Named one of National Geographic's Unique Lodges of the World, Sukau Rainforest Lodge lies on the banks of one of Borneo's most important waterways, the Kinabatangan River, home to many of Borneo's magnificent wildlife. Immerse yourself in the tranquility of the rainforest and the cacophony of its inhabitants, including majestic birds, all 7 species of Bornean primates (including Borneo's iconic proboscis monkey), orangutans in their natural habitat, and herds of Borneo pygmy elephants. Sukau Rainforest Lodge offers rare comfort and luxury in the midst of the Borneo Rainforest whilst retaining an Eco-Lodge ethos, a delicate balance of true sustainability.
Getting There
Arrive in the city of Sandakan by either plane or overland. Upon arrival, transfer to the Sandakan jetty for a 2.5 hour boat ride up the Kinabatangan River to the Sukau Rainforest Lodge.
Lodge Details
Built on stilts in traditional “Longhouse” style, this lodge is safe from annual flooding. Sukau Rainforest Lodge also has a reference library, satellite phones, and free wifi. The 1500-ft Hornbill Boardwalk at the back of the lodge is the longest covered boardwalk in Borneo and includes two elephant passes that are built along the elephant migration route. Disabled facilities, a gift shop, foot spa, and a conference hall (Gomantong Hall) are among the new features. The 20 rooms and lodge underwent a $1 million upgrade in 2011.
The Sukau Rainforest Lodge chefs are able to prepare exceptional Malaysian or Western cuisine at the Melapi Restaurant, and are happy to prepare dishes that suit vegetarian diets. Guests are invited to enjoy the common areas including the Melapi Restaurant, Gecko Lounge, Hornbill Boardwalk, Halia Spa, Ape Gallery, Dip Pool, Sundeck, Gazebo, and Gomantong Hall.
Available for guest use:
• Welcome drink
• Free flow coffee & tea
• Board games
• Dart board
• Mini-library
• Wi-Fi in the Gecko Lounge and Gomantong Hall
All rooms are non-smoking and include:
• En-suite bathroom
• Wake-up call service
• Twin size beds
• Hairdryer (upon request)
• Iron and Ironing Board (upon request)
• Housekeeping service
• Solar-heated hot shower
• Towels
• 2-in-1 eco-friendly shampoo and body soap dispenser
The Sukau Rainforest Lodge accepts Mastercard, Visa, and American Express for giftshop or Gecko Lounge purchases.
Activities
*Depending on your tour, some of the below activities may be included in your stay. Please contact us for further details and rates for additional excursions.
Orangutan and Langur Tracks (Full Day) - A full day of adventure trekking through the rainforest in search of wild orangutans and silver langurs! Proceed on an overland journey to the Gomantong Caves surrounded by primary rainforest, an ideal place for wildlife sightings. Let your guide lead you deep into the forest along selected trails in search of "the man of the jungle." Enjoy a boat cruise on your way back in search of more wildlife along the riverbanks.
Gomantong Caves Wildlife Experience (Half Day) - Drive 17 miles overland to the Gomantong Caves. The caves are surrounded by primary rainforest, rich in fruiting fig trees which make them an ideal place to spot orangutans in the wild. Spend your time exploring the caves and surroundings until sunset, when you are overwhelmed by the exodus of over two million bats heading out for the night! Also witness swiftlets entering the cave to nest and raptors (eagles) swooping in and preying on the bats - a Bornean wildlife experience like no other!
Bornean Pygmy Elephant Search (Half Day) - Enjoy an early morning or late afternoon river cruise in search of wild elephants. The Bornean pygmy elephant can be seen mostly along the floodplains, tributaries, and the upper catchment of the Kinabatangan River. They also like to feed along the river banks in the cool of the morning or evening.
Rejuvenating Foot Spa Treatment (1 hour) - Give your tired feet a treat with this rejuvenating foot spa treatment. Relax in the vicinity of the rainforest.
Guided Nature Walk (45 min.) - Go on a guided walk along the covered Hornbill Boardwalk through the jungle behind the lodge. Learn about the unique characteristics of Borneo's vegetation and their value for humans and wildlife alike. Among the many species of plants you can find rattan, python's sat, wild ginger, strangling fig, and wild betel leaf. Get to know about the tree from which local hunters used to extract sap for their blowpipes and also taste a wild garlic tree. The boardwalk includes two elephant passes that are a part of the elephants' migration route along the Kinabatangan River - you may encounter some elephants during your walk! The rainforest surrounding the boardwalk is also home to orangutans, Bornean gibbons, macaques, slow lorises, western tarsiers, hornbills, langurs, binturongs as well as insects such as cicadas and centipedes, so keep your eyes open!
Night Cruise (1 hour) - Let your guide take you on a Sukau Safari night cruise along the Kinabatangan River. Experience the ambience of the Kinabatangan under the stars while spotting nocturnal animals. Look out for the estuarine crocodile, the Buffy fish-owl, a range of kingfishers, monitor lizards, civet cats, clouded leopards as well as proboscis monkeys and langurs sleeping in the tree tops. As a complimentary gift you will receive a photo CD with about 214 pictures of Sukau & Kinabatangan to share with your friends and family at home.
River Cruise - Cruise along the Kinabatangan River on a relaxing excursion in search of wildlife.
Batik Painting - Unleash your creative side by trying our Batik painting activity. Batik is a technique of traditional wax-resist dyeing of textiles. Learn these techniques while creating your own design and be inspired by the rainforest surroundings.
