4D3N Sukau Rainforest Lodge - Selingan Turtle Island / Kinabatangan River Cruises / Sepilok Orangutan & Sunbear Visit

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

• For Selingan Island:
• There is only 1 join-in boat transfer to Selingan Island daily at 10:00AM, so please be in Sandakan by 9:00AM for the pick-up transfer to the jetty.
• Selingan Island rooms are furnished with two single beds and basic amenities, including air conditioning, ceiling fans, private bathrooms with standing showers, and towels. Please note that hot water is not available.
• The chalets are located approximately 600 meters from the beach. As there are no porters on the island, guests are required to carry their own luggage from the boat to the chalet. For ease of travel, we recommend bringing only the essentials for your one-night stay.
• A secure locker is available at the jetty for luggage storage. Guests may leave their bags there upon arrival and collect them the following morning.
• Snorkelling equipment is not available for rent on Selingan Island. Snorkels can be purchased at the jetty for RM30.00 each, or you may bring your own snorkelling gear.
• If you cannot get an early morning flight to Sandakan, it is possible to revise your itinerary to accommodate your flight arrival time with additional surcharges. Please speak with your sales representative for more information.
• Effective 1 January 2026, the use of single-use plastic bags is strictly prohibited in all Sabah Parks. This policy is implemented to safeguard the natural environment and protect both marine and forest ecosystems from pollution and long-term harm. Visitors are required to bring their own reusable eco bags when entering any Sabah Parks area.
• Scheduled Boat Transfer from Sandakan SYC Jetty - Sukau: 1:30PM
• Scheduled Boat Transfer from Sukau – Sandakan SYC Jetty: 9:00AM
• Please be informed that transfer from Sukau to Sandakan will be strictly by overland basis (at a surcharge) in order to reach airport in time for any departure flight before 1:30PM.
• 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.
• Note on Camera Use at Selingan Island: For any camera (phone, digital or still camera) for personal use are chargeable at RM10.00 PER UNIT for conservation permit purposes. Please note that FLASH PHOTOGRAPHY AND VIDEO TAKING IS STRICTLY PROHIBITED.
• 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 guests, it is recommended to travel light by preparing an overnight bag, per person before arriving in Selingan Island & Sukau Rainforest Lodge. A complimentary storage is provided for any extra luggage. (For guests departing & returning to Sandakan Only)
• November – February: Please be advised that your trip to Selingan Island involves boat journey via the Sulu Sea. In the event of adverse weather condition during or before the boat journey, your tour operator has the absolute discretion to cancel or postpone the trip if it is deemed that the journey will jeopardize the safety of our passengers. In the event of cancellation, a replacement tour will be offered. Your tour operator will not be liable for any compensation.

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.