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.
How to go to Kinabatangan Wetlands Resort
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.
3D2N River Cruise, Kinabatangan Wetlands Resort
Experience the best Kinabatangan river cruise and watch wildlife away from the hustle and bustle of mushrooming hotels and homestays of Sukau area, away from the cloud of tourist boats chasing animals on the river.
Kinabatangan Wetlands Resort is a unique resort located in the 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. Our package include the speedboat transfer from Sandakan Yacht Club Jetty. You will arrive to this carefully hidden forest refuge, past local fishing settlements, and through the world’s most diversified mangrove environment.
As you travel through the nipah palm groves, you will come to the timber-built resort, which is wonderfully situated among the pristine mangrove trees.
Your enormous villas will provide unparalleled comfort in an untouched mangrove forest, as well as an unimpeded perspective of the world thriving within this unique ecosystem brimming with life.
12.00PM – Board our boat for the journey to Abai, Kinabatangan. On the 1.5 hours cruise, Berhala Island, the prominent sandstone cliffs of World War II historical site, can be photographed from the boat. The boat journey continues towards the mangroves and villages of Abai. This cruise also offers us views of the different types of vegetation found along Sabah’s mighty Kinabatangan River. Photo opportunities shall vary from the usage of telephoto lenses for wildlife such as Macaques, wild Orang utan, Proboscis monkeys and the unique mudskippers, to wide-angle lens for landscape shots of Nipah palms, stilts of Rhizophora trees and mangrove forest.
1.30PM – Upon arrival at the Kinabatangan Wetlands Resort, Check-in. Lunch while your skipper conducts a briefing on the upcoming activities and advice you on recommended gears to prepare.
4.00PM – Afternoon refreshment of coffee, tea and local Fritters shall be served.
4.30 PM – We set off for the afternoon river expedition in search of wildlife. This time in a smaller open- topped river boat. We hope to photograph wild Orang utans, Pygmy elephants, Proboscis monkeys and other wildlife.
6.30 PM – As we head back to the resort, capture amazing shots of the river landscape at dusk…a chance to put those filters to the test! If weather is good, we should be able to see and photograph fireflies at a very challenging lowlight condition.
8.30PM – After dinner, we shall take a night stroll along the boardwalks on a lookout for nocturnal animals and interesting insects. Overnight at Kinabatangan Wetlands Resort deluxe chalet with air- condition.
6.30AM: Early morning cruise to observe more wildlife and birdlife. We shall cruise to the nearby ox- bow lake, Danau Pitas, to explore the area. Enjoy your packed breakfast while admiring the natural surroundings.
8.30AM: We continue on to visit the local fishing village, Kampung Abai. Interact with local Orang sungai from river people and observe the daily activities in this tiny fishing village.
10.00 AM: Return to the KWR Resort for Breakfast
4.30PM – 6.00PM: We set off for another afternoon cruise in search of the mangrove specials, river sceneries, village landscapes and more wildlife. On good weather, we may even get to see firefly colonies which are found at certain parts of the river. Cruise back to KWR for dinner at the common area.
The day shall be spent river cruising in the early morning, late afternoon and a night river safari after dinner.
8:30PM-10:00PM: After dinner, we shall take the night river safari on a lookout for our target specie, Return to the lodge for overnight.
After breakfast, you are free to explore the nature board walk around the lodge area, make sure you bring along your binoculars, and look for any tree moving!! There may be…..wild orang utan! Silver leaf monkeys, birds and many others!
10.00AM: Check-out and Return to Sandakan by boat. The 1.5 hours cruise shall pass fishing villages along the coast. Also a good chance to photograph Sandakan town from the seafront. Sandakan was also known as ‘Little Hong Kong’ in the olden days. Transfer to Sandakan Yacht Jetty, upon arrival at Sandakan Yacht Club Jetty we will continue for 25 minute drive to Sandakan for airport for your onward destination.
Package includes:
- Scheduled Arrival and Departure Transfers from Sandakan Yacht Club Jetty.
- All National Park Permits and Entry Fees, Guide charges, Still Camera charges etc.
- Three full meals daily.
- Guided tours and activities as mentioned
Package excludes:
- Personal spending money for drinks of any kind.
- Any food item not mentioned.
- Laundry, phone calls or any personal charges.
- Tips and gratuities.
- Malaysia Tourism Tax of MYR 10.00 per room/ per night is to be paid by the guest at hotel.
Kinabatangan
2N3D Luxury River Cruise- Luxurious all-inclusive stay
- Private Airport transfer
- Experienced guided safaris
Rooms at Kinabatangan Wetlands Resort
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 at Kinabatangan Wetlands Resort
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 at Kinabatangan Wetlands Resort
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.
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.
Lodges Nearby
Frequently Asked Questions about kinabatangan Wetlands Resort
How do I get to Kinabatangan Wetlands Resort?
The nearest major city is Sandakan, which can be reached by flight from Kuala Lumpur or Kota Kinabalu. From Sandakan, guests can travel by car to Sandakan Yacht Club Jetty in less than 30 minutes. Most of Safari Acacia guests are picked up right from the Airport or their hotel to the jetty before the scheduled speedboat transfer. Please take note that unlike almost all other resorts in the area, there is no road connectivity. And all the guests reach Kinabatangan Wetlands Resort by boat. The scheduled 12 PM speedboat from Sandakan Yacht Club jetty is included in the package. Alternately, we can arrange a private safari boat ride from Sukau jetty to the resort and along the way one may see some interesting wildlife.
How are the dining options at Kinabatangan Wetlands Resort?
The resort provides buffet-style meals with a variety of local and international dishes. Travelers have complimented the quality and variety of the food, mentioning that dietary preferences are well accommodated. Safari Acacia guests can purchase fresh wild-caught river prawn and the chef can cook it upon guest’s preference.
What types of accommodations are available at Kinabatangan Wetlands Resort?
The resort offers spacious chalets with modern amenities, including air conditioning, large private balconies, daybeds and both indoor and outdoor showers. All our guests have praised the cleanliness and comfort of the rooms, noting features like large picture windows overlooking the rainforest. Wifi is now available in room.
Can I spot wildlife at Kinabatangan Wetlands Resort?
this is the best part of staying in Kinabatangan Wetlands Resort. This resort is located in a far remote corner of the river amidst a dense rainforest, without any disturbances from outside civilization. Birds including Hornbills are abundant, wild cats, several deer species, sunbear, flying lemurs, slow loris, and many interesting wildlife are seen right on the premises. Guests have reported sightings of various wildlife, including proboscis monkeys, orangutans, pygmy elephants, crocodiles, and numerous bird species during river cruises and guided tours. The resort’s guides are noted for their expertise in spotting and providing information about the local fauna.
Is Kinabatangan Wetlands Resort suitable for my family?
Yes, the Lodge is family-friendly and offers a great educational experience for children. Families can enjoy wildlife viewing, jungle walks, and learn about Borneo’s biodiversity together. There is proper wooden boardwalk connecting all rooms with reception, the boats are quite large and stable unlike small hotels or homestays. And the resort area is very safe for the children.
Do I need a guide for activities at Kinabatangan Wetlands Resort?
Yes, the lodge provides experienced in-house guides for river cruises and night walks. Usually, the activities are shared guided, however, we arrange private guide with additional charge for our guests. The guides are knowledgeable about the local wildlife and ecosystem, making the experience more informative and enjoyable.
Is Wi-Fi available at Kinabatangan Wetlands Resort?
Wi-Fi is available in common areas such as the reception and restaurant and currently also in most of the rooms. However, due to the remote jungle location, connectivity may be limited.
Is Kinabatangan Wetlands Resort environmentally friendly?
Yes, Kinabatangan Wetlands Resort practices sustainability through eco-friendly construction, solar energy use, water conservation, waste management, and limiting single-use plastics. It supports local wildlife conservation, partners with nearby communities for sustainable livelihoods, and offers low-impact ecotourism activities. The resort educates guests on conservation and works to protect the surrounding wetlands and biodiversity.