In April 2026, our travel specialist Jude travelled to Borneo to experience the island’s magical nature and wildlife. Read about her adventure on the Kinabatangan River below.
Borneo, the world’s third-largest island, is famous for its tropical rainforest and as one of the few places on Earth where you can still encounter wild orangutans. It’s an incredible destination for nature lovers, offering scenic boat trips and breathtaking landscapes. Who wouldn’t dream of spotting a crocodile or a proboscis monkey along the riverbank while gently gliding down the river?
We visited the Malaysian part of Borneo and were introduced to the concept of a “river safari” – including one on the Kinabatangan River in Sabah, northern Borneo. I must admit that at first, I wasn’t entirely sure what a boat safari entailed or what kind of wildlife we might spot from the water. It turned out, however, to be one of the undisputed highlights of our amazing tour of Borneo.
The Kinabatangan River winds its way through Sabah’s tropical rainforest, drawing an incredible range of wildlife to its banks. We quickly discovered that this area is the perfect place for spotting wild animals. Many unique and fascinating species make their home here, including proboscis monkeys, orangutans, pygmy elephants, crocodiles, snakes, and a wealth of birdlife – from hornbills to countless other species.
From Sandakan, we were driven to the Sim Sim bridge, where we boarded a boat to reach our first lodge by the Kinabatangan River. The lodge is only accessible by boat, which makes the experience all the more special and intimate. The boat ride itself was wonderful – the wind in our hair and the surrounding scenery gave us a real sense of being far away from the “modern world”. The river safaris at our first lodge took place in the late afternoon and early morning. This is quite deliberate, as monkeys, for example, move higher up into the trees later in the day, making them easier to spot. It wasn’t long before we saw our first proboscis monkeys, which the Malaysians call “Dutch monkeys” – a nickname that’s not exactly flattering to the Dutch, as the monkeys are said to have been named for their round bellies and large noses that reminded the locals of the old Dutch colonists.
The boat safaris usually lasted around 2–3 hours, which was just right, and during that time, we would typically spot at least three different species of animals – birds, crocodiles, and monkeys. The heat in the rainforest is intense, so it felt wonderful to be out on the water. The great advantage of Abai Lodge is its remote location, meaning we came across just one other boat. Because of this seclusion, the atmosphere was calm and intimate – especially at sunset when all we could hear were the sounds of the wildlife.
The next day, our journey continued to Riverside Lodge, located about an hour further north along the river. The safari therefore took place on a new stretch of the river, bringing with it fresh wildlife encounters. For instance, we were lucky enough to spot three pygmy elephants on the riverbank right at the start of the trip!
Travelling around Borneo is certainly not a dull journey from A to B. On the contrary, it’s often an experience in itself to gaze out of the window or, in this case, from the boat – letting your eyes wander across the beautiful scenery and the little villages along the way.
On our final boat safari, we came across a large herd of pygmy elephants along the riverbank in the afternoon, with several of them cooling off in the water. It was an absolutely breathtaking sight, and we stayed quietly for at least half an hour to take in the moment up close. Nature can be so wonderfully peaceful and awe-inspiring – what an incredible way to round off this unforgettable river safari adventure!
Jude,
TourCompass – From tourist to traveller
Are you dreaming of experiencing Borneo’s magical wildlife too?
Discover the highlights of Borneo in Sabah & Sarawak. Join us on a journey through charming cities and enchanting rainforests where dreams come true, and meet orangutans, proboscis monkeys, and pygmy elephants.
Embark on an adventure through Sabah’s rich natural landscapes, getting up close to Borneo’s legendary orangutans before unwinding in five-star luxury on the paradise island of Gaya.
Discover the contrasts of Malaysia, from the skyline of Kuala Lumpur to the rainforests of Borneo in Sabah, and explore the fascinating wildlife along the life-giving waterways of the Kinabatangan River.
From the vibrant city life of Kuala Lumpur to the wild natural beauty of Borneo’s Sarawak rainforests. Encounter orangutans and the Iban tribe for an authentic experience that can’t be found anywhere else in the world.
Discover the highlights of Borneo in Sabah & Sarawak. Join us on a journey through charming cities and enchanting rainforests where dreams come true, and meet orangutans, proboscis monkeys, and pygmy elephants.
Embark on an adventure through Sabah’s rich natural landscapes, getting up close to Borneo’s legendary orangutans before unwinding in five-star luxury on the paradise island of Gaya.
Discover the contrasts of Malaysia, from the skyline of Kuala Lumpur to the rainforests of Borneo in Sabah, and explore the fascinating wildlife along the life-giving waterways of the Kinabatangan River.
From the vibrant city life of Kuala Lumpur to the wild natural beauty of Borneo’s Sarawak rainforests. Encounter orangutans and the Iban tribe for an authentic experience that can’t be found anywhere else in the world.
