Borneo Rainforest Lodge

Rooms

The lodge has two main room types; Standard and Deluxe Chalets. Both are similar in terms of the layout, offering large, comfortable rooms with an en suite bathroom and their own sustainable (but very effective) fan cooling system. As an extra, the Deluxe Chalets offer a view over the rainforest, along with a private balcony and oversized tub. Both room types have a small fridge, with complimentary soft drinks which are replenished daily.

There are also two Pool Villas available, complete with a private plunge pool and your own personal butler. These are in high demand, and offer an extra level of service to your already exceptional experience.

Location

Set in the middle of the rainforest, the lodge is around a two to three hour drive from the small town of Lahad Datu. As a result of its remote location, everything you need is in the lodge itself; all food will be provided and there is a small shop for gifts and snacks. The scenery around the lodge is absolutely beautiful and the rainforest is teeming with wildlife, ready for you to explore.

Food and drink

All meals will be provided for you while you are staying at the lodge and will be served in the large, open-plan dining room. Although it is buffet-style, all the food is delicious and freshly cooked, with lots of choice available (including vegetarian options). The food is mainly Malay-style dishes with rice and noodles along with a large selection of fresh fruit and salad, and plenty of dessert options. There is also a large selection of drinks — both soft and alcoholic — available at the bar, which is open all day. The restaurant and bar area is a beautiful place to unwind at all times of day to take in the views.

Families

The Borneo Rainforest Lodge is a fantastic place for families and there are plenty of activities to occupy children and teenagers. Whether it’s a short walk around one of the many nature trails in the area (don’t forget your binoculars!), tubing down the river or a night safari in one of the lodge’s 4x4s, there won’t be a dull moment and it will provide children with an experience they’ll never forget.

Please be aware that the lodge may not be suitable for very young children due to its remote location and the slightly difficult nature of some of the activities. Our specialists will be able to give you more information if you are planning on travelling with younger children.

Facilities and activities

Borneo Rainforest Lodge is located in a conservation area in the heart of the pristine jungle of the Danum Valley. An award-winning lodge, and one that is a shining example of sustainable practices, it is unique in its location and offerings.

The accommodation is in a wonderful setting beside the Danum River, and all of the 27 chalets and 3 modern villas are spacious and well-appointed. The chalets and villas have been designed to encourage airflow and all have fans, which help to keep the rooms cool. It is important to note that most rooms do not come with air-conditioning. The Standard and Deluxe rooms have been designed to encourage positive air flow and our specialists have found they stay adequately cool. Premium Deluxe rooms have a climate control system but only the three Premium Villas have true air-conditioning. With solar power water heaters in each room, LED lighting, and an emphasis on waste management throughout the property, Borneo Rainforest Lodge has won multiple awards for its commitment to conservation.

The communal areas blend into the natural rainforest setting and include a small bar and an information room where guests can attend evening talks, watch slide shows and see films about the conservation of the surrounding area. Meals are served in the open-plan dining room, while the outdoor terrace provides an ideal setting in which to relax and enjoy the sounds and sights of the jungle. There is also a small spa room available for a well-earned post trek massage.

All meals are included during your stay here, as well as your guided activities, so the only expenses you will have are drinks, laundry and tipping. Local products, such as produce, insect repellent, and bathroom amenities, are used to reduce carbon footprint and stimulate the local economy and local employment opportunities​ are steadily provided.

The Danum Valley is an area of dense primary rainforest, wildlife really does proliferate in the area however it can be a challenge to see at times. The lodge have done their best to recruit talented wildlife guides and a certain amount depends on luck, some guests have seen an orangutan nest in the grounds of the property!

There are a multitude of trails to explore in the Danum Valley, ranging from 600m boardwalks to much more strenuous 3km treks on uneven ground. Please discuss with your specialist if you have any questions on the differences in the guiding here. If you have specific interest (for example bird watching) please let us know in advance and we will communicate this to the local team.

Accessibility

Due to its remote nature, Borneo Rainforest Lodge is unfortunately not wheelchair accessible.

Environmental and social responsibility

Borneo Rainforest Lodge prides itself on its sustainability, and rightly so. Based in the middle of a conservation area, it uses green products as much as possible, including zero chemical detergents and solar energy. It has a waste management system, including reusable water bottles, and recycles waste water wherever it safely can. It also uses local products to reduce its carbon footprint.