River Junkie – fuel the addiction
River Junkie – fuel the addiction

River Junkie Tours Sdn. Bhd. — licensed Kota Kinabalu tour operator (KPL/LN5696), MATTA member, running wildlife safaris, Mount Kinabalu climbs and cave trips across Sabah and Sarawak since 2008.

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Sukau Rainforest Lodge

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Kinabatangan River

3D2N Sukau Rainforest Lodge - Borneo Villa (by boat)

3 days
2 nights
Departs Sandakan
Higher-end
Price fromRM 3,950
Borneo Villa - by boat, per person, min 2 pax
Duration3 days
2 nights on the road
DepartsSandakan
Groupmin 2 pax
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About this trip

The Borneo Villas at Sukau Rainforest Lodge are amongst the best rooms on the Kinabatangan river and their location puts you in the heart of the wildlife-rich tributaries and Ox-Bow lake in Sukau. After visiting the orangutan sanctuary in Sepilok, transfer by boat to the lodge with potential wildlife sightings along the way. During your 2 night stay, join 3 nature cruises, enjoy the lodge’s in-house boardwalk and cool off in the plunge pool. Meals are included and served overlooking the Kinabatangan river.

Recommended for: couples, honeymooners, groups, families, travellers on a mid-range to luxury budget.

Highlights

  • Guided tour of the Sepilok orangutan sanctuary
  • Optional Sun Bear Conservation Centre visit
  • Dawn river cruise over the Kelenanap Ox-Bow lake
  • Guided Hornbill Boardwalk walk with a naturalist
  • 2 nights at Sukau Rainforest Lodge

    • Trip facts

    Kinabatangan River, Sepilok
    Canopy Walk, River Cruise, Wildlife
    3 days of travel
    Physical difficulty 2 / 5
    Departs from Sandakan
    Minimum 2 pax per departure
    Rates: Prices valid until 31st March 2027
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    Day by day

    Day 1

    Sandakan - Sepilok sanctuaries - Kinabatangan River

    Your adventure will start with pick up from Sandakan City or Sandakan airport between 08 - 8.30am or from Sepilok hotels between 08.45 - 9am. You'll be greeted upon your arrival by your friendly Guide and Captain before you make your way to Sepilok Orangutan Rehabilitation Centre where you'll learn about the plight of the Orangutan and see firsthand the conservation efforts. Then proceed to watch a video about the plight of the Orangutans and the rehabilitation efforts ongoing at the Centre. Walk ten minutes through the rainforest on wooden boardwalks to witness the feeding of the orangutans at 1000hrs before continuing to the newly completed enclosed nursery area for young orangutans. If the Orangutans are feeling particularly friendly, you may even get the chance to get up close to the Orangutan so be sure to hang onto your belongings. Guests wishing to visit the Borneo Sun Bear Conservation Centre to learn about conservation of the world's smallest bear may do so after the orangutan sanctuary and an additional fee of RM50 for the entry ticket will apply. After lunch, you will head onwards by boat to the multi-award winning Sukau Rainforest Lodge. Cool down with a refreshing drink and cold towel upon arrival while you check-in. Take a few moments to savour afternoon tea before heading out into the wild on your first river safari. Every boat is equipped with eco friendly outboard engines (used along the main river where the current is strong) and electric motor (used during wildlife viewing in the small tributaries) in search of wildlife and birds. Return for a solar heated hot shower after sunset before enjoying a candle light buffet dinner overlooking the mighty river. Dinner is followed by a slide show and interpretation by the in-house naturalist guide. Meals- L,D. * Highly recommended: Night River Cruises can be added at the lodge (extra charge applies).

    Day 2

    Kinabatangan River

    An early morning call at 0530hrs to catch the rainforest waking up is in store. After a light breakfast, you will embark on a morning river cruise in search of waking wildlife and birds which are most active in the morning on your way to the Kelenanap Ox-Bow lake. Return to a full breakfast, after which you will proceed for an educational walking tour along the lodge's Hornbill Boardwalk with the in-house naturalist followed by some time to relax. After lunch you may explore the boardwalk at the back of the lodge to try and catch a glimpse of an orangutan or enjoy a dip in the lodge's pool. After afternoon tea, head out onto the river once again in search of more wildlife, returning at sunset from your final river cruise. Meals- B, L, D.

    Day 3

    Kinabatangan River - Sandakan

    After breakfast, return to Sandakan by boat. Enjoy a quick lunch before proceeding to the airport for flights departing at 2.30pm or later. For those who are taking an evening flight, you'll have time to visit the Rainforest Discovery Centre which has an impressive information center. Take a birds eye-view of the centre from the canopy walkway and tower before exploring the botanical gardens, home to various species of flora including orchids and agricultural plants. Drop off at Sandakan airport around 4pm for your evening flight. Meals- B, L.

    Where you'll stay

    Sukau Rainforest Lodge

    Sukau Rainforest Lodge

    Sukau, Kinabatangan River, Sabah
    Opened in 1995 on the Kinabatangan River at Sukau, this is one of the most comfortable lodges along the river and one of the few to offer guests a plunge-pool between activities. Guests stay in Deluxe Rooms or Borneo Villas all with inverter air-conditioning, ceiling fans and ensuite hot showers. Meals are provided on a wooden deck overlooking the river
  • Deluxe room2 single beds or 1 double bed. 1 extra mattress can be added to a double room. Indoor sitting area, fridge, tea & coffee making facilities, air-conditioning & ceiling fan.
  • Borneo Villa2 single beds or 1 double bed. 1 extra mattress can be added. Private balcony, 60% larger than Deluxe rooms, minibar, air-conditioning, ceiling fan
    • FacilitiesMelapi Restaurant, Gecko Bar and Gecko Lounge. Gomantong Hall library lounge. Ape Gallery interpretation centre with nightly talks. Kadai souvenir shop. The Attenborough Boardwalk. Pool. Complimentary water dispensers.
    Good to knowFree wifi in the lounge, hall, restaurant and in Villa rooms. Mobile coverage is minimal. There are deliberately no TVs or radios, to limit noise. Laundry service is not currently available. Boardwalks are wheelchair-navigable and two villas are set up for wheelchair users. Life jackets are provided for children on all river tours.
    A closer look

    What's included

  • Return road/boat transfers on scheduled basis as per itinerary and room type.
  • Meals, coffee, tea & water refills
  • Accommodation (2 nights Sukau Rainforest Lodge)
  • In-house nature guide, guided activities as per itinerary
  • Sepilok orangutan sanctuary entrance fee

    • Not included

  • Tourism tax (RM10/room per night)
  • Flight tickets
  • Soft/alcoholic bevarages
  • Tips (optional)
  • Camera fees at Sepilok Orangutan Rehabilitation Centre: For any camera with zoom lens from 100 to 400mm, video camera or other video recording equipment for personal use are chargeable at RM10.00 per unit. For any camera (fixed-lens - 400mm and above) or any film-making equipment are chargeable at RM1,000.00 per unit.
  • Optional visit to Borneo Sunbear Conservation Centre RM50 for entry fee

    • Prices

    Borneo Villa - by boatRM 3950per person. Air-conditioning & ceiling fan, ensuite bathroom with amenities, tea & coffee making facilities, international plugs (no adaptor required), private balcony with rainforest view, complimentary minibar, 60% larger living space compared to Deluxe rooms, transfers to / from the lodge by boat from Sandakan Jetty
    Pricing notesHigh season surcharge, per person, all dates in March, April, July & August — RM 300 Tourism tax per room per night — RM 10 Optional visit to Borneo Sunbear Conservation Centre entry fee — RM 50 Camera fee: zoom lens 100-400mm / video camera, per unit — RM 10 Camera fee: fixed-lens 400mm and above / film-making equipment, per unit — RM 1000
    ChildrenPrices based on min 2 pax per room, solo travellers & families with children under 12 please contact us for rates
    Rate validityPrices valid until 31st March 2027

    Frequently asked questions

    How do I travel to Sukau Rainforest Lodge on this package?
    Guests staying in the Borneo Villas are transferred to and from the lodge by boat from Sandakan Jetty, after visiting the sanctuaries in Sepilok. You are picked up from Sandakan City or Sandakan airport between 8am and 8.30am, or from Sepilok hotels between 8.45am and 9am, and continue to the lodge by boat after lunch on day 1. The return boat transfer is included in the price.
    Can you arrange transfers to or from Semporna or Lahad Datu?
    Yes. Just let us know if that is where you are coming from or heading to next and we can add a transfer to your booking. If you would like to join the Sepilok orangutan sanctuary tour, we recommend starting in Sandakan and then continuing to Lahad Datu or Semporna after checking-out from Sukau Rainforest Lodge.
    Are night river cruises included?
    No, but they are highly recommended and can be added at the lodge for an extra charge. Your included river safaris take place in the afternoon of day 1, and in the morning and late afternoon of day 2.
    What are the boats like on the river safaris?
    Most boats seat up to 12 guests. Every boat is fitted with an eco-friendly outboard engine, used along the main river where the current is strong, and an electric motor, which is used for wildlife viewing in the small tributaries so you can watch quietly. The transfer boat is covered but the boats used for river cruises are not.
    What else can I do at Sukau Rainforest Lodge?
    You can independently explore the boardwalk at the back of the lodge in the hope of glimpsing an orangutan, or take a dip in the lodge's pool to cool down. Other activities such as batik painting may be on offer, feel free to check with reception when you arrive.
    What time should I book my flight on the last day?
    A complimentary visit to Sepilok Rainforest Discovery Centre if offered after check out on your last day and is suitable for guests with early evening flights. if you wish to fly earlier in the day then you can skip this visit and book any flight departing from 2pm onwards.
    Can I book as a solo traveller?
    Solo travellers can join an existing departure. Single rooms supplements apply for solo travellers, please contact us for a quotation.
    What can I see on river cruises around Sukau?
    This all comes down to luck but your guide will be actively searching for the Borneo Big Five: Orangutans, pygmy elephants, saltwater crocodiles, rhinoceros hornbills and the easiest to find - proboscis monkeys. The tributaries and Oxbow lake around Sukau are particularly rich in wildlife and it is not unusual to spot red or silver-leaf monkeys and many different species of birds during your cruises.

    Photos from this trip

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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

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