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Nature Lodge Kinabatangan, Kampung Bilit
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Table of Content
Nature Lodge Kinabatangan (NLK) is a perfect place to experience the life of Orang Sungai or River People. The accommodation is basic and the environment - NATURAL! This is what makes this destination attractive! Simple living with a rich eco-system housing a diverse wildlife and plant life that's intertwined with the people that live here. Mother Nature surrounds you! You get away from modernity to have peace of mind. The lodge works with the community here, providing them a vital source of income, education and exposure to the outside world.
The location is so natural that guests are advised not to swim in the rivers as crocodiles may be in the vicinity. Not to worry, though, crocs will not crawl up into populated areas.
Kampung Bilit is a small village with approximately 180 residents whose livelihood depends very much on tourism, fishing and craftworks. The village consists of mainly of Orang Sungai --which literally means River People-- one of Sabah’s many ethnics, who are hospitable and diverse in cultural heritage.
Majority of Orang Sungai are muslims therefore a visitor especially a woman should dress decently and not expose too much of the body.
Kinabatangan River
The lower basin of Kinabatangan River (at about 560km is Sabah’s longest river), is the largest forest-covered floodplain in Malaysia. Its surrounding rainforest wetlands make up one of the richest ecosystems on Earth.
WWF (formerly known as the World Wildlife Fund and one of the world's largest and most respected independent conservation organizations) states that this area is one of only two known places on Earth where 10 primate species can be found. Some of these include the Orang Utan, the proboscis monkey, macaques, maroon langur and Bornean gibbon, all of which are endemic to Borneo. You might also be able to catch sight of the newly discovered “Borneo Pygmy Elephants”.
Bird lovers will find the bird watching incredible: all 8 of Borneo’s hornbill species are seen regularly. Occasionally, two species of the gorgeous pitas can be spotted, as well as the Storm’s stork and the bizarre Oriental darter or ‘Snake Bird’. Of the 200 over species of birds recorded in the area, eight of these are of Malaysia’s threatened bird species.
The lodge is located at the Lower Kinabatangan River Sanctuary. It has been built using recycled wood and placed out of the tourist route in order to enjoy the surrounding nature and to minimize the environmental impact.
Read our essential guide to the Kinabatangan here.
About the nature lodge
Accommodation
Nature Lodge Kinabantagan has 3 accommodation types.
The Agamid Chalet fits 3 Adults, or 2 Adults and 2 small-sized children who will have to share a single bed. 6 units Agamid have air condition, and another 6 units with wall fan. Guests will be out of their rooms most of the day on activities so air conditioning is usually not necessary.
Exterior Agamid | Interior Agamid |
There are several Dormitory rooms which offer basic backpacker bunk beds. Common bathrooms and toilet located next to the dormitories.
Irrigation System
Water is siphoned from the Kinabatangan River to 4 large water tanks (about 400 gallons capacity each), stored overnight, letting any residue sink to the bottom before being pumped to another tank where by chlorine is added (in accordance to the local health department). The treated water is then pump into a pressure tank before it reaches the room. Drinking water served with the lodge is boiled
The Village Shop
The village shop is run by villagers and the whole revenue goes to the village. It is erected as part of our social obligation to give something back to the village for accepting our lodge in their community.
The staff corporation is like a small sundry shop where you can buy insect repellent, leech socks, tidbits, and cold beverages like mineral water, beer and soft drinks. Rubber boots are also rented out here with sizes from 4-9 (UK size).
Meals
Meals are halal. Breakfast at 7.30 a.m., lunch at 12.30 p.m., and afternoon tea at 4.30 p.m. and dinner at 8.30pm. If you are a vegetarian or on gluten free diet please inform us beforehand. Free flow of tea and coffee are available for you at all times.
Health concern
You should bring your medication along with you. The nearest hospital is about 2 hours drive. If you suddenly find yourself unhealthy, inform the staff and they will assist in getting medical attention as soon as possible. It is perfectly common to be dehydrated. Children are more likely to suffer from it, as such we advise you to drink plenty of water.
Luggage
Each guest is allowed to carry only one bag and one carry-on item such as a purse or briefcase. Assistive devices and outer garments do not count as personal items.
Maximum Dimensions of Carry-on Luggage: 24” x 14” x 9” (length x width x height)
Maximum Dimensions of bag / suitcase / backpack : 62 linear inches / 158 cm (length + width + height)
If you have more bags than the permitted allowance or your bags exceed the linear restrictions, you would need to inform us beforehand as to enable us to inform the transport to do the necessary preparations to take along your luggages with us, failure to do so will result in either the guests be charged additional fees or they even might need to carry your own luggage.
Penalty fees are at minimum, RM20 per luggage.
Intinerary and Rates (in Malaysian Ringgit and per person)
Valid until December 2019
Tour starts from Bukit Garam / Kota Kinabatangan
Minimum 2 ADULTS
Peak season surcharge of RM10.00 per person is applicable during the following period:
1st June to 30th September
Program | Description | Duration | Single Traveller | Adult |
Child (12 years & below) |
1 Day/Full Day Trip from Sandakan (Sepilok Orang Utan/Sun Bear/ Gomantong Caves/Kinabatangan river cruise) |
Includes pickup from hotel in Sandakan, boat safari, and dinner Excludes insurance |
Duration 0830 to 2200 hours | - |
487
Single traveller RM699 |
389 |
Room Type | Description | Duration | Single Traveller |
Adult Twin Share |
Child (12 years & below) sharing room with Adult |
Deluxe Agamid with toilet, heated shower & aircond |
Kinabatangan Experience | 2D1N | as a | 477 | 380 |
Kinabatangan Safari | 3D2N | as above | 757 | 605 | |
Additional Night Stay (Deluxe) | - | as above | 190 | 152 | |
Dormitory | 8 Bed Dorm | ||||
with fan + common bath 33 unit |
Kinabatangan Experience | 2D1N | - | 408 | 326 |
Kinabatangan Safari | 3D2N | - | 477 | 380 | |
Additional Night | 100 | 80 |
SCHEDULED TRANSFER
From Sandakan (Wisma Khoo Siak Chiew), 11.30am
From Sepilok Orangutan Rehabilitation Cafe, 12.30-1pm
Returning from Nature Lodge Kinabatangan to Sandakan, 8.30am
Kinabatangan Safari Itinerary: 3 Days / 2 Nights
(For 2 days / 1 night Kinabatangan Experience programme remove Day 2 activities)
Tour starts from Bukit Garam / Kota Kinabatangan
DAY 1
1045 Meet and greet at Wisma Khoo Siak Chiew Building (in front of RHB bank) by our friendly driver of the day. Once on board, your driver will provide a short briefing about the journey.
OR
1130 Meet and greet at Sepilok Orang Utan Rehabilitation Centre (Sepilok café) or any lodges within Sepilok
1145 A transit stop at Mango Garden Restaurant for your own lunch, shopping and restroom. Start 2.5 hour journey to Nature Lodge Kinabatangan.
1230 Continue to Sepilok on a country road with secondary forest, plantations, small villages and occasional local shops on either side of the road. Your driver will make a stop at Medan Selera Kota Kinabatangan to pick-up more guest(s). Toilet is available at this stop for a fee.
1500 Drive through the narrow winding roads of Bilit village and arrived at Bilit jetty. Cross the river to NLK. After briefing on the lodge, collect room keys and settle in.
1600 Embark on an evening boat cruise in search of wildlife and birdlife along the mighty Kinabatangan River. The River is the longest in Sabah (560km) and is known for its remarkable wildlife and fascinating habitat.
Proboscis monkeys, Macaques, Silver Langurs, various species of hornbills, kingfisher birds, Oriental Darters and snakes are commonly spotted along Kinabatangan River. The area is also known for the sighting of the endemic
Borneo Pygmy Elephants (the smallest elephant in the world) and Orang Utan (The Wild Men of Borneo). As with nature, sighting of wildlife is not guaranteed.
1800 Return to the Lodge. Enjoy your dinner at Café Haji Awang, named after the village head.
1930 Meet at our AV room for a wildlife presentation by one of our nature guides. The presentation will provide you with the information of Kinabatangan wildlife and birdlife.
Proceed to a night walk at the back of the lodge in search of nocturnal creatures. The walk will lead you to a large insect screen. The light, set-up directly onto the screen attracts night-flying insects such as beetles, moths and others.
2045 Return to the Lodge to rest. Overnight. (D)
DAY 2
0530 Wake up to the sound of birds and get ready for the morning river cruise. Meet your guide at the jetty.
0600 Enjoy the morning breeze while you search for wildlife along river bank. Most of them have stayed there over night and will look for food before moving inside the forest, away from predators and hot sun. The wildlife is most active during early morning and in the evening. You then have bit of time in the middle of the day to catch up on a book, take a nap or sign-up for other activities.
0730 Back to lodge for breakfast.
0900 Meet your guide for a walk along Kinabatangan River to see the different species of trees and plants along the trail. While some parts of the forested areas in Kinabatangan remained preserved, many parts have gone through trees re-planting project as part of forest restoration or being converted to plantation. You will be able to spot the traditional fish trap set-up by the local villagers, using bottles.
On the way back to the Lodge, stop by at our composting area. As part of our ‘Go Green’ project, NLK composts organic waste and growis their own organic vegetables.
1200 Lunch at Haji Awang Cafe. Thereafter, you have a free and easy afternoon until the next river cruise.
You can opt to participate in a tree planting activity which is part of NLK efforts to support the forest restoration at Kinabatangan area or sign-up for batik silk painting featuring the wildlife of Kinabatangan and bring it home as a remembrance of your trip. Both optional activities are not within your standard package and are chargeable.
1600 Join in another afternoon river cruise to see more wildlife and birdlife.
1800 Return to the Lodge, freshen up and have dinner.
2000 Take the opportunity to learn the steps of our local dance with our talented staff before night trek.
2030 Enjoy the night trekking to watch sleeping birds and nocturnal creatures of the jungle.
2115 Return to your room. Overnight. (B/L/D)
DAY 3
0530 Get ready for the last river cruise along Kinabatangan River.
0730 Back to the Lodge for breakfast and then returning to your room to pack.
0830 Check out NLK, travelling to your drop off point. (B)
What is excluded?
Flight, insurance and optional items mentioned above.
Tourism Tax – RM10.00per room/night. Paid onsite
OTHER TOURS FROM SANDAKAN
Minimum 2 Adults
3D2N Sandakan Nature Safari (Sepilok Orangutan Rehabilitation, Bornean Sunbear Conservation, Kinabatangan and Gomantong Cave)
3D2N Selingan Turtle Island + Kinabatangan Experience (Selingan Turtle island, Sepilok Orangutan Rehabilitation, Bornean Sunbear Conservation, Kinabatangan and Gomantong Cave)
What to bring/ wear
There are no retail shops near Nature Lodge Kinabatangan. The reception sells some basic items such as cold beers, snacks, flashlight, insect repellent, leech socks, batteries, and souvenirs. You may want to bring your own snacks and drinks.
You can rent wellington boots. You will definitely need them in wet season when going for the night walk. Yes, there may be leeches.
We suggest to bring sweater, insect repellent, walking shoes / rubber shoes, shirt with long sleeve, socks, long pants for the night, umbrella/raincoat/poncho, towels, shorts, t-shirts, sandals, swiss knife, strong flashlight, personal medication, toothpaste/brush, soap/shampoo, sun block, hat with drawstring, sunglasses, camera with zoom lens and extra battery, and definitely good binoculars.
Getting There
The closest town is Sandakan. Since bus journey to Sandakan takes approximately 7 hours from Kota Kinabalu city, the preferred way of reaching Sandakan is by air. Malaysian Airlines flies directly to Sandakan from Kota Kinabalu 7 times a day.
If you are traveling from Kuala Lumpur, you can fly straight to Sandakan. Air Asia also flies directly from Bangkok and Johor Bharu (nearest Malaysian town to Singapore) to Kota Kinabalu.
For those coming by bus from Lahad Datu, Tawau or Kota Kinabalu, you are adviced to get off at Medan Selera, a coffee shop at Bukit Garam Kota Kinabatangan. Pick up from this point is at 1.30pm.
Responsible Tourism
THE KINABATANGAN FLOODPLAIN – A CORRIDOR OF LIFE
Additional info from WWF
WWF-Malaysia has engaged stakeholders and partners (government agencies, oil palm companies, tour operators and the local community) to address the issues of reforestation, protection and management of the area.
A 'Corridor of Life' Vision was formulated towards Sustainable Development for the area, which includes:
* A forest corridor along the Kinabatangan, connecting the coastal mangrove swamps with the upland forests, where people, wildlife, nature-based tourism and local forest industries thrive and support each other.
* A floodplain that supports a thriving and diverse economy that offers opportunity and choice to local people and businesses.
* Good environmental management of the natural capital on which all partners depends upon.
* A landscape in which agriculture, people and nature conservation is united by their common source of vitality – water.
Currently, the Kinabatangan - Corridor of Life team operates in two areas doing reforestation work:
* Lot 3 of the Kinabatangan Wildlife Sanctuary, close to our nursery in Kampung Bilit
* The Matarob area, close to Kampung Abai at the river mouth of the Kinabatangan
* Funding for sustainable forest management
As the management of such a vast area as the Kinabatangan is a costly affair, WWF-Malaysia is working with tourism operators in carrying out a pilot project called Voluntary Conservation Levy (VCL)to establish a fund which would finance the cost of protecting and reforesting (in essence ‘managing’) the area.
Wildlife viewing is a big draw for tourists to Kinabatangan and the VCL is targeted at tourists. The VCL concept encourages tourists to make a voluntary contribution towards nature conservation work in that area and to promote sustainable tourism.
Nature Lodge Kinabatangan is proud to be a partner in this pilot project. For every RM20 that our guest contributed, they will issue a VCL receipt on behalf of WWF – Malaysia. During peak months from May – September, the lodge may even match the guests contribution.