Comparison of Sukau Rainforest Lodge and Kinabatangan Wetlands Resort
Sukau Rainforest Lodge, located upstream near Sukau village, is an award-winning ecolodge offering luxury amenities, including a pool and air-conditioned rooms, with excellent opportunities to see Borneo’s “Big 5” wildlife. In contrast, Kinabatangan Wetlands Resort, situated in Abai area downstream, provides a tranquil and remote experience with spacious accommodations. Its exclusive presence in the area means you will mostly not encounter other tourist boats during your cruises. Tracking Wild Orangutans at eye-level is one fabulous activity that you can expect here.
At almost the same price point of around 500-600 USD per adult for a 3 Days All-inclusive Borneo Luxury River Cruise, these two are the most popular and the best resorts in Kinabatangan.
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.
Cruising Kinabatangan
2N3D Kinabatangan Wetlands Resort-
Luxurious all-inclusive stay
-
Speedboat transfer
-
Experienced guided safaris
If you are looking for the ultimate Borneo adventure, look no further than Sukau Rainforest Lodge, the perfect place to stay while exploring the wonders of the Kinabatangan River. Nestled in the heart of the rainforest, the lodge offers a unique blend of luxury and nature, providing an unforgettable experience. The Sukau Rainforest Lodge is renowned for its prime location, offering exclusive access to the river’s breathtaking wildlife and lush landscapes.
Your adventure begins with a pick-up from Sandakan City or Sandakan Airport between 08:00 – 08:30 am, or from Sepilok hotels between 08:45 – 09:00 am. Upon arrival, you’ll be warmly greeted by your friendly guide and captain before heading to the Sepilok Orang Utan Rehabilitation Centre. Here, you’ll gain insight into the challenges faced by the orangutans and witness the ongoing conservation efforts firsthand. After watching a video about the centre’s work, take a 10-minute walk through the rainforest on wooden boardwalks to observe the orangutans’ feeding at 10:00 am. You’ll then visit the newly built nursery area for young orangutans. If the orangutans are particularly friendly, you may even have the chance to get up close, so be sure to keep your belongings secure. Guests interested in visiting the Borneo Sun Bear Conservation Centre to learn about the conservation of the world’s smallest bear can do so after the orangutan sanctuary, with an additional RM50 entrance fee.
Following lunch, Borneo Villa guests will travel by boat to the award-winning Sukau Rainforest Lodge. Upon arrival, enjoy a refreshing drink and cold towel as you check in, then relax with afternoon tea before embarking on your first river safari. The boats are equipped with eco-friendly outboard engines for use along the main river and electric motors for wildlife viewing in the smaller tributaries, where you’ll have the opportunity to spot wildlife and birds. After a sunset return, enjoy a hot shower with solar-heated water before a candlelit buffet dinner overlooking the river. The evening concludes with a slide show and interpretation by the lodge’s naturalist guide. Meals: Lunch, Dinner.
Note: Night River Cruises are highly recommended and available at the lodge for an additional charge.
An early wake-up call at 5:30 am invites you to experience the rainforest coming to life. After a light breakfast, embark on a morning river cruise to spot active wildlife and birds, heading towards the Kelenanap Ox-Bow lake. Upon returning, enjoy a full breakfast, followed by an educational walking tour along the lodge’s Hornbill Boardwalk with the in-house naturalist. After the tour, take some time to relax. Post-lunch, you can explore the boardwalk behind the lodge in hopes of spotting an orangutan, or enjoy a refreshing swim in the lodge’s pool. After afternoon tea, venture out for another river safari in search of more wildlife, returning at sunset from your final cruise of the day. Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner.
After breakfast, begin your journey back to Sandakan by boat or overland. Following lunch, we will proceed to the airport for the 14:30 flight to Kota Kinabalu. For those on the evening flight, there will be an opportunity to visit the Rainforest Discovery Centre. Enjoy a bird’s-eye view from the canopy walk and hanging bridge, and explore the botanical garden, home to a variety of plant species. Afterward, proceed to the airport for your flight.
- Scheduled Overland Transfer from Sukau to Sandakan: 09:00
- Scheduled Boat Transfer from Sukau to Sandakan SYC Jetty: 09:00
Package includes:
- Return scheduled road/speedboat transfers as per itinerary and room type.
- All Meals, coffee, tea & water refills
- Accommodation (2 nights Sukau Rainforest Lodge in Deluxe category)
- Shared Nature guide and guided activities as per itinerary
- Entrance & conservation fees in Kinabatangan river and Sepilok orang Utan Centre
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.
- Tourism tax (RM10/room per night)
- Camera fees at Sepilok Orang Utan Rehabilitation Centre: For camera with zoom lens 100-400mm, video camera or other video recording equipment for personal use are chargeable at RM10.00 per unit. For any camera (fixed-lens – 400mm and above ) or any film-making equipment are chargeable at RM1,000.00 per unit.
- Optional visit to Borneo Sunbear Conservation Centre RM50 for entry fee.
Cruising Kinabatangan
2N3D Sukau Rainforest Lodge-
Stay in Deluxe Room
-
Sepilok Tour
-
Overland transfer
How to reach Sukau Rainforest Lodge vs Kinabatangan Wetlands Resort:
Kinabatangan Wetlands Resort: Situated in Abai, closer to the river’s mouth, this resort offers a tranquil setting with access to mangrove forests and wetlands. Its location in Abai makes it accessible via boat from Sandakan Yacht Club jetty, offering a scenic journey through the river’s lower reaches. We also arrange pick up and drop from Sukau jetty, by smaller safari boats, on request. The latter give opportunity to do more wildlife spotting on the way, in general.
Sukau Rainforest Lodge: Located further upstream near Sukau village, it provides proximity to diverse wildlife habitats, increasing the chances of spotting various species which are more used to with human presence. Accessible by both road and river, it is often included in overland wildlife safari packages. The speedboat transfers are mostly used for guests staying in the Borneo Villa, the topmost category of rooms of Sukau Rainforest Lodge.
cruise borneo.
Contact experts today
Wildlife Experience at both Resorts in Kinabatangan:
- Kinabatangan Wetlands Resort:
Kinabatangan Wetlands Resort is located in one of Borneo’s most important biodiversity hotspots. The area is home to a variety of globally threatened waterbirds, including Storm’s Stork and Oriental Darter, as well as several raptors and owl species. A well-camouflaged Frogmouth near the resort’s entrance can be an awesome moment. All of Borneo’s hornbill species can also be spotted here, including a resident pair of Rhinoceros hornbills sleeping at night near the cafe area.
Groups of Proboscis monkey and Wild orangutans are seen frequently, and often at eye-level which is exclusive to this part of the river. Sun bears, pangolins, mouse deers have been captured on camera right on the resort’s boardwalk. Boat cruises often reveal sightings of pygmy elephants, crocodiles.
Fireflies light up specific spots in the mangroves, creating magical evening moments, while numerous reptiles and amphibians can be observed around the resort.
Sukau Rainforest Lodge: Offers river cruises and guided tours with opportunities to see Borneo’s “Big 5”: orangutans, pygmy elephants, proboscis monkeys, rhinoceros hornbills, and estuarine crocodiles. At Sukau, abundance of fig trees on a more sweet-water region often ensures different species of hornbill sightings, in large numbers.
A journey through the river’s downriver and upriver sections reveals the intricate balance of nature through river safaris, night walks, and close-up wildlife encounters.
Plan your Dream Safari Travel
Get in touch today and receive a complimentary consultation.
Accommodation and Amenities:
Kinabatangan Wetlands Resort: Known for its serene atmosphere, it provides comfortable accommodations with an emphasis on nature immersion.
The spacious deluxe villas with a huge balcony, extended outdoor showers and a romantic daybed with large glass display of the surrounding rainforest offer unmatched comfort in the heart of an untouched mangrove forest, providing breathtaking views of Borneo’s mystical natural world teeming with diverse life.
Each villa is fully air-conditioned, with 24-hour power supplied by solar panels and generators. Polished dark wood floors beautifully contrast with the crisp white walls and linens. The villas feature cozy large beds, a TV, a private bathroom with a shower, and a solar-powered ceiling fan for added cooling. Expansive windows open to views of the surrounding forest, accompanied by the soothing sounds of birds and tropical wildlife.
Sukau Rainforest Lodge: An award-winning ecolodge, it features amenities like a pool with a view, air-conditioned rooms, and a commitment to sustainable practices. There are two categories of rooms available in two different package prices. The Borneo Villas at Sukau Rainforest Lodge offer a spacious 346 sqft layout, 20% larger than the Deluxe Rooms, with enhanced privacy, Borneo-themed decor, and amenities like air-conditioning, a ceiling fan, and mosquito-netted screens. Guests can choose twin or queen-sized beds, and two villas are wheelchair accessible. The Deluxe Rooms, at 288 sqft, feature a cozy Bornean design with twin or queen-sized beds and a study desk, arranged in a traditional longhouse style for a communal yet private stay.
Embark on an unforgettable journey through the Kinabatangan River ecosystem, where diverse habitats and wildlife encounters await. This experience offers an in-depth exploration of both the downriver and upriver sections, revealing distinct environments shaped by water salinity, flow, and soil composition.
Downriver Adventure – Abai Region
Your journey begins at the Sandakan jetty, where a speedboat will take you downstream to the Abai region. This area features a brackish water system, lined with majestic nipah palm trees and dense mangroves. The unique ecosystem supports a variety of wildlife, including estuarine crocodiles, proboscis monkeys, and an impressive array of bird species.
A highlight of this segment is the rare opportunity to observe orangutans at eye level, as they delicately pluck young palm shoots from the trees. As dusk settles, you will embark on a night walk along a private boardwalk, unveiling the nocturnal wonders of the forest. Keep an eye out for elusive creatures such as the slow loris, civets, and various amphibians and reptiles that thrive under the cover of darkness.
Upriver Exploration – Sukau Region
The journey continues upriver to the Sukau region, where the landscape shifts to accommodate more fig trees and denser jungle growth. This habitat is known for its increased sightings of hornbills, with their vibrant colors and distinct calls echoing through the treetops.
One of the most exhilarating encounters in this region is with the Bornean pygmy elephant, often seen grazing on the riverbanks, feeding on the abundant elephant grass. Orangutans are also present in this part of the river, but are typically observed higher in the canopy, showcasing their adept arboreal skills.
Throughout the river safari, the gradual transition in flora and fauna provides a comprehensive understanding of how the ecosystem adapts to varying environmental factors. From the brackish waters and mangroves of Abai to the freshwater forests of Sukau, this immersive experience ensures unforgettable wildlife encounters and a deep appreciation for the natural wonders of the Kinabatangan River.
