Sukau Rainforest Lodge

Forest
Waterside
Wildlife
Culture
Nature

Solar-powered lodge on Borneo’s Kinabatangan River with immersive wildlife

A solar-powered lodge on Borneo’s Kinabatangan River offering immersive wildlife encounters with proboscis monkeys, orangutans, and pygmy elephants right from your doorstep. Sukau Rainforest Lodge stands on the banks of the Kinabatangan River in Sabah, Borneo. Raised wooden boardwalks connect 20 rooms and villas built on stilts, allowing wildlife to pass beneath. The lodge’s architecture blends with the rainforest, using local hardwoods and natural ventilation.

Guest rooms look out onto river or jungle, with ceiling fans, screened windows, and solar-heated showers. Electric boats take guests on dawn and dusk cruises to spot proboscis monkeys, hornbills, crocodiles, and sometimes pygmy elephants. A wildlife viewing tower and plunge pool overlook the river. Guided walks explore the surrounding lowland forest, one of Borneo’s most biodiverse areas.

Sustainability

Climate & conservation

Pioneered solar power in the Kinabatangan region
The structure is built on five-foot stilts using local hardwoods like Belian and Merbau
Electric-engine boats for river excursions on the Menanggul tributary
Non-biodegradable waste transported to Sandakan for recycling

Community & culture

Employs 80% local Orang Sungai staff from Kg Sukau
Employee development, The company provides mentorship and professional training that has allowed entry-level staff to become certified nature guides and lodge supervisors.
Funds projects across Sabah through its non-profit BEST Society
Melapi restaurant sources fish and prawns from local Sukau fishermen

Commercial

Winner of a British Airways 'Tourism for Tomorrow' Award
A RM32 conservation contribution from every international guest
Recognises conservation figures like Sir David Attenborough

In brief

Price bracket: ££
Type of property: Lodge
No. of rooms: 20 rooms
Max guests per room: Rooms and villas sleep 2 (twin or queen), with larger villas for families
Facilities: Restaurant, Bar, Tours desk, Pool, Garden
Activities: Wildlife cruises, Jungle walks, Birdwatching
Setting: Rainforest · River

Kids

Family friendly; the lodge markets itself as an experience for guests and their families to enjoy together

Accessibility

Disabled facilities are available; the lodge is built on stilts and connected by a covered boardwalk

££pp / night Visit website

Guide price · £ <£100 · ££ £100–300 · £££ £300–800 · ££££ £800+ pp / night