Luxury in the Middle of the Jungle with Borneo Rainforest Lodge: Exploring Malaysian Borneo in Danum Valley
Borneo, the third-largest island in the world, is a paradise for wildlife that is waiting to be explored. But is Borneo good for tourists? Absolutely! With its breathtaking landscapes, diverse wildlife, and rich culture, it offers an unforgettable experience for travellers. But, is it expensive to travel in Borneo? Let's dive into our recent stay at the Borneo Rainforest Lodge to find out.
Getting to Malaysian Borneo
Our journey to this tropical haven began with a three-hour flight from Penang to Kota Kinabalu, followed by a smaller flight to Lahad Datu in the Malaysian part of Borneo. You can also fly from Kuala Lumpur to Kota Kinabalu for about the same flight time. From Lahad Datu, we were warmly greeted by the Borneo Rainforest Tours team and transported to their main office for check-in. Then, our adventure truly began with a thrilling two-and-a-half-hour drive through some of the world's densest jungle, down mostly dirt roads, with no cell phone reception and no other cars in sight.
Stay at Borneo Rainforest Lodge in Danum Valley
You might think that after such a long journey to the middle of nowhere, not much would be awaiting you. But you'd be wrong. This lodge, nestled in 43,800 hectares of protected virgin rainforest in the Danum Valley Conservation Area, is the epitome of luxury. It was the very place where Dame Judi Dench stayed during her 'Wild Borneo Adventure' TV program.
We opted for the Single Story Premium Deluxe Villa with river views, and it was nothing short of spectacular. The ultra-modern villa boasts floor-to-ceiling glass windows overlooking the Danum river and the lush forest beyond. A luxurious tub sits in front of these windows, and just on the other side of the glass, you'll find your outdoor private plunge pool. All packages include your meals, and the dining experience is exceptional. A buffet of curried meats, vegetables, and fresh bread awaits you. Breakfast featured warm parathas and fresh watermelon juice, a perfect start to your day.
While this is certainly a luxury property and comes with a price tag, we found that for the average cost of under USD 500 per night for two people with all of the food and activity inclusions, it was an incredible deal.
Spotting Orangutans in Borneo
Let's face it, the main reason you are considering travelling to Borneo is to see Orangutans. But are they easy to spot? Unfortunately, no. Due to their preference for hanging out in the very high treetops and the dense canopy that exists below those, they can be quite elusive. However, they do have a distinct smell that can sometimes give away their presence.
During our 3-night stay (which we would recommend if you are wondering how long should you stay in Borneo), we were fortunate to spot one single Orangutan named Kate, after Kate Middleton who was visiting the Danum Valley at the time of her birth. While it was challenging to locate her initially, we were then able to watch her in her natural habitat for over an hour swinging around and munching on leaves, which was truly the thrill of a lifetime.
If you're wondering where in Borneo Orangutans live, or which part of Borneo is the best spot to see Orangutans, the Danum Valley is considered one of the best places to spot them in the wild. In the Indonesian part of Borneo, you can sail down the river on a live-aboard klotok wooden boat where there are almost guaranteed Orangutan sightings due to feeding stations along the water. However, we worried these sightings might feel a bit manufactured compared to the authentic experience of truly spotting them in their natural habitat in the Danum Valley.
Other Activities at the Borneo Rainforest Lodge
During our stay at the Borneo Rainforest Lodge, we were thrilled to discover a plethora of activities that offered a comprehensive and enriching experience to enjoy the region's natural beauty and cultural richness, even without spotting Orangutans. Let's delve into some of the activities we personally indulged in:
1. River Tubing: A Tranquil Journey Through Nature
The most memorable activity we engaged in was river tubing. Donning our bathing suits and water shoes, we embarked on a brief hike from the camp with our tubes on our backs. We then boarded the tubes, and floated back down the river to camp, enveloped by the serene ambiance of the rainforest. The gentle flow of the water, combined with the lush greenery lining the riverbanks and the captivating wildlife sightings, made this activity an absolute highlight of our trip. The peace and tranquility of drifting down the Danum river, surrounded by the sounds of the rainforest, is a feeling not many people get to experience.
2. Viewpoint Hike: A Panoramic Feast for the Eyes
The viewpoint hike was another unforgettable experience. Borneo tends to have high humidity – a staggering 95% during our visit in May – which makes the trek more challenging. Still, the breathtaking panoramic views from the summit were worth every step. The trail led us to an incredible vantage point overlooking the winding river and the Borneo lodge on the edge of the rainforest below. To our delight, on the way back down, the hike concluded at a cascading waterfall where we could take a refreshing dip in the natural pools. A bonus was the unique pedicure experience courtesy of the fish in the pools, which love nibbling on dead skin!
3. Treetop Walkway: An Elevated Adventure
The Borneo Rainforest Lodge boasts a meticulously constructed treetop walkway, allowing visitors to traverse from tree to tree via suspension bridges amidst the lush canopy of the forest. While our primary hope was to spot an Orangutan from this elevated vantage point, the walk itself was a magical experience. This walk usually takes place in the early mornings to enjoy the mesmerizing sight of a beautiful fog that rolls in over the valley, creating a mystical atmosphere that enhances the natural beauty of the surroundings.
4. Night Safari: A Fascinating Glimpse into Borneo's Nocturnal Wildlife World
One evening, we embarked on a night safari, which proved to be an exhilarating and eye-opening experience. Armed with flashlights and guided by our knowledgeable local guide, we ventured into the rainforest by car and on foot after the sun had long set and the nocturnal world began to awaken. Glowing eyes stared back at us from the darkness as we encountered a myriad of creatures of the night, providing us with a unique and fascinating perspective on the rainforest’s biodiversity.
Practical Tips for Your Borneo Travel Adventure
While Borneo is undeniably a magical destination, there are a few challenges to be aware of. Many creatures we were excited to encounter, from snakes and scorpions to flying squirrels. However, during our stay, we also became quite familiar with the local tiger leeches, tiny creatures with a penchant for tasting human blood. Despite purchasing leech socks from the camp (a MUST), these persistent critters always managed to find their way to us.
However, with help from our knowledgeable guide, we learned how to safely and quickly remove them before they could bite, turning the experience into an amusing and memorable anecdote. Still, the process of stopping to remove one another’s leeches every few minutes on your hike does take away from your enjoyment. By the end of our stay, we left with only a couple of bites and our certificates for donating blood to the tiger leeches of the Danum Valley Conservation Area.
Another challenge we faced was some confusion with our booking. Although we had booked a pre-arranged package with several exciting inclusions, we discovered upon arrival that the staff was unaware of this. Resolving the issue took a couple of days of back-and-forth with the staff back at the main office, which was made more challenging by the weak Wi-Fi available only in the main dining area. While all was rectified in the end, this process did detract from our otherwise peaceful enjoyment. To avoid similar issues, we recommend double-checking your package and booking details at the main office, before your arrival at the lodge.
This area of Borneo is also considered a high-risk Malaria zone, so you will need to make pre-arrangements and take anti-malaria medication during your stay, just as we did.
Should You Visit Borneo?
Our stay at the Borneo Rainforest Lodge was an unforgettable adventure, offering a unique blend of luxury and wilderness exploration. With its diverse range of activities and the opportunity to immerse oneself in the pristine beauty of the Danum Valley Conservation Area, it truly is the ultimate way to experience the incredible wilderness of Borneo. So, take the leap, hop on a couple of flights, drive for a few bumpy hours, sleep where Judy Dench once slept, and hang out with Kate Middleton the Orangutan.
댓글