Description
Set on the banks of the Kinabatangan, this lodge is perfectly located for taking a guided river cruise or a walk through the lush riverine forests - be rewarded with sightings of a large range of wildlife including Borneo’s unique proboscis monkeys, the wild Orang Utan, Bornean Pygmy elephants, crocodiles, otters, bears, wild cats and countless rare and beautiful birds such as hornbills and the Oriental Darter.
This basic but comfortable lodge features semi-detached bungalows, simply furnished with local wooden accents, each with an en-suite bathroom. Due to the remote location, the rooms are not air-conditioned but ceiling fans and the gentle river breezes cool the rooms down in the evening.
The main area of the lodge houses a dining area serving good, buffet-style meals and there is an air-conditioned lounge where you can watch educational documentaries about the wildlife you have encountered during your stay.
Sustainable tourism is high on the agenda here and locals are employed in the workings of the lodge, with many projects to help the local community and their pristine natural habitat also in place. Biodegradable materials are used wherever possible and rain water is collected and filtered.
Please note that a stay here can only be booked through Scott Dunn as part of an itinerary with at least 7 nights accommodation in total.
Accommodation
The newer wing at the Kinabatangan River Lodge has 33 comfortable semi-detached rooms which are nicely cooled by ceiling fans with en-suite bathrooms with welcoming hot showers.
Childcare
Children are very welcome at Kinabatangan River Lodge and will love the nature trails, animal and bird spotting and water based activities on offer.
Facilities
The lodge has a beautiful sundeck facing the river, a perfect place to relax after a good buffet dinner at the 'Orang Utan Corner'. There is a library and TV room where occasional Sabah wildlife documentaries are shown. At the back of the lodge is a jungle trail where red leaf monkeys and wild orang utans are often spotted.
Activities
Your days at the Kinabatangan River Lodge will largely be spent on the water and your guide will show you the smaller tributaries of the river where you may spot many species of birds and monkeys. The proboscis monkeys. which are only found in Borneo, can often be spotted at the river's edge as they come down to feed.
When to travel
Like the rest of Malaysia, Sabah’s climate is hot and humid. Expect temperatures in the high 20s and low 30s throughout the lowlands. The state’s rainfall averages about 300cm annually and though it rains throughout the year, the heaviest rainfall generally occurs between October and January. At higher elevations the temperature is refreshingly cool, dropping to colder temperatures at night. Mount Kinabalu has its own climate and, above 3500m, temperatures can drop to freezing.
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Average time to visit
Not applicable
Location and directions
Borneo, Malaysia
Set on the banks of the Kinabatangan River, Sabah’s longest river. Not far from Kampung Abai near the river mouth of the river.
How to get there
17-hour international flight (one change) to Sandakan Airport.
Please note that a stay here can only be booked as part of an itinerary.
