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Kinabatangan River Safari on Your Own | Borneo, Malaysia
El Kinabatangan River, the second longest in Malaysia, runs through the lush rainforest of Sabah state and is one of the best places to go hiking. safari in Borneo. This area of Malaysian Borneo It is a paradise for nature lovers, where it is still possible to see orangutans, pygmy elephants, proboscis monkeys and hundreds of birds in the wild.
Although there are many tourist packages, in this article we tell you how to visit the Kinabatangan River on your own, with all the practical tips to help you plan your adventure and make the most of this incredible corner of Southeast Asia.
What is the Kinabatangan River and where is it
El Kinabatangan River It is located in the state of Sabah, northeast of the island of BorneoAt over 560 kilometres long, it is the second longest river in Malaysia and flows through one of the most biodiverse areas in Southeast Asia.
Along its banks stretches a natural corridor known as the Kinabatangan Wildlife Sanctuary, created to protect many endangered species that have lost their habitat due to deforestation caused by the palm oil industry.
In this jungle you can see proboscis monkeys, pygmy elephants, orangutans, gibbons, tarsiers, crocodiles and a huge variety of tropical birds such as hornbills.
The most common way to explore the river is by boat, sailing at sunrise or sunset, when animals are most active. But they also organize guided jungle walks, especially at night, to observe nocturnal species and enjoy a different experience on this Borneo safari.
Don't miss the best Malaysia route in 15 daysYou may also be interested in knowing what to see in Kuala Lumpur in 2 days.
How reach the Kinabatangan River
Although the Kinabatangan River crosses much of eastern Borneo, the best area for Organize a safari in the small town of Sukau, located in the heart of a wildlife sanctuary. Most boat trips and jungle hikes depart from there, and it's where the riverside accommodations are concentrated.
Arriving at Sukau It's not complicated, but it does require planning., since the town is not well connected by public transport.
All public transport leads to one key point: Sukau Junction, the crossing of cara route from which one departs carsecondary road that will take you about 40 minutes to travel to reach the hotel area in Sukau.
From Kuala Lumpur
To visit the Kinabatangan River and do this safari in Borneo the ideal is fly to Sandakan Airport, you can also reach others like Kota Kinabaru or Tawau, but the closest and most practical is in Sandakan.
From Sandakan
This is the most common way to get to your Kinabatangan River safari. From the Sandakan minibus terminal (located near the center), a daily van leaves for Sukau at 10:00 h.
- 💡 Council: Buy your ticket the day before to ensure a seat, especially during peak season.
- ⏱️ The journey takes about 2 hours and a half, and drops you off directly in the village.
You can also book a private transfer with your accommodation, use Grab (costs around 250 MYR) or contact directly. Mr. Choy (+60 19 536 1889), a local driver who drives this route almost daily.
From Sepilok
From Sepilok There is no direct transport to Sukau, but you have several options:
- Taxi or Grab to the carmain road, where you can wait for a southbound bus (towards Lahad Datu or Semporna). Let the driver know that you are getting off at Sukau JunctionAnd once there, arrange transportation with your accommodation (they usually charge around 5 euros per person).
- The most practical option is to contact Mr. Choy, which usually picks up travelers in Sepilok if they are on their way from Sandakan.
- 📞 WhatsApp: +60 19 536 1889
- 💬 He speaks English, is punctual, and very friendly.
- Take a Grab from Sepilok to Sukau, it will cost you around 240 MYR.
From Semporna
From Semporna, the best option is to take one of the buses heading towards Sandakan (50MYR) and Get off at Sukau Junction.
- 🚌 Inform the terminal staff and the driver that your destination is the Sukau crossing, and be alert upon arrival.
- Once at the intersection, you can:
- Coordinate pickup with your accommodation (approximately 35 MYR per person).
- Contact with Mr. Choy (+60195361889.)
- Or wait to see if there is a local van (not very common).
💡 ImportantThe crossing is in the middle of nowhere. There are no shops or official public transportation. It's best to arrange a transfer with your accommodation in Sukau, although we hitchhiked.
where to stay in Sukau for safaris on the Kinabatangan River
To explore the Kinabatangan River you need to stay in the village of SukauHere you will find everything from luxury lodges to affordable hostels surrounded by natureAlthough some accommodations aren't on online platforms, several are.
| Hotel | Description | Price | Nota | View photos |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ✅ Sukau Tomanggong | Simple and surrounded by jungle, with the option of safaris. | € 27 | 8,1 | View photos |
| ✅ Sukau Backpackers | Good service, affordable and with own excursions. | € 33 | 8,4 | View photos |
| ✅ Bilit Lodge | More comfortable and with organized packages. | € 52 | 8,7 | View photos |
If you prefer something more economical, do a search on Google Maps and contact accommodations that are not in Booking directly.
What to do on the Kinabatangan River
If you fly over Borneo, you'll see that much of the rainforest has disappeared under endless palm plantations. Therefore, The Kinabatangan River is a vital refugeIt's one of the few places where you can still see so much biodiversity in the wild.
Riverboat Safari
The star activity in Kinabatangan: Boat safaris They are comfortable and quiet. You sit down while you travel along the river surrounded by jungle., alert to any movement: it could be an orangutan, a group of macaques, or a crocodile peeking out its eyes in the distance.
Every safari is different, so We recommend making several outings at different times of the day and, if possible, even at night. The price of the safaris is 65MYR per person.
Types of boat safari
- Sunrise Safari (5:30 a.m.) – It’s one of the best times to see active animals, with the soft light of dawn falling on the river.
- Sunset Safari (16:30 p.m.) – Ideal for taking advantage of the last hours of daylight, when many animals come out again.
- Night Safari (20:00 p.m.) – Perfect for seeing crocodiles, sleeping birds like kingfishers, and other nocturnal species.
- Midday Safari (occasional) – They only offer it if there is pygmy elephants located in the area. It must be incredible to see these little elephants in the wild.
We weren't lucky enough to see orangutans in the Kinabatangan, but we did have an incredible experience in the route through Sumatra, where we made a Trekking with orangutans in Ketambe y We saw many in the wild in the middle of the jungle.
Jungle hiking tours
Although they are not as popular as boat safaris, you can also explore the jungle on foot with a local guide. Hikes typically last between 2 and 4 hours, are conducted in small groups, and allow you to observe footprints, sounds, and details that go unnoticed from the water.
Yes, Prepare for mud, heat, and mosquitoesIt is a more intense experience, but it is always interesting and you learn a lot. We have done tours like this in places like Bolivia o Colombia.
Don't travel to a remote location without good travel insurance, the nearest hospital is more than 2 hours awayWe recommend you read the comparison of best travel insurance for Malaysia to find out which one best suits your type of trip and budget.
How to organize your safaris on the Kinabatangan River
It is common for your own accommodation to offer tours directly when bookingIf you're not convinced by what they offer, you can ask around other places in town.
We booked it through the owner of our accommodation, who was super nice, and the cheapest option we asked, even though we were only four people. Our guide had a great eye for detail and made our experience very enjoyable. The price was 50 ringgits, about 12 euros per safari per person.
What to know before you go on safari to Borneo
Before making a Safari on the Kinabatangan River, take note of these tips to make the most of this experience in Borneo.
Best time to go on a safari on the Kinabatangan River
Each season has its pros and cons. From March to early September It's the driest season, with less rain and clearer skies. It's the ideal time to observe wildlife on the riverbanks in good weather.
From November to March The heaviest rains arrive. Although safaris are still taking place, there's a greater chance of getting wet, and even if you wear a raincoat, the experience can be uncomfortable. Additionally, some animals, like orangutans, tend to take shelter during the rain, making them harder to see.
Still, The wet season also has its charmSmall navigable channels appear and you can access areas with denser vegetation or lakes where a large amount of fauna is concentrated.
What to bring on a safari in Borneo
- Lightweight, quick-drying clothing, preferably long-sleeved to avoid mosquitoes.
- Raincoat or waterproof poncho, especially if you go during the wet season.
- Sun protection and a cap or hat, even when the sky is cloudy.
- Powerful mosquito repellent.
- Binoculars to observe birds and animals from a distance.
- Headlamp, if you take a night walk, although they usually let you have it.
- Closed sneakers or light boots for jungle walks.
- Reusable bottle and snacks.
Practical tips before the safari
- Book your safari in advance, in high season, as accommodation near the river is limited.
- Don't expect to see orangutans every moment.. While it's possible, it's not guaranteed. The beauty of safaris is that you never know what's going to happen.
- Ask about the option to take a sunrise safari, is one of the times with the most animal activity.
- Avoid using perfumes or creams with strong smells, can scare animals.
- Bring some cash in ringgits, many restaurants and shops in the area do not accept cards.
Budget Kinabatangan River Safari
Although going on safari in Borneo may seem caro, visit the Kinabatangan River It's more affordable than you might imagine, especially when compared to other wildlife destinations. Prices are as of August 2025, although prices may vary. We've provided an updated reference at ringgits (MYR).
If you notice any changes, leave us a comment and we will update the information. : )
Many accommodations offer Full-board packages and safarisBut if you want to save money, you can eat on your own at the town's restaurants. You'll have more variety and avoid the typical boring buffets found in some hostels.
If you travel during the rainy season, it is better book safaris separatelyThis way, you'll avoid having to go out in the rain just because you've already paid for it, with little chance of seeing animals.
More places what to see in Borneo
Explore the Kinabatangan River It's one of the most authentic experiences you can have in Borneo, but it's not the only one. This island is a paradise for nature and adventure lovers, and we encourage you to continue exploring it. For a trip like this, don't forget to book the best travel insurance in Southeast Asia.
After the safari, you can head to the east coast to enjoy the sea in Semporna, starting point towards spectacular islands such as Mabul or Sipadan, ideal for snorkeling or diving. If you're still not sure, here's our complete guide 👉 what to do in Semporna.
And if you are organizing your trip to Malaysia, here you can find more ideas, tips and routes in our general guide 👉 travel to Malaysia independently.
Finally, don't forget to pack your backpack. Borneo's weather is humid, hot, and very changeable, so here's a handy list of things to pack 👉 What clothes to wear in Southeast Asia, perfect for not carto get more and to choose the right garment.
Hi, I'm joining the thousand requests! Could you please give me Choy's contact information and the Sukau Tomanggog View Hotel? Booking.com lists the price for two people at €100, including taxes.
Thank you!
montsepau2007@gmail.com
Hi Montse, I'll share the contact information with you via email 🙂 When we were there, this hotel didn't appear in Booking, but now I see that it is. I think you're selecting another one, ours was this one https://www.booking.com/hotel/my/sukau-tomanggong-view-bed-amp-breakfast.en.html?aid=7906680&no_rooms=1&group_adults=2&room1=A%2CA which costs 26 euros for a double room on booking.
Hello. My partner and I are going to Kianbatangan at the beginning of May and we would like to get in touch with the accommodation you recommend: Sukau Tomanggog View.
Could you send me the contact? And if you have any recommendations that would be great!!
Thank you very much, Esti
Hello Estibaliz,
Unfortunately we do not have the contact information for the hotel, but in the article you have the link to it. Booking https://www.booking.com/hotel/my/sukau-tomanggong-view-bed-amp-breakfast.en.html?aid=7906680&no_rooms=1&group_adults=2
Good afternoon, thank you very much for this very interesting blog. We are going to travel to Malaysia next July, we are 4 adults and two children aged 4 and 6. We have 12 full days, not including the travel days, the idea was Kuala Lumpur, Borneo and Perhentian, if we have time for something else in those days, please, your opinion is welcome. Now comes my question, with the children and the accommodation areas, it is not very clear to me which is a good area to stay and be able to do the safari in Borneo and how many days we need, in the Perhentian islands, we are looking for a few beers at the end of the day, that is essential but not in a closed bar, but in the sand where the children can play and let us adults enjoy that little bit of time. I see that many accommodations are still marked as not available for those dates, I imagine it is early. Thank you in advance.
If you are going with children and want some “free time” you have no choice but to go to a resort, even if it is cheap, where there is some entertainment for children and a restaurant/bar within the premises if you fancy a drink. You should bear in mind that Malaysia is a very Muslim country, just like its neighbour Indonesia, so getting alcohol is not an easy task, much less in small towns. As it is a tourist area you may find it easily but I cannot guarantee it.
In the Perhentians, on the other hand, being very touristy, it's easier. There are several bars that sell beer, and almost all of them are right on the beach, so you can enjoy it with a view of the water where children are playing and your feet in the sand. How many days should I spend?carIt depends on how much you like sun and beach tourism; the place is spectacularly beautiful, but apart from gorgeous beaches, there isn't much else.
I hope this helps, if you have any further questions, let me know.
A hug
Hello!! Thank you very much for the info, could you give me Mr. Choy's contact information? My email nirarg@gmail.com
Do you know if January is totally inadvisable for Borneo? I find a lot of contradictory information and we can't decide, thanks.
Hi Nira! Thank you for your comment. Although it is true that January is the rainy season, it does not mean that it will rain every day. In fact, we were there in January and enjoyed quite a few sunny days.
Mr Choy's contact is in the article, you can send him a whatsapp and he will respond fairly quickly.
A greeting!
Thank you very much for the post!!
Could you send me Mr Choy's contact information? ignacioroncero99@gmail.com?
Thanks
Of course Nacho! I'll share it with you now via email.
Hi!
We are three people thinking of doing this trip at the end of October. We would like to know if it is feasible to go on a day trip from Sandakan and return on the same day. Can we ask you for Mr. Choy's details? And what would be the approximate price (trip and tour)?
Thank you!
Hi John,
I think this is a very express route because the boat safari on the river lasts at least a couple of hours and is usually at dawn (you don't get there on time) or at dusk and it is not easy to get transport during the night to return to Sandakan. I will give you the driver's contact information and you can talk to him directly, but I don't think this is feasible.
Hi!
Another one here who needs Mr Choy's phone number and contact information for the accommodation in Sukai.
Thank you!
A greeting!
Thank you for the very complete post. Could you give me Mr. Choy's contact information? By email educule26@hotmail.com
A greeting.
Sure Edu, I'll send it to you now.
Hello!! Thank you very much for the complete information. Could you give me Mr. Choy's contact information? Best regards.
Hi, could you give me Mr Choy's phone number? I would also be interested in where I can buy just the cruise on the Kinabatangan River, without the transfer.
My email is yolinadu@hotmail.com
Thank you
Hi! Reading your post I realized that I have booked the two accommodations you recommended. Could you tell me which of the two is better? I wanted to cancel one of them.
Thank you
Hi!! I wanted to know if you could give me Mr Choy's number. Thanks in advance!
Of course, I'll send it to you by email.
Hi! I'm reading your post and I have booked the two places you recommend. Which of the two do you think is better for staying? I have two reservations and I want to cancel one.
Thank you very much
Good morning,
Could you give me Mr Choy's number? Thanks.
Hi Beatriz, I'll send it to you right now by email. A hug.
Hello, let's try to do it on our own, go on the river tour. Could you give me Mr Choy's contact so I can ask him. Thank you so much.
Hi Alvaro, I'm sending you an email telling you how to do it on your own and the contact details of Mr. Choy. Regards
Hello! Very good information, could you give me Mr. Choy's contact information?
Thank you very much!
Clear! I'll send you an email with his contact right now.
Hello alba,
Could you please give me Mr Choy's contact information?
THANK YOU for the help in advance.
jose.utrera7@gmail.com
Sure, Jose, I'll share it with you by email. Regards!
Hello ! I see that you toured Borneo in January, the rainy season. I was hesitant to go in November due to the weather conditions but I'm encouraged by your blog. Did you have to stop doing many activities? Thank you so much 🙂
Hello Natalia!
Time is a lottery and in this part of the world with a tropical climate and during the rainy season you have to be mentally prepared. I must confess that in our case we were very lucky with several days in a row of sun, something unusual during the rainy season. We did one of the safaris in Kinabatangan in the rain, it is more uncomfortable but it can be done.
For island hopping you do depend on good weather. The positive part is that there is not too much tourism and you will have most of the place almost to yourself.
I wish you good luck with the weather and that you enjoy your trip very much.
A hug
Hello,
We are looking for accommodation for the end of July in Kinabagatan and it is complicated😅 Can you give us the contact information for Sukau Tomanggog View.
If you know of anyone else in the area to contact, we would appreciate it.
Thank you very much.
Clear! I'll send you an email with the information you ask for.
Hello! I would like to know Mr. Choy's contact. I will appreciate your response. knc1989@gmail.com
Hello Karem! Of course I'll send it to you now
Hello! I just read your blog with all the information so well detailed… Thank you very much! I am on my way to Sukau and would like contact from Mr.Choy and also the accommodation if possible.
thank you very much.
Judith Farré
Hello Judith,
I sent you Mr Choy's contact by email. Enjoy Borneo a lot!
Hugs
Hi guys!
Can you share MR.CHOY's phone number? I plan to go this August. Thank you very much and congratulations for the blog!
Hi Nuria,
Right now I'll send you an email with his contact. A hug and enjoy the holidays!
Good afternoon,
Could you give me Mr CHOY's contact information?
Thank you very much
All the best
Hello Paloma, Sure 🙂 You already have it in your email. Enjoy Malaysia!
Hello! Could you give me Mr CHOY's number? And how many safaris do you recommend doing, and at what times? Thank you!
Hello Paula, I share her contact with you by email. We recommend doing at least 3 safaris, although with wildlife you never know the best times are sunrise and sunset. The river is beautiful and there is usually more life????
Hello alba! Thank you very much for sharing your experience 🙂 Can you pass me the contact details of Mr Choy and the accommodation? Thank you!
Hi Sara,
Thank you very much for your comment. Right now I'm sending you an email with the contact you asked for and the name of the accommodation where we are staying.
Enjoy Borneo a lot!
Hugs
Hello!!!! Could you also share Mr Choy's contact and accommodation with me??? Thanks in advance!!
Of course Claudia, I'm sending it to you now. Greetings
Hello alba! Thank you very much for sharing your experience 🙂 Can you pass me the contact details of Mr Choy and the accommodation? Thank you!
Hello! Thank you very much for all the information, could you give me Mr Choy's contact? Thank you!
Hello Jesus!
Of course, right now I'll send you an email with his contact.
GREETINGS!
Hello!! Thanks for the information, I also want to ask for Mr Choy's contact and the contact for the accommodation they stayed at.
Hello Carolina, I'll send you her contact by email. A hug
Hello,
Could you give me Mr Choy's phone number? If I can't contact him, do you know which bus terminal (I see there are several) does the daily van leave for Sukau?
thank you very much!
Hello Pere,
I'll send you an email with Mr Choy's contact.
All the best
Good!
I wanted to ask you if you could give me Mr CHOY's number. Our idea is to go to Sepilok and then drive to Sukau.
Now I also have a question and I would like to have your opinion. To go from Sukau to Semporna, would you recommend that I go directly there or is it better to return to Sandakan by taxi and then take a flight from Sandakan to Tawau and then take a bus to Semporna?
Thank you very much again!
all the best!