How Do I Book A Tour Of The Kinabatangan River For Wildlife Spotting?

Booking a tour of the Kinabatangan River in Sabah, Borneo, is a straightforward process, typically handled by purchasing an all-inclusive package from a local tour operator or lodge. This region is one of Asia's premier wildlife destinations, and a tour is the best way to experience it.

The most highly recommended tour duration is a 3-day, 2-night package, as this provides ample time and opportunity to spot a wide variety of animals, including orangutans, proboscis monkeys, and pygmy elephants. However, shorter 2-day trips and longer 4-day adventures are also available to suit different schedules and budgets.

These tour packages are comprehensive and generally include:

• Accommodation: Options range from budget-friendly dormitories to comfortable private rooms and even luxury villas at lodges like Hornbill Lodge or Sukau Rainforest Lodge.
• Guided Activities: The core of the experience consists of multiple river cruises. You’ll typically embark on boat safaris at dawn and dusk, as these are the best times to see wildlife active along the riverbanks. Many packages also include guided jungle treks and night walks to discover nocturnal creatures.
• Meals: Full board with breakfast, lunch, and dinner is usually part of the package.
• Transfers: Return land transfers from nearby hubs like Sandakan, the Sandakan airport, or the Sepilok area are almost always included.

To book, you can visit the websites of tour operators like River Junkie or lodges such as Hornbill Lodge directly. You can often customize your trip by adding on visits to nearby attractions like the Sepilok Orangutan Rehabilitation Centre or the Gomantong Caves.