Kinabatangan River (Sabah)
The Kinabatangan River is the second longest river in Malaysia measuring in length 560km from the Crocker Range its headwaters in the mountains of southwest Sabah to its outlet at the Sulu Sea, east of Sandakan (Wikipedia, 2016).
Tours and Accommodation in Kinabatangan River
It sustains one of the world’s richest ecosystems with its lower basin consisting of the largest forest covered floodplain in Malaysia and the river is acknowledged for the largest concentration of wildlife in Sourth East Asia region making it often referred to as a “wildlife corridor”. The Kinabatangan River is home to Borneo primates such as proboscis monkeys, crocodiles, orang utan, pygmy elephants and various species of birds. The Kinabatangan River is part of the Ramsar Site.
River cruises in search of the Borneo Wildlife is a must at different times of the day as each river cruise is unique in its own way. The early morning and late afternoon river cruises is not just for those on the lookout for wildlife but also a rewarding experience to witness such a surreal Maritime Southeast Asia backdrop!!! The morning river cruise are suitable for those on the lookout for the different species of exotic birds, the late afternoon river cruise is a great experience to see mammals such as crocodiles, proboscis monkeys, marquee monkeys, gibbons and many more. As for the night river cruises, you get to see nocturnal animals such as the western tarsier, sleeping kingfishers, owl and flying squirrel to name a few.
The villages located close to the river is mainly populated by the native indigenous Orang Sungai (People of the River - the largest ethnic group in this region). Most of the Orang Sungai are Muslims and their economic means of living are fishing and agriculture. Though in recent years, some of the Orang Sungai offsprings have migrated to bigger cities for work, some remain in the villages near the river to help their family introduce the beauty of this river to travelers.
Depending on your preference, Bike and Tours support tours to the luxurious Kinabatangan Wetlands Resort in Abai; budget friendly Sukau Greenview Bed and Breakfast and locally run homestays in Sukau. A great alternativ to the Kinabatangan would be Sungai Kapur for nature and Bukit Piton for wildlife.Please read on our blog about Chlöisu in Sukau - Cruising the Kinabatangan River (Episode 3) and Kinabatangan River; Curious Chlöisu Did It Again! (Episode 4)
Further interesting regions
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