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Kinabatangan Wetlands Resort
Borneo

Kinabatangan Wetlands Resort

Kinabatangan Wetlands Resort, located in the lower Kinabatangan River, offers the opportunity to view an incredible array of plants, birds, reptiles, and mammals, all accessible within walking or a river cruise from the lodge. An hour and a half boat journey from Sandakan, this remote retreat has a number of simple wooden chalets, with ensuite bathrooms and ceiling fans.

As the lodge is located away from the main Sukau area (where many other lodges are located) you’ll enjoy the natural environment without sharing it with crowds of other boats. The lodge is very eco aware and works very closely with the local villages, offering opportunities to meet the locals, and then the highlight - a cruise down-river to spot wildlife such as exotic birds, the long-nosed proboscis monkey and perhaps an orangutan or two.

We recommend spending 2 nights at the lodge in order to fully experience the many activities on offer, all packages will make a stop at the Sepilok Orangutan Rehabilitation Centre.

Highlights

Kinabatangan Wetlands Resort - A typical 3 Day/2 Night Safari

On your first day: Visit Sepilok and transfers by boat to Kinabatangan Wetlands Resort
 

Today you’ll be met at the airport, or your accommodation and transferred to the Sepilok Orangutan Rehabilitation Centre. After an introduction to their work, you'll have the unique opportunity to visit the free-roaming area feeding platform. It's a remarkable experience, allowing you to witness the Orangutan, our closest relative, undergoing rehabilitation to thrive once more in their natural habitat. During your visit, you'll enjoy a captivating stroll through the lush Tropical Lowland Dipterocarp Forest of Borneo, immersing yourself in the vibrant ecosystem.

Your journey continues with a visit to the Bornean Sun Bear Conservation Centre. This remarkable centre has made tremendous strides in improving the living conditions of rescued sun bears and providing them with the space to exhibit their natural behaviours within a 2.5-hectare enclosed forest. It's a morning filled with awe-inspiring wildlife encounters and conservation efforts in action.

Late morning you’ll transfer to the Sandakan Yacht Club Jetty and depart on the midday boat journey to Abai. This one-and-a-half-hour journey is a captivating voyage of discovery, commencing from the tranquil waters of the Sulu Sea in Sandakan Town and leading you through the awe-inspiring scenery of the Mangrove Forest and the Abai villages. The cruise offers views of the different types of vegetation found along Sabah’s mighty Kinabatangan River. Photo opportunities shall vary from the usage of telephoto lenses for wildlife such as Macaques, wild Orangutan, Proboscis Monkeys and the unique mudskippers, to wide-angle lens for landscape shots of Nipah palms stilts of Rhizophora trees and mangrove forest.

On arrival you’ll settle into your simple but comfortable chalet accommodation and enjoy lunch whilst your skipper conducts a briefing on the upcoming activities for your stay. Relax and enjoy a mid afternoon snack before heading off, around 16.30 for an afternoon river expedition in search off wildlife, this time in a smaller open top boat. If you are lucky, you’ll hopefully spot wild Orangutans, Pygmy Elephants, Proboscis Monkeys, and other wildlife. After a few hours, head back to the resort and enjoy a tasty dinner and possible night stroll along the boardwalks on a lookout for nocturnal animals and interesting insects.

On your second day: Pitas Oxbow Lake / Local fishing village & Kampung Abai
 

Early this morning, around 06.30 you’ll cruise to the nearby Oxbow Lake, Danau Pitas, to observe the wildlife and birdlife in this unique spot. You’ll enjoy some breakfast snacks en route. After a few hours, continue to visit a local fishing village, Kampung Abai, where you’ll have a chance to interact with local Orang Sungai river people and observe the daily activities in this tiny settlement.

Return to the resort for a full breakfast, after which we have included a visit to Kulamba Field Centre, a 45-minute boat ride away. Here you’ll have a chance to get involved with a tree planting initiative, try your hand at crab catching and enjoy tea overlooking the river at the floating house.
Return to the lodge, enjoy lunch, and relax for the afternoon. At 16.30 you’ll head off for another afternoon cruise in search of more wildlife. Cruise back to the resort for dinner and head out on a night river safari.

 

On your third day: Return to Sandakan by boat
 

After breakfast you are free to explore the nature board walk to view wildlife around the lodge. Cruise back to Sandakan and transfer to the airport for your onward journey.

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Tailor-made Holidays with Turquoise

Every Turquoise holiday to Borneo is tailor-made and expertly crafted. Please contact our team of travel specialists on 01494 678 400 or via our online enquiry form for a bespoke quotation and we’ll happily source the best available offers for your travel dates.

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