Located in the heart of the Kinabatangan River the Sukau Rainforest Lodge will have you immersed in nature and wildlife discovery. Explore the river observing wildlife from the comfort of you boat as your guide shares their knowledge of the ecology of Malaysia’s largest river system. Departing from Sandakan you will have the option of transferring to the lodge via boat or overland by vehicle. Tor guests staying in the Borneo Villas the boat transfer provides an early opportunity to observe wildlife as this transfer takes you from Sandakan through the mouth of the river and upstream to Sukau. Overland transfers are available for Superior Room bookings where you will then take a short boat transfer from the jetty in Sukau to the lodge. The lodge is surrounded by forest providing opportunities to observe the local fauna on site following the boardwalk trail putting you right on nature’s doorstep. The relaxing riverside deck is the perfect place to take a break and enjoy your meals as you watch the life of the river stir around you.
Superior Rooms (standard/overland transfers) & Borneo Villas (deluxe/boat transfers) both with hot & cold shower
Buffet style. Vegetarians and special diets catered for.
Eating deck over the river (set time for meals), electricity 24/7, wifi at lobby area (sporadic), laundry service.
When you book a DVFC trip with us, you will be accompanied by a knowledgeable Sticky Rice Travel nature guide who will accompany you on all your treks and night walks at the Field Center. Your guide will also assist with organizing additional excluded 4×4 activities such as night safari and sunrise observation during your time there.
Our guide to guest ratio is 1:8 so you will be with other guests who are booked on the same departure.
We can also accommodate private guide or specialist guide eg. birding guide requests.
Your journey will start at the Sepilok Orangutan Rehabilitation Centre (SORC) exploring the boardwalk through the forest and observing the orangutan feeding at 10 am, after feeding you will visit the nursery where young orangutans play and learn behaviours vital for their rehabilitation. After SORC you will make your way to the Borneo Sun Bear Conservation Centre (BSBCC) to see the World’s smallest bear and learn about their threats and the conservation measures being taken to help the species.
Lunch will soon follow before departing from Sandakan around 1:30 pm. Your transfer from Sandakan will take around 2½ hours for both the boat and overland journey to the multi awards winning Sukau Rainforest Lodge along Sabah’s longest river, the Kinabatangan. For those booking the Borneo Villas the boat transfer will offer opportunities to observe wildlife on your way to the lodge as the transfer will follow the river from the coastal mangroves around Sandakan, through nipa lined river banks and eventually into the upper reaches of the Kinabatangan River.
Once you reach take a moment to refresh before embarking on an afternoon river cruise
in search of the iconic wildlife along the Kinabatangan. Each boat is equipped with an electric motor in order to provide a more peaceful experience not just for you but for the wildlife also. Finish the day enjoying a candlelight dinner overlooking the riverbank followed by slide presentation and interpretation by one of the naturalist guides.
Lunch / Dinner
Note: Please make sure that you travel light to Sukau Rainforest Lodge.
There will be a complimentary Night Cruise if no sightings of the Proboscis Monkey on the FIRST Afternoon Cruise.
Start your first morning on the river with a 0600hrs river cruise up the Kinabatangan to Kelenanap Oxbow Lake to view the surrounding forest come to life. Return for breakfast, later proceeding to an educational tour along the lodge’s Hornbill Boardwalk with our in-house naturalist to learn more about the Kinabatangan Ecosystem. After lunch, join our in house Orangutan Talk activity. In the afternoon go in search of wildlife, and admire the stunning river landscape as the sunsets. Return to the lodge for dinner to enjoy your final evening at the lodge.
Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner
After breakfast, return to Sandakan by either boat or overland as per your room type. After lunch you will proceed to airport for the 1430hrs flight to Kota Kinabalu. For those taking the evening flight, you will have a chance to visit Rainforest Discovery Centre, a steel canopy walkway that puts you right at eye level with the creatures that occupy the treetops. Take a moment to explore the botanical garden where you will see a variety of plant species. Continue to the Sandakan Memorial Park for a short visit before continuing to the airport for your onward travel.
Breakfast / Lunch
Note: Any departure EARLIER THAN 1330HRS will strictly be overland basis with a surcharge. However this is still subject to your onwards destination.
Your journey will start at the Sepilok Orangutan Rehabilitation Centre (SORC) exploring the boardwalk through the forest and observing the orangutan feeding at 10 am, after feeding you will visit the nursery where young orangutans play and learn behaviours vital for their rehabilitation. After SORC you will make your way to the Borneo Sun Bear Conservation Centre (BSBCC) to see the World’s smallest bear and learn about their threats and the conservation measures being taken to help the species.
Lunch will soon follow before departing from Sandakan around 1:30 pm. Your transfer from Sandakan will take around 2½ hours for both the boat and overland journey to the multi awards winning Sukau Rainforest Lodge along Sabah’s longest river, the Kinabatangan. For those booking the Borneo Villas, the boat transfer will offer opportunities to observe wildlife on your way to the lodge as the transfer will follow the river from the coastal mangroves around Sandakan, through nipa lined river banks and eventually into the upper reaches of the Kinabatangan River.
Once you reach take a moment to refresh before embarking on an afternoon river cruise
in search of the iconic wildlife along the Kinabatangan. Each boat is equipped with an electric motor in order to provide a more peaceful experience not just for you but for the wildlife also. Finish the day enjoying a candlelight dinner overlooking the riverbank followed by slide presentation and interpretation by one of the naturalist guides.
Lunch / Dinner
Note: Please make sure that you travel light to Sukau Rainforest Lodge.
There will be a complimentary Night Cruise if no sightings of the Proboscis Monkey on the FIRST Afternoon Cruise.
Start your first morning on the river with a 0600hrs river cruise up the Kinabatangan to Kelenanap Oxbow Lake to view the surrounding forest come to life. Return for breakfast, later proceeding to an educational tour along the lodge’s Hornbill Boardwalk with our in-house naturalist to learn more about the Kinabatangan Ecosystem. After lunch, join ours in house Orangutan Talk activity. In the afternoon go in search of wildlife, and admire the stunning river landscape as the sunsets. Return to the lodge for dinner.
Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner
Take an early morning river cruise along the Menanggol River by a silent electric motor in search of wildlife to start your day. Enjoy your lunch riverside before embarking on a 27 km overland journey to the vicinity of Gomantong Cave. Gomontong Cave is ecologically important for the swifts and bats that occupy its cavern and economically important to local bird nest harvesters. Traverse deep into the forest along a trail in search of orangutans which are often seen feeding nearby. Witness the exodus of over two million bats as birds of prey eye off a meal. Return to Sukau Rainforest Lodge for your final evening on the Kinabatangan.
Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner
After breakfast, return to Sandakan by either boat or overland as per your room type. After lunch, you will proceed to the airport for the 1430hrs flight to Kota Kinabalu. For those taking the evening flight, you will have a chance to visit Rainforest Discovery Centre, a steel canopy walkway that puts you right at eye level with the creatures that occupy the treetops. Take a moment to explore the botanical garden where you will see a variety of plant species. Continue to the Sandakan Memorial Park for a short visit before your final transfer to the airport for your onward travel.
Breakfast / Lunch
Note: Any departure EARLIER THAN 1330HRS will strictly be the overland basis with a surcharge. However, this is still subject to your onwards destination.
Accommodation, meals, coffee, tea & drinking water, conservation fees, return transfers from Sandakan via boat for Borneo Villa bookings and overland for Superior Room bookings, return transfers from Sepilok/Sandakan hotel or airport, guide and activities.
Additional river cruises upon request, soft drinks and alcoholic beverages.
Head lamp, mosquito repellent, sunscreen, hat, sunglasses, binocular, dry bag, money (no ATM), water bottle, toiletries, basic first aid kit.
Daily based on a minimum booking of 2pax per departure.
Couples, families, and other travellers keen on wildlife and river cruise. We consider Sukau Rainforest Lodge a premier lodge on the river so it is suitable for those wanting a bit of luxury in the jungle.
Please send us an email to info@stickyricetravel.com for enquiries or click “Book Now” to use our contact us form.
