Kinabatangan River, designated a protected wildlife area, stretches for over 560 kilometers, but the Sukau area, its estuary and floodplain, is the center of ecotourism. This is one of the world's most biodiverse ecosystems and is known as the "corridor of life" because so much wildlife uses this narrow waterway to survive and move.

The Kinabatangan River is the longest river in Sabah, stretching over 560 kilometers. It flows through rainforests, peat swamps, and wetlands, making it one of the most pristine ecosystems in Borneo. This area is home to over 200 rare species, including mammals, birds, reptiles, and native plants.

A key activity for tourists here is wildlife-watching boat trips, which operate in the morning and evening, when the animals are most active. Visitors can spot proboscis monkeys roosting in the trees along the banks, small herds of Bornean elephants foraging in open areas, Bornean crocodiles basking on the banks, and hornbills gracefully flitting across the forest.

There are also resort-style accommodations along the river. Many eco-resorts, such as Sukau Rainforest Lodge, Kinabatangan Riverside Lodge, and Bilit Adventure Lodge, are designed to blend in with nature and emphasize environmental impact reduction. Visitors can learn about wildlife conservation, wastewater management, and renewable energy in the local community through the resort's activities.

Sukau Village also exemplifies a community that lives in harmony with nature. Many villagers work as tour guides and operate small paddle boats for tourists, with a portion of their income reinvested into community development and supporting wildlife conservation projects, such as the Bornean Elephant Rescue Project and riverside reforestation.

At night, visitors can join night cruises or night hikes to experience the rainforest's nighttime atmosphere. Listen to the croaking of frogs and crickets, and see the glowing insects adorning the trees, offering a completely different experience than during the day.

Overall, a visit to the Kinabatangan River is not only a journey to admire the beauty of nature but also an opportunity to learn about conservation, ecosystems, and responsible tourism in an area of ​​global importance for biodiversity.

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How to Get There

Plane:

• Fly to Sandakan Airport (SDK) from Kota Kinabalu (KK) or Kuala Lumpur (KL).

Transfer:

• Most lorries provide a road transfer from Sandakan Airport to Sukau (travel time approximately 2.5-3 hours).

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Travel Tips

Raincoat/Waterproof:

• Bring rain gear and clothing, as rain can fall at any time.

Binoculars:

• A must for spotting distant monkeys and birds.

Dark/brown clothing:

• For camouflage when viewing wildlife. Always use mosquito or insect repellent.

Package Booking:

• We recommend booking a package of at least 2 nights and 3 days to maximize your chances of encountering diverse wildlife.

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Admission Fees:

• There is no direct entrance fee to the river area, but there is a protected area management fee and photography permit fees, which are included in many lore tour packages. Package prices usually start from around MYR 1,500 per person (for 2 nights, 3 days, twin sharing).

Opening Hours:

• Open for tourism all year round