The Sungai Kinabatangan is the longest river in Sabah, measuring 560 km from its headwaters in the southwest side of the state to where it merges with the Sulu Sea, east of Sandakan. This is one of the best places to observe wildlife. Furthermore, the river promises excitement all year round. Here, visitors can find a great concentration of wildlife in Malaysia, perhaps the best in all of Borneo. Wild orang utan, macaques, red and silver leaf monkeys, elephants, dozens of beautiful birds including several species of hornbill, crocodiles, civet cats and otters may all be viewed in this region.
The most famous creature of all is undoubtedly the bizarre Proboscis monkey. Found only in Borneo, the Proboscis monkeys are very easy to spot, thanks to their habit of socializing in the mangrove trees along the riverbanks during late afternoons. The male Proboscis monkey has a large pendulous nose, fat belly, thick white tail, and a peculiar mixture of colors that make him look as if he is wearing gray tights, white underpants and an orange jacket!
There are also many dramatic and beautiful birds at the Kinabatangan region. Amongst them are the elegant Egrets, several species of Kingfisher, the Oriental darter or snake bird which dives underwater to catch its prey, swift and vividly colored Bee-eaters, and Hornbills, which are huge ungainly birds with heavy wings.
Tourists may be able to see the place in half a day by taking an afternoon boat tour across the Sandakan Bay. From there, move through the salt-water swamp forest into the mouth of the Kinabatangan River and then on to the first settlement, Kampung Abai, before returning to Sandakan at night. If that is not enough, visitors can get an in-depth look at the area's wildlife by staying overnight at Sukau, which is located two hours by road from Sandakan. Local tour operators will provide accommodations. It is advisable to visit the place with a tour operator as the journey to Sukau lacks the convenience of the public transport. The tour would include a two-hour 'trek' in the late afternoon through a fresh-water swamp forest in the comfort of a boat.
The most famous creature of all is undoubtedly the bizarre Proboscis monkey. Found only in Borneo, the Proboscis monkeys are very easy to spot, thanks to their habit of socializing in the mangrove trees along the riverbanks during late afternoons. The male Proboscis monkey has a large pendulous nose, fat belly, thick white tail, and a peculiar mixture of colors that make him look as if he is wearing gray tights, white underpants and an orange jacket!
There are also many dramatic and beautiful birds at the Kinabatangan region. Amongst them are the elegant Egrets, several species of Kingfisher, the Oriental darter or snake bird which dives underwater to catch its prey, swift and vividly colored Bee-eaters, and Hornbills, which are huge ungainly birds with heavy wings.
Tourists may be able to see the place in half a day by taking an afternoon boat tour across the Sandakan Bay. From there, move through the salt-water swamp forest into the mouth of the Kinabatangan River and then on to the first settlement, Kampung Abai, before returning to Sandakan at night. If that is not enough, visitors can get an in-depth look at the area's wildlife by staying overnight at Sukau, which is located two hours by road from Sandakan. Local tour operators will provide accommodations. It is advisable to visit the place with a tour operator as the journey to Sukau lacks the convenience of the public transport. The tour would include a two-hour 'trek' in the late afternoon through a fresh-water swamp forest in the comfort of a boat.
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