Your Borneo Hotel Guide
Freedom Destinations’ Borneo Travel Experts answer your questions about hotels, beach resorts and rainforest lodges in borneo.
What are the best regions in Borneo to visit for wildlife viewing?
The Kinabatangan River is one of Borneo’s premier wildlife destinations, renowned for exceptional concentrations of proboscis monkeys, Bornean pygmy elephants, orangutans, and over 200 bird species. River cruises and jungle walks from Sukau Rainforest Lodge offer morning and evening opportunities to observe wildlife along the riverbanks.
Danum Valley Conservation Area protects pristine primary rainforest and is considered one of the world’s most important research sites, where guests at Borneo Rainforest Lodge can encounter gibbons, clouded leopards, and rare endemic species in undisturbed habitat.
Tabin Wildlife Reserve spans over 120,000 hectares of regenerating forest and offers excellent chances of spotting Borneo’s elusive wildlife, including elephants, banteng, and numerous hornbill species, with Tabin Wildlife Resort providing comfortable accommodation within the reserve.
Sepilok, easily accessible from Sandakan, is home to the world-famous Sepilok Orangutan Rehabilitation Centre and the Bornean Sun Bear Conservation Centre, offering unforgettable close encounters with these charismatic species. Staying at Sepilok Nature Lodge provides convenient early-morning access to both sanctuaries before day visitors arrive.
What are the best beach resorts in Borneo for relaxation and snorkelling?
Along Sabah’s west coast, the Shangri-La Rasa Ria and Shangri-La Tanjung Aru Resort offer luxury beachfront settings near Kota Kinabalu, with pristine beaches and excellent facilities.
Cove 55 offers contemporary beachside relaxation, whilst Nexus Resort & Spa and Damai Beach Resort combine coastal serenity with easy access to Borneo’s attractions.
For island exclusivity, Gaya Island Resort provides a tranquil escape within Tunku Abdul Rahman Marine Park, perfect for snorkelling amongst vibrant coral reefs.
How do you get to rainforest lodges in Borneo?
Accessibility varies depending on location. Sepilok Nature Lodge is easily reached by road from Sandakan, making it one of the most accessible rainforest options. Sukau Rainforest Lodge requires a scenic two-hour road journey followed by a river transfer, adding to the adventure.
Borneo Rainforest Lodge in Danum Valley involves a longer overland journey into remote wilderness, whilst Tabin Wildlife Resort requires approximately two hours’ drive from Lahad Datu. All transfers are included as part of your stay, and the journey itself offers wildlife spotting opportunities and spectacular scenery.
What facilities and comforts can you expect at rainforest lodges in Borneo?
Despite their remote locations, Borneo’s rainforest lodges provide comfortable, well-appointed accommodation. Properties like Sukau Rainforest Lodge and Borneo Rainforest Lodge feature en-suite rooms with ceiling fans or air conditioning, mosquito nets, and private balconies overlooking the jungle or river.
All the lodges offer restaurant facilities serving local and international cuisine, with meals included in all stays. Expert naturalist guides, wildlife viewing platforms, canopy walkways, and educational programmes enhance your rainforest experience. Whilst embracing eco-friendly principles, these lodges ensure guests enjoy modern comforts alongside authentic wilderness immersion.
Can you combine a stay in the Borneo Rainforest with a beach resort holiday?
Combining a stay in the rainforest and with a relaxing beach break is highly recommended and easily arranged. A typical itinerary might include wildlife spotting at Sukau Rainforest Lodge or Sepilok Nature Lodge, followed by relaxation at Shangri-La Rasa Ria or Gaya Island Resort. This combination allows you to experience Borneo’s remarkable biodiversity before unwinding on pristine beaches.
Contact our Borneo experts today to begin planning your Borneo holiday.
