Kinabatangan Wetlands Resort

A luxury Resort in the Lower Kinabatangan River

Kinabatangan Wetlands Resort is a charming nature retreat on the lower Kinabatangan river, in a secluded location of swamp and mangrove forest. The best thing is that when you go on river cruise, your boat will most likely be the only boat in search of Borneo wildlife – away from the other congested tourist spots of Kinabatangan. The Resort is around an hour’s speedboat ride from Sandakan Harbor through a sea route. The surrounding area borders the Lower Kinabatangan Floodplain, one of Malaysia’s most important wildlife refuges, which has evolved 5 distinct habitats over the centuries: waterlogged and dry forests, saline and freshwater swamps, and limestone forests, each contributing to some of the most diverse concentrations of wildlife in Borneo.

Entrance of Kinabatangan Wetlands Resort, Kinabatangan River, Borneo

Location

Kinabatangan Wetlands Resort is a unique resort located in the remote Lower Kinabatangan-Segama Wetlands (LKSW), a RAMSAR-designated wetlands conservation area. The LKSW is the first RAMSAR site in Sabah and the largest in Malaysia on Borneo’s eastern coast.
Before arriving to your hidden forest refuge, you will travel by speedboat for an hour and half from Sandakan Yacht Club Jetty, past local fishing village settlements, and then meander through the world’s most diversified mangrove environment. The arrival journey itself is extraordinary for the guests, unlike the on road transfers of most other resorts in Kinabatangan area.

Rooms

The enormous deluxe villas of Kinabatangan Wetlands Resort used by Safari Acacia’s guests provide unparalleled comfort in a really untouched mangrove forest, while providing an unimpeded view of Borneo’s mystic natural world thriving within this unique ecosystem rich with variety of lifeforms.

The rooms are fully air-conditioned, and solar panels and generators offer 24 hour power supply. The polished dark wood floors stand out against the white walls and linens. Rooms include cozy large beds, a TV, a private bathroom with a shower, and a solar-powered ceiling fan to keep things cool. Large windows overlook the forest outside, with bird sounds accompanying the tropical sights.

Wildlife seen at Kinabatangan Wetlands Resort

Kinabatangan Wetlands Resort is in a key biodiversity hotspot area of Borneo. The surrounding habitat hosts numerous globally threatened waterbirds, particularly Storm’s Stork (C. stormi), Oriental Darter. Raptors like Grey-headed Fish Eagle, Lesser Fish-eagle and all of Borneo’s hornbills are spotted here.

There are approximately 50 species of mammals reported from this region. The Proboscis Monkey population in Kinabatangan is the greatest. Wild Orangutans, Sun Bears were even photographed on the resort boardwalk. Pygmy elephants, crocodiles,  gibbons, slow loris are seen on boat cruise. 

Fireflies are seen at some specific spots of the mangrove.

Numerous reptile and amphibian species were recorded around the resort. Most of these animals are seen by the guests on a short walk around the resort or on the guided river cruise.

Food and Dining

Kinabatangan Wetlands Resort’s dining area provides magnificent forest views while dining. The delicious food is served as a buffet and includes vegetarian, seafood, and meat alternatives as well as traditional local cuisine. The restaurant is also the only location on the property with Wi-Fi. Safari Acacia’s guests enjoy specially arranged outdoor candle light dinner with red/white wine on their special life events.

Activities

The access to the surrounding woodlands and wetlands is the main attraction of the resort. Morning, afternoon and night river boat cruises with expert guide’s accompany bring the surrounding landscape to life. Guided night walks along the boardwalk of the resort brings the macro world visible. Many sleeping birds are also seen on these walks. Visitors also pass by and observe the local fishing villages and the lifestyle.

3D2N Kinabatangan River Cruise, in Kinabatangan Wetlands Resort

Kinabatangan Wetlands Resort, More Information

  • The resort accepts Mastercard, Visa and American Express and card payment is preferred over cash payment.
  • Unfortunately, there is no wifi in the rooms.
  • There is no house laundry service in Kinabatangan Wetlands Resort, but theu can arrange next day laundry service done by a proper dry cleaner.
  • Guests in the resort do not need leech socks, as the walking safaris are carried out on the resort boardwalk. You do not actually step on the ground while in the resort.
  • Safari Acacia can arrange one hour of additional Boat Cruise on the check out day morning before breakfast, or after the Night Walk.
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