Kinabatangan Riverside Lodge is a laid back property set beside Sabah’s longest river. This eco-friendly lodge provides a simple but comfortable base for adventures along the river and into the rainforest, with some of Borneo's best wildlife-spotting.
You could not find a better location - perched right on the edge of the Kinabatangan River, one of the best places in Borneo for wildlife spotting
For a change of scenery from the river cruises, at the back of the lodge is an incredible jungle trail, great for spotting primates
The lodge is a great advocate for sustainable tourism, with biodegradable materials, rainwater filtering, and projects to support the local community
The accommodation is simple, but there are good family options, and all of the rooms have en-suite bathrooms and overhead fans
Kinabatangan Riverside Lodge has 33 rooms spread across stilted chalets. The rooms have wooden floors and walls, with simple furnishings and en-suite bathrooms. Due to the remote location, only 10 of the rooms have air-conditioning, but for those which do not, ceiling fans and the gentle river breezes help to cool the rooms down in the evening.
The main area of the lodge houses a restaurant which serves hearty buffet-style meals, and there is an air-conditioned lounge where you can watch educational documentaries about Borneo's flora and fauna in the evenings. When you are not off on one of the lodge's exciting excursions, there is a large deck at the front of the property, perfect for relaxing with a book, or watching life on the river.
Sustainable tourism is high on the agenda here, with many projects to help the local community and protect the environment. Biodegradable materials are used wherever possible and rain water is collected and filtered.
The Kinabatangan River has one of the highest concentrations of wildlife in Borneo. During your stay at the Kinabatangan Riverside Lodge, there are plenty of opportunities to try and catch site of the local animals on different boat trips and walks into the rainforest. The World Wildlife Fund have said that the Kinabatangan River is one of only two places on earth that are home to 10 wild primate species, including the proboscis monkey, Bornean gibbon and orangutan. There are also a huge number of bird species, reptiles and even pygmy elephants.
When to visit
This is the ideal place for tracking down the bizarre proboscis monkeys. Make sure you have your camera at the ready when you go on your river cruise - your personal guide will be on hand to make sure he points everything out!
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Enquire NowSet on the banks of the Kinabatangan River, Sabah’s longest river. Not far from Kampung Abai near the river mouth of the river.
17-hour international flight (one change) to Sandakan Airport.
Please note that a stay here can only be booked as part of an itinerary.
Family Fun in Malaysia and Borneo
Ideal suited for families with older children this enticing itinerary will see you uncover the very best of what Borneo has to offer. From exhilarating water sports off Sabah’s coastline to peaceful river cruises along the Kinabatangan River in search of orangutans and proboscis monkeys. The whole family will enjoy exploring our top picks for Malaysia and Borneo.
Sukau Rainforest Lodge
Sukau Rainforest Lodge occupies a prime spot on the banks of the Kinabatangan River in Borneo. A National Geographic Unique Lodge, with excellent eco credentials, this is a fantastic base for wildlife spotting and exploring the surrounding area.
Abai Jungle Lodge
Abai Jungle Lodge is located on the lush banks of the Kinabatangan River in Borneo. Built on stilts, and only reachable by boat, this simple but cosy lodge provides a fantastic base for spotting the wealth of wildlife that can be found in the area.
Borneo Rainforest Lodge
Borneo Rainforest Lodge, located in Sabah, is one of the most luxurious of the lodges found in Borneo. This rather special lodge offers an off the beaten track wildlife experience in the heart of the Danum Valley, surrounded by primary rainforest.
Sepilok Nature Lodge
Sepilok Nature Resort is a simple property in Sabah, Borneo, within walking distance of the famous Sepilok Orangutan Rehabilitation Centre. Only 30 minutes from Sandakan Airport, the resort is in a great location to start off any Borneo itinerary.
MY Nature Resort
Basic but comfortable, MY Nature Resort is perfectly located for visiting the Sepilok Orangutan Rehabilitation Centre; often a highlight of any Borneo itinerary. The rainforest setting also provides great opportunities for wildlife spotting.
Tabin Wildlife Resort
Tabin Wildlife Resort is tucked away in the rainforest in Sabah, Borneo. Home to a plethora of wildlife species, it is a paradise for nature lovers. The resort offers a variety of activities, from game drives to hiking through the rainforest.
Shangri-La's Rasa Ria, Kota Kinabalu
The Shangri-La Rasa Ria is a luxurious resort located on a sandy beach on the coast of Sabah, Borneo. With a plethora of facilities and activities, including a Kids Club and golf course, this is a great option for both families and couples.
Gaya Island Resort
Gaya Island Resort is a luxurious retreat just off the coast of Kota Kinabulu in Borneo. Backed by lush green forest, and facing sandy shores and cerulean-blue sea, offering beautiful views towards Mt Kinabalu, this is an idyllic place to unwind.
Bunga Raya Island Resort
Set on a picturesque island off the coast of Sabah in Borneo, Bunga Raya is a stunning and secluded island hideaway. Framed by a crescent of white sand beach in a tranquil bay, and backed by centuries-old virgin rainforest, Bunga Raya is rather special.
Borneo Rainforest Lodge - Canopy Walk
An adventure along Borneo Rainforest Lodge's canopy walk is often one of the highlights of a stay here. This suspended walkway is 300 metres long, and reaches 26 metres high at its peak, offering a different perspective into the rainforest.
Sukau Rainforest Lodge - River Cruise
Take a cruise along the Kinabatangan River, keeping an eye out for the local wildlife, which can include crocodiles, proboscis monkeys, pygmy elephants, hornbills and sometimes even the elusive orangutan.
Tabin - Night Safari
After dinner, take an evening drive into the rainforest to try and spot some of the reserve's nocturnal wildlife. Away from the lights of the lodge, this is also a great opportunity for some stargazing.
Borneo Rainforest Lodge - Night Safari
Hop into the back of an open-air truck for a night safari; a great time to see nocturnal primates such as the slow loris, flying red squirrel, samba deer, and civets. Your guide will use a strong torch to search for wildlife as you bump along the track.
Tabin - Early Morning Bird Walk
Early in the morning, set off for a walk to try and spot some of the wonderful birdlife that can be found around the Tabin Wildlife Reserve.
Tabin - Dusk Drive
As the dusk sets in, venture out in the jeep to see if you can spot any of the reserve's daytime wildlife nesting down for the evening, or the nocturnal animals beginning to emerge to search for food and water.
Sukau Rainforest Lodge - Hornbill Boardwalk
Accompanied by the lodge's in-house naturalist, take a stroll along the Hornbill Boardwalk, keeping a eye out for the wildlife that can often been seen around the property.
Borneo Rainforest Lodge - Rainforest Trek
Accompanied by your expert guide, trek through the pristine primary rainforest of the Danum Valley. This is one of the oldest rainforests in the world, filled with wonderful wildlife, astonishing plants, tumbling waterfalls and mysterious rock pools.
Borneo Rainforest Lodge - “Coffin Cliff” Trek
Trek up to the “Coffin Cliff”, an ancient burial site of the Kadazandusun tribe, passing through picturesque rainforest and past waterfalls. You will also take in the best views of Danum Valley, and enjoy a refreshing dip in a natural Jacuzzi pool.
