Sukau village is situated on the lower course of the Kinabatangan river, one of the longest rivers in Borneo. Cruising by village boats on this river and it's tributaries offers one of the best opportunities in Sabah to observe Bornean wildlife.

Of particular interest is the rich primate fauna; this is one of only two areas in Asia with 10 primate species. These include several Bornean endemics (only found in Borneo), such as the Proboscis monkey, Maroon langur and the Bornean gibbon.

Kg. Sukau is also located on the boundary of an important protected area in Sabah, the Kinabatangan Wildlife Sanctuary. It is one of only a few protected wetland sites in Sabah, and is part of an important conservation area for primates, larger mammals (such as the Asian elephant) and other wild animals of the wetlands (otters, Storm's stork and the flat headed cat are notable examples).