The Kinabatangan River region in Sabah, Borneo, is a true wildlife sanctuary, characterised by lush rainforests, limestone hills, and swampy floodplains covering a vast region of Sabah. This biodiverse corridor shelters an incredible variety of species, including ten species of primates and the famous Big 5 of Kinabatangan: Bornean pygmy elephant, orangutan, proboscis monkey, rhinoceros hornbill, and the Estuarine crocodile.
Include a Kinabatangan River safari in your luxury Borneo holiday for the unique opportunity to embark on immersive wildlife encounters curated by our experts, bringing you closer to nature than ever before. It’s one of Southeast Asia’s most iconic places to witness nature’s drama unfold.
Kinabatangan River safaris: wildlife cruises along the river
Glide silently along the Kinabatangan’s channels on expertly guided boat excursions, spotting wildlife and rare bird species that thrive along the riverbanks and in the surrounding forests. Watch for orangutans swinging through the trees, proboscis monkeys with their distinctive noses, silvered langurs, and stately hornbills soaring overhead. Keep your eyes peeled for crocodiles basking in the sun and elusive species like the Bornean pygmy elephant – the smallest elephant in Asia and a true highlight of the region.
The Gomantong Caves
Visit the Gomantong Caves, home to millions of bats and swiftlets that fill the limestone chambers with life. This ancient natural wonder is also tied to a centuries-old Chinese tradition of harvesting swiftlet nests for one of the world’s rarest delicacies, bird’s nest soup. A visit is not for the faint-hearted, with many other creatures to be found within the extensive cave system! The forest surrounding the caves is rich with wildlife, including orangutans, hornbills, and red leaf monkeys, creating a fascinating contrast to the river environment.
Your Borneo safari sanctuary at Sukau Rainforest Lodge
Your base for this unforgettable Borneo safari is Sukau Rainforest Lodge, located on the banks of the Kinabatangan River within the heart of this wildlife haven. Operated by passionate local conservationists, the lodge offers eco-friendly, comfortable accommodation designed to blend with the surrounding rainforest. Here, you can relax in harmony with nature, ready for each day’s wildlife adventures, all while supporting sustainable tourism and conservation efforts that protect this remarkable ecosystem.
This experience offers the opportunity to explore the Kinabatangan River’s rich biodiversity up close, with expert-led excursions that showcase its unique wildlife, dramatic caves, and rare species like the Bornean pygmy elephant.
Sukau Rainforest Lodge is included in our Borneo Wildlife Journey, “Encounters in the Rainforest”. Explore our expert-curated itinerary to discover how you can include a Kinabatangan River safari in your wildlife journey to Borneo.
When is the best time to take a luxury holiday to Borneo?
The best time to take a wildlife holiday to the Kinabatangan River region of Borneo is between March and October, with peak season from May to September. Rainfall is minimal during this time and wildlife viewing reaches its peak as wildlife congregates around the river to drink. Kinabatangan River safaris are more serene in the dry season and trekking in the rainforest is easier. The shoulder months of March and October have a slightly increased chance of rain but are also quieter so ideal for those that wish to avoid busy tourist times.
