Rainforest accommodation in Borneo
| country: | Malaysia, Borneo |
| location: | Sabah & Sarawak |
| departures: | Due to it's location it is not possible to access the lodge without taking a tour. There are a number of tours available to suit various budgets and interests |
| price: | From US $178 (2 days) - US $815 (7 days) excluding flights, depending on tour chosen |
| vouchers: | Gift vouchers can be used with this holiday |
check out similar holiday ideas...
introduction to Rainforest accommodation in Borneo
Welcome to an multi international award winning ecolodge.
At 560km long, Kinabatangan River is Sabah’s longest and Malaysia’s second longest river. Much of the lower Kinabatangan River is gazetted under the Kinabatangan Wildlife Sanctuary and it meanders through a flood plain creating numerous ox-bow lakes and making it an ideal environment for some of the best wildlife and birdlife found in Malaysia.
Since the opening of our 20 rooms ecolodge in 1995 we have been continuously improving our facilities to create a unique nature experience for our guests.
We have an open lounge area with ceiling fan, restaurant (soft drinks, beer and wine), open deck, library, gift shop, covered varendah, enclosed hanging garden and solar water heaters. All twenty rooms are twin bedded with ceiling fan, mosquito netting, dressing table, attached bathroom and toilet with hot water, shampoo/soap dispenser with wall to wall ceramic tiles.
A 1500ft covered rainforest Hornbill Boardwalk is the longest in Borneo. It includes two elephant passes and is built along the elephant migration route.
Wildlife
Kinabatangan Wildlife Sanctuary is one of two known places in the world to be inhabited by ten species of primates, four of which are endemic to Borneo. It is also one of two places in the world where four colobines inhabit the same place - namely proboscis monkey, silvered langur, maroon langur and Hose’s or grey langur. It has the highest concentration of proboscis monkeys and orang utans in Malaysia. Other wildlife include long-tailed macaque, pig-tailed macaque, Bornean gibbon, two nocturnal primates namely western tarsier and slow loris and other mammals including Asian elephant and Sumatran rhinoceros.
Some 27 species of bats or an estimated 2 million bats, mostly wrinkled-lipped bats roost in Gomantong Caves. Among the famous inhabitants are four species of swiftlets namely white-nest swiftlet, black-nest swiftlet, mossy-nest swiftlet and white-bellied swiftlet. However only the first two species produce the coveted edible nests, which are made out of their saliva. A top grade white nest can fetch as much as US$4,000 / kg in Hong Kong.
Birdlife: Among the 200 species found in the region are 8 species of hornbill (rhinoceros, helmeted, black, pied, wreathed, wrinkled, white crowned and bushy crested), oriental darter, several species of egret, Storm’s stork, Sunda ground cuckoo, stork billed kingfisher, brahminy kite, crested serpent eagle, greater coucal, red-crowned barbet, black and yellow broadbill, white-rumped shama, white-chested babbler, heron, hawk, osprey, falcon, pheasant, parakeet, buffy fish owl, frogmouth, nightjar, trogon, bee eater, roller, woodpecker, pitta, swallow, bulbul, forktail, warbler, flycatcher, flowerpecker, spiderhunter, drongo, oriole and crow.
Tours
Due to the location it is not possible to access the lodge without taking a tour. A variety of tours is available, please see sample itinerary below (from US$ 538 per person ex flights).
Activities include jungle walks, night cruises, boardwalks, birdwatching, abseiling, fishing, slide shows, local home visits, wilderness camping, and cultural presentation. We offer river cruises with locally handcrafted wooden boats using "silent" electric motor for close up wildlife viewing, a 'window' seat for every guest, first class life jackets and a free night cruise if you don't see proboscis monkeys during the first cruise. You can even have a romantic candle light dinner overlooking the river under the Borneo sky!
At 560km long, Kinabatangan River is Sabah’s longest and Malaysia’s second longest river. Much of the lower Kinabatangan River is gazetted under the Kinabatangan Wildlife Sanctuary and it meanders through a flood plain creating numerous ox-bow lakes and making it an ideal environment for some of the best wildlife and birdlife found in Malaysia.
Since the opening of our 20 rooms ecolodge in 1995 we have been continuously improving our facilities to create a unique nature experience for our guests.
We have an open lounge area with ceiling fan, restaurant (soft drinks, beer and wine), open deck, library, gift shop, covered varendah, enclosed hanging garden and solar water heaters. All twenty rooms are twin bedded with ceiling fan, mosquito netting, dressing table, attached bathroom and toilet with hot water, shampoo/soap dispenser with wall to wall ceramic tiles.
A 1500ft covered rainforest Hornbill Boardwalk is the longest in Borneo. It includes two elephant passes and is built along the elephant migration route.
Wildlife
Kinabatangan Wildlife Sanctuary is one of two known places in the world to be inhabited by ten species of primates, four of which are endemic to Borneo. It is also one of two places in the world where four colobines inhabit the same place - namely proboscis monkey, silvered langur, maroon langur and Hose’s or grey langur. It has the highest concentration of proboscis monkeys and orang utans in Malaysia. Other wildlife include long-tailed macaque, pig-tailed macaque, Bornean gibbon, two nocturnal primates namely western tarsier and slow loris and other mammals including Asian elephant and Sumatran rhinoceros. Some 27 species of bats or an estimated 2 million bats, mostly wrinkled-lipped bats roost in Gomantong Caves. Among the famous inhabitants are four species of swiftlets namely white-nest swiftlet, black-nest swiftlet, mossy-nest swiftlet and white-bellied swiftlet. However only the first two species produce the coveted edible nests, which are made out of their saliva. A top grade white nest can fetch as much as US$4,000 / kg in Hong Kong.
Birdlife: Among the 200 species found in the region are 8 species of hornbill (rhinoceros, helmeted, black, pied, wreathed, wrinkled, white crowned and bushy crested), oriental darter, several species of egret, Storm’s stork, Sunda ground cuckoo, stork billed kingfisher, brahminy kite, crested serpent eagle, greater coucal, red-crowned barbet, black and yellow broadbill, white-rumped shama, white-chested babbler, heron, hawk, osprey, falcon, pheasant, parakeet, buffy fish owl, frogmouth, nightjar, trogon, bee eater, roller, woodpecker, pitta, swallow, bulbul, forktail, warbler, flycatcher, flowerpecker, spiderhunter, drongo, oriole and crow. Tours
Due to the location it is not possible to access the lodge without taking a tour. A variety of tours is available, please see sample itinerary below (from US$ 538 per person ex flights).
Activities include jungle walks, night cruises, boardwalks, birdwatching, abseiling, fishing, slide shows, local home visits, wilderness camping, and cultural presentation. We offer river cruises with locally handcrafted wooden boats using "silent" electric motor for close up wildlife viewing, a 'window' seat for every guest, first class life jackets and a free night cruise if you don't see proboscis monkeys during the first cruise. You can even have a romantic candle light dinner overlooking the river under the Borneo sky!
day-by-day itinerary
| Day 1: | Morning arrival in Sandakan, be met by local guide & visit Sepilok Orang Utan Rehabilitation Centre. Travel by boat (2hrs) to the Lodge built along Sabah’s longest river, Kinabatangan with the chance to view birds and wildlife in virgin mangrove, wetland and rainforest habitats. Late afternoon take a river cruise using electric motor in search of some of the ten primate species including Proboscis Monkeys as they settle down on treetops along the Kinabatangan River. Return to the Lodge for solar heated hot shower, candle-lit dinner and slide show conducted by naturalist guide. Overnight. (L,D) |
| Day 2: | Wake-up calls of gibbons and hornbills & 6am wildlife cruise up the Kinabatangan River. Short jungle walk & chance to participate in a conservation project by planting trees at our 64 acres of adopted land. After breakfast, transfer by boat to Sukau Village for a short tour. Afternoon wildlife cruise. After dinner, optional night safari cruise (additional cost). Overnight. (B,L,D) |
| Day 3: | 27 Km overland journey to Gomantong Caves with short 20 min trek through rainforest. Briefing on cave fauna (bats, crabs etc.) & significance to local economy. When in season, witness the collecting of birds’ nests by the local people using bamboo ladders and poles. Continue on another 2 hours drive to the town of Lahad Datu for lunch. 1 hr transfer to Tabin Wildlife Reserve, the largest wildlife reserve in Malaysia, check-in & rest. Afternoon visit to the Lipad mud volcano (20 min jungle trek) frequented by deer, wild boars, elephants and birds. Those adventurous can experiment with the mud said to be responsible for fine complexion. After dinner wildlife watching activities. Overnight. (B,L,D) |
| Day 4: | Trek through the lush green jungle known for its rich diversity of plants and animal species to visit Lipad’s Waterfall. Take a swim, explore the vegetation or just relax. Return to base in the afternoon. Birdwatching at dusk, and after dinner wildlife watching activities. Overnight. (BLD) |
| Day 5: | After breakfast, stroll to the nearby rock pool or riverside. Choose to take a dip in the water or simply immerse yourself in nature. After lunch, transfer to Lahad Datu airport. (BL) |
traveller reviews for Rainforest accommodation in Borneo
The most memorable part was being able to see Proboscis monkeys and macaques very close, and seeing Orangutans in trees along the river. (more)
highly commended
This tourism business was Highly Commended in our 2006 First Choice Responsible Tourism Awards the largest awards of their kind in the world, and organised by responsibletravel.com in association with The Times, World Travel Market and Geographical Magazine, of the Royal Geographical Society. Since 2004, the Awards has recognised individuals, companies and organisations in travel making a big commitment to the culture and economies of local communities and helping to conserve biodiversity.
For each accommodation we need a making a difference section to explain 'how this trip makes a difference'.
Objectives of making a difference sections
To explain to the traveller in real, tangible terms how this trip -
To explain to the traveller in real, tangible terms how this trip -
- Benefits local people (all product)
- Supports conservation (if relevant)
- Minimises waste, energy use, other environmental impacts (all product)
- Minimises any negative cultural impacts (if relevant)
Tip 1: Avoid generalities, we need to know specifics!
Tip 2: We must feature how we support people AND minimise environmental impacts
Tip 3: Read the making a difference paragraphs on the site for inspiration
It's marketing too!
Write them in such a way that makes the accommodation appealing! We market more ‘authentic’ holidays. Authentic travel is about -
Tip 2: We must feature how we support people AND minimise environmental impacts
Tip 3: Read the making a difference paragraphs on the site for inspiration
It's marketing too!
Write them in such a way that makes the accommodation appealing! We market more ‘authentic’ holidays. Authentic travel is about -
- Real experiences based around local cultures and lives, not experiences created and packaged up for tourism
- Meaningful connection with local people, traditions, food, culture
- The ability to be part of, and to contribute to a place
- The sense of belonging and of making a difference
Tip 5: Storytelling is the most powerful form of marketing we have. Tell the story behind the brochure, and of the people involved in this tourism venture. Make it personal.
Getting tourists involved.
Responsible comes from the word to respond. It means to be open to your surroundings, to react to them, and to be part of it in some small way.
Tip 6: Where possible we should encourage members to identify how tourists can participate and be actively involved in making a difference. For example -
- We have joined forces with Kasbah du Toubkal and Room to Read to assist in providing educational books for schools in Morocco. If you would like to offer your support to the project, please bring with you any educational books that will appeal to students from ages 5-18.
- Guests to the house are encouraged to bring unwanted clothing which is welcomed by families especially in the nearby countryside. The practice is socially acceptable because of the important Islamic principle of 'sadaqua', or alms-giving.
Use the following questions as a guide for the kind of information we are looking for in the making a difference sections. Please elaborate and give details.
CommunityHow do you support the local community? Are you involved in local fundraising events or raise awareness? If yes, please give details.
Do you support charities? If so which ones? What do they do? Do you donate money on a regular basis? If yes how much?
Do you volunteer? If so, how often? Do inform your guests about the charity? If so how? Please give details
Do you encourage guests to visit local attractions, eat in local restaurants and buy local produce? If so how?
In what ways do you encourage your guests to engage with the local community?
Do you encourage your guests to use public transport or local services? If so how and which ones?
Do you employ local staff? If so how many? Tell us about them.
Do you train your staff? How has your training/employment benefited the lives of local people?
Do you buy local produce? If so where from? Do you use local produce in guests’ meals?
Do you use local services? If so which? (builders/electricians/plumbers). Do you always use the same people?
Environment
Do you get your electricity from a green energy scheme? If so which one? Is it hydro electric or wind turbines? Do you have your own energy source? Is it solar power, wind turbines or hydro? Please give details
How do you minimise energy use? Do you use energy efficient light bulbs and appliances? If so which ones? Do you turn off lights and turn appliances off standby when not in use? Do you have locks on rooms that turn off appliances when guests go out?
Do you collect rain water for use in the garden? How many water butts do you have?
Do you have showers and half flush toilets?
Do you have a grey water recycling system? If so please give details
Do you have a laundry scheme? How often do you change sheets and towels?
Do you use eco cleaning products? If so which ones? Do you use these in guests’ rooms or just your areas? Do you use eco washing up liquid? Do you use eco balls or an eco washing powder for laundry?
Do you cultivate your garden without the use of pesticides and fertilisers? Please give details
Do you encourage wildlife in our garden or farmland? If so how? Do you have a pond? Do you have bird boxes/bat boxes?
Do you leave an area of the garden uncut to encourage wild flowers? If so please give details.
Do you compost organic and garden waste? Please give details
Do you recycle? If so what do you recycle? Do you recycle guests waste? Do you encourage guests to separate waste for recycling?
Do you support local conservation projects? If so which ones? How do you support them? Do you encourage guests to support them? If so how?
Do you run a paper free office? Do you use recycled stationary? Do you work from home to avoid transport pollution? Please give details
Do you give your guests information about the conservation of the natural environment? If so how?
how this holiday makes a difference
|
|
Tourism can be good and bad for destinations & local people. We carefully screen every holiday against our criteria for responsible travel. 'Look behind the brochure' to find how each holiday makes a difference (see left). We don't claim to be perfect - there is no global accreditation - but we've led the way since 2001 and screened 1000's of holidays. We invite every traveller to write a review about their experiences and responsible tourism. This valuable feedback is sent to the people who run the holidays. We keep a very close eye on it and take off holidays that don't live up to our standards. |
We strengthen the conservation effort of the places visited and support conservation programs and organizations working to preserve the environment. 
Whenever possible we give local people priority in employment opportunities and provide contract jobs where appropriate and other forms of benefits including community and environment projects. and train and upgrade staff skills. We train & upgrade staff skills, and never give out handouts but encourage community self reliance. check out similar holiday ideas...