Kinabatangan is one of the best spots in Southeast Asia for wildlife. Come here for boat safaris on Kinabatangan River. If you're lucky, you may spot orangutans, pygmy elephants and cute long-nosed proboscis monkeys! 

1-Kinabatanganinsta.jpg

Kinabatangan River

We've been to Kinabatangan River over 20 times and handpicked the lodges with the best naturalist guides and small boats. The lodges on Seek Sophie have been vetted by our team for quality and responsible wildlife viewing.

Best Kinabatangan River Safaris: Handpicked Lodges with Expert Guides | Seek Sophie 

Kinabatangan River Experiences

Playful orangutans await in the lush Sepilok rainforest.

1-Sepilokedited.jpg

Sepilok Orangutan Rehabilitation Centre

Our handpicked Sepilok Orangutan Rehabilitation Centre experiences — see playful orangutans and spend time in the lush Sepilok rainforest.

Sepilok Orangutan Rehabilitation Centre Experiences: Our Top Picks

Sepilok Orangutan Rehabilitation Centre Experiences

Playful orangutans await in the lush Sepilok rainforest. 

See rescued sunbears at the Sunbear Conservation Centre

2-sunbearconservation2_shutterstockedited.jpg

Sun Bear Conservation Centre

See rescued sunbears at the Sun Bear Conservation Centre with our handpicked shortlist of the best experiences for this unique wildlife visit.

Sun Bear Conservation Centre Experiences: The Best Ways to See Rescued Sunbears

Sun Bear Conservation Centre Experiences

Borneo's best-kept secret for wildlife spotting

Deramakottel0.jpg

Deramakot Forest Reserve

A handpicked shortlist of the best Deramakot Forest Reserve experiences for wildlife spotting in one of Borneo’s best-kept secrets.

Deramakot Forest Reserve Experiences: The Best for Wildlife Spotting

Deramakot Forest Reserve Experiences

Discover Sandakan’s waters with snorkelling, mangrove cruises and island hopping on Borneo’s east coast.

RYC_9453 copy.jpg

RYC_9443 copy.jpg

RYC_9472 copy.jpg

Kina4.jpg

RYC_9429 copy.jpg

image_processing20230413-2-c8u3tq.webp

Water Activities in Sandakan

Discover Sandakan’s waters with snorkelling, mangrove cruises and island hopping on Borneo’s east coast.

2D1N Kinabatangan Wildlife Safari | New Jungle Lodge Stay

Experience Kinabatangan at a secluded rainforest lodge where wildlife roams

It's new, the people who work there are wonderful, super exclusive with very few lodges, and the surroundings are beautiful. We saw monkeys, a silver langur, a hornbill, a rhinoceros, and elephants that pass very close by on the river. Crocodiles too! I would definitely choose this place again!
 Linda and Papai are wonderful!

3D2N Kinabatangan Jungle Lodge Stay | 4 River Cruises + Jungle Walk

It's new, the people who work there are wonderful, super exclusive with very few lodges, and the surroundings are beautiful. We saw monkeys, a silver langur, a hornbill, a rhinoceros, and elephants that pass very close by on the river. Crocodiles too! I would definitely choose this place again!
Linda and Papai are wonderful!

Incredible experience, we were treated fabulously. Linda is wonderful and attentive to everything you need. Our guide, Papaï, took us to see the "Big Five," which we were lucky enough to observe from the Kinabatangan River. He taught us everything about them; he's a fantastic person and a truly wonderful individual. The cabins are large, comfortable, and nestled in the jungle right next to the river. The beds are spacious and comfortable, and the cleanliness is excellent. The food is varied and delicious at every meal. If you come to the Borneo rainforest, you absolutely must stay at Borneo Kinabatangan Lodge. 100% recommended.

Incredible experience, we were treated fabulously. Linda is wonderful and attentive to everything you need. Our guide, Papaï, took us to see the "Big Five," which we were lucky enough to observe from the Kinabatangan River. He taught us everything about them; he's a fantastic person and a truly wonderful individual. The cabins are large, comfortable, and nestled in the jungle right next to the river. The beds are spacious and comfortable, and the cleanliness is excellent. The food is varied and delicious at every meal. If you come to the Borneo rainforest, you absolutely must stay at Borneo Kinabatangan Lodge. 100% recommended.

The place is wonderful. When we arrived, Linda, our host, made us feel incredibly special, attentive to everything and constantly checking on us. Papai, our super friendly guide, showed us the macaques, we saw a baby crocodile, and various birds. He explained everything we were seeing and was very patient, giving us time to take photos and enjoy the scenery. The food was hot and delicious, and the staff was always spotless and had a fantastic attitude. We were lucky enough to sleep in a spectacular cabin and another new, smaller but more private one. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED ❤️

The place is wonderful. When we arrived, Linda, our host, made us feel incredibly special, attentive to everything and constantly checking on us. Papai, our super friendly guide, showed us the macaques, we saw a baby crocodile, and various birds. He explained everything we were seeing and was very patient, giving us time to take photos and enjoy the scenery. The food was hot and delicious, and the staff was always spotless and had a fantastic attitude. We were lucky enough to sleep in a spectacular cabin and another new, smaller but more private one. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED ❤️

An incredible experience!!
 We would especially like to thank Yan for her kindness and helpfulness when booking the tour.
 A huge thank you to Linda for her incredible kindness and hospitality. She was attentive to every little detail, was always there for us throughout the whole experience, and constantly made sure we were comfortable and enjoying ourselves. She truly made our experience even more special ✨
 And, of course, thank you to Papaï for the amazing tours. He is a fantastic guide and an even better person. We were also incredibly lucky to see the Big Five 🐒🐦‍⬛🐘🦧🐊
 The accommodation is new and everything was perfect. Excellent quality at a great price, with a good variety of delicious food.
 We highly recommend it!!

An incredible experience!!
We would especially like to thank Yan for her kindness and helpfulness when booking the tour.
A huge thank you to Linda for her incredible kindness and hospitality. She was attentive to every little detail, was always there for us throughout the whole experience, and constantly made sure we were comfortable and enjoying ourselves. She truly made our experience even more special ✨
And, of course, thank you to Papaï for the amazing tours. He is a fantastic guide and an even better person. We were also incredibly lucky to see the Big Five 🐒🐦‍⬛🐘🦧🐊
The accommodation is new and everything was perfect. Excellent quality at a great price, with a good variety of delicious food.
We highly recommend it!!

Nice lodge, amazed view of Kinabatangan river just right in front of restaurant and surrounded by wildlife.. love this lodge!

Nice lodge, amazed view of Kinabatangan river just right in front of restaurant and surrounded by wildlife.. love this lodge!

We had an incredible 3 days thanks to Linda, Papaï, and the rest of the team. Linda is super welcoming, and Papaï's cruises allowed us to see the famous Big 5 👌

We had an incredible 3 days thanks to Linda, Papaï, and the rest of the team. Linda is super welcoming, and Papaï's cruises allowed us to see the famous Big 5 👌

Water Activities in Sandakan

Explore more of Sandakan