Wildlife Safari in Borneo: Join a Kinabatangan River Cruise

Join a Kinabatangan River cruise in Borneo. One of the most popular reasons for visiting Malaysian Borneo is for the wildlife spotting. Proboscis monkeys, crocodiles, elephants, and of course – my favourite orange fluffy primate: the orangutan! And the best way to experience the real Bornean rainforest is to book onto a cruise down the famous Kinabatangan River in the state of Sabah. Expert rangers will guide you down the river and point out a huge variety of amazing wildlife. Definitely a once-in-a-lifetime experience! Read on for what to expect on a Borneo Kinabatangan River cruise.

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Where is the Kinabatangan River?

The Kinabatangan River winds through the heart of Sabah, one of two Malaysian states on the island of Borneo (the other being Sarawak). Located in the northeastern part of Malaysian Borneo, the Kinabatangan is the second longest river in the country and a hotspot for jungle and river safaris.

Borneo, the third-largest island in the world, is located in the Malay Peninsula in South East Asia. It is shared by Malaysia, Indonesia, and the tiny sultanate of Brunei. This vast, biodiverse island is renowned for its ancient rainforests, untamed wildlife, and spectacular natural landscapes—from limestone caves to white-sand beaches.

A Kinabatangan River cruise offers one of the best opportunities to explore Borneo’s unique ecosystem, with the chance to spot proboscis monkeys, pygmy elephants, and even wild orangutans along the riverbanks.

What can I see on a Kinabatangan River Cruise?

So many animals and birds! A Kinabatangan River cruise is one of the best ways available to spot Bornean wildlife. You can expect to see a lot of monkeys, including the proboscis monkeys with the big noses. Other common sightings include crocodiles, orangutans and a huge variety of colourful birds. If you’re lucky, you might even see Bornean pygmy elephants – a small type of elephant unique to Borneo. The guides are so good at pointing out animals that I’d never have spotted by myself, including tiny puffball birds and monkeys camouflaged in trees. They also explained the behaviour of the animals and pointed out the alpha males – including “big daddy”, a male proboscis monkey surrounded by a huge group of females.

Do I Need Jungle Experience to Join a Kinabatangan River Cruise in Borneo?

Not at all! One of the best things about joining a Kinabatangan River safari in Borneo is that it’s accessible to everyone—from first-time adventurers to seasoned wildlife travellers. You don’t need any prior jungle trekking experience or survival skills to enjoy this unforgettable journey through the Sabah rainforest.

Most Kinabatangan River cruises are organised by eco-lodges and tour companies that cater to a wide range of fitness levels and travel backgrounds. You’ll be guided by experienced naturalists who know the region inside out and can help you safely navigate the terrain while spotting iconic Borneo wildlife like orangutans, pygmy elephants, proboscis monkeys, and hornbills.

Accommodation is typically in comfortable jungle lodges or riverfront chalets, and excursions are done by boat safaris, making it ideal for those who want to experience the Borneo rainforest without intense physical effort. Some tours also include night safaris, nature walks, or optional add-ons like cave visits—but all are optional and beginner-friendly.

So whether you’re a solo traveller, a couple, or exploring Borneo with kids, a Kinabatangan River wildlife tour is a safe, low-stress, and truly magical way to immerse yourself in the wonders of the jungle—no machete required!

What to Expect on a Kinabatangan River Cruise?

A Kinabatangan River cruise is one of the most rewarding ways to experience Borneo’s incredible wildlife and rainforest ecosystem—and it’s surprisingly accessible.

Duration: Most travellers opt for a 2-day, 1-night (2D1N) or 3-day, 2-night (3D2N) Kinabatangan River safari package, though longer stays are also possible for those who want a deeper connection with the jungle.

What’s Included: Each day typically includes two guided boat safaris—one at sunrise and another in the late afternoon—when animals are most active. These tranquil boat rides along the misty river give you the chance to spot orangutans, pygmy elephants, proboscis monkeys, crocodiles, and a variety of exotic bird species in their natural habitat. The guides are usually local experts with sharp eyes and deep knowledge of the region’s unique flora and fauna.

In addition to boat tours, many packages also include jungle night walks or early morning treks along nearby forest trails, giving you a chance to explore the Borneo rainforest up close. While sightings aren’t guaranteed, the immersive experience of hearing the jungle come alive is unforgettable in itself.

Accommodation Options for Kinabatangan River Cruises

Accommodation: When it comes to accommodation, there’s a decent range of eco-lodges and jungle stays along the Kinabatangan River, usually based in the villages of Sukau or Bilit. These range from simple dorm-style rooms for budget backpackers to private riverfront chalets with en-suite bathrooms for those looking for more comfort. Your lodging is typically included in the tour package, along with all meals, since the area is remote and there aren’t restaurants nearby.

Meals: Meals are often served buffet-style and include local Malaysian dishes, with vegetarian options usually available. Most lodges also offer communal spaces where you can relax between safaris, chat with fellow travellers, or take in the sights and sounds of the jungle from a hammock or riverside deck.

Whether you’re a solo traveller, a couple on a romantic getaway, or a wildlife lover on a photography mission, a Kinabatangan River wildlife tour offers an immersive and hassle-free way to experience the magic of Sabah’s jungle.

How do I get to the Kinabatangan River?

The most common way to get to the Kinabatangan River is to travel to Sandakan, a city in the east of Sabah. Sandakan has its own airport, so you can either fly there directly or via Kota Kinabalu in the north of Sabah. From Sandakan, you can either drive to Sukau (the main wildlife spotting area on the Kinabatangan River) yourself or arrange a transfer with the river cruise company (most popular option). The drive takes about 2 hours.

There is plenty of accommodation in Sandakan itself if you want to stay there for a couple of nights first. Popular attractions near Sandakan include the Orangutan Rehabilitation Centre and Bornean Sun Bear Conservation Centre at Sepilok.

Book flights now with Skyscanner:

To get to the Kinabatangan River, you’ll want to search for flights either:

• direct to Sandakan
• to Sandakan via Kota Kinabalu

How do I book a Kinabatangan River Cruise?

Booking a Kinabatangan River cruise in Borneo is relatively straightforward, with a variety of options depending on your travel style and budget. Most travellers choose between booking directly through a lodge or eco-resort that operates its own tours, or using a trusted third-party booking platform.

Many of the accommodations along the river, such as Sukau Greenview Bed & Breakfast (which I personally used and highly recommend), offer all-inclusive Kinabatangan River tour packages. These often include accommodation, meals, guided river safaris, night walks, and transfers, making them a convenient and cost-effective choice. Booking directly with your lodge is a great way to support local businesses and ensure a more personal, tailored experience.

Alternatively, if you prefer to compare options or book in advance with added flexibility, you can use reputable platforms like Viator*, which list various Kinabatangan wildlife tours run by licensed operators. This is a good option if you’re not staying directly in Sukau or Bilit, or if you’re looking for a day trip from Sandakan.

When booking, it’s worth checking what’s included – some tours are fully guided with multiple safaris and meals, while others may only cover a single boat ride. Be sure to read reviews and look for packages that prioritise ethical wildlife viewing and sustainable tourism practices.

A Note on Animal Welfare:

*When it comes to booking wildlife experiences (in fact, all experiences really), I always look for businesses that prioritise animal welfare. I personally choose to use Viator as a booking agent because they have a clear animal welfare policy in place and are known to have complied with the guidelines set by World Animal Protection (WAP). This gives me peace of mind that the tour operators they work with should have been vetted for ethical practices (although I still always use my own judgement too) – something that’s especially important when observing wildlife in sensitive environments like the Kinabatangan River. It’s worth noting that not all of the big 3rd party booking operators agreed to comply with WAP’s request to put animal welfare policies in place, which is disappointing.

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Plan Your Trip to Borneo: Useful Travel Resources

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