On the lower Kinabatangan, Malaysia’s second-longest river, the day is measured in water and light. Borneo Natural Sukau Bilit Resort sits at Bilit, on the river’s edge in Sabah’s Kinabatangan District, where gibbons and hornbills call at first light and the forest takes up its nocturnal chorus after dark.
This is an honest river lodge: air-conditioned rooms, full-board meals and days arranged around the river cruises. It is part of the Asia Green Travels collection, run by a local team in Sandakan who know the roads, the river and the timing that ties them together.
Gibbons and hornbills call as the light comes up. The early cruise finds the river at its quietest, mist on the water and birdlife at its busiest.
After breakfast, an in-house guide leads a trek through the jungle within the resort area, pointing out the plants and creatures most visitors walk straight past.
As the forest cools, the banks stir: proboscis monkeys in the riverside trees, macaques at the edge, and with patience, perhaps an orangutan or pygmy elephants.
Weather permitting, a night walk with our in-house naturalist can be arranged. Or simply listen as the forest takes up its nocturnal chorus across the river.
We keep things simple and close to the water. What we offer is time on the river, people who know it well, and a comfortable room to return to.
At Bilit on the lower Kinabatangan, about two hours by road from Sandakan Airport. Our team can arrange your transfer from Sandakan.
Our in-house guides and naturalist read the weather and the riverbanks, and know when to wait. Sightings are never guaranteed; good guiding makes them likelier.
Ironwood chalets for couples and families of up to five, and air-conditioned Treehouse dorms for up to six. Every stay includes full-board meals.