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Kinabatangan River

Discover the enchanting Kinabatangan River, where every bend reveals Borneo's breathtaking wildlife and lush landscapes, inviting you to explore nature's wonders.

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A unique adventure awaits

Flowing through the lush rainforests of Borneo, the Kinabatangan River is a gateway to one of Southeast Asia’s most diverse ecosystems. From the rare Bornean pygmy elephant to the playful proboscis monkeys, this river offers an exceptional opportunity to witness wildlife in its natural habitat. A river cruise along its winding path allows you to experience the magic of the rainforest, with stunning wildlife encounters, vibrant birdlife, and an untouched landscape. Whether you’re gliding through dense mangroves or venturing into the heart of the jungle, the Kinabatangan River promises an unforgettable adventure, making it a must-visit destination for nature lovers.

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Kinabatangan River Highlights

a man in an orange vest cruising on the river in Borneo

River cruises

Cruise down the Kinabatangan River for an intimate look at Borneo's wildlife. You’ll get close to the region’s most iconic animals, including orangutans, pygmy elephants, and proboscis monkeys.

asia pygmy elephants swimming in a river in Borneo

Incredible wildlife

The Kinabatangan River is home to an astonishing array of wildlife, from playful monkeys to rare species like the Bornean pygmy elephant. It’s a paradise for wildlife enthusiasts.

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Visit local villages

The river is dotted with charming villages, where you can immerse yourself in Borneo’s traditional culture. Learn about the indigenous communities and their connection to the rainforest.

nocturnal tour in Borneo spotting Lorris

Night safaris

Experience the river’s nocturnal side with a night safari. As the jungle comes alive after dark, you’ll encounter creatures like slow lorises, civet cats, and other nocturnal wildlife, offering a completely different perspective on Borneo’s wildlife.

river cruise with people on board with orange safety vests, looking at pygmy elephants - Borneo

The Kinabatangan River Experience

The Kinabatangan River is a wildlife haven, teeming with some of Borneo’s most iconic species. A river cruise offers an up-close view of orangutans, pygmy elephants, and proboscis monkeys in their natural habitat. The surrounding rainforest is equally captivating, with its lush vegetation, exotic plants, and rich biodiversity. Guided tours, both on land and water, offer various ways to explore this incredible ecosystem, making it an ideal destination for wildlife photography, birdwatching, or simply soaking in the natural beauty of Borneo.

 

From exploring mangrove forests to cruising along the river at dawn or dusk, every moment spent here brings you closer to nature. The Kinabatangan River is not just a place for wildlife viewing—it’s an immersion into Borneo’s wild heart, where the rhythm of the jungle is the backdrop to every adventure.

aerial view of kinabatangan river in Borneo

Best Time to Visit

The best time to visit the Kinabatangan River is during the dry season, from March to October. With less rainfall, the river is more accessible, and wildlife sightings are more frequent. This period offers pleasant weather, perfect for cruising and exploring. The wet season, from November to February, sees lush greenery and fewer tourists, but rainfall may affect some activities. If you prefer fewer crowds and vibrant landscapes, this could be a good option, although it’s important to be prepared for rain.

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Our top Borneo holiday ideas

Kuching waterfront at sunset featuring boats docked, cruising on the river and ancient buildings - Sarawak
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Kuching, Borneo Beach and Jungle

13 Days
£3,392pp (incl. flights)

Explore colonial Kuching, relax on Gaya Island’s beaches, and cruise Sabah’s jungle rivers in one scenic trip.
aerial view of Bunga Raya Island Resort Borneo tucked in a bay surrounded by sea, beach and tropical rainforest at at the back
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Luxury Jungle and Beach

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£4,699pp (incl. flights)

Stay in Borneo’s finest eco-lodges while exploring Danum Valley’s rainforest and Gaya Island’s exclusive beaches.
three people jumping in the air on the beach with purple sky behind them
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Great for families

Borneo Family Jungle, Adventure and Beach

14 Days
£3,108pp (incl. flights)

This family holiday blends wildlife encounters, jungle adventures and beach time for the ultimate Borneo escape - a holiday to remember!

gold statue in fron of famous Batu Caves with colorful stairs in Kuala Lumpur
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Kuala Lumpur, Borneo Jungle and Beach

15 Days
£3,224pp (incl. flights)

Combine the buzz of Kuala Lumpur with jungle adventures and beach downtime for a well-rounded escape.
people wearing oragne safety vests aboard a boat on a river cruise searching for wildlife
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Borneo Sarawak and Sabah Highlights

14 Days
£5,957pp (incl. flights)

This holiday showcases the best of Sarawak and Sabah, from Kuching's charm and Mulu's bat-filled caves to wildlife encounters and jungle trekking in Sabah's rainforests
two people snorkeling in crystal clear waters
Borneo
Great for families

Borneo Family Jungle and Beach

12 Days
£2,649pp (incl. flights)

Spot monkeys, elephants, and orangutans in the wild rainforests, then relax with family beach time on the lush Gaya Island.
children learning to blow a bornean flute
Borneo
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Relaxed Borneo Family Holiday

17 Days
£3,108pp (incl. flights)

A laid-back family adventure with plenty of beach time and gentle wildlife spotting in Borneo’s lush rainforests.
atols in the middle of an ocean in Borneo - Gaya Island Resort
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Great for Honeymoons

Borneo Wildlife and Island Honeymoon

13 Days
£3,497pp (incl. flights)

A truly unforgettable honeymoon that beautifully blends thrilling wildlife adventures with idyllic beaches.

Hornbill in the dark tropic forest. Rhinoceros hornbill, Buceros rhinoceros, big black bird with orange bill beak in the nature habitat. Kinabatangan, Borneo
Borneo

Borneo Wildlife Highlights Holiday

16 Days
£5,258pp (incl. flights)

Spot Borneo’s Big Five on a wildlife-rich adventure from Bako’s rainforests to Danum Valley’s remote jungle trails and riverbanks.
stunning white mosque with main copula and two towers located on water with a mirror like reflection and sunset setting behind it
Borneo

Borneo Highlights Holiday

16 Days
£3,789pp (incl. flights)

Discover the perfect blend of culture, wildlife and relaxation on this Borneo Highlights Holiday!

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Borneo

Simply Borneo Jungle and Beach

12 Days
£2,883pp (incl. flights)

An adventure through Borneo’s wildlife-filled jungles before unwinding on the island’s tropical beaches.

aerial view of a man walking on a hanging bridge above Danum Valley rainforest - Borneo
Borneo

Borneo’s Danum Valley and Beach

14 Days
£4,962pp (incl. flights)

Explore the untouched rainforest of Danum Valley, then unwind on a secluded tropical beach in true style.

Boutique hotels and luxury hideaways

a jungle lodge with red roof perched on the sidebanks of kinabatangan river in Borneo - Abai Jungle Lodge -Borneo
Borneo

Abai Jungle Lodge

A riverside hideaway on the Kinabatangan River, where wildlife encounters, jungle walks, and village experiences immerse you in Borneo’s natural beauty.
private villa with a plunge pool in Borneo featuring a terrace
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Borneo Rainforest Lodge

A luxurious eco-lodge deep within Borneo’s untouched Danum Valley rainforest
wooden rainforest lodge perched on the kinabatangan river with jetty
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Sukau Rainforest Lodge

A sustainable riverside retreat on the Kinabatangan River where elevated walkways, eco-cruises, and wildlife encounters meet comfort and conservation.
beautiful lodge located in the hills between lush rainforest overlooking the sea at sunset - Gaya Island Resort in Borneo
Borneo

Gaya Island Resort

Gaya Island Resort is a barefoot-luxury escape in Tunku Abdul Rahman Marine Park, where jungle, reefs, and conservation experiences meet pristine beaches and indulgent relaxation.
private chalets scatter around a tropical rainforest at Bunga Raya Island Resort Borneo
Borneo

Bungaraya Island Resort

A serene hideaway where jungle-canopy villas, pristine reefs, and white-sand shores create a laid-back luxury escape.
wooden lodge perched on a small lake, with rainforest around the property - Sepilok Nature Lodge Borneo
Borneo

Sepilok Nature Lodge

This tranquil rainforest retreat near the Sepilok Orangutan and Sun Bear Centres, offers rustic-chic chalets, garden views, and easy access to Borneo’s wildlife.

Sundowner moments

orangutan in Borneo - Wildlife Holidays in Borneo

Where to see orangutans in Borneo

From the rainforests of Danum Valley to the waterways of the Kinabatangan River, Borneo offers some of the world's best opportunities to see orangutans. Discover where to spot wild orangutans, visit renowned rehabilitation centres and learn which regions are best suited to your wildlife adventure.
aerial view of a pool in the middle of a jungle with a wooden deck area, eight lounge chairs around it and green bush - Borneo Jungle Lodge

Borneo’s Top Five Jungle Lodges

Staying in a jungle lodge in Borneo is an unforgettable experience, where the calls of hornbills echo through the trees and mist rises over ancient rivers at dawn. Whether cruising the Kinabatangan River in search of pygmy elephants or trekking through lush rainforest alongside orang-utans, this is nature at its most raw and beautiful.
two yellow rafts on the edge of Kiulu River in Borneo

White Water Rafting in Borneo

White water rafting in Borneo means crashing through jungle-lined rivers, feeling the spray of the Padas, the cool flow of the Kiulu, and the raw, untamed energy of the Sarawak as rainforest surrounds you.
ancient traditional tribe couple smiling and dressed in colorful clothing with gold jewelery - Borneo

Tribes of Borneo

Step into ancient traditions as you share daily life with Borneo's indigenous Iban tribes in their ancestral homeland.
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Top Things To Do In Borneo

From orangutan encounters and wildlife river cruises to rainforest adventures, indigenous culture and luxury jungle lodges, discover the experiences that make Malaysian Borneo one of Southeast Asia's most remarkable destinations.
two wooden sunloungers are on a wooden balcony that has a glass wall overlooking a thin rainforest and a river runs through

Staying at Borneo Rainforest Lodge

Nothing quite prepares visitors for the pristine wilderness and unparalleled luxury of Borneo Rainforest Lodge in Danum Valley.
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