Wake up to the sounds of nature and experience the untouched beauty of Borneo’s wild rainforests.
Staying in Borneo’s rainforest isn’t just about seeing wildlife — it’s about experiencing the rhythm of the jungle itself. These five lodges capture that spirit in different ways, from remote riverside retreats to deep-forest sanctuaries where comfort meets conservation. Each one offers a different window into the island’s extraordinary biodiversity and the people protecting it, whether you’re cruising the Kinabatangan at dawn, walking beneath the towering dipterocarps of Danum Valley, or waking to the sounds of gibbons echoing through the canopy. These are our top five jungle lodges for an extraordinary Borneo Jungle Holiday — and if one of them calls to you, our experts can help weave it seamlessly into a tailor-made holiday.
A team of real experts, brilliant at designing bespoke holidays. Call 01273 923100 to start planning your Borneo holiday today.
Borneo Rainforest Lodge – Ultimate Luxury in the Wild
Borneo Rainforest Lodge sits deep within the Danum Valley Conservation Area, surrounded by one of the oldest rainforests on Earth. You wake to the call of gibbons and the hum of cicadas, with mist drifting through ancient dipterocarp trees. Days are filled with guided walks along raised canopy trails and night drives that reveal flying squirrels, civets and the occasional leopard cat. The chalets look out onto the river, and even the main deck feels part of the forest – built around huge trees that were never cut down. What makes it stand out is the sense of complete immersion: expert naturalist guides, wildlife encounters that feel unforced, and the rare feeling of being in true primary rainforest without sacrificing comfort.
Sukau Rainforest Lodge – A Riverside Retreat for Wildlife Enthusiasts
Set on a serene stretch of the Kinabatangan River, Sukau Rainforest Lodge has long drawn the attention of naturalists and filmmakers — even Sir David Attenborough stayed here while filming his Life on Earth series. Once recognised by National Geographic as one of its Unique Lodges of the World, it pairs deep-rooted sustainability with quiet style: solar-powered walkways, reclaimed timber, and a riverside pool framed by jungle. Dawn cruises reveal proboscis monkeys and hornbills, while evenings bring the sound of frogs and cicadas rising from the forest. It’s the rare lodge that manages to feel both adventurous and deeply at peace with its surroundings.
Abai Jungle Lodge – Remote Tranquillity on the Kinabatangan
Reached only by boat from Sandakan, Abai Jungle Lodge sits deep within a protected forest reserve, far from the palm oil plantations and villages that line other stretches of the Kinabatangan. It’s simple and rustic, built on wooden stilts above the river, with just the forest and water for company. What truly sets it apart are the guides — local experts who seem to know every call and movement in the canopy, spotting wild orangutans, hornbills and pygmy elephants long before you do. Evenings bring fireflies glowing in the trees and the low hum of the jungle, a reminder that you’re staying somewhere still largely untouched by modern development.
Kinabatangan Wetlands Resort - Blending Culture & Wilderness
Kinabatangan Wetlands Resort offers a quieter, more rounded experience of life along the river — one that weaves culture and wildlife together. Set near the small fishing village of Kampung Abai, it’s a place where you can watch hornbills and proboscis monkeys in the morning, then learn how local families live by the tides in the afternoon. The guides bring both worlds to life, sharing their deep knowledge of the forest as well as stories of the people who call it home. With stilted chalets linked by timber walkways and the sound of the river ever-present, it’s a stay that feels connected not just to the jungle, but to the community that helps protect it.
Utan Rainforest Lodge – The Off-the-Beaten-Path Adventure
For the intrepid explorer, Utan Rainforest Lodge offers an unparalleled wilderness experience deep within the Sungai Kapur Virgin Jungle Reserve. Reached by river and forest track, it feels like a true frontier — a place to trek through dense jungle, swim in hidden streams, and encounter rare wildlife in its natural habitat. Designed for minimal environmental impact, the timber chalets and raised walkways blend quietly into the forest, while expert guides lead treks and night walks that reveal the area’s extraordinary biodiversity. It’s an adventure in its purest form — solitude, discovery, and immersion in one of the world’s last great rainforests.
Talk to us about your perfect trip to Borneo
Call 01273 923100 to start planning your Borneo Holiday today.
Our top Borneo holiday ideas
Borneo Wildlife and Island Honeymoon
A truly unforgettable honeymoon that beautifully blends thrilling wildlife adventures with idyllic beaches.
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Explore colonial Kuching, relax on Gaya Island’s beaches, and cruise Sabah’s jungle rivers in one scenic trip.
Kuala Lumpur, Borneo Jungle and Beach
Combine the buzz of Kuala Lumpur with jungle adventures and beach downtime for a well-rounded escape.
Borneo Family Jungle and Beach
Spot monkeys, elephants, and orangutans in the wild rainforests, then relax with family beach time on the lush Gaya Island.
Borneo Orangutans & Beach – SPECIAL OFFER
An adventure through Borneo’s wildlife-filled jungles before unwinding on the island’s tropical beaches.
Borneo Sarawak and Sabah Highlights
This holiday showcases the best of Sarawak and Sabah, from Kuching's charm and Mulu's bat-filled caves to wildlife encounters and jungle trekking in Sabah's rainforests
Borneo’s Danum Valley and Beach
Explore the untouched rainforest of Danum Valley, then unwind on a secluded tropical beach in true style.
Relaxed Borneo Family Holiday
A laid-back family adventure with plenty of beach time and gentle wildlife spotting in Borneo’s lush rainforests.
Borneo Family Jungle, Adventure and Beach
This family holiday blends wildlife encounters, jungle adventures and beach time for the ultimate Borneo escape - a holiday to remember!
Simply Borneo Jungle and Beach
An adventure through Borneo’s wildlife-filled jungles before unwinding on the island’s tropical beaches.
Borneo Highlights Holiday
Discover the perfect blend of culture, wildlife and relaxation on this Borneo Highlights Holiday!
Borneo Wildlife Highlights Holiday
Spot Borneo’s Big Five on a wildlife-rich adventure from Bako’s rainforests to Danum Valley’s remote jungle trails and riverbanks.
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