"Sukau Rainforest Lodge" Sukau by Dinah21

Sukau Rainforest Lodge is situated along the Kinabatangan river. This eco-friendly lodge is managed by Borneo Eco Tours.

From Sandakan, it takes a 3 hours boat ride to reach the lodge. Riverine forest grow along the river bank. This serene river also supports large numbers of wildlife. TThe elusive proboscis monkeys is commonly found along the river bank.

Mostly tour are done along the river by battery-operated boats, which glide along the water to search for wildlife. The hilight is night tour.

Basic rooms

This eco-lodge has 20 basic rooms with attached bathroom. The rooms has a ceiling fan and electric lamps. Lightings in the public area uses recycled cooking oil for oil lamps and lanterns. Materials for wooden pilings and plank walkway also derive from Sukau forest.

Location of Melapi Restaurant, built on a platform facing the riverbank, is a great place to eat and relax. At night lighting of oil lamps around this restaurant create a romantic setting to dine. It serves both buffet local and western food.

Proboscis monkey - long nose

The lodge also conduct river cruises to observe wildlife and birds. There are 3 cruises within a day using electric motor boat. This type of boat is lesser in noise and allowing the boat to glide slowly on the water. Hence giving opportunity for closeby viewing of wildlife.

The early morning cruise to Oxbow Lake is another unforgetable sight. Morning mist blanket over Kinabatangan river provides a mysterious ambience. Next, a guided short trek in the forest around the lake to experience the rainforest and its unshakable inhabitants - leeches.

Evening cruise is done along Menanggul river, a small tributary river of Kinabatangan, searching for the main attraction - Proboscis monkeys.

Another not to miss cruise is the night spotting cruise to search for nocturnal animals. I personally, enjoyed this. Opening our eyes to the colourful world of small birds.

You can also do a nature walk with the lodge naturalist, Mr Winston, at the Hornbill boardwalk. The walk takes about an hour, introducing the fauna and survival of small living things in the rainforest.

• In a nutshell:A good place to view wildlife at its natural habitat.