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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Inquire NowSukau Rainforest Lodge is on the banks of the Kinabatangan River, in Sabah, Borneo.
Kinabatangan Riverside Lodge
Kinabatangan Riverside Lodge is a laid back property set beside Sabah’s longest river. This eco-friendly lodge provides a simple but comfortable base for adventures along the river and into the rainforest, with some of Borneo's best wildlife-spotting.
Abai Jungle Lodge
Abai Jungle Lodge is located on the lush banks of the Kinabatangan River in Borneo. Built on stilts, and only reachable by boat, this simple but cozy lodge provides a fantastic base for spotting the wealth of wildlife that can be found in the area.
Borneo Rainforest Lodge
Borneo Rainforest Lodge, located in Sabah, is one of the most luxurious of the lodges found in Borneo. This rather special lodge offers an off the beaten track wildlife experience in the heart of the Danum Valley, surrounded by primary rainforest.
Sepilok Nature Lodge
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MY Nature Resort
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Tabin Wildlife Resort
Tabin Wildlife Resort is tucked away in the rainforest in Sabah, Borneo. Home to a plethora of wildlife species, it is a paradise for nature lovers. The resort offers a variety of activities, from game drives to hiking through the rainforest.
Shangri-La's Rasa Ria, Kota Kinabalu
The Shangri-La Rasa Ria is a luxurious resort located on a sandy beach on the coast of Sabah, Borneo. With a plethora of facilities and activities, including a Kids Club and golf course, this is a great option for both families and couples.
Gaya Island Resort
Gaya Island Resort is a luxurious retreat just off the coast of Kota Kinabulu in Borneo. Backed by lush green forest, and facing sandy shores and cerulean-blue sea, offering beautiful views towards Mt Kinabalu, this is an idyllic place to unwind.
Bunga Raya Island Resort
Set on a picturesque island off the coast of Sabah in Borneo, Bunga Raya is a stunning and secluded island hideaway. Framed by a crescent of white sand beach in a tranquil bay, and backed by centuries-old virgin rainforest, Bunga Raya is rather special.
Sukau Rainforest Lodge - Hornbill Boardwalk
Accompanied by the lodge's in-house naturalist, take a stroll along the Hornbill Boardwalk, keeping a eye out for the wildlife that can often been seen around the property.
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 colors change across the sky. You may be lucky enough to spot the fireflies begin to twinkle along the riverbanks as night falls.
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.
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.
Borneo Rainforest Lodge - “Coffin Cliff” Trek
Trek up to the “Coffin Cliff”, an ancient burial site of the Kadazandusun tribe, passing through picturesque rainforest and past waterfalls. You will also take in the best views of Danum Valley, and enjoy a refreshing dip in a natural Jacuzzi pool.
Tabin - Night Safari
After dinner, take an evening drive into the rainforest to try and spot some of the reserve's nocturnal wildlife. Away from the lights of the lodge, this is also a great opportunity for some stargazing.
Tabin - Lipad Waterfall
After breakfast, travel by vehicle to the 'core area' of the reserve, stopping off en route for some wildlife spotting and photography opportunities before starting your trek into the rainforest to visit the Lipad Waterfall.
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 meters long, and reaches 26 meters high at its peak, offering a different perspective into the rainforest.
Sukau Rainforest Lodge - Kelenanap Oxbow Lake
Start early this morning and take a boat cruise up the Kinabatangan River to the Kelenanap Oxbow Lake. The early morning is a great time to spot wildlife, and experience the rainforest coming alive as the sun rises.
