The Kinabatangan basin is a stunning natural wonderland. The river, which is the second-longest in Malaysia, is flanked by mangroves and lowland rainforests which are a haven for wildlife, including crocodiles, pygmy elephants and proboscis monkeys - not to mention orangutans! See them in their natural habitat at the Sepilok Orangutan Rehabilitation Centre - an unforgettable experience.
The lower Kinabatangan basin is the largest forest-covered floodplain in Borneo, and is full of wildlife - dawn and dusk are the best times to go on wildlife-spotting river cruises, where you might see an elephant or rhinoceros ambling by the riverbank, and crocodiles lazing in the water. The sunrises and sunsets here are simply spectacular, and after the sun goes down, fireflies flit around the riverside. The indigenous Orang Sungai people live beside the river, depending on its ecosystem for fish, as well as forest products such as rattan and beeswax. There are lodges dotted along the riverbanks, providing an ideal base for cruises and treks - back on land, a hike around the rainforests will reward you with more wildlife sightings, while dramatic limestone outcrops in the area have caves full of nesting colonies of birds, such as the impressive cathedral-like caverns of Gomantong cave.
Selingan Island
Selingan Island (also appropriately known as 'Turtle Island') is the largest island in Selingan Marine National Park and forms part of Turtle Island Park, which provides a haven for endangered green and hawksbill turtles. Here, turtles lay their eggs on the beach, where you can witness the incredible sight of the baby turtles hatching.
