainforest and the animals. Kinabatangan is 560 kilometers long, the longest in Sabah and Malaysia's second longest river. Things only got better from there. Here are some more details or you can find our full write-up of travel package and day tour options here. Visit Sepilok Orang Utan Rehabilitation Centre & Bornean Sun . Join this 2 days adventure tour in Sandakan to experience best wildlife. Borneo Kinabatangan River Cruise Day Trip, Private Full Day Gomantong Cave and Kinabatangan River Cruise, 4D3N Sepilok Wildlife Tour with Kinabatangan River Cruise, best Kinabatangan river cruise packages and tours here, Comparison: 10 Best Hotels In Sibu, Sarawak, Malaysia, How To Go From KL Sentral To KLIA2 (And Back Again! Detailed Reviews: Reviews order informed by descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as cleanliness, atmosphere, general tips and location information. Great choice! A Kinabatangan river cruise is a once-in-a-lifetime experience. The lodge, the guides, everything. Without venturing far from the lodges youll see snoozing kingfishers, all-too-awake crocodiles and restless flying foxes. If you love nature this is definitely a place you should go to. Its recomended to saty over night to experience the jungle stay, and less tired due to long journey return travel within one day. 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. Packages here include early morning and late afternoon cruises, evening night walks, meals and transfers to and from Sandakan. The Kinabatangan River - RIVER JUNKIE TOURS Kinabatangan River - Travelfish This area is fantastic for wildlife spotting and is an easily accessible and good priced Sabah jungle experience. This is a great time to see wildlife near the Kinabatangan river. Driver will meet in hotel lobby or arrival gate at airport, We can drop off anywhere in sandakan or sepilok area including sandakan airport, We can pickup from any hotel in the sandakan or sepilok area, Accommodation: Tonight you will stay n a comfortable aircon chalet near the kinabatagan river, Accommodation: Tonight you will sleep in a comfortable aircon chalet near the Kinabatagan river. A local named Mr Choy: Best for solo travellers. Transfers to and fro Nature Lodge Kinabatangan and meals are included in the tour prices. Kinabatangan River Borneo: guide to a bucket list jungle experience You can read our complete privacy policy here. This river is Sabah's longest at 560 kilometres and starts in Borneo's interior before snaking its way to the sea. Timba-Timba Island: Everything You Need To Know, Tabin Wildlife Reserve And Resort: Everything You Need To Know [2023], Mataking Island: Everything You Need To Know, This article may contain compensated links. We saw a lot of animals in wild environment. He was accommodating with our need to get cash and has an awesome car, decorated with pictures he has taken himself. On my cruises, I saw a range of monkeys, birds and crocodiles. Mr. Aji Expeditions is the only way to go! Is this something where you sleep aboard and is it safe? Dinner will be waiting for you when you get back to the lodge. It had a great balcony looking out over a lake area (pictured above). Experience the Borneo rainforest on four river cruises and two walking safaris, Look for animals like proboscis monkeysor even orangutans or pygmy elephants, Enjoy two nights chalet accommodation in the jungle with five meals, Relax with comfortable round-trip transfers from Sandakan airport, You can head directly to the meeting point, or request pickup, Sandakan, Sandakan, Sandakan Division, Sabah, Confirmation will be received at time of booking, Pick up Place: Downtown Sandakan Hotels 1030hrs, Sandakan Airport 1100hrs, Sepilok area 1130hrs, Kinabatangan SEDCO Building 1300hrs, Drop Off: Downtown Sandakan Hotels, Sandakan airport , Sepilok area, Kinabatangan SEDCO Building. How easy is it to go to both places with a bus and how long does it take? There are lots of Kinabatangan River animals that you have a chance to spot. One part of the cave is open to the public and here you can witness the conditions in which twice yearly the edible birds nests are harvested. I hope you have enjoyed this full guide to Kinabatangan River. 4.5 1,237 reviews #3 of 23 things to do in Sandakan Nature & Wildlife Areas Visit website Call Email Write a review About Features animals Learn more about animal welfare in tourism Suggest edits to improve what we show. By plane and bus. 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 did a night trek at the Borneo Natural Sukau Bilit Resort. It helps the resort buildings fade into the surrounding rainforest. The disadvantage is that it will rain a lot and sometimes the river and channels are flooded. Id like to avoid touristic tours and i would rather do as much as possible by my own. This area is fantastic for wildlife spotting and is an easily accessible and good priced Sabah jungle experience. Best time to visit the Kinabatangan River. You will get a chance to visit Gomantong Cave (An intricate. These wildlife-spotting cruises are both meditative as you take in the sounds of the jungle and the vast sweeps of greenery and thrilling each time a previously unspotted species peeks into view, flies overhead or swims past the boat. Drive 4h 20m. Our lodgings and meals were great. 7:06 pm arrive in Sandakan. Click the Map to open in Google Maps. Sandakan - Gomantong Cave & Kinabatangan River Cruise This will be the case for most Kinabatangan river accommodations as most of them are located close to the pier at the main road. Ahora estoy en espera de que me devuelvan lo que me cobraron, cosa que por ahora, no ha ocurrido. The forest that lines the river is getting smaller and smaller as palm oil plantations grow. 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. Its the perfect place to ask any questions and to be inspired! Exploring the Kinabatangan River and its banks is a fantastic choice for nature lovers and anyone wanting to experience the diverse wildlife of Sabah. Road Trip: From Kota Kinabalu to Sandakan + What To Do Planning a trip to Malaysia? The whole resort is built from local wood on stilts and there are boardwalks between the villas and the main resort area. The river source and tributaries are in dark blue. 5. from $197.00. Hello, so i'm looking for a small tour 2D1N with someone who's knowledgeable and can also provide mid-range accommodation? The early morning cruise is best for birds and orangutans, afternoon for proboscis monkeys and evening for crocodiles and nocturnal birds. @media(min-width:0px){#div-gpt-ad-diveintomalaysia_com-mobile-leaderboard-1-0-asloaded{max-width:336px!important;max-height:280px!important}}if(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[336,280],'diveintomalaysia_com-mobile-leaderboard-1','ezslot_17',121,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-diveintomalaysia_com-mobile-leaderboard-1-0'); 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. Partake in an evening river cruise led by an English speaking guide. 2D1N Sandakan Private Tour with Kinabatangan River Cruise I was so lucky to see 5 Orang-utans and lots of other animals, birds & insects on my trip. The lodges can also be great. We recommendyou to avoid the monsoon season. I went with Abdul, a very friendly taxi driver who approached me about this. Revenue impacts the experiences featured on this page, Join this 2 days adventure tour in Sandakan to experience best wildlife. Rickshaw was wonderful, as was SI Tours, who Rickshaw used. I do respect the guards that live in the cave day and night to protect the birds nests. Other people reported that they had also seen lemurs and colorful kingfishers. We were so curious about everything, from flora to fauna, and he answered all of our questions with ease. Tour highlights. Overall, the experience was amazing and well worth the money! Things To Do in Sandakan (2023) - SabahTravel.com I recommend you do as many of these as you can. [5], In 1997, 270km2 (104sqmi) of the lower Kinabatangan floodplain were declared a protected area. Also if you are lucky enough, definately worth to stay if you able to spot some wild animal during your night walk. more, #15 of 115 Boat Tours & Water Sports in Sabah, Boat Tours Eco Tours Private Tours Nature & Wildlife Tours Photography Tours, Hi. Sandakan is a historical town known as 'seafood heaven' and provides a base for some excellent dive sites and turtle viewing locations. Pickup offered Mobile ticket Offered in: English and 1 more Sandakan Tours All Sandakan Tours Art & Culture Culture Cultural Tours Kid-Friendly Nature and Wildlife Tours Eco Tours Nature Walks Wildlife Encounters Wildlife Watching Tours, Sightseeing & Cruises How to Get Around The Kinabatangan River is a haven for birdwatchers, with various Bornean hornbill species, pittas, kingfishers, and many other birds to spot. driving 6 hours. Does Grab goes from Sandakan to Sukau (Kinabatangan river) and a little bit further to one of the loges along this river? If you are not sure if its included, you should check this with your lodge. KINABATANGAN RIVER (Sabah) - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go 2024 Travel Period: 01 January 2023 till 31 December 2023 SPECIAL PROMO! 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. 3D2N Kinabatangan River Safari - RIVER JUNKIE TOURS Kinabatangan River, Sabah: Address, Kinabatangan River Reviews: 4.5/5. 2 days. We could have gone through SI tours on our own using their websites, but opted to go through Joe at Rickshaw to make it easier. Top 10 Activities in Sandakan 2023 - Klook United States 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. A complete Kinabatangan River blog and independent travel guide to how to do a Sukau Kinabatangan River Cruise without an expensive tour. Join one of our multi-day Tabin Wildlife Reserve Experiences! Fantastic! The Kinabatangan River (Malay: Sungai Kinabatangan) is a river in Sandakan Division, in northeastern Sabah, Malaysia. Cruises may not only cover the Kinabatangan River, but also its tributaries. You adopt the pace of nature and in just a few days you will leave recharged with some great memories. The most popular way to get here is to fly to Sandakan. drive for about 5 minutes. While this trip is a must do for most, the sheer distance from Sandakan to the Kinabatangan River can make this journey seem very daunting - It shouldn't be! I cannot imagine doing it any other way than under the expert guise of Mr. Aji. you can find my guide to the best Kinabatangan River day trip and longer trip options here. 17 Top Things To Do In Sandakan Borneo [2023] Mr Aji goes above and beyond to give you the best possible experience. There are a few lodge choices along the Kinabatangan River. Borneo Wildlife Tour 2 Days 1 Night At Tanjung Bulat Jungle Camp Kinabatangan. We advise taking an all-inclusive package. Does he have a tour company or is he a private concern? Most Kinabatangan river accommodations offer all-inclusive packages with all meals(no drinks) and morning and evening cruises included. We booked our tour of the river with Mr Aji, who was very communicative via email and arrived at the pick up point early, meaning we could get going quickly. Viator via de app, maar nooit duidelijke acties. I have herd some bad reviews from other travellers of different tours on the Kinabatangan river, luckily we went with Mr Aji! From April to October during the main flowering and fruiting season, the climate is generally fairly dry and a good time to spot many birds and animals. This means it makes the most sense to get to the Sandakan area and then travel from Sandakan to Kinabatangan. Improve this listing Tours & experiences Explore different ways to experience this place. It was so peaceful and calm. I cannot imagine doing it any other way than under the expert guise of Mr. Aji. Hes been coming to the area for over 20 years, and it really shows. Kinabatangan River Cruise: Best Tours And Everything You Need To Know, Selingan Turtle Island: Everything You Need To Know [2023]. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. You can cancel this reservation up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. Kinabatangan River - some of the best wildlife watching in SE Asia We were able to see elephants, Proboscis monkeys, crocodiles, monitor lizards, horn bills, slow loris, orangutans, and much more! I opted for taking a boat on my own which was great for my goals. @media(min-width:0px){#div-gpt-ad-diveintomalaysia_com-mobile-leaderboard-2-0-asloaded{max-width:250px!important;max-height:250px!important}}if(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[250,250],'diveintomalaysia_com-mobile-leaderboard-2','ezslot_18',126,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-diveintomalaysia_com-mobile-leaderboard-2-0'); It shows you everything from the journey here to inside a resort to the animals we saw on the cruises. Sandakan to Kinabatangan - 2 ways to travel via taxi, and car - Rome2rio and leave at 7:01 pm. 3D2N Kinabatangan River Tour with Mr. Aji. [19] Following media attention after a decapitated elephant's head was found floating down the river in 2006, the protected area was gazetted as the Kinabatangan Wildlife Sanctuary through the Sabah Wildlife Conservation Enactment of 1997 under the purview of the Sabah Wildlife Department in 2009. We did see 2 of them. They are an incredibly charismatic species and one threatened by deforestation and the demand for their bile, which is used in traditional Chinese medicine. 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. Promotional Tour Rates: (No hidden or extra costs unless otherwise stated) ALL MARKET Note It will be a bit more expensive than by bus, but still very affordable with Air Asia. Kinabatangan River Cruise: Best Tours And Everything You Need To Know Perfect beach holiday at Langkawi Island Langkawi Island has everything you need for the ultimate beach holiday. I read there is a bus from Kota Kinabalu to the Kinabatangan River and Danum Valley. [14], The river area, including Labang and Kuamut, were formed by the Early and Middle Miocene periods, while large parts of the river system from the Maliau Basin were formed during the Early and Late Miocene. Any changes made less than 24 hours before the experiences start time will not be accepted. There is plenty of opportunity to spot the wild life and plenty of photo opportunities. merci d'avance, Please inform how to book tour with Mr.Aji, If you visit the orangutan sanctuary the man in the cafe has his number :). We also had delicious dinner after the trip. Operator top peak travel was not contactable. BEST - Sabah Hotel Review; MID-RANGE- D North Star Hotel & Spa Review; BUDGET - One Avenue Hotel Review; How To Get To Sandakan; Sandakan With Kids; Final . Its 560 kilometres long and starts in Borneos interior before making its way to the sea. from. Back at your cabin there are fascinating nature talks, surprisingly competitive games of table football and a feast of rendang curries and potent cocktails to be had before being lulled to sleep by a cicada serenade. Partake in an evening river cruise led by an English speaking guide. Youll soon be rewarded for your early start as you take in one of the richest ecosystems in the world. Reach out to him if youre considering visiting the rainforest in Borneo: mr.ajisdk@gmail.com. J. Join our Malaysia Travel Planning Facebook group here now! Kota Kinabalu to Sandakan drive - plan a road trip At this tour you get chance to visit Sepilok Orangutan Free cancellation from $180.00 per adult Reserve Private Full Day Gomantong Cave and Kinabatangan River Cruise with Lunch 10 While night cruises, walks and other activities may require an additional fee, be sure to read the details carefully. All are heavily constructed in wood and have decor hand-crafted by local tradesmen. We take your privacy seriously and will never sell your data to anyone. You will have nothing to worry about because your tours and your meals will be included. This is a beautiful resorted located right by the river with fabulous views. [5][8][9] In the 15th century, a sister of the Chinese Kinabatangan settlement leader married the sultan of Brunei. This is a great place to spot wildlife although for a sad reason. Nature enthusiasts should definitely put a nature lodge stay along the Kinabatangan river on their bucket list. The place prides itself on benefiting the local community and not disturbing its environment; meals are a fantastic array of Malay dishes whipped up by chef Teddy Ibau and served buffet style. The lodge itself has all the trimmings of a hotel including air-conditioned rooms and two outdoor swimming pools, and is both effortlessly welcoming and brimming with animal magic. Since earlier on we visitedthe Semenggoh rehabilitation centerwe can make a good comparison of both and I think Sepilok beats Semenggoh. The state of Sabah has recently placed caps on the number of plantations within the state and is looking at rewilding areas, funding the return to nature with sustainable tourism. How to get from Sandakan to Sukau and the Kinabatangan River During the northeast monsoon from November to March, there are often heavy showers during the afternoons which usually extended until December and January. The main advantage is that you can enter deeper into the river channels and you will have more chances of spotting wildlife. We can do 2 day trip to Kinabatangan River and stay in our hotel in Sandakan for cheaper tour price instead of doing 2D1N Kinabatangan River resort package. The accomodation is basic, but good and the food provided is good also. [18] Each year, the lashing rains of the northeast monsoon cause the river to swell rapidly. 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. As you are in the jungle there are no other restaurants around. With the early Chinese traders' settlement around the river mouth area,[7][8] the name Kina Batagan was used by the indigenous people of the area for the river, with the word Kina being a reference by the indigenous Dusun for the Chinese people. 2D1N Sandakan Private Tour with Kinabatangan River Cruise 17 Bus Tours 2 days Join this 2 days adventure tour in Sandakan to experience best wildlife. You will be amazed at how quickly it is time for lunch, Most packages will include all meals and morning- and evening river safaris. Opportunity to spot a large variety of Borneo endemic Birds, Mammals, Reptiles, Amphibians, and Plants. Here are some options. Thank you Aji for an experience at Kinabatangan River I will never forget. There is a restaurant and seating area on-site with great views over the river. At this tour you get chance to visit Sepilok Orangutan. After breakfast, we headed to the Gomatong cave. There are also cottage and deluxe villas with twin beds, fans, desks and clothes racks. Of course, when you havent been here before, it can be confusing to work out what you need to do, and if its even worth your precious vacation time to take a Kinabatangan River trip in the first place. I've been to 4 other places in Malaysia, but the Kinabatagan river was the highlight of my time in Malaysia! Kinabatangan River - Wikipedia [5] In 2001, the lower Kinabatangan floodplain was upgraded into a bird sanctuary area through the efforts of non-governmental organisations (NGOs).