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All reviews

Review Author: Richard Symonds
Review Date: 12 Jul 2026
Review Body: We absolutely loved our stay at Kinabatangan Wetlands Resort, because there is only this resort it meant we had the river to ourselves the whole time. The rooms were perfect, nice and big with really good aircon. The staff were amazing, couldn’t do enough for you. Lots of food choices with the buffet and our guide was amazing, he made it his mission to help us see orangutans, and we were lucky to get so close to one and watched him for an hour. If you’re thinking of doing a river safari and you want it out of the way of everyone else, I couldn’t recommend this resort enough
Review rating: 5
Review Author: Chris Hadlingto
Review Date: 12 Mar 2026
Review Body: We saw the big 5 during our trip which was mainly due to Omar our guide. The whole experience from airport collection, boat transfer, food, lodge and in particular the river cruises were handled very efficiently. All the staff were great. Very welcoming and helpful. A great organisation and highly recommended.
Review rating: 5
Review Author: Julia
Review Date: 08 Mar 2026
Review Body: Beautiful place, very experienced guide (at least the one we had) and boat driver (spotted a orangutang nearly invisible). The staff is super friendly and the resort and chalets Are great. If there is one tips for future guest it will be: mosquito repellent
Review rating: 5
Review Author: Sam
Review Date: 19 Apr 2026
Review Body: Seen the Borneo big 5 Brilliant tour guide and accommodation Couldn't of asked for more
Review rating: 5
Review Author: Hendrik
Review Date: 27 Apr 2025
Review Body: Ein sehr schönes Resort mit freundlichem Personal, leckerem Essen und geräumigen Chalets.
Review rating: 5
Review Author: Tony
Review Date: 07 Mar 2026
Review Body: Guide was excellent
Review rating: 5
Review Author: Laure de Panafieu
Review Date: 09 Mar 2025
Review Body: Lovely hotel. Remote, very comfy beds, v good food and lovely staff.
Review rating: 4
Review Author: Hafsa Maria
Review Date: 09 Jan 2020
Review Body: I was so excited to see Borneo. And as you know, expectation is the biggest letdown of all. But I really was thrilled. And it's this resort that made it possible, and the amazing people who run it so smoothly that you hardly notice any work being done at all. Where to begin. If you are new to the jungle, and you're dying to see animals but you're afraid the jungle will be too overwhelming , or whether you are a seasoned hiker who wants to observe the wetland wildlife up close just through your binoculars or camera, (or if you just want a beautiful, relaxing, feel-good getaway from work and civilisation)this is it! It's set right in the middle of nowhere, deep in the mangroves - takes an hour and a half to reach by boat, the final approach through a dramatic avenue of palms reflected green and gold in the river - a place thronging with wildlife. Chattering bright orange proboscis monkeys swinging from tree to tree - families and all male groups - preparing to sleep with their backs to the river, glaring macques with their endless grooming, scurrying silverleaf monkeys, baby crocodiles, cute little mouse deer, egrets prancing before thick dark forest curtains, and two dazzlingly hued species of kingfisher darting off into the sunset - were the creatures I saw just on the first boat ride. The next day also a woodpecker, herons and kaleidoscopic kingfishers, dragos, sea eagles fishing, brahminy kite eagles, and also a pair of hornbills nestled high up in a tree straight from the cartoon Tarzan together for the sunset! Also orangutan nests. And big armoured crocodiles. Didn't see any elephants, but you can't have everything.! To the birdlovers out there: you will die of joy. Each guest room is an independent chalet set in the thick of the jungle, around an iron wood 'broadwalk' leading out from the main lobby (you get to it from a pier!). Forget simply luxurious, they're spotless with crisp sheets and towels, and what's more utterly critter-free - which is no mean feat, since they're built on marshland and surrounded by the jungle. But it is run by their very talented manager who paints and plays the guitar and probably runs a tight ship - though it all feels like a very happy bunch of friends all laughing and joking around. From the lovely ladies and guys in the dining room, to the lively boatman and the guy who likes to make coffee, to the absolutely fantastic guide.The staff are incredibly warm and welcoming, and yes, talented enough to have their own live band :) and the chef is great too. You def won't starve in the jungle. Every day you will find your room clean, and beds freshly made. Plumbing, airconditioning, food, sheets - all impeccable; utter luxury in the jungle. But you hardly have much time there except the night if you're busy exploring. Just somewhere comfortable bugfree to come and sleep in when you tire of your beloved bugs. At first it is a little overwhelming. The sounds of the jungle are so loud on the path and your room that you imagine a snake or spotted leopard about to leap at you at every bend! But then as the guide Andis explained nonchalantly it's just different frogs and little lizards (and then you feel incredibly foolish - but then he was also nonchalant about people being freaked out by monitor lizards, so I wouldn't beat myself up too much). There's a night walk on the premises - pitcher plants and glow-in-the-dark scorpions and mushrooms, shy spotted samba deer and their tiny cousin the mouse deer, water monitor lizards and even if you're really lucky a sun bear (we saw trees they'd been through). And if you've never seen it - the sky from the middle of the jungle. So many stars glittering fiercely above and tall trees in dense dark silhouette. I was lucky enough to be there during the dark phase of the moon. On the second night, there was a night cruise and they showed us the firefly colonies: they twinkle in and out, just like stars in nursery rhymes, almost camouflaging with the distant spheres of fire. And there, in the middle of the mangrove forest, grey water below (and a croc just feet away!) and overhead a sky so thickly sprinkled with stars that it seems grey too, with only a dense ring of forest to separate the two - you can taste the wild more than ever. Don't let your imagination get away with you though, the biggest threat right outside my chalet was a family of wild boars with cute little piglets chomping away in the indigo after the morning rain. The amazing feeling this place gives you: wild without scaring the living daylights out of you. Letting you experience amazing wildlife and fantastic sunsets and stars and just pure wetland forest. And the lovely air of camaraderie. It feels like family, so happy and lighthearted, but also incredibly courteous. Such wonderful people to be around. I didn't see an orangutan or a sun bear at Kinabatangan, so they arranged for me to go to the conservation at Sepilok before my flight and I saw both there! An orangutan swinging in the trees quite apart from the feeding area. And the honey bears just being so plain cute in the pursuit of bugs that you will believe a certain yellow bear to have been inspired solely by them. Also you will want to hug them. Repeatedly. But hopefully you won't. My biggest advice: take insect repellent and binoculars because not even NatGeo prepared you for this. Sometimes the monkeys are sitting just a few feet away, but if you want a 3d experience and more, you need zoom! And keep your legs covered, or the mosquitos will bite. It is just magical, you can see the ruffle in every feather and little bit of fur -you can see their expressions, their wariness or hostility. Mostly they're scared of the noise of a boat, but don't pay us much heed. Lovely folk, spotless rooms, great food, right in the middle of a jungle so rich with wildlife - a simply gorgeous experience. I couldn't recommend it enough.
Review rating: 5
Review Author: Pete2306, Lightwater, United Kingdom
Review Date: 13 May 2019
Review Body: From boarding the speedboat in Sandakan you get the feeling you are about to start a very special journey. I hadn’t realised how long the boat trip would be (around an hour and 20 mins). Once over the bay from Sandakan, the river begins. At first there isn’t too much to see, but around 30 mins in we saw our first eagle ... followed by some monkeys. We also saw some of the local community buzzing up and down the river in their home made water craft. After an hour and 15 we take a left turn into a tributary. Quite narrow, and the boat had to weave through the trees either side and to miss logs ... and then we see the jetty. People waiting to greet us and take our luggage. As we arrive, the young chap - who turned out to be our guide for the 3 trips out we had planned - called Andis said “Welcome to the middle of nowhere!” And he was right. No mobile signal, and only WiFi in the reception are of the resort ... but that’s another thing that makes this place very special. We were given a cold towel and ushered in to the restaurant for lunch. Buffet style and very tasty. We were so lucky that only the people on that boat were the people in the resort for 24 hours. We got to know 2 couples - travelling together - quite well and enjoyed a few laughs with them too. The accommodation is great. Decent air con as well. There were many highlights. Seeing many proboscis monkeys. Many different Macaques. Pygmy elephants. Many different birds (Although not as many as we had hoped for). But the absolute highlight was drifting down the river with the engine off and looking up to see more stars in the sky than we ever had seen before. Even seeing the Milky Way with the naked eye. It was spectacular. I could write a huge piece on KWR ... but it wouldn’t do it justice. It’s just a fabulous place. We were there for 2 days .. but wished we had 3. One final thing. The staff. Everyone was absolutely superb. Andis and our “pilot” Kai were great fun as well as being knowledgable. All other members of staff just couldn’t do enough for you .. but without being intrusive. Always with a huge smile. And one final thing. Once they have finished serving dinner, a few staff members grab their guitars and entertain anyone who wants to stay for a drink after dinner. And they will carry on until the last person leaves and goes to bed. They don’t get paid for this - it’s their hobby and they just enjoy it. And it’s a great addition to the stay too. Apart from being entertaining it’s lovely to see these guys enjoying themselves after working so hard. If we ever visit Borneo again we will definitely return to KWR!
Review rating: 5
Review Author: Alex (Mac) McFarland, Northampton, United Kingdom
Review Date: 09 Jun 2019
Review Body: KWR is without question the number one lodge on the Kinabatangan. Located towards the mouth of the river, the lodge is perfectly nestled amongst the forest of its own tributary, meaning it's far more private than most of the other lodges on the river and this is apparent in the fantastic river safaris. Arriving at the banks of the river, we were met with a very warm welcome by Zanah from KWR who accompanied us on the cruise to the lodge. We enjoyed a fantastic cruise upstream, we even stopped half way to watch a lone bull elephant swimming across the river, amazing! Zanah was very friendly and really made us feel welcome throughout our stay, her enthusiasm for nature and the wildlife on the river was admirable and really quite infectious. The lodge itself has a very relaxing almost Zen-like feel to it, yet still maintains an authenticity that makes you feel at home. The suites are huge and perfectly comfortable with great facilities. Beautiful large windows looking out into the forest, on several occasions we found ourselves relaxing in the room, watching the trees and bushes shake , waiting to see what pops out, often a family of bearded pigs or a huge monitor lizard. The food is buffet style, like most in Borneo. Admittedly, not my favourite dining option but tasty and varied nonetheless. The service is good and the staff throughout are very friendly and welcoming. The river safaris were fantastic, our guide (Dido) Deedo was great, again very friendly and knowledgeable with a great eye, we saw orangutans, proboscis, macaques, pygmy elephant, crocodiles and monitor lizards and only stayed for two nights. We particularly enjoyed the morning stop off at the Ox bow late, that was a lovely setting to enjoy a cup of tea or a sandwich. My only constructive comments that I feel are minor details but would help to elevate the experience. 1) Maybe provide a couple of options for sandwiches. The only choice was tuna. 2) Try to space out the stop sights for the boats, we loved the serenity of being along ont he boat with just the two of us, our guide and the captain. We were then joined by a large group of 10-12 quite noisy people right next to us which killed the moment for me. Everything at KWR was great, perhaps the icing ont he cake was the manager CJ and the house band performing after dinner each evening, that was a very nice touch! We had a fantastic time at KWR and I will certainly be recommending it in the future. Thank you for having us!
Review rating: 5
Review Author: JoJo, Portsmouth, United Kingdom
Review Date: 14 Jun 2019
Review Body: We spent 2 nights at KWR and what an amazing place it is. Upon arriving on the boat from Sandakan Jetty we were greeted by staff who led us up the boardwalk to the entrance and given cold flannels. Lovely! Our room was beautiful, just like the photos. We were number 9 which is one of the further ones from the reception. Spotless room. Big shower and an outdoor one which we made sure we experienced! Massive windows looking out in the jungle with a couch next to it. Absolutely stunning. Our first meal there was lunch and when we saw our first bit of wildlife, a bearded pig just outside delving for food. We had 4 river cruises whilst there with the same group of travellers. Our guide was super, how they manage to spot the wildlife at a distance I don’t know, definitely well trained eyes! We weren’t lucky enough to see any elephants but apparently that’s not unusual so if you do see any you are in luck. We did however see loads of monkeys, a massive crocodile and some baby ones, plenty of birds, it really is just amazing. We rarely saw any other tourists on the river which was perfect. I think we passed a couple of boats but the whole experience was relaxing and quiet. Did the nighttime boardwalk walk which was a bit eerie but I’m glad I did it. Would recommend you bring a torch of some sort to help getting back to you room in the dark as it’s very low lighting. Just before we left we heard a massive thud down the boardwalk a few feet away. We all went to see what it was in the dark and a poor civet had fallen about 25ft from a tree above on to the ground. Thank goodness after about a minute it came too and jumped back into the trees seemingly unhurt. Breakfast lunch and dinner were all buffet with good choice. Juice, tea and coffee are included and you can purchase alcohol and soft drinks for a very reasonable price. There is a table tennis in the lobby along with some books and in the restaurant are board games should that take your fancy. On our last night some of the staff played guitars and sang which was good. KWR was definitely the highlight of our whole trip, it was totally faultless and if you are reading this and going I am envious! We took lots of mosquito spray and I didn’t get bitten once, other half got a couple so just be mindful. Everyone we came into contact with were friendly and they all seemed to love it there. Honestly cannot fault this hidden gem. Oh and don’t forget your binoculars for the river cruises
Review rating: 5
Review Author: Kurt F
Review Date: 29 Dec 2019
Review Body: We had an amazing 3 day/2 night experience between Christmas and New Years. While several travel sites suggest you should do this trip in the high season of June and July and warned of low season and to wait, we found many reviews and comments saying it would be great in December... and it was! Service: was incredible - starting with Dido, our wildlife guide who is a local born/raised guy who is absolutely passionate about his country and his sharp eye will find animals in the wild no matter what time of day or weather. The rest of the staff is equally amazing, you could see every person’s eyes a genuine commitment to making our trip great. They even have a band and will play live music every night. Value: Cost was approximately $600 USD per day, inclusive of two 1.5 hour speedboat transfers to the resort and back to Sandakan, 3 wildlife tours per day, 3 meals per day. A very fair price IMO, given how many staff are involved, and how far from civilization the resort is, and the estimated cost of maintaining a three star resort in the jungle. Wildlife: We saw tons of Proboscus monkeys, and 3 other varieties. We got incredibly close to them - up to 5 feet away but more likely 15-100 yards away. We saw an orangutan in a tree as he was building a nest in the evenings. Also saw crocs, tons of birds, snakes, pigs. SUGGESTIONS: You’ll want good binoculars - 10x40, mid to high quality. Camera lenses: I had 400mm, which was adequate, wanted more. If you’re shooting iphone video, buy a good gimbal for 109 dollars. Bug repellant - lemon eucalyptus was the best non Deet product I’ve found. Rain protection: breatheable light shells are best
Review rating: 5
Review Author: Paul B, Hong Kong, China
Review Date: 05 Dec 2019
Review Body: A 90 minute boat ride from Sanadakan to a very isolated but beautiful resort. We were welcomed immediately on arrival and taken down the long boardwalk to check in. Staff were extremely friendly and helpful, and seemed really grateful to have guests at the property. Nothing was too much trouble throughout our stay, schedules were changed to improve opportunities for wildlife sightings, the chef offered to make any dishes he had the ingredients for to accomodate any dietary requirements as well as the multiple offerings already provided for mealtimes. The staff also performed as a band in the evening. The Cabins are large, spotless, comfortable and offer great scenery and opportunities for seeing wildlife from large windows and porches. 2 minor downsides, our party of 8 all discovered that the air conditioning unit semms to either function at 16 degrees or off, so it was a real struggle in the night at times, and the noise of the wildlife at night takes some getting used to. Of course that's what you go for, so it's not a complaint. Tours provided by the resort include river cruises, both in the light and somewhat scarily, in the dark, and also nature walks. There is lots to see and our guide Max was brilliant at spotting things at long distances whilst travelling fast on the water. There's no experience we've had that matches this for being away from the rest of the world but still living very comfortably. There's even wifi in one spot. It's a fabulous experience and highly receommended.
Review rating: 5
Review Author: JupitusWilson, Edenbridge, United Kingdom
Review Date: 11 Nov 2019
Review Body: Having read the reviews below, I’m not sure I can add anything else. Agree completely with all that has recently been written. Their guides must all be great because obviously our guide, Andis, was the best!! He was a dab hand at taking photos via the “binocular” method and, given we didn’t go with anything but iPhone cameras, we’re very happy with some of the close ups (see rhinoceros hornbill photo!). But it wasn’t just about the animals; the plants and surroundings were worth taking the time to appreciate as well. The staff were all courteous, kind, respectful and engaging. Travelling as two females, we felt safe at all times. We spent 3D2N here and that was about right, although we met some people (with very big cameras!) that had extended by an extra night. Lucky us because we got to share our boat trips with them and they added to our enjoyment. However, being driven at seemingly full throttle at night with nothing but a searchlight is not for the faint-hearted. The food was well presented and a good choice. On a practical note, if you are seriously GF you might struggle here - and not just this resort. Not many (read no) alternatives offered for packed breakfast and afternoon tea. Pack some sweets 😂. Bring a decent pair of binoculars - worth the investment - and mosquito repellant AND bite relief cream. You will get bitten 😏. Would we go back? For sure. Next time with our husbands in tow!
Review rating: 5
Review Author: AztecLife, Bedfordshire, United Kingdom
Review Date: 08 Jul 2019
Review Body: Spent 2 nights here on our tour of Borneo and had 2 lodges as we were a family of 3 adults. Lodges were extremely nice with large beds, indoor and outdoor shower and nice balconies. Air-con worked well and was very much appreciated. Note - no hairdryer provided but you’re in the jungle, it’s hot and it’s humid so you really don’t worry too much what your hair looks like. For those that need wi-fi it was reasonable in the lobby area (only place it works) and there were times when it was very slow. Whilst we used deet spray we were surprised at how few mossies there were and we experienced no bites during our two days - not even during the night walk. Omar - our guide. - was friendly and knowledgeable. Very interesting to chat with and hear his stories. Our trips out on the river with him were great and we were lucky enough to see orangutan plus lots of monkeys and various birds. Sadly the Pygmy elephant were nowhere to be seen during our visit, Food was slightly limited in choice but everything was delicious and you were always encouraged to enjoy everything on offer. Staff were very visible during meals and a very talented bunch as they not only cooked, prepared, served meals but after dinner they performed songs and played various instruments. Some of the guys had incredible voices. You really were made to feel so welcome whilst staying here and part of something very special. Thank you.
Review rating: 5
Review Author: Nicola, Lincoln, United Kingdom
Review Date: 09 Sep 2019
Review Body: This has to be the most impressive hotel I have stopped at. From the beginning, the journey to the resort is a 2 hour boat trip down the Kinabatangan river, this was great, it is not accessible by road. The hotel is located in the middle of the forest, all the rooms are located off a main boardwalk. These are lit by lights at night but a torch is well worth having as it's hard to see the edge at times! The main restaurant area is nice, there were a good choice of food at both breakfast and dinner with evening entertainment too. The WiFi is only accessible in the reception area and isn't fast if you need to use it. Our room has to be during our holiday. It was a huge room with an amazing corner window to watch the wildlife through and a nice veranda where we saw wild boar. The bathroom was modern with the option of an outside shower. It was clean and tidy, very modern. We got to go out on the river loads of times, we did evening, night and early morning trips, we saw so much wildlife and visited one of the riverside villages. We took a night walk around the resort, the boardwalk goes around in a big circle, we saw various bugs and bats. The room could do with a kettle instead of a flask and a hairdryer would be a good addition. This was such an amazing resort, I could have stopped here for so much longer and was sad to have to leave!
Review rating: 5
Review Author: Robinson2301, Cambridge, United Kingdom
Review Date: 31 Aug 2019
Review Body: We spent 2nights/3days here as part of our honeymoon and what more can we say but ‘fantastic!’ The resort can only be accessed via boat deep into the rainforest (roughly a 1.5hour boat from Sandakan), the resort, unlike many from in the surrounding area is completely isolated and you feel fully surrounded by the wilderness! On the boat trip each day we saw every animal we could dream of, crocs, wild orangutans, monkeys, fire flies (night trip) and more! The resort is on board walks and you can wear shorts, trainers but a long sleeved t-shirt and plenty of mosquito spray is recommended (although we only got bitten a couple of times), I would also recommend taking some binoculars! We didn’t but they would have been useful, especially when we saw a pregnant wild orangutan with its already born baby! AMAZING! The resort is clean and the rooms are awesome with each surrounded by rainforest and an outdoor shower if you are brave enough! The food was great considering its location and a good selection for all and small bar for beers and wine which can be purchased. If you are travelling to Borneo and want to see the real rainforest without have to go trekking and with a little luxury! This is for you! We will be recommending to all our friends!
Review rating: 5
Review Author: Paul T, County Dublin, Ireland
Review Date: 14 Jun 2019
Review Body: This resort is situated on the Kinabatangan River and is of a very high quality. The chalets are luxurious, surrounded by riverine forest and handsomely appointed. They are raised on stilts, and joined by a boardwalk to each other and to the restaurant, reception and landing stage on the river. Moreover the grounds themselves contain lots of wildlife that can be tricky to see elsewhere. Particularly, bearded pigs, squirrels and water monitors are habituated to foraging around under the buildings and hence are ideal photo subjects. Leopard cats, sambar deer, colugos and tarsiers are occasionally been seen in the grounds, as well as lots of local invertebrates, which can be spectacular. These photo ops require a lot less effort than those at Deramakot or Danum. Boat trips up and down the river are launched from here each morning and afternoon, to try to spot orang utans, proboscis monkeys, elephants and macaques in addition to wonderfully colourful broadbills, kingfishers and beeaters. Also night trips can see owls, crocs and even snakes. Staff were wonderful, as everywhere in Borneo. Food was of high standard. Painless way of seeing some iconic wildlife. Great addition to any Borneo itinerary!
Review rating: 5
Review Author: A&U
Review Date: 09 Feb 2020
Review Body: We had a fabulous holiday at the KWR resorts on the Kinabatangan river The resort is beautiful with large rooms set amidst a lovely green jungle. The staff were brilliant, friendly and helpful led by their manager JR who also doubles up every night on his guitar to entertain the guests. The food was also delicious. A few maintenance issues with hot water were dealt with promptly by JR Finally it’s the wildlife that makes this a special place and with the help of Max our wonderful guide and Captain Anday ably steering the boat we saw pygmy elephants, orangutans, proboscis monkeys, langurs and macaques, squirrels , snakes and lots of birds including 5 species of kingfisher, hornbills leaf birds and 3 species of sunbirds. Lots of diverse wildlife but you need patience and luck and don’t expect the density to match wildlife viewing in Africa or bird life in the Pantanal. We stayed for 4 nights and were very lucky with sightings. Overall a lovely experience, marred a bit at the end as the resort management led by an officious head office manager literally hounded us out of the resort as quick as they could to make way for the arrival of “VIP customers who were flying in on a private jet”.
Review rating: 5
Review Author: Graham P, London, United Kingdom
Review Date: 11 Apr 2019
Review Body: This resort is a 90 min boat ride from Sandakan and in the Abai region. The resort is a fine feat of engineering given the setup in a remote location. It’s away from other lodges which makes it feel like alone in the jungle. We even had Proboscis monkeys within 50m of the lodge! The lodge is large with rooms of excellent size with outdoor and indoor showers. There is also a broad walk around the jungle for you to seek out animals yourself or with guides at night (we saw a civet). Room was lovely decorated with a bottle of wine and excellent towel animals - it was our honeymoon so the swan was particularly good! Food was ample and lots of choice. Room where it was served is lovely and in the evening the team play musical instruments to entertain. Guides were great and we had Dido on watch with Jai as our excellent captain. We saw everything like Elephants, macaques, Proboscis, crocodiles, birds galore. Would highly recommend Abai area than Sukao area as felt like more animals in that region plus Sukao boats came up to Abai. Also Sukao area lodges appear to be close together and don’t have that remoteness feel that KWR has.
Review rating: 5

Itinerary

Itinerary Day 1
Itinerary Summary: Wildlife cruise, orangutans, proboscis monkeys, sunset photography and night walk
Itinerary Description: 12:00 PM: Board the boat from Sandakan Yacht Club Jetty for a scenic 1.5-hour cruise to Abai, Kinabatangan. Highlights of the journey include views of Berhala Island, a historic sandstone cliff site from World War II, mangroves, and local villages. This cruise also offers us views of the different types of vegetation found along Sabah’s mighty Kinabatangan River. 1:30 PM: Arrive at the Resort, check in, and enjoy lunch with a briefing on upcoming activities. 4:00 PM: Enjoy refreshments, including coffee, tea, and local banana fritters (goreng pisang). 4:30 PM: Head out on an afternoon wildlife river cruise in a smaller, open-top boat to spot orangutans, proboscis monkeys, various bird species, and if you're lucky, pygmy elephants too! 6:30 PM: Return at sunset for stunning landscape photography, with a chance to see fireflies if the weather permits. 8:30 PM: After dinner, take a night stroll along boardwalks to observe nocturnal wildlife and fascinating insects. Enjoy an overnight stay in a cozy Deluxe Chalet nestled in the heart of the jungle.
Itinerary Day 2
Itinerary Summary: 2 Wildlife cruises, river village visits, mangrove tour, and nocturnal wildlife viewing
Itinerary Description: 6.30am: Early morning cruise to observe more wildlife and birdlife. Visit the serene Ox-Bow lake, Danau Pitas, and enjoy a packed breakfast surrounded by nature. 8.30am: Continue cruising past the local fishing village of Kampung Abai and observe daily activities of Orang Sungai (river people). 10.00am: Return to the Resort for a delicious 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 the resort for dinner at the common area. 8:30pm-10:00pm: After dinner, embark on a thrilling night cruise in search of nocturnal wildlife. Overnight at the cozy Deluxe Chalet.
Itinerary Day 3
Itinerary Summary: Enjoy nature walk with wildlife viewing, then boat cruise with coastal sights
Itinerary Description: Start your day with breakfast, then enjoy a leisurely walk along the lodge’s nature boardwalk. Don’t forget your binoculars—keep an eye out for movement in the trees! You might just spot wild orangutans, silver leaf monkeys, or a variety of birds. 9:00 AM Check out and board the boat back to Sandakan. The 1.5-hour cruise offers a glimpse of coastal fishing villages and a chance to capture stunning seafront views of Sandakan, once known as "Little Hong Kong." Arrival at Sandakan Yacht Club Jetty. End of Service.
Wood-panelled lodge bedroom with ceiling fan and curtained window to greenery at Kinabatangan Wetlands Resort, near the Kinabatangan River
Covered wooden verandas and deck at Kinabatangan Wetlands Resort eco-lodge in Sandakan's Lower Kinabatangan, Kinabatangan River
Twin beds and cushions in a jungle lodge room at Kinabatangan Wetlands Resort, with a greenery view towards the Kinabatangan River
Twin white basins on a stone vanity in the eco-lodge bathroom at Kinabatangan Wetlands Resort, in the Kinabatangan River
Sunlit eco-lodge bedroom suite at Kinabatangan Wetlands Resort in Sandakan, with a towel animal and large window to the jungle
Wooden walkway to eco-lodge cabins at Kinabatangan Wetlands Resort in Sandakan, Lower Kinabatangan, Kinabatangan River
Wood-panelled lodge bedroom with ceiling fan and curtained window to greenery at Kinabatangan Wetlands Resort, near the Kinabatangan River
Covered wooden verandas and deck at Kinabatangan Wetlands Resort eco-lodge in Sandakan's Lower Kinabatangan, Kinabatangan River
Twin beds and cushions in a jungle lodge room at Kinabatangan Wetlands Resort, with a greenery view towards the Kinabatangan River
Twin white basins on a stone vanity in the eco-lodge bathroom at Kinabatangan Wetlands Resort, in the Kinabatangan River
Sunlit eco-lodge bedroom suite at Kinabatangan Wetlands Resort in Sandakan, with a towel animal and large window to the jungle
Wooden walkway to eco-lodge cabins at Kinabatangan Wetlands Resort in Sandakan, Lower Kinabatangan, Kinabatangan River
Evening view of a wood-and-glass lodge with lit verandas amid tropical trees at Kinabatangan Wetlands Resort, near the Kinabatangan River
Hand-folded animal towel on a bed in a quiet eco-lodge room at Kinabatangan Wetlands Resort, Sandakan, surrounded by greenery
Kinabatangan Wetlands Resort cabin with a thatched roof and lantern-lit entrance among tropical plants near the Kinabatangan River
Thatched-roof lodge cabin reached by wooden boardwalk through lush forest at Kinabatangan Wetlands Resort, near the Kinabatangan River
Cozy beds and seating in a lodge room with large windows opening to the jungle at Kinabatangan Wetlands Resort, near the Kinabatangan River
Golden-hour aerial view of calm waters where a small boat cruises along forest banks on the Kinabatangan River
Proboscis monkey peering from thick jungle leaves in Lower Kinabatangan along the Kinabatangan River
River boat gliding through calm waters past dense mangroves on a jungle wildlife cruise in the Kinabatangan River
Kinabatangan Wetlands Resort eco-lodge with an elevated wooden deck and lights in the jungle near Kinabatangan River
Cabin exterior at Kinabatangan Wetlands Resort in Lower Kinabatangan, with a front walkway and rainforest shade on the Kinabatangan River
Relaxing bedroom with wooden floors and bed by a large window at Kinabatangan Wetlands Resort, jungle views near the Kinabatangan River
Bedroom scene with a daybed, window curtains and green foliage views at Kinabatangan Wetlands Resort in Sandakan on the Kinabatangan River
Thatched-roof wooden eco-lodge overlooking a small pool, surrounded by dense jungle greenery in Lower Kinabatangan
Folded towel animal beside a made bed in a cosy eco-lodge room at Kinabatangan Wetlands Resort, in the Kinabatangan River
Wood-panelled lodge bedroom with double bed, bedside table, and curtained window at Kinabatangan Wetlands Resort, near the Kinabatangan River
Two-bed suite with wooden slatted ceiling and air conditioning at Kinabatangan Wetlands Resort, beside the Kinabatangan River
Wild elephant wading and drinking beside the muddy riverbank in Lower Kinabatangan’s mangroves at the Kinabatangan River
Bathroom with sink, toilet and shower fittings at Kinabatangan Wetlands Resort in Lower Kinabatangan, near the Kinabatangan River
Wooden dining hall at Kinabatangan Wetlands Resort in Sandakan, with a meal schedule board and jungle views on the Kinabatangan River
Buffet and dining setup in the jungle eco-lodge at Kinabatangan Wetlands Resort, with windows on lush greenery on the Kinabatangan River
Air-conditioned bedroom suite at Kinabatangan Wetlands Resort in Sandakan, with a double bed, curtains and TV on the Kinabatangan River
Modern jungle lodge building with glass-front veranda and outdoor seating at Kinabatangan Wetlands Resort, near the Kinabatangan River
Chalet-style lodge with a wooden deck and warm lights in the jungle at Kinabatangan Wetlands Resort, near the Kinabatangan River
Bedroom lounge area with sofas, kitchenette and wall-mounted TV at Kinabatangan Wetlands Resort in Sandakan on the Kinabatangan River
Indoor dining hall with long wooden tables at Kinabatangan Wetlands Resort eco-lodge in Sandakan's Lower Kinabatangan, Kinabatangan River
Table tennis room inside Kinabatangan Wetlands Resort eco-lodge, with large windows showing jungle greenery, Kinabatangan River
Kinabatangan Wetlands Resort wildlife cruise with travellers riding a boat through mangroves on the Kinabatangan River
Wooden boardwalk to a cabin at Kinabatangan Wetlands Resort in Lower Kinabatangan, with mangrove greenery on the Kinabatangan River
Aerial view of a wooden boardwalk and riverside cabins in mangroves, with a small boat docked near the Kinabatangan River
Proboscis monkeys gather in shallow water among mangroves, swimming through brown river water in the Kinabatangan River
Meandering river channel through dense palms and mangroves, calm water viewed from above on the Kinabatangan River
Orangutan perched among tree branches in lush rainforest at the Kinabatangan eco-lodge, staying still in the shade, orangutans
Orangutan close-up gazing out from green jungle foliage in Lower Kinabatangan on an eco-lodge wildlife journey, orangutans
Night wildlife at a river lodge: a blue-and-white insect clings to a glossy floor with warm lights blurred in the background
Kinabatangan Wetlands Resort stilted deck with steps and seating, set by the water in Sandakan’s Kinabatangan River
Close-up of an orangutan nestled among tall green reeds, its orange fur and face visible for spotting orangutans
Kinabatangan Wetlands Resort wooden lodge tucked among tall trees and palms, surrounded by rainforest greenery on the Kinabatangan River
Jungle cabin at Kinabatangan Wetlands Resort set among tall tropical trees, with a shaded deck and morning light through the canopy
Brown orangutan resting on a grassy forest floor watching the camera during a jungle wildlife safari in Lower Kinabatangan, orangutans
Narrow wooden path surrounded by dense jungle at Kinabatangan Wetlands Resort in Lower Kinabatangan, Kinabatangan River
Wooden boardwalk through sunlit mangroves of Lower Kinabatangan at Kinabatangan Wetlands Resort, heading to the Kinabatangan River
Yellow-and-black banded snake resting on a broad green leaf in the jungle canopy during the Kinabatangan eco-lodge stay
Wooden walkway winding through dense rainforest beside mangroves at Kinabatangan Wetlands Resort, near the Kinabatangan River
Kinabatangan Wetlands Resort wooden path leading to a lantern-lit lodge at night, surrounded by tropical jungle on the Kinabatangan River
Raised wooden boardwalk through lush mangrove jungle at Kinabatangan Wetlands Resort, Lower Kinabatangan, Kinabatangan River
Outdoor rain shower beside tiled wall and sheer curtains at Kinabatangan Wetlands Resort, surrounded by greenery near the Kinabatangan River
Entrance gate and sign for Kinabatangan Wetlands Resort beside a quiet boardwalk through jungle, on the Kinabatangan River
Wooden boardwalk and bench seating through dense rainforest at Kinabatangan Wetlands Resort, on the Kinabatangan River
Timber boardwalk between bungalows at Kinabatangan Wetlands Resort eco-lodge in Sandakan's Lower Kinabatangan jungle, Kinabatangan River
Wooden walkway leading to raised jungle cabins at Kinabatangan Wetlands Resort, surrounded by mangrove greenery on the Kinabatangan River

3D2N Kinabatangan River Experience in Lovely Jungle Eco-Lodge

Stay and relax in a sustainably minded resort away from the crowds.
5.0
|56 Reviews
Group size
Up to 47 guests
DURATION
3 days 2 nights
Booking type
Join-in trip
MEET UP
At location
Group size
Up to 47 guests
Enjoy a 3D2N stay in an eco-lodge at Kinabatangan river, with wildlife safaris
If you're looking for one of the nicest eco-lodges at Kinabatangan River, this is it. Step into the wild with a 3-day, 2-night adventure deep inside Borneo’s lush rainforest. Staying at a secluded eco-lodge accessible only by boat, this experience is perfect for nature lovers who want to see the rainforest’s hidden gems away from the crowds. There's a lot of wildlife just on the grounds of the eco-lodge alone - so you'll really feel immersed in nature!For wildlife lovers, this also includes more river cruises than other itineraries. Unlike other lodges that may only offer 2-3 cruises over a 3D2N itinerary, this lodge offers 4 wildlife river cruises - which means you get the most chance of spotting wildlife! What to Expect3d2n eco-lodge stay and wildlife safari on Kinabatangan RiverEnjoy four thrilling river cruises on the Kinabatangan River—two in the afternoon and two at dawn—spotting orangutans, proboscis monkeys, pygmy elephants, colourful birds, and more.Take a night walk along the jungle boardwalk to discover nocturnal creatures and marvel at fireflies lighting up the rainforest at dusk.Visit the calm ox-bow lake, Danau Pitas, to observe local river communities and the daily life of the Orang Sungai.Stay in spacious, luxurious chalets built on stilts, with modern amenities while you’re immersed in nature. Each lodge is equipped with air con, a private bathroom, Wi-Fi, and stunning views of the surrounding forest.Good to KnowThe eco-lodge is only reachable by boat, about 1.5 hours from Sandakan—an adventure in itself!Includes all meals—breakfast, lunch, dinner, and snack times—prepared local style.Activities may vary depending on weather and river conditions, and some wildlife sightings are subject to luck.Bring your binoculars and camera, and remember to keep quiet to avoid disturbing the wildlife.The lodge operates on solar power, and treated river water is used throughout. Laundry service is available for a fee.Good fitness level required for walking on uneven jungle paths and boat cruises.National park entry fee and boat transfers are included, but personal expenses like alcohol and tips are not.Amenities/facilitiesLuxury chalets with air conditioning, private ensuite bathrooms, and Wi-FiShared dining area with locally sourced mealsPrivate boat for river cruises and wildlife excursionsNight walk and guided wildlife tour optionsBeautiful wooden walkways connecting chalets and communal spacesRoom Configurations:For 2 Guests: Enjoy a comfortable stay with a standard double bed.For 3 Guests: The room features a double bed and a single bed as the standard setup. Alternatively, upon request and subject to availability, the room can be arranged with three single beds.For 4 Guests: Accommodations include one double bed and two single beds, ensuring ample space and comfort.For 5 Guests: The room is configured with one double bed and three single beds for a spacious and convenient stay.Boat Capacity:We offer river cruises aboard a 12-seater boat, providing a spacious and enjoyable experience for everyone on board.

Experience highlights

What You’ll be Doing

Day 1:

Wildlife cruise, orangutans, proboscis monkeys, sunset photography and night walk

Day 2:

2 Wildlife cruises, river village visits, mangrove tour, and nocturnal wildlife viewing

Day 3:

Enjoy nature walk with wildlife viewing, then boat cruise with coastal sights
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What’s Included

2-night accommodation
4 river cruises
1 Guided night walk at nature boardwalk
Meals included (2 breakfast, 1 lunch, 2 teabreak, 2 dinner)
Return boat transfers as stated on itinerary
Experienced guide

Not included

Transportation from Sandakan town to the jetty
All airfares
Camera Fee
Alcoholic & beverages
Personal travel insurance
Tips, great gratuity and other items not stated above
Tourism Tax

Available Add-ons:

Transport to/from Sandakan Jetty from Sandakan Town or Airport (RM315.67)
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Who you’re supporting

community_based

Community Champion

wildlife_safe

Wildlife Protector

low_carbon

Low Carbon Hero

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Where You’ll Sleep

Next Available Dates

Prices shown in USD
Select Time for 08 Oct 2026
Additional Information

Where we'll meet

Start Point

Meet-up at Sandakan Yacht Jetty(Sandakan Yacht Club, Jalan Buli Sim Sim, Malaysia)
  • 12:00pm
  • Notes: Meet by our representative staff at Sandakan Yacht Club Jetty for our boat transfer to Kinabatangan. Please arrive at least 15 minutes before the scheduled departure at 12:00 PM.

End Point

  • End at Start Point(s)

Transport Add-ons

Add-on 1

  • Transport to/from Sandakan Jetty from Sandakan Town or Airport(Price: RM315.67 for up to 8 guests)

Start & Ends

12:00PM on Day 1 - 11:00AM on Day 3

Suitability / Accessibility

  • Infant seats available
  • Vegetarian food available
  • Halal food available
  • Child Friendly (No Minimum Age)

Cancellation & other policies

  • Cancellation

    To secure your spot, your host will turn away other guests. Because of this, cancellations aren't allowed.

What to Pack

  • Comfortable walking shoes
  • Headlamp or flashlight
  • Insect repellent
  • Lightweight clothing or cotton shirts
  • Personal toiletries
  • Poncho or raincoat
  • Sunscreen
From RM2,185.3
RM1,748.24
/person
5.0(56)
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Meet your host

Escape to a hidden retreat in the heart of Lower Kinabatangan. Accessible only by boat, this eco-friendly lodge runs on solar power and is surrounded by pristine mangroves teeming with wildlife. Far from the crowds, enjoy wildlife cruises, and serene nature in one of Borneo’s most untouched landscapes. Perfect for those seeking adventure, tranquility, and a deeper connection with nature.
Experience: 9 years
Speaks: Fluent English, Bahasa
Acceptance rate: 54%
Top Rated Host
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superhost
4.8 (807)
|
3D2N
|Up to 34 guests
“Our guide made the whole experience a million times better! Food also very good”
sale
4.5 (263)
|
3D2N
|Up to 48 guests
“The place is super clean and the food was some of the best we had ”
sale
4.5 (263)
|
2D1N
|Up to 38 guests
“I had a great stay and definitely would return again”
superhost
4.8 (807)
|
2D1N
|Up to 34 guests
“Being out in the Jungle and seeing the wildlife was fascinating”
4.5 (63)
|
3D2N
|Up to 24 guests
“Henry our guide was brilliant”
4.8 (807)
|
4D3N
|Up to 15 guests
“The wellbeing of the animals always comes first”
5.0 (7)
|
3D2N
|Up to 8 guests
“River tours are well organized and we saw different animals”
4.8 (807)
|
4D3N
|Up to 8 guests
“Amazing wildlife expert guides unforgettable adventure”
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