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.
Highlights
Although this is by no means a luxury lodge in terms of amenities, a stay here provides you with a rich experience
An abundance of wildlife to be seen, all you need to do is step out on to your veranda
There are wonderfully helpful and knowledgeable staff to look after you
Activities include boat trips along the Kinabatangan River, and walks through the rainforest
From the moment your first step off the boat into the grounds of Abai Jungle Lodge, there will always be something to see, whether that is a monkey, brightly coloured flowers in the lush gardens or a bearded pig, the area is a treasure-trove for nature lovers.
Accommodation is basic, but most visitors only spend a night or two here, and stays are very much about the experience rather than the rooms. There are 24 rooms, spread across chalets along the boardwalks. Each chalet has three rooms with a shared veranda. The rooms have overhead fans and en-suite bathrooms which have hot water showers.
The open-air restaurant has a lovely social atmosphere, as it is a popular stop-off point for visitors and locals on their way down the river. The restaurant serves delicious local produce and fresh fish brought in by the villagers. On the riverfront there is a large open deck which offers a charming place to relax and admire your surroundings.
You will spend your days going out on boat trips to cruise along the river, taking in the scenery and hopefully catching sight of the local inhabitants. Here, you may see pygmy elephants, orangutans, many species of birds, including hornbills and kingfishers, bearded-pigs, monkeys and snakes; to name but a few! There are also extensive boardwalks from the lodge into the jungle, and so there is plenty of opportunity to explore on foot.
When to visit
Don’t let the thought of snakes and spiders deter you from the night walk! It feels very adventurous and you will be in safe hands.
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Enquire NowAbai Jungle Lodge is situated at 47km from the river mouth of Kinabatangan River, the longest river in Sabah and Malaysia's second longest river.
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
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.
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 - 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 - 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 - 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.
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 - 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.
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.
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.
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.
