Borneo Rainforst Lodge Vs Kinabatangan river

Hi,

My partner and I are visiting Sabah in April and we are undecided on the best place to view wildlife. Both the Borneo Rainforest Lodge and the Kinabatangan river sound amazing but we are not sure if we have enough time to do both - Has anyone been to both? Does anyone have any advice?

Thanks in advance for any tips...

Borneo Rainforst Lodge Vs Kinabatangan river

Hi

Both are wonderful destinations to view wildlife and each has its own character. Kinabatangan is a riverine forest while Borneo Rainforest Lodge is located in a low land rainforest. The specialty of Kinabatangan is the Proboscis monkeys which is endemic to Borneo, and can be viewed are close range when doing a river cruise. In addition there is plenty of bird life and other wildlife. If you are lucky you may see the Borneo Pygmy elephant here.

Barefoot Sukau Lodge is located in a good spot along the Kinabatangan and in the little village of Sukau. Hence you can stroll to the village when you are not river-cruising. Rates here is moderate and the rooms are simple but clean. You can spend the whole day sitting by the river reading a book and watch birds and animals that occasionally pass your way. www.barefootsukau.com

Borneo Rainforst Lodge Vs Kinabatangan river

Hi there

I have been lucky enough to visit both areas. Saw alot more large animals such as orangs and proboscis monkeys in Kinabatangan and the bird life was better too. However the accomodation is very basic, which did not bother me in the least.

The BRL is better for smaller stuff like amazing insects. But the accomodation and food are much much better.Some people in my group did see two orangs, but it had been a few days since they had been seen. A big herd of ellies passed right by the lodge overnight.

I would make very effort to visit both areas but if you really really can only get to one then go for the river.

Many thanks for the replies. I think we will only have time do one or the other, so will probably go for the Kinabatangan river....

I have to agree with ire123. We visited both as well, staying at the Kinabatangan river lodge. We enjoyed being on the boat, seeing the prob monkeys and orangutans and macaques at Kina. I did also enjoy the BRL. While the accomodation was nicer, it was 100% humidity every day, and you don%26#39;t see much at all. We were lucky and saw a couple of monkeys and a wild orangutan with a baby, but we saw these from the back porch of our chalet. We saw only insects etc while hiking, and a couple of smaller animals on the night drive. All things considered, I would definitely recommend the Kinabatangan area over BRL if you have to choose.

I also agree with the two previous posts. I have done both and enjoyed them both immensely. The Kinabatangan is best for the amount of wildlife but the BRL is best for the feeling of being in the centre of a genuinely remote jungle area.

When at the BRL I saw many huge Hornbills flying around and the immensity of the trees also facinated me. The only thing that stops me returning is the high cost compared to staying at the river.

HOw long is the ride from KK to Kinabatangan?

Do we need to take malaria pills?

IS it needed to walk long distances? HOw is the lodging around there?

thanks for all the replies!

mario badescu