We had an excellent stay at Nature Lodge Kinabatangan for 3N/4D. The price was very reasonable, the transportation is very well organized, the rooms were basic but good, the food was very nice, the staff was very friendly and helpful and most importantly - the wild life was amazing! We saw wild orangutan, lots of Proboscis monkeys, pig tail monkeys, long tail monkeys, red and silver leaf monkeys, amazing birds and the most bizarre insects.

There's many tour operators for the Kinabatangan River and many lodges to stay at. Ultimately we chose the Nature Lodge Kinabatangan and their 3D/2N tour because it was an ok mid range price, and also because it offered more cruises and walks than anyone else we found.

We were really happy with our decision in the end.

The tour started with pickup from our hostel in Sandakan and then off to the orangutan and sun bear rehabilitation centres in Sepilok. We were a bit disappointed with the orangutan centre as it's just like being in a zoo. The sun bear centre was a bit more interesting as we hadn't seen those animals before. Lunch followed at a nearby restaurant and then there was a two-hour minibus journey to the river and a short boat trip to the other side.

The staff at the resort were fabulous. Really friendly and helpful. Our accommodation was so much more than what we expected. Nice chalets with comfortable beds. Plenty of space, a large bathroom with good water pressure and hot water. A bench to sit on outside. Tea and coffee in the room and even plugs with USB points to charge our devices!

Our guide and boat captain for the river tours were fantastic. Pointing out so many animals and answering all of our questions. After two cruises we saw an elephant, probiscus and many other monkeys, crocodiles, a monitor lizard, birds and more. The only one we missed was a wild orangutan. Animal sightings aren't guaranteed of course.

On our evening walk we saw multiple animals, much more than just spiders and insects and more than we expected.

Sadly, our tour was cut short because of the coronavirus lockdown, so we couldn't do any more activities. But the staff were really accommodating. Allowing us to stay for the full length of time we had booked and kept serving meals. It was a shame, but we'd already seen lots of animals so were happy with that.

Travelled in late March and the weather was really good.

Highly recommend staying here, staff are friendly and helpful. The price is very reasonable for what is included. The guides are knowledgable... food is great!! Accomodation is nice and clean (basic but that adds to the charm)

Highly recommend