3D2N Sukau Rainforest Lodge - Kinabatangan River Cruises & Sepilok Orangutan

About Sukau Rainforest Lodge

The 20 rooms, multi international award winner, has just been recognized by National Geographic as a National Geographic Unique Lodges of the World. Awarded the Best Nature Lodge in Sabah by Sabah Tourism in 2013/2014, named by National Geographic Adventure magazine in 2009 as one of the top 50 jungle lodges in the world and the winner of the 17th World Travel Awards 2010 as Asia's leading Green Hotel. 

Built in 1995 in traditional Malaysian architecture using several Borneo hardwood species, it went through a major RM2 million renovation in 2010. It is built on stilts with a bar lounge, gift shop, plunge pool, Gomantong Hall meeting place, education centre, Hornbill Boardwalk, three open decks for wildlife viewing, an enclosed garden, a riverside Melapi restaurant, open sun-deck, river jetty. All rooms have attached bathroom and shower water is supplied through rainwater harvesting and hot water by solar heaters. Air is cooled by cross ventilation air currents, ceiling fan and since July 2016 energy saving inverter air-conditioning. Lighting is supplemented by oil lamps using recycled cooking oil. River tours are conducted by boats powered by electric motors and eco-friendly outboard engines.

The Lower Kinabatangan Wildlife Sanctuary which covers an area of 26,800 hectares, forms part of the Kinabatangan region which is the largest floodplain the Malaysia covering a total of 23% of the land area of Sabah or 16,800 sq.km. Gazetted in 2005 as a gift to the Earth, it has a diverse ecosystem from coastal mangrove swamp, to riparian, freshwater and dipterocarp and oxbow vegetation teaming with wildlife supporting ten species of primates including more than 1,000 orang utans, proboscis monkeys, more than 300 Borneo pygmy elephants, 50 species of mammals, 20 species of reptiles and over 1,026 species of plants. Birdlife is especially rich here (over 325 species have been sighted in the area) including eight species of hornbills, kingfishers, darters, owls, kites, eagles, broadbills, doves, storm storks, herons, hawks, ospreys, falcon, pheasants, parakeets, bee eaters, woodpeckers, pittas, bulbuls, forktails, babblers, warblers, flycatchers, orioles, flowerpeckers, spiderhunters, among others.

Important Notes

• Unscheduled Transfer will incur an additional surcharge (Overland) / Any departure EARLIER THAN 2:00PM will strictly be overland basis with a surcharge. However this is still subject to your onwards destination (Boat)
• Scheduled Overland Transfer from Sandakan - Sukau: 1:30PM
• Scheduled Overland Transfer from Sukau - Sandakan: 9:00AM
• Scheduled Boat Transfer from Sukau - Sandakan SYC Jetty: 9:00AM
• Note on Camera Use at Sepilok Orang Utan Rehabilitation Centre:
• For any camera with zoom lens from 100 to 400mm, video camera or other video recording equipment for personal use are chargeable at RM10.00 per unit. For any camera (fixed-lens - 400mm and above) or any filmmaking equipment are chargeable at RM1,000.00 per unit. Mode of payment is cash only.
• For the comfort and convenience of our guests, it is recommended to travel light by preparing an overnight bag, per person before arriving in Sukau Rainforest Lodge. A complimentary storage is provided for any extra luggage. (For guests departing & returning to Sandakan only)
• Every boat for the river cruises are equipped with outboard engines and electric motor. With its clean and quiet operation, the electric motor will be turned on to maneuver the boat only during wildlife viewing (if location and river current permits). This way, you’ll be able to truly enjoy the wildlife experience without disturbing the peace and quiet of the natural surroundings.

Important Update

Due to the recent rise in fuel prices stemming from the ongoing conflict in Iran, certain tour arrangements to Sukau Rainforest Lodge may be affected during this period. This applies to tours from 23rd April 2026 onwards until further notice.

For guests travelling to Sukau Rainforest Lodge, please note the following adjustments:

• Return boat transfers from Sandakan to Sukau Rainforest Lodge will be replaced with overland transfers by van or coach.
• Affected guests from the above adjustment will get to enjoy a complimentary 1-hour night river cruise on their first night of stay.
• Temporarily, any new requests for private cruises, extended river cruises, or conducting of optional tours will be on hold until further notice.

All other core experiences, including scheduled river cruises, will proceed as planned. If you have any questions or require further assistance, please reach out to your tour operator.