- Stay at Utan Rainforest Lodge, a luxurious eco-lodge newly built in 2024, nestled in the Sungai Kapur Virgin Jungle Reserve near Tabin Wildlife Reserve
- Explore the rich biodiversity of the rainforest with guided nature walks
- Spot rare and endemic bird species such as the Bornean Ground Cuckoo
- Experience the rainforest's nocturnal wonders, including civets, leopard cats, and fireflies on sunset river cruises and night safari drives
- Unwind in the dip pool, enjoy meals at the lodge's restaurant, and explore the information centre and souvenir shop
Utan Rainforest Lodge offers an unparalleled Borneo ecotourism experience, blending comfort with an authentic retreat into Borneo’s untouched wilderness. Located in the Virgin Jungle Reserve (VJR) at Sungai Kapur, this Borneo nature lodge is surrounded by dense rainforest, home to rare species like the Proboscis Monkey, Bornean Orangutan, Sun Bear, and the elusive Helmeted Hornbill.
Immerse yourself in the beauty of nature, from the early morning chorus of birds to the enchanting sounds of the rainforest at night. Explore the mangroves with guided river cruises and take part in exclusive wildlife tours to experience the rich biodiversity of Borneo’s rainforest up close. Situated just a short distance from Lahad Datu, Utan Rainforest Lodge is the perfect gateway to Borneo’s jungle, offering a serene and immersive escape for nature lovers.
LOCATION
By Air
MasWings (www.maswings.com) offers daily flights from Kota Kinabalu to Lahad Datu, with a flight time of approximately 1 hour. Once you arrive in Lahad Datu, a 1.5-hour drive — part of it on gravel roads — will bring you to Utan Rainforest Lodge.
By Road
- Kota Kinabalu to Lahad Datu: A 7-hour drive.
- Sandakan to Lahad Datu: A 4-hour drive. Many visitors opt to fly into Sandakan first, where they can visit the Sepilok Orangutan Rehabilitation Centre or Selingan Turtle Island. From there, they continue to Sukau in Kinabatangan for an overnight stay before driving to Utan Rainforest Lodge. This route allows travelers to explore some of Borneo’s top eco-tourism spots.
- Tawau to Lahad Datu: A 4-hour drive. After diving trips to Sipadan or Mabul islands, many divers visit Utan Rainforest Lodge for a 1-2 night stay to follow the non-flying-after-diving rule. From Semporna to Utan, the drive takes around 3 hours.
ABOUT SUNGAI KAPUR VIRGIN JUNGLE RESERVE
Discover the Sungai Kapur Virgin Jungle Reserve, a pristine Borneo wildlife sanctuary tucked away in the heart of the Borneo rainforest. Home to rare species like the Bornean Orangutan, Proboscis Monkey, Sun Bear, and the elusive Helmeted Hornbill, this untouched haven is perfect for nature lovers and eco-tourists alike.
Explore the beauty of the jungle through Borneo jungle trekking and serene mangrove river cruises. By day, you’ll be serenaded by the calls of endemic bird species, making this an ideal spot for Borneo bird-watching. As night falls, the forest comes alive with the sounds of nocturnal creatures, offering a truly immersive experience.
For a tranquil adventure, glide along the waterways on a mangrove river cruise, where the estuaries reveal even more of Borneo’s natural wonders. Whether you're passionate about Borneo wildlife, bird-watching, or simply seeking an escape into nature, the Sungai Kapur Virgin Jungle Reserve offers an unforgettable journey into Sabah's wilderness.
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