Comparison of Sukau Rainforest Lodge and Kinabatangan Wetlands Resort
Sukau Rainforest Lodge, located upstream near Sukau village, is an award-winning ecolodge offering luxury amenities, including a pool and air-conditioned rooms, with excellent opportunities to see Borneo’s “Big 5” wildlife. In contrast, Kinabatangan Wetlands Resort, situated in Abai near mangroves, provides a tranquil and remote experience with comfortable accommodations, ideal for those seeking a peaceful nature retreat. At almost the same price point of around 500USD per pax for a 3 Days Borneo Luxury River Cruise, these two are the most popular and the best resorts.
How to reach Sukau Rainforest Lodge vs Kinabatangan Wetlands Resort:
Kinabatangan Wetlands Resort: Situated in Abai, closer to the river’s mouth, this resort offers a tranquil setting with access to mangrove forests and wetlands. Its location in Abai makes it accessible via boat from Sandakan Yacht Club jetty, offering a scenic journey through the river’s lower reaches. We also arrange pick up and drop from Sukau jetty, by smaller safari boats, on request. The latter give opportunity to do more wildlife spotting on the way, in general.
Sukau Rainforest Lodge: Located further upstream near Sukau village, it provides proximity to diverse wildlife habitats, increasing the chances of spotting various species which are more used to with human presence. Accessible by both road and river, it is often included in overland wildlife safari packages. The speedboat transfers are mostly used for guests staying in the Borneo Villa, the topmost category of rooms of Sukau Rainforest Lodge.
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Wildlife Experience at both Resorts in Kinabatangan:
- Kinabatangan Wetlands Resort:
Kinabatangan Wetlands Resort is located in one of Borneo’s most important biodiversity hotspots. The area is home to a variety of globally threatened waterbirds, including Storm’s Stork and Oriental Darter, as well as raptors like the Grey-headed Fish Eagle and Lesser Fish Eagle. All of Borneo’s hornbill species can also be spotted here.
The region boasts around 50 mammal species, with the largest population of Proboscis Monkeys in Kinabatangan. Wild orangutans and even sun bears have been captured on camera right on the resort’s boardwalk. Boat cruises often reveal sightings of pygmy elephants, crocodiles, gibbons, and slow lorises.
Fireflies light up specific spots in the mangroves, creating magical evening moments, while numerous reptiles and amphibians can be observed around the resort. Guests can encounter much of this incredible wildlife during short walks or guided river cruises.
Sukau Rainforest Lodge: Offers river cruises and guided tours with opportunities to see Borneo’s “Big 5”: orangutans, pygmy elephants, proboscis monkeys, rhinoceros hornbills, and estuarine crocodiles. At Sukau, each day is an unforgettable adventure. Imagine cruising along the winding river on intimate safaris, guided by expert naturalists who bring the vibrant rainforest to life. They’ll help you spot the soulful eyes of an orangutan, the playful antics of proboscis monkeys, and maybe even the awe-inspiring presence of a pygmy elephant. These magical encounters, set against the stunning backdrop of one of the world’s most biodiverse ecosystems, create moments you’ll cherish forever.
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Accommodation and Amenities:
Kinabatangan Wetlands Resort: Known for its serene atmosphere, it provides comfortable accommodations with an emphasis on nature immersion.
The spacious deluxe villas at Kinabatangan Wetlands Resort offer unmatched comfort in the heart of an untouched mangrove forest, providing breathtaking views of Borneo’s mystical natural world teeming with diverse life.
Each villa is fully air-conditioned, with 24-hour power supplied by solar panels and generators. Polished dark wood floors beautifully contrast with the crisp white walls and linens. The villas feature cozy large beds, a TV, a private bathroom with a shower, and a solar-powered ceiling fan for added cooling. Expansive windows open to views of the surrounding forest, accompanied by the soothing sounds of birds and tropical wildlife.
Sukau Rainforest Lodge: An award-winning ecolodge, it features amenities like a pool with a view, air-conditioned rooms, and a commitment to sustainable practices. There are two categories of rooms available in two different package prices. The Borneo Villas at Sukau Rainforest Lodge offer a spacious 346 sqft layout, 20% larger than the Deluxe Rooms, with enhanced privacy, Borneo-themed decor, and amenities like air-conditioning, a ceiling fan, and mosquito-netted screens. Guests can choose twin or queen-sized beds, and two villas are wheelchair accessible. The Deluxe Rooms, at 288 sqft, feature a cozy Bornean design with twin or queen-sized beds and a study desk, arranged in a traditional longhouse style for a communal yet private stay.
