Kinabatangan Wildlife Lodge - Hostel

Of course we did not want to miss the chance for a river cruise at the Kinabatangan river during our Borneo roadtrip. But some of the lodges directly at the river front were quite beyond our budget. But here the Kinabatangan Wildlife Lodge was a perfect match: just a short walk to the jetty made things more affordable. The bungalows and rooms were nice (we had a triple room in the longhouse) and the restaurant area was like an extended living room. All the staff was really nice and when we arrived we got a quick lunch just before heading out to the afternoon cruise. Dinner was served between the cruise and the night walk, so everything is planned around the activities which were scheduled right at the check-in. The best part here is of course the animal spotting: during our cruise we were really lucky to see a herd of elephants. Also, lots of proboscis monkeys in the trees and not to forget the majestic hornbills! Lots of other monkeys and birds too, even at the lodge we spotted some big birds and very active monkeys (but luckily staff makes sure they are not getting used to come too close to the restaurant and rooms). Our guide (Kai) was very experienced at navigating the boat across the river, avoiding larger logs and spotting the animals at the same time. We would have loved to stay another day to also do some of the hikes, but even just for the 2 river cruises it was entirely worth coming here!

Had a pleasant 3-night stay here. Clean rooms and delicious food. Very friendly staff especially the chef, Rowena. It is a 12-minute walk to the river but for the price you are paying, this place is great. Mr Kai is a super guide who spots all kinds of animals. The afternoon cruise is the best to see the most animals. WiFi only at the lobby area. Try to get rooms 1-4 to be near the lobby.

Staff were lovely and food was good considering the price. 7min walk to jetty for river cruise and lodge has lots of trees where you can watch the Macaque Monkeys play, plenty of birds and butterflies. River cruises offered early morning and then in afternoon. Unfortunately these were not well organised and three out of four cruises there were too many people for the boat. Getting this all sorted out took time away from cruise which was disappointing. Our boat also broke down on one cruise - our driver was amazing - pulling out a screwdriver and eventually fixing (but we really did t get much opportunity to look for Orangutan or Elephant as we spent so much time fixing the boat). On my last morning no-one showed up for morning cruise - we had to wake the staff and unfortunately I missed out as I needed to leave for the airport. Rooms are large and basic with good AC. Unfortunately common area not screened (and no AC). Food is basic and good for the price - caters for western taste and isn’t hot at all - is quite bland. There is a cat that is often in the common area and many feral dogs hanging around common area and also the accommodation. Do not book transfers through hotel. On my return to Sandakan they substituted the car I had booked for a much smaller car and tried to charge me RM300 when other guests had paid RM160 the day before for similar ride from Grab. They didn’t tell me until I was about to get into my car — that someone else was going in the car I had booked and I had to go in smaller one. (Even though I confirmed with reception the afternoon beforehand and confirmed directly with the driver that morning). I felt they were taking advantage of me as a solo female traveler which was really disappointing. During my stay I was asked to move from good seat on the boat to accommodate others on a couple of occasions - I never got to sit at the front. For every meal for three days I was placed in the corner with no airflow or ceiling fan. My experience was that the lodge prioritises families and couples and I wouldn’t recommend for solo female traveller. I think it’s worth paying extra to stay somewhere with reliable boats and river cruises. It’s a long way to come to miss out! Really disappointed :(