Sukau Rainforest Lodge

Experience the best of Borneo’s wildlife at Sukau Rainforest Lodge, named one of the most unique lodges in the world by National Geographic. Poised on the edge of the Kinabatangan River in Sabah and accessible only by boat, this eco-lodge is a complete rainforest immersion experience, where the soundtrack of tropical birds, primates, and elephants switches on and the comfort of jungle luxury kicks in.

Property Details

The 20 bright and spacious rooms at Sukau Rainforest Lodge are outfitted with modern en suite bathrooms, hot water showers, and tropical décor of white, wood accents, and local blue textiles. Each is also named after an important person who has stayed there, a favorite of which is the room named for Sir David Attenborough, who stayed at Sukau during one of his filmings in Malaysia. The proximity to the surrounding nature is felt throughout—witness pygmy elephants walk through the jungle just beyond the window, see monkeys jumping from roof to roof, and open the door to raised wooden walkways surrounding the butterfly-ridden garden.

With five distinct habitats, the Lower Kinabatangan Wildlife Sanctuary around Sukau is known to house some of the highest concentration of wildlife in Borneo. Set out on an early dawn river cruise or jungle walk along the Hornbill Boardwalk to see some of the famous wildlife, such as the Borneo Pygmy Elephant, Bearded Pig, and 10 primate species including the iconic Proboscis monkeys, the Orangutan, and the Borneo Gibbon. There are also more than 200 species of birds found in the area, including all eight species of the Borneon hornbill.

Cool off after a morning in the jungle with a dip in the plunge pool, filled with water harvested from the Sukau rains. Sip on an exotic cocktail from the bar, or take in afternoon tea on the viewing deck above the river. There is nothing quite like dining on the river’s edge before zipping off into your private boat or canoe for your next wildlife adventure. Return in the evening, don a traditional sarong, and head to the open-air Melapi Restaurant for a simple, fresh, and delicious dining experience under the stars.

Sukau Rainforest Lodge is a careful balance of luxury, comfort, and eco-lodge ethos. The facility prides itself on being the first lodge in the area founded on ecotourism principles, enlisting locals to staff the property and setting aside a portion of each international reservation toward several community, medical, education, and environmental projects. Guests can therefore take comfort in knowing that their stay is directly contributing to the local culture and wildlife habitat.