Activities

Cruise the river

Wildlife spotting is the number one reason for a trip to the Kinabatangan river and we are here to help you do just that! Whether you are on the lookout for rare endemic birdlife or some of the Kinabatangan river's larger inhabitants, our experienced guides will be on hand to translate a rustling in the trees to a close-up wildlife encounter.

Dawn cruises

It's worth getting up early if you want to see the river coming to life! Set your alarm for 5.30am. grab a coffee on your way to the boat, sit back and be on the lookout for orang-utans, langurs, proboscis monkeys, multiple species of hornbills and more! A buffet breakfast awaits when you return.

Afternoon cruises

As the light starts to fade, troops of proboscis monkeys assemble at the river's edge to choose a safe sleeping spot for the night, making it a great time for wildlife-watching! Afternoon cruises also offer the best chance to spot pygmy elephants on the river banks cooling down from the heat of the day and orangutans as they prepare their nest for the night

Night cruises

Night cruises are a great alternative to exploring the forest on foot after sunset and are the best way to try and spot estuarine crocodiles as well as sleeping birds. Night cruises are RM80 per person (min 2 people) and can be booked on arrival.

Explore the forest

The unique location of Hornbill Lodge on the outskirts of Bilit village gives our visitors access to the forest as well as the river. It is not uncommon for us to spot orang-utans, gibbons or langurs during walks nearby the lodge, slow lorises, tarsier or leopard cats during night walks and for those who are even luckier, we do get the occasional sun bear, clouded leopard or binturong on the hill next to our lodge!

Jungle walks

Explore the various forest trails nearby our lodge together with your nature guide and gain unique insights into the areas incredible biodiversity. Spot numerous orangutan nests high up in the trees and keep an eye out for orangutans themselves!

Wildlife observation tower

Our 3 storey wildlife observation tower is the only one of its kind in the area and offers a birds-eye view of the river and the forest canopy below. Stop off here during your jungle walk for a chance to learn some of the history of the surrounding area and its inhabitants.

Night walks

Every night after dinner, our experienced guides will take you out to explore different trails on the lookout for Borneo's nocturnal wildlife. Keep your eyes peeled for anything from unusual stick insects to sleeping kingfishers, scurrying civets and even a slow loris or a wide-eyed tarsier!

Beyond Hornbill Lodge

Sepilok

No visit to Sabah's East coast is complete without a trip to Sepilok orangutan rehabilitation centre and the nearby Borneo Sunbear Conservation Centre.