Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Activities
BOAT TOUR
Wildlife River Boat Cruises
Wildlife is the number-one reason to visit Sabah, and a cruise down the Kinabatangan is
often a highlight for visitors to the state. In the late afternoon and early morning,
binocular-toting enthusiasts have a chance of spotting nest-building orangutans, nosy pro-
boscis monkeys, basking monitor lizards and hyper long-tailed macaques. That said, there
is such a preponderance of operators out here that boats tend to cluster around the wild-
life, which kind of ruins the sense of wild exposure. Also, the reason so many animals are
here is depressing: the expansion of palm oil plantations has driven local wildlife to the ri-
verbank. They simply have nowhere else to live.
Mammals can be seen all year, moving around in small groups while travelling through
plantations. Colourful birds are a huge draw: all eight varieties of Borneo's hornbills, plus
brightly coloured pittas, kingfishers and, if you're lucky, a Storm's stork or the bizarre
Oriental darter all nest in the forests hugging the Kinabatangan. Avian wildlife is more nu-
merous and varied during rainier months (usually October to late March), which coincides
with northern-hemisphere migrations. Though friendly for birds, the wet season isn't ac-
commodating for humans. Flooding has been a problem of late and a couple of lodges will
sometimes shut their doors when conditions are severe.
The success rate of animal-spotting largely depends on luck and the local knowledge of
your guide - don't be afraid to ask hard questions about the specifics of your trip before
you sign up. Elephants and other larger animals come and go, as herds often break up to
get through the palm plantations.
River tours should always be included in lodge package rates. If you prefer to explore
independently, contact local homestay programs, which will be able to hook you up with a
boat operator. Or ask about renting a boat in Sukau - everyone in the village is connected
to the tourism industry either directly or through family and friends, and someone will be
able to find you a captain. Another option: just before the entrance to Sukau village is a
yellow sign that says 'Di sini ada boat servis' (Boat service here); different river pilots
hang out here throughout the day. Whatever way you choose to find a boat and a guide,
expect to pay at least RM100 for a two-hour river cruise on a boat that can hold up to six
people (ie you can split the cost with friends).
Some of the villages you see along the river are inhabited by Filipino migrants who are
stateless citizens, unrecognised by both Malaysia and the Philippines.
Trekking trekking
