Kinabatangan Wetland Resort

Based on our personal experience - Kinabatangan River, like we never knew before....

It was in early 2016 that we discovered and experienced Kinabatangan Wetlands Resort located in Abai at the lower Kinabatangan River. What a hidden gem!!!

This newly established resort was tastefully built, automatically welcomes its guests with a nature retreat feel. A paradise surrounded by the mangrove forest. The team greets you with such warm and fuzziness as they proudly introduce you this resort. Delicious food awaits those hungry tummies. The best part is that when you go on river cruises; highly likely your boat will be the only boat in search of the Borneo wildlife – away from the crowded touristy areas on Kinabatangan. The Kinabatangan River is home to Borneo Wildlife such as the proboscis monkeys, orang utans, pygmy elephants, crocodiles, kingfishers and hornbills to name a few.

Over the past few years we have visited, introduced and recommended world travelers to spend some time in Sukau Kinabatangan. However, with our new discovery on Kinabatangan Wetlands Resort, we feel it is the best place to be on the Kinabatangan. Great discoveries like this are meant to be shared. So what are you waiting for? Come and experience Kinabatangan Wetlands Resort on your own!

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)

Itinerary Kinabatangan Wetland Resort (KWR)
Duration: 3 Days / 2 Nights

Day 1; Sandakan to Kinabatangan Wetland Resort (L/D)

11.00am Pick up from Sandakan airport and transfer to Sandakan jetty for boat transfer to Abai, which is situated at the lower Kinabatangan River. The 1.5hours cruise shall bypass Berhala Island, the prominent sandstone cliff, which is a historical site during the World War II. The journey also offers likelihood to observe wildlife along the way. This is where the mangrove forest of the coast merges into the more familiar riverine forest of the Kinabatangan River. It is also here where the intrepid American couple, Martin and Osa Johnson, first documented the wildlife and people of the river in the 1920s. Abai borders one of the most important wildlife refuges, the Kinabatangan Wildlife Sanctuary.

2:30pm Check-in at the Kinabatangan Wetlands Resort, a newly established resort nestled in the pristine mangrove and fresh water forest, secluded at the edge of the RAMSAR (Wetlands of International Importance) site. Have Lunch while you are briefed about the lodge and the activities.

4.pm – Set off for the afternoon river cruise in search of the mangrove specials, river sceneries, village landscapes and more wildlife. On good weather, we may even get to see firefly colonies, which are found at certain parts of the river. Cruise back to KWR for dinner.

8.30pm – After dinner, take a walk along the boardwalks with your headlamps or torch and look for nocturnal wildlife. Overnight at Kinabatangan Wetlands Resort

Some highlights of bird species in Abai:

Scarlet Minivet, Lesser and Greater Leafbird, Storm Stork, Oriental Darter, Mangrove Blue- flycatcher, Stork Billed and Blue Eared Kingfisher. Buffy Fish-owl, Night Heron, Yellow Bittern, Ruddy Kingfisher, Helmeted hornbill, Pied hornbill, Rhinoceros hornbill, among others

Day 2; Kinabatangan Wetland Resort (B/L/D)

6.30am - Early morning river cruise to observe more wildlife and birdlife. The cruise will lead to the nearby ox-bow lake, Danau Pitas, to explore the area. Enjoy your packed breakfast while admiring the natural surroundings.

9.00am - Proceed to the local fishing village, Kampung Abai. Interact with the local Orang Sungai (River People) and observe the daily activities in this tiny fishing village. Return to the lodge for rest and lunch.

2.00pm - Explore the surroundings of the resort on your own for in search of plants, insects and birds. Otherwise you can take this time to relax in the tranquility of the lovely resort.

4.30pm - Set off for another adventure as we cruise in search for more wildlife along small tributaries.

6.30pm - return to the lodge, dinner.

8.30pm - After dinner, we set off for a night river cruise along small tributary rivers in search of nocturnal wildlife.

Day 3; Kinabatangan Wetland Resort to Sandakan (B/L)

0900hrs – After breakfast, check out and travel by boat from Kinabatangan Wetlands Resort to Sandakan jetty. Upon arrival in Sandakan, land transfer to Sandakan airport/hotel.

Please read our Terms and Conditions

Package Includes:

2 nights at 1 Deluxe Chalet at Kinabatangan Wetlands Resort, Abai Kinabatangan
Meals as indicated in itinerary
Activities as stated in itinerary
1 Guided Night Walk at Nature Boardwalk
4 River cruises in Abai, Kinabatangan
Land and boat transfers as stated in itinerary
Nature Tour Guide.

Package Does Not Include:

All airfares
Alcoholic & non-alcoholic beverages
Early check-ins or Late check-outs
Personal travel insurance
Tips, porter and other items not stated above

End of Service

RECOMMENDATION

For a easy and smooth transit, stay before or after your visit at the Kinabatangan Wetland Resort at our Bike and Tours Bed and Breakfast in Lahad Datu. Like this you have the opportunity to focus only on your unique Borneo Adventure.