Kinabatangan River Accommodation: My Best 7 Riverside Lodges in Borneo

Just in case you didn’t know, the Kinabatangan River is part of the Kinabatangan Wildlife Sanctuary in eastern Borneo, Malaysia. It’s one of the most untouched pieces of rainforest left in the world, and it’s packed with incredible wildlife.

I was lucky enough to see wild orangutans, plus loads of other animals like proboscis monkeys, hornbills, macaques… and if you’re really lucky, you might even spot pygmy elephants, crocodiles, or a clouded leopard.

The Kinabatangan River is about a two-hour drive from the closest city, Sandakan. To do a Kinabatangan river cruise, I stayed right on the river in a small village called Sukau, one of the main jumping-off points for exploring the area.

In this article, I’ll walk you through what the Kinabatangan River experience is actually like, how to get there, and what to expect. But mainly, I’ll focus on the best Kinabatangan River accommodation options because to be honest, where you stay makes a big difference when planning your jungle adventure.

Kinabatangan River – Let Me Explain

If the whole Kinabatangan River thing sounds a bit confusing, you’re not alone. When I first planned my trip, I could barely find any decent information online. I remember wondering: is it a tour I book? Is it a place I go to on my own? Where do I even stay? I had all these questions and no real answers.

So here’s a quick explanation. The Kinabatangan River runs through the Kinabatangan Wildlife Sanctuary, a protected rainforest ecosystem packed with wildlife. People come here to do what’s called a Kinabatangan River Cruise, which is basically a wildlife safari on a boat (you usually do a couple of cruises, each around 2–2.5 hours).

The most common way to visit is by booking a package with one of the riverside lodges I’ll mention in this article. They usually offer all-inclusive stays, meaning they’ll pick you up from Sandakan, take care of your meals, accommodation, river cruises, jungle treks, and everything else. So in a way, yes, it’s kind of like a tour, but organized through the lodge itself.

There are ways to do this more independently without booking a full package (see my “Where to Stay” article for more on that), but honestly, I’d recommend just booking one of the Kinabatangan River accommodations I mention below. It’s way less hassle, and they’ll sort out the logistics for you.

Kinabatangan River Accommodation – My Experience

I had an amazing time at the Kinabatangan River, even though I did the whole thing on a tight budget and more like a backpacker which, in hindsight, maybe wasn’t the best idea.

I booked in with Sukau Village View Stay, a small little homestay in Sukau, right by the river. They had everything we needed: a spacious room with air conditioning, and they offered several river cruises and jungle treks throughout the day, as well as transport to and from Sandakan. Everything could be booked individually, which I thought was a good idea at the time.

We ended up spending around $150 USD for 2 nights, which included 3 Kinabatangan River cruises, meals, and accommodation. It was definitely budget-friendly, but the experience was very basic. Later on, I realized there are river lodges that charge just a bit more but offer way more comfort and value for your money.

The Best Kinabatangan River Accomodation

1. Sukau Greenview Bed & Breakfast // Most Popular Kinabatangan River Lodge

Sukau Greenview Bed & Breakfast is easily one of the most popular, and one of the best Kinabatangan River lodges out there. One thing I really appreciate is that you can book it through Booking.com instead of having to go through their website directly (I’ve just had great experiences with Booking.com’s customer service, so I tend to stick with them).

When you book through Booking.com, the river tours are included. If you stay one night, it usually includes 3 river cruises. Stay two nights, and you’ll get 4 cruises. Super convenient.

The lodge itself has beautifully decorated rooms with hot water, private bathrooms, and a surprisingly upscale feel, especially for a river lodge in this part of Malaysia. The rooms are spacious and very comfortable.

They also offer transport to and from Sandakan, which makes everything really easy. Overall, this place is one of my top recommendations, not just for comfort, but also for the quality of the wildlife tours. The guides speak great English and really know their stuff, and the boats are some of the more comfortable ones I saw.

Book Here: Sukau Greenview Bed & Breakfast

2. Borneo Nature Lodge

Borneo Nature Lodge is actually one of my favorite lodges in Sukau. I really like how it’s laid out—with multiple private cabins and huts tucked along the river, all connected by a raised boardwalk through the jungle. It’s got a proper indoor restaurant and bar too, which not many other lodges offer. Honestly, having dinner without being eaten alive by mosquitoes is a blessing out here.

The highlight for me was their private viewing platform. You can spot birds, proboscis monkeys, and even the occasional orangutan without ever leaving the lodge—super convenient if you want a slower day.

They offer a bunch of different room types, all with air conditioning and private bathrooms. It’s a really solid mid-range option that still gives you that immersive jungle feel, just with a few extra comforts.

Book Here: Borneo Nature Lodge

3. Bilit Adventure Lodge // Cheap Borneo River Lodge

Bilit Adventure Lodge on the Kinabatangan River is another amazing choice if you’re looking for a full-on rainforest experience. Like Sukau Greenview, this one’s easy to book through several platforms like Booking.com, so you don’t have to deal with direct bookings through their own site (which can sometimes be a pain).

When you book a 1, 2, or 3-night stay, it usually includes everything: Kinabatangan River cruise, jungle treks, accommodation, meals, and transport from Sandakan. It’s all taken care of, which I really appreciate.

The lodge itself is beautiful. There’s a big wooden deck with sunbeds right by the river, and a long boardwalk stretching into the jungle with all the private cabins lined up along it. If you check out some photos, it looks exactly like what you’d imagine a proper river lodge in the rainforest should look like.

The rooms are spacious, well-designed, and modern. You’ve got hot water, air conditioning, a private bathroom, and a very comfortable bed, everything you need after a long day of wildlife spotting.

Book Here: Bilit Adventure Lodge

4. Kinabatangan Wetlands Resort

There’s definitely a big range when it comes to Kinabatangan River lodges, from budget-friendly homestays to higher-end eco-resorts. Kinabatangan Wetlands Resort falls into the latter category. It’s one of the most upscale and remote lodges along the river, and it really offers something special.

This place is located deep within the Kinabatangan Wildlife Sanctuary, so getting there is an adventure in itself. Unlike most lodges that bring you in overland, the Wetlands Resort picks you up at the pier in Sandakan and takes you in by boat, cruising in from the ocean and up the river. It’s a super cool experience and a very scenic way to arrive.

The resort itself is beautifully designed, with wooden boardwalks winding through the rainforest and stylish private cabins tucked away in the trees. The rooms are spacious and modern, with air conditioning, hot water, and private bathrooms. It’s definitely more of a luxurious jungle stay, but still very connected to nature and of course you will be doing loads of Kinabatangan River cruises and Kinabatangan River safaris.

Book Here: Kinabatangan Wetlands Resort

5. Sukau Rainforest Lodge Borneo // Luxury Kinabatangan River Accommodation

Probably the most well-known Kinabatangan River accommodation is Sukau Rainforest Lodge and honestly, I get the hype. It’s definitely the most luxurious river lodge in the Kinabatangan Wildlife Sanctuary.

They’ve got a stunning deck overlooking the river, an amazing bar and restaurant area, and even a swimming pool (yes, really a swimming pool in the jungle!). The rooms are beautifully decorated and give off a kind of African safari lodge vibe, if you know what I mean. So if comfort matters to you or if you’re celebrating something like a honeymoon then this place is an incredible option.

We passed by the lodge during one of our river cruises, and I have to admit, it looked absolutely gorgeous. Definitely worth considering if you’re after something a bit more upscale.

Just a heads up: you’ll need to book through their website, and it’s always an all-inclusive package (either 2D1N or 3D2N). That means accommodation, meals, river cruises, and transport are all taken care of, so you just show up and enjoy the experience.

Book Here: Sukau Rainforest Lodge

6. Kinabatangan Riverside Lodge Borneo

Kinabatangan Riverside Lodge is part of a group of eco-lodges run by SI Tours Borneo, a company that offers wildlife-focused travel packages all over East Borneo.

With this lodge, you’ll need to book a full package, your stay includes transport, meals, river cruises, jungle treks, and all the usual wildlife safaris. They offer a bunch of options, from 1D1N packages to almost a full week of adventure. Some of the longer itineraries even include stays at their other properties, like Abai Jungle Lodge, which is located deeper inside the Kinabatangan Wildlife Sanctuary.

The Kinabatangan Riverside Lodge itself is one of the better lodges in the area. It has a large sundeck right by the river, a great restaurant and bar, and elevated boardwalks and viewing platforms you can explore during your downtime.

The rooms are spacious and come with air conditioning, hot water, and that classic Kinabatangan river lodge design, simple but cozy, and all you need for a few days in the jungle.

Book Here: Kinabatangan Riverside Lodge

7. Kinabatangan Wildlife Lodge // Amazing Sukau Accommodation

Kinabatangan Wildlife Lodge is one of the more budget-friendly options along the river. It’s located in the village of Bilit and offers a much more basic stay compared to some of the higher-end lodges.

They have both private air-conditioned rooms and dorms, which makes it a good option for backpackers or anyone traveling on a tighter budget.

Their setup is more à la carte, you book your stay first, then add on river cruises, meals, or jungle treks separately. It’s actually a similar setup to what I did when I visited the area.

Depending on how many activities you plan to do, this could work out either cheaper or a bit more expensive than a package deal. But if you’re only planning to stay a night or two and want to keep things simple, it’s a solid affordable choice.

Book Here: Kinabatangan Wildlife Lodge

How to Get to Kinabatangan River

The big question: how do you actually get to the Kinabatangan River? The most common, and in my opinion, the best way is to just be picked up by your lodge. It’s about a two-hour drive from Sandakan, and most lodges either include the transfer in your package or offer it for a small extra fee. Honestly, it’s the most stress-free option.

So if you’re booking a stay with one of the Kinabatangan lodges I mentioned above, chances are your transport to and from Sandakan will be sorted for you. To get from Kota Kinabalu to Sandakan you will have to take a domestic flight or book a 8 hour bus journey.

There are a few more DIY ways to get there too, so if you’re planning something more independent, check out my full travel guide on how to get to Kinabatangan River for all the details.

How to Do a Kinabatangan River Cruise

Same deal as with transport, your lodge will usually organize everything for you, including the river cruises and jungle treks. Most packages include a set number of cruises (typically one in the early morning and one in the late afternoon), or you can book them separately if you’re staying somewhere more budget-friendly.

If you’re not planning to stay overnight by the river, there’s also the option to do a day trip from Sandakan that includes a Kinabatangan River cruise. Not quite the same vibe as waking up in the rainforest, but it’s still a good way to experience the river if you’re short on time.

What to Pack for Borneo

Here’s what I packed for Borneo—and what I’d absolutely bring again if you’re heading into the rainforest or doing a Kinabatangan River cruise.

Binoculars: 100% worth it. The animals are often far off in the trees, and a decent pair of binoculars made the experience so much better.

Proper camera with zoom lens: I’m usually happy with my phone, but for wildlife this was a game changer. You’ll want zoom.

Light rain jacket or poncho: The rain can be sudden and heavy. A packable jacket was perfect.

Hiking shoes or trail runners: You don’t need boots unless you’re doing serious trekking, but you’ll want something with grip for muddy boardwalks and jungle paths.

Mosquito repellent: A must. They’re everywhere at dawn and dusk.

Hat and sunglasses: For sun protection, especially on the boats.

Refillable water bottle: Many lodges have filtered water stations, so this helps cut down on plastic waste.

FAQs About Kinabatangan River Accommodation

What is the best Kinabatangan River lodge?

Honestly, the best one is probably Sukau Rainforest Lodge, but it’s also by far the most expensive. If you’re looking for something more affordable, Sukau Greenview Bed & Breakfast offers great value for money.

What is the best Kinabatangan River cruise?

To be honest, it doesn’t really matter who you book with, whether it’s the cheapest lodge or a high-end one, the river cruises themselves are more or less the same. All the guides are connected via phone and radio, so if someone spots an orangutan or elephant, the word gets out quickly. That said, I personally had the best luck on the afternoon cruises.

Is There Kinabatangan River Accommodation Luxury Options? 

Absolutely. Kinabatangan Wetlands Resort and Sukau Rainforest Lodge are easily the most upscale stays in the area. They’re perfect if you want a bit more comfort or you’re celebrating something like a honeymoon.

Is there good accommodation in Sukau?

Definitely. Sukau is the main village along the Kinabatangan River, and it has everything from luxury lodges to budget-friendly guesthouses. It’s the most popular base for a reason.

Final Thoughts on Kinabatangan River Accommodation

My experience staying in the Kinabatangan area was incredible, mainly because of the river cruises. Gliding through the misty river in the early morning or late afternoon, turning into narrow inlets with thick rainforest pressing in from both sides… and then suddenly spotting wild orangutans or proboscis monkeys just a few meters away, it was one of the best wildlife experiences I’ve had.

And just to say it one more time: the actual river safari experience is pretty much the same no matter which lodge you book. Budget or luxury, you’ll be in similar boats with similarly trained guides on the exact same stretch of river.

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