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Sabah’s longest river is home to an impressive array of wildlife and is a real highlight of any trip to Borneo.
A small boat will navigate you through the peaceful jungle backwaters and smaller river tributaries.
Along the banks, thick green rainforest provides a home for macaques, monitor lizards, elephants and, most famously, the proboscis monkey, with his unique colouring, large nose and harem of wives. Late afternoon is a great time to watch the monkeys as they jump from one side of the bank to the other in front of your boat.
The river is also a paradise for birdwatchers with a huge variety of species, including rhinoceros hornbills, crested serpent eagles and blue-banded kingfishers.
who's been there
Start planning your tailor-made trip to Kinabatangan River by calling one of our Borneo specialists on 1 800 992 198
Suggested itineraries featuring Kinabatangan River
Our itineraries will give you suggestions for what is possible when you travel in Kinabatangan River, and they showcase routes we know work particularly well. Treat them as inspiration, because your trip will be created uniquely by one of our specialists.
Borneo's Rivers, Mountains and Beaches
Snapshot of Sabah
Wild Borneo
Luxury tour of Sabah
Grand tour of Borneo
Map of Kinabatangan River
Places & hotels on the map
Places near Kinabatangan River
- Sepilok 34 kilometers away
- Sandakan 35 kilometers away
- Deramakot Forest Reserve 63 kilometers away
- Garama Wetlands 72 kilometers away
- Danum Valley 84 kilometers away
- Tabin Wildlife Reserve 114 kilometers away
- Maliau Basin 122 kilometers away
- Sipadan, Mabul & Kapalai Islands 153 kilometers away
- Mataking Island 158 kilometers away
- Mount Kinabalu 162 kilometers away
- Kinabalu National Park 162 kilometers away
- Kapalai Island 172 kilometers away
- Kota Kinabalu 207 kilometers away
- Gaya Island 217 kilometers away
- Manukan Island 219 kilometers away
- Brunei 339 kilometers away
- Mulu National Park 371 kilometers away
- Miri, Niah Caves & Lambir Hills National Park 459 kilometers away
Photos of Kinabatangan River
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![Proboscis monkey, Malaysian Borneo]()
Proboscis monkey, Malaysian Borneo -
![Sunrise on the Kinabatangan River, Malaysian Borneo]()
Sunrise on the Kinabatangan River, Malaysian Borneo -
![Proboscis monkey, Kinabatangan River, Malaysian Borneo]()
Proboscis monkey, Kinabatangan River, Malaysian Borneo -
![Pygmy elephant, Kinabatangan River, Malaysian Borneo]()
Pygmy elephant, Kinabatangan River, Malaysian Borneo -
![Dragonfly at Abai Jungle Lodge, Kinabatangan River]()
Dragonfly at Abai Jungle Lodge, Kinabatangan River -
![Female Pygmy Elephant, Kinabatangan River]()
Female Pygmy Elephant, Kinabatangan River -
![Pygmy Elephant Calf on the Kinabatangan River]()
Pygmy Elephant Calf on the Kinabatangan River -
![Flying Lemur, Kinabatangan River, Malaysian Borneo]()
Flying Lemur, Kinabatangan River, Malaysian Borneo
Our expert guides to exploring Kinabatangan River
Written by our specialists from their own experiences of visiting Kinabatangan River, these guides will help you make the most of your time there. We share both our practical recommendations and the best ways to appreciate Kinabatangan River at its best.
Kinabatangan river cruises
A Kinabatangan river cruise is a real highlight of any Audley tailor-made trip to Borneo. You will have a good opportunity of seeing some of the best wildlife in Southeast Asia.
Accommodation choices for Kinabatangan River
We’ve selected a range of accommodation options for when you visit Kinabatangan River. Our choices usually come recommended for their character, facilities and service or location. Our specialists always aim to suggest properties that match your preferences.
Abai Jungle Lodge
Set on Borneo’s Kinabatangan River, Abai Jungle Lodge is a great base from which to discover the wildlife this diverse habitat has to offer. With several daily river cruises and first-class guides, you're sure to come away with some incredible close-encounters.
Kinabatangan Wetlands Resort
In the heart of the forest and surrounded by exotic plant and animal life, the Kinabatangan Wetlands Resort offers comfortable accommodation and easy access to the wetlands and mangroves that surround it.
Kinabatangan Riverside Lodge
Situated in the village of Sukau on Borneo's famous Kinabatangan River lies the Kinabatangan Riverside Lodge. The lodge has 33 stilted chalets, each containing either two or three separate en suite rooms which are simply furnished but clean and comfortable.
Sukau Rainforest Lodge
Set within tropical rainforest the Sukau Rainforest Lodge is one of the best options on the river, in an idyllic and tranquil setting. The lodge has recently been awarded status as a National Geographic Unique Lodge of the World, one of only 25 in the world, and the only one in Southeast Asia.
Ideas for experiencing Kinabatangan River
Our specialists seek out authentic ways to get to know the places that could feature in your trip. These activities reflect some of the experiences they've most enjoyed while visiting Kinabatangan River, and which use the best local guides.
The Kinabatangan River
Guests will journey up one of the smaller tributaries of the Kinabatangan River such as the Menangol River. Wildlife abounds in this part of Borneo, and you may see chattering monkeys and many species of birds.