Compare prices
EN
A proboscis monkey sitting in a tree with its baby.

Explore

Bilit & Abai

These two alternative base locations along the river offer quieter lodge experiences and distinct ecosystems.

Photo: tour listing on Viator

Bilit sits further upriver with excellent patches of primary forest. Abai is closer to the river mouth, featuring mangrove estuaries, and is completely roadless. Most visitors stay in these areas for a quieter alternative to the main hub.

A wide view inside a huge cave with people on a wooden walkway.
Photo: tour listing on Viator
01

Bilit Village

Base for 2-3 daysStrong chance for wild orangutans

Located further upriver from Sukau, Bilit hosts a smaller cluster of lodges. This area retains excellent patches of primary forest. It has a strong reputation for wild orangutan sightings in the surrounding jungle corridors.

A small boat carrying passengers along a wide, brown river.
Photo: tour listing on Viator
02

Abai

Base for 1-2 daysRoadless, boat access only

Situated closer to the river mouth, Abai is entirely roadless and accessible only by boat. It features dense mangrove ecosystems instead of standard rainforest. Take a night cruise here to see the mangrove trees light up with fireflies.

Book a Bilit Safari Package

Tour photo
2D1N Sandakan Private Tour with Kinabatangan River Cruise48 h 4.2 (23)from $290
private 2d1n river tourfrom $290 on Viator
Check dates