Sabah, Malaysia
Abai Jungle Lodge is a simple but comfortable lodge, set along the banks of the Kinabatangan River— the second longest river in Malaysia. Built entirely on stilts within the Borneo rainforest, its beauty lies in its isolation. Accessible only by one-hour long boat ride from Sandakan or Sukau village, it provides a rustic, rural setting, deep within the heart of Sabah, and easy access to the world’s oldest rainforest, home to many endemic and endangered species.
Your jungle adventure begins with a cruise upriver through a magical mangrove forest to the Lower Kinabatangan River Sanctuary and to the Abai Jungle Lodge. Accommodation comprises of 24 wooden chalets, set on stilts with wraparound verandas overlooking the jungle and the river beyond. Approach is on wooden walkways, welcomed enroute by monkeys and a variety of birds. Inside, there are plush beds draped in mosy nets and modern ensuite bathrooms with showers.
Amenities
Bar/PubGardenRestaurantAbai Jungle Lodge Sabah, Malaysia
Stay Abai Jungle Lodge offers just 24 rooms, grouped in three types of wooden chalets. Each are simply but elegantly furnished with polished wood floor, with double-, twin- or triple-beds, as well as a desk and en suite bathroom. The lodge is on raised stilts and all have verandas overlooking the river, perfect for watching the jungle wildlife. There is no air-conditioning but there is a ceiling fan, netted windows, allowing good air circulation and keep the insects out.
ChildCare Families with children are welcome to stay at the Abai Jungle Lodge but there are no specific facilities available for children. However, the guides take special care to focus experiences on children. They will love exploring the wildlife, boat rides, and exploring the jungle with a pair of binoculars!
Dine Your stay at the Abai Jungle Lodge includes all meals and there will be enough of it. Experience Borneo delicacies such as udang galah or marble goby, known locally as ikan ub (freshwater prawn) alongside Western favourites. Meals are prepared by a team of local chefs with fresh local ingredients and served in the open sided dining area overlooking the river. Most dishes are based on river fish caught by the locals and locally grown vegetables.
Relax Spend your afternoons relaxing on sun loungers set on an outdoor deck or with binoculars, watching the wildlife in the surrounding jungle. Abai Jungle Lodge has a small library with reference books and nooks to relax with a book. Alternatively, you can take a leisurely walk into the jungle with a naturalist guide.
Experience The daily routine at the Abai Jungle Lodge is very much akin to a Safari Lodge with two daily excursions into the jungle. Guides will take you on river tours and walking tours where you can expect to see a wide range of wildlife including orang-utan, crocodiles, macaque, silver leaf monkey, egrets, kingfishers, owls, viper, and more. There is a team of very experienced naturalist guides who will be happy to share their wide knowledge and experience with you.
Location Abai Jungle Lodge is situated at 47km from the river mouth of Kinabatangan River, the longest river in Sabah and Malaysia's second longest river.
Getting there The Abai Jungle Lodge is only accessible by boat. 17-hour international flight (one change) to Sandakan Airport, followed by a 1-hour boat ride from Sandakan jetty to the Lodge.
When to go Like the rest of Malaysia, Sabah’s climate is hot and humid. Expect temperatures in the high 20s and low 30s throughout the lowlands. The state’s rainfall averages about 300cm annually and though it rains throughout the year, the heaviest rainfall generally occurs between October and January. At higher elevations the temperature is refreshingly cool, dropping to colder temperatures at night. Mount Kinabalu has its own climate and, above 3500m, temperatures can drop to freezing.
Destination
Western, Borneo
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