In the wild at Kinabatangan
While at Kinabatangan Wetlands Resort, the highlight is a river cruise to see wildlife in their natural habitat, writes Nova Renata
THE ecologically diverse Kinabatangan floodplain offers plenty of opportunities to explore the fascinating Bornean rainforest that is replete with elusive wildlife, be it mammals, birds or reptiles. Each year, it welcomes throngs of travellers keen to experience this unique rainforest, which is deemed one of the best wildlife-spotting areas in Southeast Asia.
While there are many accommodation options along the Kinabatangan river, the Kinabatangan Wetlands Resort is one of the most trusted resorts by local agencies that offers a memorable stay and quality tours rolled in one.
Located 40km or 1 ½ hour’s speedboat ride away from Sandakan Yacht Club in the city, the resort is one of the newest in the lower Kinabatangan area, having been in operation since 2014.
Unlike many resorts in Kinabatangan that are located in clusters within each other’s proximity, Kinabatangan Wetlands Resort is rather secluded.
In fact, you won’t need to go far to spot wildlife — stepping out of your chalet, you may already spot one or two long-tailed macaques perched on a tree, or even a cute little mousedeer hiding behind a tree trunk at dusk.
Nestled in the midst of a lush mangrove forest near the Abai village, the resort is surrounded by a secondary forest reserve fringed with lush nipah and mangrove vegetations, making it safe from flooding. From the resort jetty, its reception, which also serves as its lounge and dining area, is located a short walk away on a wooden boardwalk.
The long house and chalets are also connected to each other and the receptionvia a network of wooden boardwalks. The chalets are surrounded by lush greenery to ensure that the area is cool and shady.
All the rooms and chalets are made of local belian hardwood and are equipped with basic amenities, such as ceiling fan, private bathroom with hot and cold water, as well as exclusive toiletries.
The Deluxe chalets have an extra outdoor shower, where one can contemplate the beauty of nature while freshening up, and a 40-inch LED television with selected cable channels. The Deluxe chaletsalso have air conditioning — a must for every luxurious resort.
Each room is minimally designed in rich mahogany tone and equipped with wooden furniture to echo the element of nature that surrounds the establishment.
The big glass windows are also a great way to allow plenty of sunlight into the room, and for drinking in the wealth of vegetation embracing it. A caveat: a place with heavy foliage is usually teeming with insects and mosquitoes. So, don’t forget your insect repellent!
To keep the resort as sustainable as possible, it has installed solar panels as means to supply 24-hour electricity (most other resorts in the area only has electricity supply from 5pm to 7am).
The resort also has its own water processing plant where river water is treated and sand-filtered before use. It also collects rainwater for washing and showering. Guests are, therefore, encouraged to conserve energy and water as much as they can during their stay.
Depending on the length of your stay, it comes as a package that includes wildlife-spotting river cruise (afternoon and morning) and a night walk activity (weather permitting and upon request).
The two-hour river cruise will be the highlight of every visit to the Kinabatangan floodplain where you will see wildlife in their natural habitat.
Keep your eyes peeled for the iconic proboscis monkey, wild orangutans, freshwater crocodiles and if you’re lucky, a herd of Bornean pygmy elephants!