Sukau Rainforest Lodge

Location
Sukau Rainforest Lodge lies on the banks of the Kinabatangan River, deep in the heart of Sabah’s lowland rainforest. It’s accessed by a scenic boat journey from Sukau village, offering a peaceful, remote setting surrounded by rich biodiversity. With no roads in or out, the lodge feels fully immersed in the wild – yet remains easily reachable from Sandakan.

Rooms
The lodge offers 20 well-designed rooms and villas, all raised on stilts and connected by timber boardwalks. Each is equipped with air conditioning, ceiling fans, en-suite bathrooms with solar-heated water, and screened windows. Villas provide extra space, privacy and private balconies that look out over either the jungle or the river, ideal for wildlife viewing right from your room.

Amenities
Thoughtfully built with minimal impact on the environment, the lodge includes a riverside restaurant, plunge pool, viewing decks, a small spa and a library. Meals are served buffet-style with a mix of local and international flavours. A peaceful lounge area offers views over the Kinabatangan, and Wi-Fi is available in shared spaces. Solar power runs much of the lighting and water heating, and electric motors are used for quieter, more wildlife-friendly cruises.

Activities
Wildlife safaris by boat are the main attraction, with multiple departures daily to explore the river and its tributaries. Guests can expect to see proboscis monkeys, hornbills, orangutans, crocodiles and sometimes even pygmy elephants. Guided boardwalk walks and nature talks add a deeper layer to the experience, while cultural encounters, batik workshops and conservation activities offer ways to connect more meaningfully with the region.

Sustainability
Sukau Rainforest Lodge is a flagship example of low-impact tourism done well. Built on raised platforms to preserve the forest floor, the lodge uses solar energy, filtered rainwater and a bio-septic system to protect the surrounding environment. Their electric riverboats reduce noise pollution, while ongoing reforestation and community programmes support conservation and local livelihoods. Recognised by National Geographic as a Unique Lodge of the World, it’s a stay that’s as responsible as it is remarkable.