3D2N Kinabatangan Wetland Resort
Ex-Sandakan The Kinabatangan wetland is a member of the Ramsar Convention, an international treaty for the conservation and sustainable use of wetlands. An hour’s boat ride from Sandakan harbour, the Kinabatangan Segama Wetland in which the resort is seated borders the Lower Kinabatangan Floodplain – one of the most important wildlife refuge in Malaysia which over the centuries has evolved 5 distinct habitats: waterlogged and dry forests, saline and freshwater swamps and limestone forests, each contributing towards some of the most diverse concentrations of wildlife in Borneo.
The Kinabatangan wetlands is an important site for several globally threatened waterbirds especially Storm’s Stork (ciconia stormi), where the last viable population in the country remains. One hundred and eighty-nine bird species have been recorded. The Near Threatened (NT) Oriental Darter (anhinga melanogaster) is found to be common and breeding in the area. Others include the wetland raptors Grey-headed Fish Eagle (icthyophaga ichthyaetus) and Lesser Fish-eagle.
About 50 species of mammals are recorded including a small population of the Asian Elephants (elephas maximus) . The Kinabatangan contains the largest Malaysian population of Proboscis Monkey (nasalis larvatus). Twenty-seven species of reptiles and amphibians were recorded. Freshwater fish diversity and productivity is very high. More than 100 species have been recorded so far.
Surrounded by a secondary forest reserve, the Kinabatangan Wetland Resort is located within nipah and mangrove vegetation and is safe from flood round the year. Access into the resort is by wooden walkways made from Ironwood or “Belian”. The chalets are airy and spacious, emerging elegantly among the wetland wilderness. This small resort’s commitment towards eco tourism is demonstrated by its use of solar panels for generating electricity. Treated and filtered river water as well as rainwater collecting is a sustainable source for H2O at the resort.
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Suggested Flights
| FLIGHT FROM | DESTINATION | FLIGHT | DEPARTS | ARRIVES |
|---|
| Kota Kinabalu | Sandakan | Malaysian Airlines MH2042 | 0705 | 0745 |
| Sandakan | Kota Kinabalu | Malaysian Airlines MH2711 | 1410 | 1700 |
| Sandakan | Kota Kinabalu | Air Asia AK6495 | 1455 | 1545 |
| Sandakan | Kota Kinabalu | Malaysian Airlines MH3303 | 1865 | 1915 |
| Sandakan | Kota Kinabalu | Malaysian Airlines AK6499 | 1830 | 1930 |
| Sandakan | Tawau | Malaysian Airlines MH3061 | 0920 | 1000 |
| Sandakan | Kuala Lumpur | Malaysian Airlines MH2711 | 1410 | 1700 |
| Sandakan | Kuala Lumpur | Air Asia AK5195 | 1825 | 2115 |
3D2N Kinabatangan Wetland Resort
Day 1
Pick up at Sandakan Airport or Sandakan Town and transfer to Sandakan Yacht Club Jetty for a boat transfer to Kinabatangan Wetlands Resort
12.00PM: Board a boat for the journey to Abai, Kinabatangan. On the 1.5 hours cruise, Berhala Island, the prominent sandstone cliffs of World War II historical site can be photographed from the boat. The boat journey continues towards the mangroves and villages of Abai. This cruise also offers views of the different types of vegetation found along Sabah’s mighty Kinabatangan River.
1.30PM: Upon arrival at the Kinabatangan Wetlands Resort, Check-in. Lunch while your skipper conducts a briefing on the upcoming activities and advice you on recommended gears to prepare.
4.00PM: Afternoon refreshment of coffee, tea and local Banana Fritter ‘goreng pisang’ shall be served
4.30pm: We set off for the afternoon river expedition in search of wildlife. This time in a smaller open- topped river boat.
8.30pm: After dinner take a night stroll along the boardwalks on a lookout for nocturnal animals and interesting insects.
Overnight at Kinabatangan Wetlands Resort
Some highlights of bird species:
Scarlet Minivet, Lesser and Greater Leafbird, Storm Stork, Oriental Darter, Mangrove Blue-flycatcher, Stork Billed and Blue Eared Kingfisher. Buffy Fish-owl, Night Heron, Yellow Bittern, Ruddy Kingfisher, Helmeted hornbill, Pied hornbill, Rhinoceros hornbill
Day 2
6.30am: Early morning cruise to observe more wildlife and birdlife, cruise to the nearby ox- bow lake, Danau Pitas, to explore the area. Enjoy your packed breakfast while admiring the natural surroundings.
8.30am: Continue on to visit the local fishing village, Kampung Abai. Interact with local Orang sungai from river people and observe the daily activities in this small fishing village.
10.00am: Return to the KWR Resort for Breakfast
4.30pm-6.00pm: Set off for another afternoon cruise in search of the mangrove specials, river sceneries, village landscapes and more wildlife. On good weather, you may even get to see firefly colonies which are found at certain parts of the river.
8:30pm-10:00pm: After dinner, take the night river safari on a lookout for our target species.
Overnight at Kinabatangan Wetlands Resort
Day 3
After breakfast, you are free to explore the nature board walk around the lodge area, make sure you bring along your binoculars, and look for any tree moving!! There may be…..wild orang utan! Silver leaf monkeys, birds and many others!
9.00AM: Check-out and Return to Sandakan by boat. The 1.5 hours cruise shall pass fishing villages along the coast. Also a good chance to photograph Sandakan town from the seafront. Sandakan was also known as ‘Little Hong Kong’ in the olden days. Transfer to Sandakan Yacht Jetty and drop off at Sandakan Airport or Sandakan Town for your onward destination
End of tour.
We recommend continuing your wildlife adventure with a trip to Danum Valley after your 3D2N Kinabatangan Wetland Resort stay.
• 3D2N Full Board Meals
• Air-Conditioned Rooms With En-Suite Bathroom
• Return Road/Boat Transfers
• English-Speaking Guide
• River Cruises 1 x Early Morning & 2 x Late Afternoon
• Night Walk & Night River Safari (subject to weather conditions).
• Airfares
• Video/Camera
• Alcohol & Carbonated Drinks
• Drinking Water
• Tourism Tax MYR 10.00 per room per night (this will be added to your room bill on location)
• Other Items Not Explicitly Stated
• Lightweight Clothing
• Long Sleeves
• Long Pants/Trousers
• Binoculars
• Insect Repellent
• Raincoat Or Poncho
• Good Walking Shoes
• Hat
Due to weather conditions, activities may be subject to re-scheduling to best meet operations, as well as clients’ health and safety. Wildlife cannot be predicted nor guaranteed because it is a spontaneous chance to spot any in their natural rainforest habitat.
