SUKAU AT THE KINABATANGAN RIVER

The Kinabatangan river is Sabah’s, Malaysian Borneo longest river and runs through a vast floodplain thus creating an ideal environment for a large concentration of flora and fauna. Here, with its ox-box lake, mangrove swamps and primary forest, it has the largest population of wildlife in Malaysia. Among the most notable and larger wildlife are the Asian elephants, estuarine crocodiles, wild bearded pigs, 10 species of primates (the Proboscis monkeys is the most popular), 200 species of birds including the rare Storm’s stork, kingfisher, oriental darter and crested serpent eagle and 8 species of hornbills.

Day One

Early morning, catch flight to Sandakan. Upon arrival, drive overland for 4 hours passing through scenic villages and countryside. Stop at the Gomontong caves , home to millions of bats and where birds nest are harvested for hundreds of years. Varieties of birds can be found here such as the crested serpent eagles, kingfishers, fairy bluebirds and leaf birds. Continue the drive  to the village of Sukau and check-in to one of the many riverside lodges. In the late afternoon, make a boat trip to search for the many wildlife such as the famous proboscis monkeys, orang utans, elephants, macaques, silver leaf monkeys, civet cats, crocodiles, otters and hornbills. Diner and stay overnight at the lodge.

Day Two

After breakfast, trek to the ox-box lake to search for more wildlife. Back to the lodge for lunch and thereafter either drive or by boat to Sandakan for your flight to Kota Kinabalu.