Danum Borneo Rainforest Lodge sunrise

3D2N Borneo Rainforest Lodge

3 days
2 nights
Departs Lahad Datu
Higher-end
Price fromRM 5,900
3D2N Jungle chalet, double occupancy, per person
Duration3 days
2 nights on the road
DepartsLahad Datu

About this trip

Borneo Rainforest Lodge is an award-winning 5 star jungle lodge in the heart of Danum Valley, offering nature enthusiasts the chance to explore an area of pristine primary rainforest without compromising on comfort. Choose from a range of of incredibly well appointed rooms, from the more simple Jungle Chalets with superb jungle views all the way up to stunning Premium Villas, more information on room options is provided below. Activities are included in your stay and range from shorter walks on the in-house nature trail to long hikes to coffin cliff and beyond. Enjoy breathtaking views of the rainforest from the canopy walkway as well as a night walk and night drive in search of nocturnal wildlife. The lodge is designed to have a minimal impact on this pristine conservation area and caters for a maximum of 70 guests at a time, for this reason advance reservations are essential.

Highlights

  • Blue Rings Reef snorkel over Malaysia's only coral ring
  • Coffin Cliff trek to a burial site viewpoint
  • Canopy Walkway 27m above the primary rainforest
  • Guided night walk rich in amphibians and insects
  • Full board accommodation at Borneo Rainforest Lodge
  • Trip facts

    3 days of travel
    Physical difficulty 3 / 5
    Departs from Lahad Datu
    Rates: All rates quoted are per person and valid until 31st March 2027

    Day by day

    Day 1

    Blue Rings Reef snorkel to Danum Valley

    Your adventure will start with pick up from Lahad Datu hotels or airport at 9 - 9.15am (suitable for AirBorneo flights MY3012 & MY3014), followed by a brief stop at Borneo Rainforest Lodge office in Lahad Datu for registration. Transfer a further 30 minutes to W Bay Payang for breakfast. From there, join a boat trip to Malaysia’s only coral reef ring and one of only two double blue rings in the world. Snorkel over the reef surrounding the blue rings before continuing to Baik Island for more snorkelling adventures, this time over a sunken Japanese cargo ship. Return to dry land for a freshwater rinse (towels provided), a relaxed seafront lunch, and some time to unwind before beginning your journey into Danum Valley. Upon arrival, settle into your room and enjoy dinner at the lodge’s stunning in-house restaurant After dinner you can join a guided night safari via electric buggy on the road nearby the lodge in search of nocturnal animals. Meals: B, L, D * Guests wishing to skip the Blue Rings Reef tour may opt to transfer directly from Lahad Datu to Borneo Rainforest Lodge anytime between 10am - 3pm, subject to an additional private transfer fee (1 - 3 people RM550 per vehicle / 4 - 6 people RM700 per vehicle). Your lunch will be served at Borneo Rainforest Lodge and your afternoon will include a guided jungle walk.

    Day 2

    Coffin Cliff trek & Canopy Walkway

    Wake up to the sounds of the jungle and enjoy a leisurely breakfast before joining a guided trek along the coffin trail to the viewpoint and burial site - Coffin Cliff. Take a short break by the natural pool for a refreshing dip before returning for lunch at the lodge. In the afternoon, visit the Canopy Walkway suspended up to 27m off the ground and offering breathtaking views of the primary rainforest below. It is not uncommon to spot orangutans, maroon langurs, hornbills or gibbons on your way to and from the canopy walkway! After an extensive dinner buffet featuring local & international specialities, a guided night walk is offered along the nature trail. Night walks in Danum Valley are especially rich in amphibians, insects, reptiles and birds. Meals: B, L, D *Optional add-on: Rafting down the Danum River or cycling through the forest. Additional charges apply for rafting or cycling and this can be booked directly at the lodge (weather dependent)

    Day 3

    Dawn jungle walk & departure

    Join an early morning jungle walk in search of wildlife most active at dawn, soak up the sounds of the rainforest from your own private balcony or take a dip in the pool overlooking the river. Check out and enjoy lunch before departing from the lodge at 12.30pm for the 2.5 hour transfer to Lahad Datu town or airport for your onward journey. Meals: B, L *Recommended departure flight: Air Borneo MY3019 Guests wishing to take an earlier flight may book a private transfer anytime from 8am onwards, charges as mentioned above.

    Where you'll stay

    Borneo Rainforest Lodge

    Borneo Rainforest Lodge

    Danum Valley, Sabah
    Borneo's only five-star jungle lodge and one of only two accommodations within the pristine Danum Valley Conservation Area. Located two and a half hours, mostly on gravel roads from Lahad Datu, Borneo Rainforest Lodge offers guests air-conditioned timber villas and chalets with ensuite bathrooms and private balconies. From a compact Jungle Chalet up to double-storey Premium Villas with plunge pools, stays are full board and include guided walks, a night drive in an electric buggy and the canopy walkway.
  • Jungle ChaletSleeps 2 or 3Everything you need for a cosy, comfortable stay in the jungle.
  • Deluxe ChaletSleeps 2 or 3Jungle or river views and an outdoor bathtub in addition to all the standard room amenities. Limited units have 2 double beds and can sleep a maximum of 2 adults and 2 children.
  • Premium Deluxe ChaletSleeps up to 5Very spacious both indoors and outdoors, with 2 double beds and 1 single bed. Every Premium Deluxe room has its own plunge pool on the balcony.
  • Premium VillaKing bed1 king-size bed and a plunge pool on your balcony. Bookable for a minimum of 3 nights; comes with free private transfers in and out of Danum Valley and a complimentary private in-house nature guide.
  • FacilitiesRestaurant, licensed bar, swimming pool, spa, cosy gym, and a canopy walkway around 27 m above the forest floor. All rooms have air-conditioning, ensuite bathroom, mini bar, tea and coffee facilities, in-room safe, TV and international sockets.
    Good to knowElectricity runs 24 hours on generator supply. Free wifi throughout the lodge. Drinking water is filtered at the main lodge. Bring walking boots, light non-bright clothing, a raincoat, hat, binoculars, insect repellent and sunblock. Umbrellas are provided in the chalets and leech socks are sold in the shop. Mild to moderate fitness is recommended.
    A closer look

    What's included

  • Accommodation at Borneo Rainforest Lodge
  • Full board meals
  • Entrance fees
  • Return transfers from Lahad Datu on a scheduled basis
  • Shared in-house nature guide (join-in basis)
  • Activities as per itinerary
  • Not included

  • Alcoholic beverages & sodas.
  • Flights / overland transfers to Lahad Datu
  • Tourism tax (RM10/room per night)
  • Tips / gratuities (optional)
  • Optional activities (bookable at the lodge)
  • Prices

    Jungle chalet - Double occupancyRM 5900per person
    Deluxe room - Double occupancyRM 6300per person
    Premium Deluxe - Double occupancyRM 8000per person
    Pricing notesHigh season surcharge: 1st March till 30th April and 15th July till 15th October — RM 60 per person per night Private transfer Lahad Datu - BRL (skip Blue Rings Reef tour / early flight), 1 - 3 people per vehicle — RM 550 Private transfer Lahad Datu - BRL (skip Blue Rings Reef tour / early flight), 4 - 6 people per vehicle — RM 700 Tourism tax per room per night — RM 10
    ChildrenChildren of all ages are welcome. Children below 6 only need to pay RM50 per person for the Conservation Permit Children aged 6 to 12 receive discounted rates, please contact us for a quotation.
    Rate validityAll rates quoted are per person and valid until 31st March 2027

    Frequently asked questions

    How do I get to the lodge, and what time does the trip start?
    You will be picked up from your Lahad Datu hotel or Lahad Datu airport (LDU) between 9am and 9.15am on day one, which suits AirBorneo flights MY3012 and MY3014, with a brief stop at the Borneo Rainforest Lodge office in Lahad Datu for registration. On day three you leave the lodge at 12.30pm for the 2.5 hour transfer back to Lahad Datu town or airport. The recommended departure flight is Air Borneo MY3019. If you need to leave the lodge before 12.30pm this can be arranged, however private transfer fees will apply.
    Can I skip the Blue Rings Reef snorkelling on day one?
    Yes. If you would rather go straight to the lodge, you can transfer directly from Lahad Datu any time between 10am and 3pm for an additional private transfer fee of RM550 per vehicle for 1 to 3 people, or RM700 per vehicle for 4 to 6 people. Your lunch is then served at Borneo Rainforest Lodge and your afternoon includes a guided jungle walk instead. The same private transfer charge applies if you need to leave earlier than 12.30pm on the final day, with departures possible from 8am.
    What optional activities can I book at Borneo Rainforest Lodge?
    There are a number of optional extra activities that can be booked and paid for by credit card directly at the lodge including a 4WD Safari in search of elephants, tree climbing experience, rafting on the Danum River, cycling, a dawn drive to Bukit Atur to see a misty sunrise of Danum Valley and Spa treatments to help you relax. If you would like up to date rates for any of these, please just ask us.
    When is the best time to visit, and are there any discounts?
    Aim to stay between November and February, as you will not have to book as far in advance and may benefit from an off-peak discount. Low season discounts are available from 1st November 2026 until 28th February 2027. Book 2 or 3 nights during those dates and receive 1 FREE night! Child discounts are also available, so please contact us for a quotation.
    Is there anything else happening at the lodge during my stay?
    On Tuesdays and Thursdays between 5pm and 6pm there is a complimentary cocktail hour at Hornbill's Corner, a cosy wooden bar overlooking the Danum river — bring your binoculars, as hornbills are often spotted returning to their nests across the river. On Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays there is a cultural dance performance in the main restaurant at 7.30pm and 8.30pm. All activities are subject to change without prior notice, so please reconfirm times with reception when you arrive.
    Is there any construction work at the lodge?
    Yes. Expansion work is underway in the area adjacent to the premium villas, to include a 3-storey clubhouse and 9 additional chalets, with the new chalets scheduled to open in late 2027. The work is actively managed to avoid disturbing guests and mainly takes place while guests are out trekking, but you may experience some noise during your stay. The lodge has also recently added a communal dip pool facing the Danum river, a gym station, two bird hides with electric fans and bathrooms, a butterfly garden and an al-fresco bar.
    What should I pack?
    Lightweight quick dry fabrics. Long pants & sleeves for jungle walks, binoculars, appropriate footwear, mosquito repellent, sun protection, personal medication, swimwear if you intend to enjoy the pool.
    What is appropriate footwear for Danum Valley?
    Closed shoes with good grip that you don't mind getting muddy, Hiking boots are heavy and dry slowly, consider more lightweight trail running shoes instead, or rubber trekking shoes - this is what the guides wear! There is a drying room at the lodge so if you need to wash your shoes, they will usually dry by the following day.
    Do I need leech socks?
    Leeches are present on the trails around Danum Valley and it very common to encounter them during your jungle walks. It is recommended to bring leech socks or buy them at the lodge. Bring long football socks for children under 10 as leech socks don't work so well on little ones.

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    Ready to book, or still deciding?

    Tell us your dates and we will come back with availability, the total cost and honest advice — including when a different trip would suit you better.

    Getting between destinations: we also run private van and 4X4 transfers across Sabah and a daily Kota Kinabalu to Sandakan shuttle — ask us to add either to your trip.

    WhatsApp / phone: +60 11 1265 8581
    Email: info@river-junkie.com
    Hours: 8am–5pm, Monday to Sunday
    Office: Wisma Sabah, Kota Kinabalu, Sabah

    ★ 4.7 / 5 from 288 traveller reviews on TripAdvisor