Hotels in Kinabatangan Town

Kinabatangan is a district and town in Sandakan Division, Sabah and its population was estimated to be around 146,987 in 2010. This area is mostly populated with members of the 'Sungai' tribe, one of the native groups of Sabah. Besides that, Kinabatangan also is the largest area under Ramsar site (estuary) with 78 000 hectars both combined rivers that as Kinabatangan and Segama was gazetted in 2008 as 'Kinabatangan-Segama Wetlands Ramsar site'. The district administration is currently headed by District Officer Mr. Arisin Aripin (2011–present) and economic activities here are mainly on oil palm plantations, forestry and wood-based industries. On the other hand, the nearby Kinabatangan River is an area along the small fragments of lowland riverine rainforest remain which become the Kinabatangan Wildlife Sanctuary consists of many wildlife creatures such as tiger, orang-utan and birds.

How to Get There

By Plane

One can fly from Kota Kinabalu to Sandakan on Malaysia Airlines, whilst those from Kuala Lumpur can take direct daily flights to Sandakan on AirAsia. There are daily direct flights from Kuala Lumpur to the city of Sandakan in the eastern part of Sabah. From Sandakan Airport you can arrange transport to the Kinabatangan River. The drive takes around four hours, depending on the weather because during rainfall, cars can be stuck in a thick mud. Visitors are advised to drive with a four wheel drive car.

Tourist Attractions

Kinabatangan River

The Kinabatangan River is located in Sabah and it is the second longest river in Malaysia with a length of 560 kilometres from its headwaters in the mountains of southwest Sabah to its outlet at the Sulu Sea, east of Sandakan. There are five distinct habitats which are waterlogged and dry forests, saline and freshwater swamps as well as limestone habitats. Visitors can find various wildlifes such as proboscis monkeys, crocodiles, langurs, gibbons and also many species of birds as well as pygmy elephants and orangutans. A visit to the river includes dusk and dawn boat cruises, light trekking and night walks as well as possible visits to forest restoration areas managed by local communities, tour operators, or conservation agencies and visit during the rainy season between November to March has its advantages and disadvantages. The main advantage is that visitors can venture deeper into the river channels and easy to spot wildlife especially around the oxbow lakes hidden in the Kinabatangan area.

Sukau

The Sukau is a zoo safari and night safari and only 26,103 hectares in size composed of a great variety of animals and flora. With over 200 species found in the area, Sukau is a birdwatcher's paradise. All eight species of Borneon hornbill exist here and are often in fig trees along the river. Other birds species which are regularly seen include Storm's Stork, Crested Serpent Eagle, Brahminy Kite, Black-and-Red Broadbill, Scarlet-rumped Trogon, Hooded Pitta, Buffy fish-Owl, Long Tailed Parakeet, Maroon Woodpecker, Rufous Piculet, Black-naped Monarch, Asian Paradise-Flycatcher, White-rumped Shama, Little Spiderhunter, Greater Racket-tailed Drongo, Straw-headed Bulbul and Hill Myna.

Hotels

Bilit Rainforest Lodge

Bilit Rainforest Lodge is situated strategically in the heart of numerous intriguing wildlife and fascinating habitats such as oxbow lakes, limestone caves, mangrove swamps and various types of tropical forests. Located along Kinabatangan River, Bilit Rainforest Lodge offers rooms surrounded by tropical greenery, there are daily housekeeping, Wi-Fi in public areas, car park, room service and family room. Every room features television LCD/plasma screen, air conditioning, heating, wake-up service, desk and also variety of recreational facilities includes dart board, hiking trails, fishing and garden. The restaurant at this hotel also provides buffet and ala carte local and international delights.

Kinabatangan Jungle Camp

This hotel is located at Bilit and the nearest airport is Sandakan Airport which is 50 kilometres from Kinabatangan Jungle Camp. The hotel features 20 beautifully appointed guest rooms, many of which include complimentary instant coffee, slippers, towels, non- smoking rooms, wake-up service. There are top-class recreational facilities such as boats, hiking trails and fishing for guests who like activities. In addition, there are also free parking and on-site restaurant.

Myne Resort

A selection of top-class facilities such as Wi-Fi in public areas, car park, airport transfer, babysitting and restaurant can be enjoyed at the hotel. The hotel features around 22 elegantly designed guest rooms, many of which include television LCD/plasma screen, wireless internet access, non-smoking rooms, air conditioning and desk. This hotel offers amazing activities for guests including fishing, table tennis, garden, water sports (motorized) and water sports (non-motorized).