Borneo Nature Lodge, Kinabatangan River Borneo, Borneo (Sabah)

Hidden on the banks of the iconic Kinabatangan River, the Borneo Nature Lodge offers a great base for exploring the regions jungle wilderness and searching for wildlife such as the orangutan, proboscis monkey, and Bornean pygmy elephant. Completed in early 2011, the lodge was built taking care not to adversely affect the local environment unnecessarily.

The lower Kinabatangan is teeming with endemic and endangered species, and a river cruise is the best way of observing the local residents. After an afternoon exploring the waterways, the rooms here provide a simple but comfortable haven, with air conditioning and en suite facilities. All electrical items are run on solar power, and rainwater is used where possible for the toilet facilities. Even the decorations throughout the hotel are handmade by the local indigenous population.

The lodge’s 12 chalets are mainly built of wood and glass, allowing as much natural light in as possible they provide ample nature viewing opportunities with the comfort of air conditioning.

The Lodge boasts an observation tower, great for bird watching, as well as a restaurant with both indoor and open air options. There are a wealth of activities on offer from river cruises to search for the diverse wildlife, to jungle trekking, tree planting, village visits, and fishing excursions.

In keeping with the Lodge’s focus on environmental friendliness, the boat rides are conducted in 4-stroke engine longboats. This not only cuts down on pollution, but is quieter too, so allows better wildlife viewing and fewer headaches!