Sukau Rainforest Lodge occupies a prime spot on the banks of the Kinabatangan River in Borneo. A National Geographic Unique Lodge, with excellent eco credentials, this is a fantastic base for wildlife spotting and exploring the surrounding area.
A National Geographic Unique Lodge of the World
Sukau Rainforest Lodge is committed to sustainable tourism, and supporting the local community
The Kinabatangan River has one of the highest wildlife concentrations in Borneo, and it is sometimes possible to see pygmy elephants around the lodge
All of the rooms have en-suite bathrooms, overhead fans and air-conditioning
Sukau Rainforest Lodge has 20 rooms and 20 villas, all of which have en-suite bathrooms, overhead fans and 24-hour air-conditioning; a welcome luxury in Borneo, and something that sets the lodge apart from many others. Like most of the lodges, the design and decor are fairly simple, but of a good standard.
The lodge's facilities will also ensure a comfortable stay for a few days, with a plunge pool, sun-deck, lounge-bar and enclosed garden. The riverside restaurant, Melapi, serves western-style breakfast and Malaysian cuisine for lunch and dinner. With an aim to make the most of the wildlife-rich surroundings, there are three open decks for wildlife viewing, and a Hornbill Boardwalk with two elephant passes.
The lodge is built on stilts with wooden walkways between each area, which helps to protect the local flora and fauna. The lodge is also entirely self-sufficient in terms of processing their own water, as well as using solar power to heat the water. The boats used on the river have electric motors, which reduce noise pollution and disruption to the wildlife. Sukau Rainforest Lodge's status as a National Geographic Unique Lodge re-enforces their commitment to sustainability and supporting the local community.
The Kinabatangan River is the second longest river in Malaysia, and a hugely important part of Borneo's eco-system. The areas around the river have some of the highest concentrations of wildlife in Borneo, including proboscis monkeys, Bornean gibbons, orangutans, pygmy elephants and bearded-pigs. There are also over 200 bird species, including all eight species of hornbill.
When to visit
My photos of the hugely comical but absolutely adorable proboscis monkeys make me laugh every time I look at them!
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Enquire NowSukau Rainforest Lodge is on the banks of the Kinabatangan River, in Sabah, Borneo.
17-hour international flight (one change) to Sandakan Airport. The lodge is a two-hour drive from Sandakan.
Sukau Rainforest Lodge - River Cruise
Take a cruise along the Kinabatangan River, keeping an eye out for the local wildlife, which can include crocodiles, proboscis monkeys, pygmy elephants, hornbills and sometimes even the elusive orangutan.
Borneo Rainforest Lodge - Canopy Walk
An adventure along Borneo Rainforest Lodge's canopy walk is often one of the highlights of a stay here. This suspended walkway is 300 metres long, and reaches 26 metres high at its peak, offering a different perspective into the rainforest.
Tabin - Early Morning Bird Walk
Early in the morning, set off for a walk to try and spot some of the wonderful birdlife that can be found around the Tabin Wildlife Reserve.
Borneo Rainforest Lodge - Rainforest Trek
Accompanied by your expert guide, trek through the pristine primary rainforest of the Danum Valley. This is one of the oldest rainforests in the world, filled with wonderful wildlife, astonishing plants, tumbling waterfalls and mysterious rock pools.
Kinabatangan River - Afternoon River Cruise
In the late afternoon set off by boat to explore the Kinabatangan River. Enjoy the scenery as the sun sets, watching the colours change across the sky. You may be lucky enough to spot the fireflies begin to twinkle along the riverbanks as night falls.
Tabin - Lipad Mud Volcano
During your stay at Tabin Wildlife Reserve, visit the Lipad Mud Volcano. This active volcano provides an important mineral salt lick for the many mammals and birds in the area.
Sepilok Orangutan and Sun Bear Sanctuary
Visit the famous Sepilok Orangutan Rehabilitation Centre. Here you will have a chance to see successfully rehabilitated orangutans coming to feeding platforms, and perhaps even juvenile orangutans during one of their daily training sessions.
Borneo Rainforest Lodge - Night Safari
Hop into the back of an open-air truck for a night safari; a great time to see nocturnal primates such as the slow loris, flying red squirrel, samba deer, and civets. Your guide will use a strong torch to search for wildlife as you bump along the track.
Tabin - Dusk Drive
As the dusk sets in, venture out in the jeep to see if you can spot any of the reserve's daytime wildlife nesting down for the evening, or the nocturnal animals beginning to emerge to search for food and water.
