BORNEO RAINFOREST LODGE IN DANUM VALLEY: THE ULTIMATE GUIDE & HONEST REVIEW!
PLANNING A STAY AT BORNEO RAINFOREST LODGE IN DANUM VALLEY, BORNEO?
BORNEO RAINFOREST LODGE: AN INTRODUCTION
Borneo Rainforest Lodge is an award-winning eco lodge, offering a very rare opportunity to stay deep in the very heart of Danum Valley.
The Danum Valley, covering 43,800 hectares, is one of Borneo’s oldest and most sacred primary rainforests, which remains untouched by humans for over 130+ million years!
Fierce conservation efforts and maximum protection of this enchanting rainforest has created an ancient safe haven for an incredible amount of Borneo wildlife. In fact, here you can find over 320 species of birds and 124 species of mammal!
Borneo Rainforest Lodge, designed specifically to maximise on-going sustainability and conservation through its 30 unobtrusive eco chalets, is the only main resort where you can stay in the Danum Valley.
From our own personal experience here, we can honestly say staying here is one of the most magical travel stays we have ever experienced, and cannot be missed when visiting Sabah, Borneo!
We have compiled all of the information below to help you easily plan your own epic stay at Borneo Rainforest Lodge:
Pictured: Exterior shot of Borneo Rainforest Lodge front face.
Pictured: Exterior shot of Borneo Rainforest Lodge rear face.
PLAN A STAY AT BORNEO RAINFOREST LODGE
Before we headed to Borneo, there was very little information about how to plan a stay at Borneo Rainforest Lodge, who was the best organisation to go through and what to expect.
Here are a few things that we learnt during our stay here:
โข Borneo Nature Tours are the sole marketing agent for Borneo Rainforest Lodge. You can book directly via their official website if booking in isolation, or equally arrange through a third party tour agency if part of a longer planned itinerary. We recommend Sticky Rice Travel for this option.
โข All stays are on a set full-board package basis, inclusive of overnight stays, food and drink (set times), an assigned guide and set activities to enjoy.
โข You can choose from either “3 day, 2 night”, “4 day, 3 night” or “5 day, 4 night” packages. While the 4 day, 3 night package is the most recommended by past guests, we still saw plenty of wildlife and did all available activities still during our “3 day, 2 night” stay. It all depends on your budget and time available.
โข You are automatically assigned a personal guide on arrival, who will be your guide on all your set on-site activities at the Lodge. You will always head out with your assigned guide in a small group.
โข It is advised you only travel outside of the lodge ground with your assigned guide, as it would be very easily to get lost and you never know what wildlife you may encounter.
There are only two ways to book a stay at Borneo Rainforest Lodge, adapting to specific travel plans and preferences. We explain the two options below:
OPTION 1: BOOKING YOUR STAY INDEPENDENTLY
If this is your first (or only) Borneo stop, or you just want to book this stay in isolation, simply book your stay at Borneo Rainforest Lodge directly with Borneo Nature Tours. Borneo Nature Tours are the sole marketing agent for Borneo Rainforest Lodge.
As part of your booking, they will arrange airport pick up, all transfers, your stay at the lodge, all food and drink (set times) and return airport drop off as a complete full-board package.
OPTION 2: AS PART OF A LONGER ORGANISED ITINERARY
If you are looking to book your Borneo trip as part of a fully organised multi-day, multi-location itinerary (i.e. also visiting Sepilok Orangutan Sanctuary or Kinabatangan River for example), you will simply tell your tour agency to add a stay at Borneo Rainforest Lodge into your itinerary.
In this case, they will more than likely contact and book through Borneo Nature Tours on your behalf. This again will include the full-board package mentioned above.
It is beneficial to do it this way if you are on a longer planned itinerary as they will ensure it includes transfers from your previous location to Lahad Datu, making the itinerary seamless.
SET ITINERARY PACKAGES AT BORNEO RAINFOREST LODGE
When booking a stay at Borneo Rainforest Lodge, it’s important to note you don’t book on a per night basis. You book a specific full-board package, varying in duration to suit your budget and time available.
The 3 package options on offer here are:
“3 DAYS, 2 NIGHTS” Package
(Download the full itinerary here)
ยฉ All copyrights reserved by Borneo Nature Tours.
“4 DAYS, 3 NIGHTS” Package
(Download the full itinerary here)
ยฉ All copyrights reserved by Borneo Nature Tours.
“5 DAYS, 4 NIGHTS” Package
(Download the full itinerary here)
ยฉ All copyrights reserved by Borneo Nature Tours.
WHAT IS INCLUDED?
For each one of the 3 packages stated above, the following is always included:
- Return scheduled transfers (to / from Lahad Datu). Transfer in to the lodge (from 9:30AM), transfer out from the lodge (12:30PM) .
- Accommodation
- Full board meals at the Lodge
- Guided jungle activities (on a join-in basis)
- Entry permit to Danum Valley
WHAT IS NOT INCLUDED?
- Unscheduled transfers IN / OUT (arriving Lahad Datu after 9.30AM & departing from the Lodge before 12.30PM). This will incur an additional cost between 80MYR – 180MYR per person, determined on how early you need pick up / drop off.
- Private guide for additional activities you want to do. 300MYR per guide, per night.
- Tourism Tax (10MYR per room, per night)
ROOM TYPES AT BORNEO RAINFOREST LODGE
After deciding on the set itinerary package as detailed above, next on your list of decisions is to choose what room type you want to reside in during your stay!
There are 4 room types available, varying in chalet size, views and of course resultantly, price.
Click below to see all available option links in detail, starting from the from cheapest option to the most expensive:
JUNGLE CHALET (JUNGLE VIEW) ๐ฐ
Pictured: Example of a Jungle Chalet. It is worth noting the Jungle Chalet is the only accommodation type without an outside bath.
DELUXE CHALET (JUNGLE VIEW) ๐ฐ๐ฐ
DELUXE CHALET (RIVER VIEW) ๐ฐ๐ฐ
Pictured: Example of a Deluxe Chalet with River view.
PREMIUM DELUXE CHALET ๐ฐ๐ฐ๐ฐ
Pictured: Example of a Premium Deluxe Chalet with River view.
PREMIUM VILLA (SINGLE STOREY) ๐ฐ๐ฐ๐ฐ๐ฐ
PREMIUM VILLA (DOUBLE STOREY) ๐ฐ๐ฐ๐ฐ๐ฐ๐ฐ
Pictured: Example of a Premium Double Storey Villa.
Top Tip: Regardless of what chalet type you pick, we highly recommend booking one with a River View!
From our own personal experience, you cannot beat the unfathomable views of the Danum River and towering rainforest canopies from your room. Take a look at this photo below as an example:
We stayed in a Deluxe Chalet (River View), Deluxe Chalet 7 to be exact if you love this view!
Inside the Deluxe Chalet (River View): Naturalistic modern design inside, A/C units, large comfortable king size bed, tea / coffee making facilities and mini bar, spacious modern bathroom, seating area with forest view and wardrobes.
Outside the Deluxe Chalet (River View): A large wooden terrace with outdoor seating, plus a sheltered outdoor bath plunge pool with INSANE forest views. Hot and cold water supply.
PRICES TO STAY AT BORNEO RAINFOREST LODGE
So you know the itinerary packages, you know all room types available, and now here’s the most important part – how much is it to stay at Borneo Rainforest Lodge?
See table below highlighting the current prices (valid until 31st March 2024), easily categorised into packages and room types:
Pictured: Borneo Rainforest Lodge official price list, valid until 31st March 2024.
BOOKING LATER THAN 31ST MARCH 2024?
Have no fear, see the table below highlighting confirmed price increases valid from 1st April 2024 to 31st March 2025:
Pictured: Borneo Rainforest Lodge official price list, valid from 1st April 2024 to 31st March 2025.
ORGANISED ACTIVITIES AT BORNEO RAINFOREST LODGE
Regardless of what package you choose at Borneo Rainforest Lodge, your stay will include all of these organised activities below as standard. They will simply be arranged in accordance to the time you have here.
Of course, there is no obligation to do all of them if you do not wish to, but it’s great to know they are on offer and already pre-arranged on your arrival:
THE HANGING BRIDGE CANOPY WALK
One of the main draws to stay at the Lodge is to experience its incredible suspension bridge walkway, comprised of approximately 6 bridges spanning a total length of 107 metres.
Reaching a height of 27 metres, you are fully immersed within the magical rainforest canopies and set at a perfect height to spot lots of incredible tree-dwelling wildlife!
It is common to see Orangutans and many other primates, including the Red Lead monkey. Venture up at dusk again with your guide to see the Red Giant Flying Squirrel soar from tree to tree as the sun descends.
RAINFOREST DAY TREK TO VIEWPOINT & NATURAL POOLS
For one of the most amazing panoramic views of the Danum Valley, venture on a guided day walk up to Coffin Cliff viewpoint with your assigned guide.
Though slightly tough in places walking 45 minutes to 1 hour in 90% humidity up steep steps through the rainforest, the elation and jaw dropping scenes at the viewpoint is worth every sweat bead!
Just make sure you are armed with plenty of drinking water and of course, and you must wear your leech proof socks!
On the way down, treat yourself to a refreshing dip in a natural swimming pool with a delightful waterfall, so be sure to bring your swimwear and microfibre towel.
Top Tip: This natural freshwater pool is also home to small, harmless fish who like to nibble at your skin!
NOCTURNAL RAINFOREST TRAILS & NIGHT BUGGY SAFARI
For the evening activity, each dusk will consist of either a night buggy safari or a guided night wildlife trail. Both are incredible opportunities to see the other half of the rainforest come alive with nocturnal creatures!
We spotted so much nocturnal wildlife during both activities here at Borneo Rainforest Lodge, including:
- Dozens of sleeping birds.
- A Malayan civet.
- Countless frogs.
- Small snakes.
- A Huntsman spider.
- A tarantula
- My favourite – The evasive Western tarsier!!!
In the darkness of night, another creature you are very very very likely to see are Borneo’s infamous leeches, so if there ever was a time you 100% should wear your leech proof socks, it is on the guided night trails! You don’t need to wear them on the night- time buggy safari however as they stick to the road.
RIVER TUBING DOWN THE DANUM RIVER
All in-house guests can also arrange a complimentary river tubing session along the gentle Danum River!
Fully immerse yourself in nature on this fun-filled and relaxing afternoon activity. If this is you want to do, be sure to arrange it with your guide on arrival!
The availability of river tubing is fully subject to weather conditions, river current, and overall safety considerations. Additionally, the presence of floating or fallen logs in the river may affect the duration of the tubing journey.
Pictured: Tubing down the Danum River at Borneo Rainforest Lodge.
Did You Know? The Lodge has hosted some very famous guests, including Judi Dench for 1 week while she filmed her “Wild Borneo Adventure” documentary.
Did You Know? Prince William and Kate Middleton also visited here back in 2012 for an afternoon, of whom two of the wild baby Orangutans around the Lodge at the time were dutifully named after in their honour!
WILDLIFE AT BORNEO RAINFOREST LODGE
Of course, it is all down to luck and chance what wildlife you will see during your stay at Borneo Rainforest Lodge. If you book your stay for longer, of course more days brings even more chances of different sightings!
As the Danum Valley surrounding the Lodge is so densely populated with incredible wildlife, there is a chance to see these popular Bornean creatures (and more!):
- Orangutans
- Bornean gibbons
- Long-tailed macaques
- Pig-tailed macaques
- Red leaf monkey
- Pygmy elephants
- Asian small-clawed otter
- Clouded leopard (very rare but it is possible!)
- Western tarsier
- Flying lemur
- Malayan civet
- Pangolins
- Hornbills
- And much much more!
Pictured: A small herd of Pygmy Elephants in the Danum Valley.
Pictured: A very rare sighting of a clouded leopard in Danum Valley!
ON-SITE FACILITIES AT BORNEO RAINFOREST LODGE
ON-SITE RESTAURANT AND BAR AREA
At the heart of Borneo Rainforest Lodge is a sheltered communal atrium on the first floor, surrounded by tree canopies and open to the elements.
Pictured: The main communal area at Borneo Rainforest Lodge, with a central bar.
Pictured: The main communal area at Borneo Rainforest Lodge, with a central bar.
In the very centre is a large bar, where you can purchase refreshing hot or cold drinks throughout the day.
Around the perimeter of the bar are fixed tables that host the buffet style Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner for Borneo Rainforest Lodge guests. The opening times for each are found below:
- Breakfast: 7am – 9am
- Lunch: 12pm – 2pm
- Dinner: 7pm – 9pm
You can enjoy your meals either below the sheltered atrium or enjoy vast seating on the outside decking with tremendous views of the Danum Valley rainforest and Danum River below.
The meals served are a fresh mix of local Asian and Western cuisines to suit all taste buds.
Pictured: The open restaurant area and outside terrace, where you enjoy your set breakfast, lunch and dinner buffets.
ON-SITE JARI JARI SPA
There is also the highly recommend Jari Jari spa on-site. at Borneo Rainforest Lodge to enjoy during your stay. Choose from a vast range of rejuvenating treatments, from massages to localised therapies.
During our stay, we experienced a full body massage at Jari Jari and it was amazing. Coupled with the fact you are surrounded by greenery and we were listening to an afternoon rainstorm at the time, it was nothing short on perfection!
The Jari Jari spa itself is located just off the boardwalk on the left-hand side as you head towards the Deluxe Chalets, but you can find a booking desk in the main atrium for convenience.
GETTING TO BORNEO RAINFOREST LODGE
As the Borneo Rainforest Lodge is in a very protected, remote location, it’s super handy to know the only viable option on how to get there easily and what to expect.
You will notice we have broken this down into three steps:
- Arrive into Lahad Datu Airport (LDU) / or pre-arranged transfer from another Borneo destination as part of a longer itinerary.
- Be dropped off at Borneo Nature Tours main office in Lahad Datu to check-in.
- Land transfer to Borneo Rainforest Lodge from Borneo Nature Tours offices.
Pictured: Birds-eye view shot of Borneo Rainforest Lodge’s location deep in the Danum Valley rainforest.
ARRIVE INTO LAHAD DATU (AIRPORT OPTION)
The closest airport to Borneo Rainforest Lodge (and the Danum Valley) is Lahad Datu. Lahad Datu is a TINY local airport on the right-hand side of Sabah, Borneo. You can fly into Lahad Datu from multiple nearby airports:
INTERNALLY FROM BORNEO:
โ๏ธ You can fly direct from Kota Kinabalu (BKI) to Lahad Datu Airport (LDU). Kota Kinabalu is Borneo’s main International airport, located on the left-hand side of Sabah, Borneo. From Kota Kinabalu, there are 3 internal flights to Lahad Datu every day. The flight duration is 55 minutes.
โ๏ธ You can fly direct from Sandakan Airport (SDK) to Lahad Datu (LDU). Sandakan Airport is a small airport located on the North coast of Sabah, Borneo. There is 1 direct internal 35 minute flight available every day. As a side note, Sandakan is the closest airport to Sepilok and the Kinabatangan River.
When booking flights, it is worth noting on the day of your Borneo Rainforest Lodge check-in, you need to be at Borneo Nature Tours main office in Lahad Datu for around 9am (see more information on that below).
LAND TRANSFERS TO BORNEO RAINFOREST LODGE
IMPORTANT TO NOTE FIRST:
The only way into Danum Valley rainforest is through a gated entrance with guards. You must be with an accredited guide or driver, who needs to hop out and sign in to be allowed entry to continue towards Borneo Rainforest Lodge.
This is why (referring back to our ‘Plan a Stay’ section), you book your stay at Borneo Rainforest Lodge either independently with Borneo Nature Tours, or through a third-party agency as part of a longer itinerary (such as Sticky Rice Travel, who we highly recommend).
BORNEO NATURE TOURS MAIN OFFICE
Regardless of whether you come from Lahad Datu Airport or are transferred from another destination on a pre-arranged itinerary, you will always first be taken to Borneo Nature Tours’s main office in Lahad Datu town to officially check-in and provide your standard details before heading to Borneo Rainforest Lodge.
You need to arrive at this main office by 9am on your check-in day. If you are flying in independently (not on organised tour), it is advised to book this flight from Kota Kinabalu to Lahad Datu: MH3012 BKI/LDU ETD : 0710 hrs ETA : 0805 hrs.
The office is small but very modern, has great air conditioning and free light snacks (i.e. biscuits) and hot / cold drinks to enjoy during your check-in process.
After check in was complete, we were then allocated a driver to transfer us to the Lodge.
DRIVING THROUGH DANUM VALLEY TO THE LODGE
From here, it is a 2.5 hour drive along a very uneven, bumpy and windy gravel road (deep into the heart of the Danum Valley rainforest) until you reach Borneo Rainforest Lodge. Something to bare in mind for those who suffer with travel sickness.
This is another reason an experienced driver is required, who knows how to tackle these roads!
BORNEO RAINFOREST LODGE: “KNOW BEFORE YOU GO” FAQ’S
IS IT WORTH GOING TO DANUM VALLEY?
Yes, it is absolutely worth going to Danum Valley! In fact, Danum Valley is one of the most protected, untouched ancient rainforests in Borneo, and one of the best places to see an incredible amount of Borneo wildlife.
To wake up to the canopies 130 million year old primary rainforests, and stay amongst it at Borneo Rainforest Lodge, is a travel core memory which you will never forget.
HOW TO GET TO DANUM VALLEY FROM KOTA KINABALU?
To get to Danum Valley from Kota Kinabalu, you can fly direct from Kota Kinabalu (BKI) to Lahad Datu Airport (LDU). Lahad Datu is the closest airport to Danum Valley. From Kota Kinabalu, there are 3 internal flights to Lahad Datu every day. The flight duration is 55 minutes.
On arrival to the Lahad Datu airport, your pre-arranged transfer with your third-party tour operator or Borneo Nature Tours will then take you onward to the Danum Valley.
WHEN IS CHECK IN AT BORNEO RAINFOREST LODGE?
At Borneo Rainforest Lodge, the check in time is 2PM and check out time is 11.30AM. You can request early check-in or late check-out with the property, though this is subject to room availability.
ARE CHILDREN ALLOWED AT BORNEO RAINFOREST LODGE?
Yes, children are allowed to stay at Borneo Rainforest Lodge. While children and families are welcome, it is worth noting there are no specific facilities to accommodate young children here.
ARE DRONES ALLOWED AT BORNEO RAINFOREST LODGE?
No, the use of drones and other hovering mechanical devices are strictly prohibited over or inside Borneo Rainforest Lodge and the surrounding rainforests.
CAN I WANDER INTO DANUM VALLEY WITHOUT A GUIDE AT BORNEO RAINFOREST LODGE?
Apart from returning to their rooms, guests are kindly requested not to wander beyond the Borneo Rainforest Lodge premises independently.
The only exception is the designated Nature Trail (approximately 400m), which is conveniently located near to the lodge and can be explored during the daytime.
However, guests are kindly requested to notify the front office when they intend to explore the Nature Trail on their own. This helps to ensure their safety and anticipate their return.
WHO OWNS BORNEO RAINFOREST LODGE?
Borneo Rainforest Lodge is owned and managed by Innoprise Jungle Lodge Sdn. Bhd, which is the commercial subsidiary of Yayasan Sabah, a statutory body established by Sabah State Government.
CONCLUSION: BORNEO RAINFOREST LODGE
In conclusion, from our own personal experience we would highly recommend a stay at the luxurious and sustainable Borneo Rainforest Lodge when visiting Sabah, Borneo.
The Danum Valley, where the Lodge resides, is one of the most protected core areas and last of the ancient primary rainforests in Borneo, meaning it is one of the best places to see a colossal amount of wildlife!
We strongly advise to visit between May to October. This is the best time to visit Borneo and see Borneo wildlife, being the driest season with plenty of fruiting trees that coax Borneos wonderful creatures – especially wild Orangutans – down lower for you to see!
With regard to room types at Borneo Rainforest Lodge, whichever option your budget allows, we would highly recommend staying in a chalet type with a River View. This truly the best view at the facility and worth every penny waking up to!
We hope you have the most incredible time, and truly wish you the best of luck seeing the ‘Borneo Big 5’ wildlife check list during your luxurious stay in the Danum Valley!
This blog post was written by… Jordie!
Founder of TheFlainsTravel.com
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