Kinabatangan River Cruise, Sandakan

The best destination to get close-up and discover the amazing wildlife and nature of Sabah, Borneo! It's a rewarding trip for nature-lovers and bird-watchers. Kinabatangan River ~ measuring 560km, is the longest river in Sabah.

Some of the highlights of this wonderful trip is the opportunity to observe the bizarre Proboscis Monkey, 'Man Of The Forest' – Orang Utans, macaques, gibbons, leaf monkey, crocodiles basking in mud and if you're very lucky – the newly discovered "Borneon Pygmy Elephants" that can be seen in a large group. The breathtaking view around the lodges itself is simply stunning.

For bird-watchers; bird-spotting is simply amazing! All eight of Borneo's hornbill species can be seen regularly, plus two species of the gorgeous pitas are occasionally to be spotted, and rarities include Storm's stork, and the bizarre Oriental darter or "Snake-Bird".

The accommodation is well-equipped with facilities paired with the charming staff. Kinabatangan River is interesting at any time of the year. Well suited for a family trip, you really don't want to miss this one.

Images courtesy of Trekkers Lodge Kinabatangan

Itinerary

Day 1      

At 13:30 hours - Meet with our guide in Bukit Garam’s Medan Selera Kota Kinabatangan coffee house and transfer to the Trekkers Lodge Kinabatangan which is located at the Lower Kinabatangan River Sanctuary. The journey will take an hour forty-five minutes. Welcome drinks will be served upon arrival. After that there will be a lodge orientation. In the late afternoon you will proceed for the river cruise in search of wildlife and bird-life along the river banks. A guided night walks to enjoy the wilderness of the jungle right after the dinner. Overnight at the lodge - Dormitory Room. (Dinner)

Day 2     

At 06:00 hours - Morning river cruise at Kinabatangan River in search of more wildlife and birds. After breakfast, proceed to the Ox-Bow Lake behind the lodge on foot with our professional jungle guide. Various species of wildlife may be seen such as Proboscis Monkeys found only in Borneo, Leaf Monkeys, Macaques, Gibbons and exquisite insects and birds. One may also catch a glimpse of a wild Orang Utan and the newly discovered “Borneo Pgymy Elephants” (relatively, it’s the smallest elephant in the world). Return to the lodge for lunch after which another boat ride awaits you to cruise along the Kinabatangan River for more wildlife sight-seeing. Return before dinner. Dinner will be served at the lodge. After that, there will be a guided night walk to enjoy the wilderness of the jungle nearby the lodge. (Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner)

Day 3     

Wake-up to the calls of gibbons and hornbills.

At 06:00 hours - another Morning cruise awaits for you to view more birds and wildlife. Return to the lodge. You are free to have a morning nature walk on your own to catch the awe-inspiring sunrise and immerse yourself in the beauty of the environment (depend on the time). After breakfast, we will transfer you to the coffee house for the coach back to Kota Kinabalu city or other destinations. (Breakfast)

Checklist

Includes

Return land transfer (Bukit Garam - Kg. Bilit - Bukit Garam),
Return boat transfer (Kg. Bilit - Trekkers Lodge Kinabatangan - Kg. Bilit),
Activities eg: morning & night nature walk, morning & evening river cruise,
Accommodation & meals as stated.

Remarks

Recommended things to bring:

Insect repellent,
Sun block lotion,
Rain coat,
Torch light,
Cap / hat,
Camera,
Binocular,
Used good walking shoes,
Leech socks,
Comfortable cotton T-shirt with long or short pant

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