WHOA! Adventures essential guide to the Lower Kinabatangan Wildlife Sanctuary.
Know what to expect along this mighty river.
The Kinabatangan Wildlife Sanctuary is 260 square kilometres (26,000 hectares) in area forming part of a network of conservation areas in eastern Sabah linking the river mouth to the inland catchment areas. In January 2002, the lower Kinabatangan Wildlife Sanctuary was gazetted as a Bird Sanctuary under the State Land Ordinance.
The Sukau village (Kampung Sukau) is the most important centre for eco-tourism with a high concentration of lodges in the area.
The Kinabatangan river winds for over 560 kilometers, the longest in Sabah, and the second longest in Malaysia.
Sukau Rainforest Lodge
Quick Information: Responsible eco-lodge accommodation complete with recycled cooking oil for lamps, electric motorised boats which emit less noise and pollution, participation in community projects such as tree planting and provision of freshwater to the community, solar power electricity generation. The rear garden has a flourishing secondary jungle where nature educational walks are conducted including a special elephant pass during the migratory season. All these goodies come at a higher cost than some of the other lodges in the area. Highly recommended. I would like to visit please.
The ‘Orang Sungei’
Literally the ‘river people’, the orang sungei/sungai have lived in scattered settlements along the banks of the Kinabatangan for hundreds of years. They grow small crops and vegetables in the gardens, but rely on the rainforest and river for most of their hunting and fishing. While they are keen hunters, they respect the wildlife. Today, local guides continue to thank a bird or other animal for allowing visitors to view them.
The Kinabatangan has its share of challenges. Although logging officially ceased at the end of 1999, small sections of the forests have beeen illegally logged by night, and gone by daybreak. The recent threat comes from the expansion of oil palm plantations. Clearing the forests for oil palm plantations results in habitat destruction for many species.
The orang sungei now are heavily involved with the eco-tourism boom around the area as resort employees by serving as skilled boatmen, while the ladies may perform housekeeping duties.
Why is the Kinbatangan special?
A WWF Malaysia survey conducted in 1992 recorded 198 of 244 resident bird species of the lowland forests of Malaysian Borneo in the Lower Kinabatangan. Many of the mammals around the Kinabatangan are resident to the area .
Animals you are likely to encounter:
Mammals and reptiles
* Proboscis monkeys (native to Borneo only)
* Orang utans – some will feed on fig trees close to the river banks. As this one did.
* Borneon Pigmy Elephants – if the season is right, hop off the boat, stay quiet and enjoy.
* Silvered Langurs (Leaf Monkey) – also known as the David Beckham monkey.
* Estuarine crocodiles – can be spotted at during a night river cruise as we did.
* Water monitor lizards
* Yellow banded or mangrove cat snake
Birds
* Oriental darter
* White egrets – many species both resident and migratory.
* Kingfishers – about seven species in the area, with the stork billed kingfisher and the blue eared kingfisher as the most common.
* Storm’s stork – highly endangered and very rare but can be found along the Kinbatangan.
* Hornbills – about 8 species have been recorded around the area with the most common being the Asian Black Hornbill, Oriental Pied Hornbill, Rhinocerous Hornbill.
* Raptors – White bellied fish eagles, Brahminy kites can be spotted.
* Buffy fish owl – this is easy to spot on a night river cruise.
Check out our Kinabatangan bird watching package here.
How to get to the Kinabatangan
Visitors usually fly to Sandakan, Sabah. There are daily flights from both Kota Kinbalu and Kuala Lumpur. Check www.mas.com.my or www.airasia.com for more details. From Sandakan it is a 2.5 hour speedboat ride up the Kinabatangan to Sukau. Tours usually include pickup from Sandakan airport.
Things to bring
These items are in addition to your normal packing. It will help make your stay more comfortable.
* Hat.
* Raincoat / poncho.
* Sunscreen.
* Insect repellent
* Leech socks (also available at some resorts).
* Torch with good batteries.
* Medical information - immunisation, blood type, health alerts (e.g. diabetic), allergies.
* Binoculars for bird watching
* Camera with good zoom capabilities
Our advice
A trip down the Kinabtangan river is a must-see if you're in Sabah. Sandakan is also the gateway to world renowned Sepilok Orangutan Rehabilitation Centre and Lankayan island. Lankayan island is highly recommended, it’s a quiet, gorgeous 1 resort island with crystal clear sea and private beaches. So you could very comfortably combine orang utans, wildlife cruise and top it off on a beautiful beach in one trip. We recommend at least one week or more for this.
