Myne Resort by the Kinabatangan River in Sandakan, Sabah

The Kinabatangan River is the longest river in Sabah and the second longest in Malaysia, meandering 560 km from the mountains of Sabah to the Sulu Sea via Sandakan. Being the largest vein in the rainforest, countless flora and fauna depend on it to thrive. From crocodiles to proboscis monkeys to pygmy elephants, the Kinabatangan River provides. Thus, making it a fantastic place for nature lovers to endear to wildlife.

The gateway through my river excursion was Myne Resort. Located at Kampung Bilit, this resort overlooks the Kinabatangan River in a compound so rustic that it will make you feel reincarnated (that was what I felt at least =)). It was very difficult to leave the place as my soul was telling me that this was the nourishment it needed. Humans should be reminded that there are other enjoyments other than the Gram.

Let's cruise through:
1. Myne Resort and its compound
2. Kinabatangan river cruise and wildlife
3. night safari and the Merbau tree
4. meals by the river

Only 20 acres of 160 acres of owned land was used for development of resort accommodation and facilities. The rest of the land is maintained as the wild. Myne Resort goes to lengths to sustain nature including hiring rangers to protect animals from being poached.

Throw yourself back to the simple things in life and you will realize those are the moments worth living for

When you are in the sky, remember to look out for the sight of the longest river in Sabah
meandering through the thick rainforest of Sabah

Travelling from Lahad Datu to Sandakan with the trusted MASwings
From Sandakan airport, hire a cab, rent a car, or take a bus to Kampung Bilit at Kinabatangan
which is approximately 116 km away. Nothing worth seeing comes easy!

1. Myne Resort and its compound

This place is a soul healer. Myne Resort is flanked with plants and flowers at every turn. With most structures built on stilts, it imbues a homely 'kampung' feeling. Although surrounded by wildlife, this place is well maintained. Nature is tamed to invigorate human lives.

Having said that, Myne Resort respects what existed before it. We were accompanied by a family of wild boar which was acclimatized to the presence of human but still protective of their young. During its season, pygmy elephants will claim their pathway which cuts across the compounds of the resort. Do not fret as Myne Resort has its experts to advice on balancing harmony with animals. To me, it was a fantastic opportunity to watch them without the zoo fencing.

A true rustic lifestyle overlooking the Kinabatangan river

Sights that will relax your soul

This sojourn has seeded lots of pleasure

A perfect place to gain clarity of the mind

What's the story morning glory!

At the porch to lounge and relax

Taking my time to saunter and appreciate

Lots of lounging space

Going under the lobby that is built on stilts

If only we took time to appreciate nature

The three of us came together to initially 'complain' about the lack of connectivity in this area (there is wifi in the resort though). After a while, we realized we were actually enjoying our chat without the interruption of internet. The quality of connection with friends is different here. 

The family of wild boar resting nearby

Serenity unrivalled

Clean and comfortable room

Do keep your doors and windows closed at all times in case of self-invited monkeys

Towels, toiletries and hot shower

Wake up to pristine air and lush vegetation

2. Kinabatangan river cruise and wildlife

Animals by the river bank occur mostly at dawn or dusk. Which is why the cruise is scheduled at 6am and 5pm. A guide will facilitate trip along the Kinabatangan river, making it more interesting. It is worth bringing a good camera as you will have to spot the animals from the boat and of course, do ensure that those gadgets are secured. Trust me, as uninterested as you are with animals, once you see them in their natural habitat, you will be fascinated.

P/S: Every photo is shot personally by yours truely

Cruising along the Kinabatangan river

Watching out for any signs of wildlife

When we saw this tree infested with long tail macaques, we were thrilled.

The proboscis monkey is the largest monkey and endemic in Borneo. A male Proboscis monkey has a protruding nose, long tail and a distinct big round belly. The more protruding the nose, the more attractive is the male to the females. They are arboreal animals (live on trees). They live in groups which consist of one alpha male, females and offsprings. Their community reminds me of kings and their concubines in the olden times. The females are even referred to as the harem.

This monkey is endangered and totally protected under the Wildlife Conservation Enactment 1977.

The silver leaf monkey or silvery lutong which is told to be difficult to spot. 

A real 3m long adult crocodile. In Malaysia, they are nicknamed Si Bujang. 

A baby near its mother

As I watched them with much fervour, I noticed how alike they are to humans. 

Having a feast on the bulb of water hyacinths

An orangutan gangway.
As orangutans cannot swim, our guide explained that kind hearted humans created that 2-rope bridge to help the ape cross the river.

As we ended our trip in the water, we caught sight of the retiring sun.

The moon was eagerly up at dawn

3. Night safari

When night falls, the excitement is not over. Our guides, Duniatu and Juni took us for a stroll in the forest. Torchlight, covered shoes, long sleeves and long pants are required for the night walk. Although entering the forest at night sounded eerily dangerous, it turned out to be an amazing experience. 

Of course, guides are a must, silence is to be observed and make sure not to wander off alone.

Take a night stroll at the Myne Safari

Make sure to be clothed properly, observe silence and move in groups always

In the forest, the guides brought us to a very special Merbau tree with an entrance at the bottom.
The Merbau tree is very durable and termite-resistant. The bark and leaves are used in traditional medicines. They are logged for flooring and furnitures which makes them endangered. This very tree has its history.

View from below and inside the Merbau tree.
This Merbau is believed to exist during World War II. According to the Kampung Bilit locals, this tree was used to hide their daughters from the Japanese soldiers. This tree could fit 10 people comfortably. 

This tree is still alive till this day. Good old Merbau serviced humans for a long time

Nocturnal bird spotted

Guide Juni trying to lure the fox with a papaya

Elephant shows its present with some dung

Did you know hornbills build their nests in any tree holes? Tree holes can be dug by other animals like the sun bear.
They cleverly use clay from ground and saliva to seal the hole, leaving just enough space for the female hornbill to receive food from the male to feed their young. The clay will be broken down when their young are ready to fly away.
Hornbills have permanent mates till one dies.

4. Meals by the river

Being far from town, all hot meals are provided in the comfort of Myne Resort. For those who likes to gaze at the moon with some spirit down the throat, there is the Pygmy Bar at your service. 

Dining hall at Myne Resort

A pleasant meal.
From top left: rice, kurma chicken, lamb stew, potato in white sauce, tom yum eggs, stir fried vegetables and soup of the day.

Wind down with some dessert, fruit and a cup of coffee

Breakfast options

Capturing every angle of nature's beauty

Myne Resort
Kampung Bilit, Kinabatangan, Sabah

Tel: +6089 278288 / 278291

Email: inquiryresort@myne.com.my, inquiry@mynetravel.com.my
Facebook: Myne Travel & Resort

Myne Travel Sdn. Bhd.
1st Floor, Block S, Lot No. 8B, Bandar Ramai-Ramai, 

Jalan Leila, 90000 Sandakan, Sabah, Malaysia

Office Hotline
+6089 223366 / 223377
Mon – Fri, 8:00 – 17:00
Sat, 8:00 – 13:00

Fax Number
+6089 223355

Mobile Hotline
+6012 854 8788 (Waty)
+6016 215 8790 (Rahima)
+6017 270 8789 (Amin)

The Sabah Series
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Myne Resort by the Kinabatangan River in Sandakan, Sabah
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Sepilok Nature Resort in Sandakan, Sabah
Where to Go and Attractions in Sandakan Town, Sabah
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