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.
Highlights
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!
Plan your trip
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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.
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 cosy lodge provides a fantastic base for spotting the wealth of wildlife that can be found in the area.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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 - 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.
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.
