KINABATANGAN, SUKAU AND TUNGKU

Kinabatangan

Lower Kinabatangan River
- Endemic Creatures In Wild Terrain
It is said that the Chinese Imperial merchants sailed up the Kinabatangan River in search of the precious bird's nests. Its floodplain is one of the most exceptional areas in Malaysia. Influenced by the tides of the Sulu Sea and rainfall in the interior, the lower part of the river plain floods regularly. Thus over the centuries, 5 distinct habitats have evolved, waterlogged and dry forests, saline and freshwater swamps and limestone forests, each contributing towards some of the most diverse concentrations of wildlife in Borneo.
Lower 

Kinabatangan River
The River is 560km. long and the Lower Kinabatangan is estimated to have the largest concentration of wildlife in all of Malaysia. In fact, all 8 species of hornbills found in Borneo - the rhinoceros, helmeted, black, pied, wreathed, wrinkled, white-crowned and bushy crested hornbills, have been spotted here. The region is also renowned for colourful tropical birds, crocodiles, huge monitor lizards, wild pigs, otters and several species of monkeys and tree snakes. It is a haven to the rare proboscis monkey, orang utan, the oriental darker, king-fishers and more...
A dawn or dusk river ride past swamps filled with mangrove and nipa promises exciting sightings of wildlife. A view that never fails to delight is a glimpse of the playful proboscis monkeys. These huge-bellied, long-nosed primates with long white tails live by the river and are especially active during these hours when they are socialising, crashing through trees or foraging for food.
Lower 

Kinabatangan River
The unique landscape feature of the Kinabatangan is the unusual oxbow lakes. A crescent-shaped lake lying alongside a winding river, these lakes are formed as erosion and deposits of soil changes the river's course over time.
An unforgettable experience is the peaceful and serene village-life... as dawn creeps across the river... gentle mists shroud the surreal atmosphere... voices maybe heard across the water as you catch the silhouettes of children floating past in their boats... amidst the birds singing and the animal calls...

Welcome to Nature Lodge Kinabatangan


Located along the Sungai Kinabatangan, our lodge is the only trace of civilisation within the proximity. Be prepared to get all misty eyed over the surreal lush greenery, intended to be left untouched for your viewing pleasure. It is, of course, free to indulge yourself with nature’s most promising scenery.
Staying in Nature Lodge Kinabatangan, you will pass through a little village known as Kampung Bilit ~ where the people’s lives are simple and absolutely remote from the outside world.
You could bump into primates like the long-tailed and pig-tailed macaques, the amazing sounding gibbons, elusive tarsier and the great Orang Utans. You will also catch sight of Proboscis Monkeys, a primate that is found only in Borneo.
kinabatangan river borneo sabah proboscis monkey



Proboscis Monkey © Jibral
(nasalis larvatus)
Birds are all over the place. All 8 species of Hornbills are regular patrons of the riverbank greenery. Occasionally, rhinoceros hornbills will drop by to join the pack; basking below are crocodiles lazing the day away, especially during the dry season. At night, you will spot the cute nocturnal wide-eyed slow lorris.
Black and Yellow Broadbill (eurylaimus ochromalus)



Black and Yellow Broadbill © PPB
(eurylaimus ochromalus)
The rainy season that strikes during November to March causes flood around the Kinabatangan river. As our lodge is strategically located on higher plains, the flood does not affect us. So it is possible to stay in Nature Lodge Kinabatangan all year round.
Crested Serpent Eagle (spilornis cheela)



Crested Serpent Eagle © PPB
(spilornis cheela)
In fact, it is during the humid months that more animals are seen (and less crocodiles are basking nearby). Not to mention, behind Nature Lodge Kinabatangan is an oxbow lake where you can easily see the wonderful otters. Bird sighting is amazing here. The oxbow lake is just a stone’s throw from the lodge, equivalent to an hour’s walk.
Black-backed Kingfisher (ceyx erithacus)



Black-backed Kingfisher © Jibral
(ceyx erithacus)
Since Kinabatangan is a wildlife sanctuary, obviously it will not be like a trip to the zoo. There is a slight possibility that some animals will shy away from you but we can guarantee that you will be able to spot at least 20 different types of wildlife.
kinabatangan river borneo sabah bird hornbill



Borneo's Hornbill
At the end of the day, these entire animals sighting depends on the skills of the person showing you around. At Nature Lodge Kinabatangan, our trekkers will make sure that you get to see all these exquisite creatures to maximize your adventurous trip to Sungai Kinabatangan.
Common Bronzeback (dendrelaphis pictus)



Common Bronzeback © PPB
(dendrelaphis pictus)
Ashy

 Tailor Bird (orthotomus ruficeps)



Ashy Tailor Bird © Jibral
(orthotomus ruficeps)