Luxury Wildlife Voyages - Cruise the Kinabatangan River, Borneo

If you’re drawn to Borneo’s wildlife but not so keen on staying in a rustic jungle lodge, we’ve found a more laid-back and immersive way to experience it. The Luxe Wildlife Voyager is a simple but stylish liveaboard that lets you stay on the Kinabatangan River itself, right in the heart of the action. With just four cabins and plenty of space to relax, it’s a brilliant base for spotting orangutans, proboscis monkeys, hornbills and even pygmy elephants as you cruise quietly past the jungle-fringed banks.

This floating alternative is ideal for couples or wildlife-lovers looking for something a little different – the joy here is being surrounded by nature 24/7, with guides on hand to help you spot Borneo’s Big Five from dawn to dusk. It’s comfortable, low-key and refreshingly away from it all, perfect for a few days off-grid in the wild.

While most travellers stay in land-based lodges and take daily boat trips, this little gem lets you live on the river, soaking up every moment. The boat has just four cabins (two Superior, two Deluxe – all with double beds), so it’s a small-group experience with a personal feel. The cruise operates on a shared basis, but if you’re travelling with friends or family, you can charter the whole thing and tailor the itinerary to suit you.

You can fly into Sandakan the morning of the cruise if you are short on time or alternatively have a night or two in Sandakan at Sepilok Nature Lodge with time to visit the Rainforest Discovery centre or Proboscis Monkey Sanctuary.

Sample three-night itinerary

Luxury Wildlife Voyages

Day 1 – Arrive in Sandakan & explore Sepilok

Land in Sandakan and head straight to the jungle. Depending on your flight time, you’ll visit the Sepilok Orangutan Rehabilitation Centre for the morning or afternoon feeding session – watching these gentle great apes swinging through the trees is a real pinch-me moment. There’s also time (flight permitting) to visit the Bornean Sun Bear Conservation Centre before checking into Sepilok Nature Resort, a peaceful spot tucked into lush rainforest gardens.

Included: Lunch, dinner & overnight in Sepilok

Day 2 – Board the boat & cruise into the wild

After breakfast, travel to Kampung Bilit to board the Luxe Wildlife Voyager. Your floating home for the next two nights is all about riverfront comfort, relaxed vibes, and wildlife on your doorstep. After lunch, enjoy your first Kinabatangan River cruise, gliding past mangroves and rainforest as you search for monkeys, hornbills, crocs, and more. Drinks on deck, dinner under the stars – the jungle doesn’t get more atmospheric than this.

Included: All meals & overnight on board

Day 3 – Caves, cruises & BBQs

Wake early for a dawn cruise before heading inland to the Gomantong Caves, famous for their swiftlet nests and curious ecosystem. After lunch back on board, there’s time for one more peaceful river cruise and another candlelit BBQ dinner, surrounded by nothing but the jungle soundtrack.

Included: All meals & overnight on board

Day 4 – One last glimpse of the wild

Your final morning starts with one last river cruise as the jungle wakes up. After breakfast, return to Sandakan by late morning – ideally for a flight from 1pm onwards – feeling like you’ve stepped out of a nature documentary.

Included: Breakfast

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