Sukaru Rainforest Lodge

If you are looking for the ultimate in Eco-Travel, then the Sukau Rainforest Lodge perched on the banks of the Kinabatangan River near Kg Sukau in Sabah is the pinnacle of green tourism.   Founded in 1995, it’s the only true Eco Lodge in the Sukau area and has bagged a string of international awards….

Responsible Eco-Tourism

It exemplifies the best in responsible tourism practice in Malaysia.  Ecotourism burst onto the scene in the early 1990s, bringing hordes of tourists and some economic benefits to the local inhabitants, the Orang Sungai. But uncontrolled tourism can lead to over development, irresponsible waste management, pollution and disturbance to the wildlife.  So when an operator like the Sukau Rainforest Lodge adopts an eco-friendly approach to minimise impact, it’s worth checking out.

Built Using Natural Materials
The wooden lodge sits on stilts about five feet above ground to minimise the impact of annual flooding on the Kinabatangan floodplains, to improve air circulation and to keep away unwelcome creepy-crawlies and animals.  Built from local hardwood species like Belian (Borneo ironwood), Merbau and Selangan Batu, the lodge blends in with the surrounding lush forest. Many native plants were left intact during construction to provide natural shade and privacy to the guests.  The 20 guestrooms are Spartan and small but the beds are comfy and the sheets are clean. Its airy design allows the lodge to do away with air-conditioning.
Large, black water tanks store the water supply taken from rainwater that is solar heated to provide hot showers.   Organic waste materials are turned into compost and non-biodegradable solid wastes are separated and sent for recycling in Sandakan. There’s no television and radio at the lodge. But entertainment comes in various forms: the twice-a-day river cruise to witness the antics of the wildlife, a leisurely amble on the 500-metre-long Hornbill boardwalk with knowledgeable resident naturalists or stargazing on the open decks on a clear night. If you’re lucky, you might spot elephant stomping across the built-in ‘passes’ (four-metre gaps between the boardwalk) that allow the animals to pass through the property.

Excellent Cuisine and Oustanding Eco Credentials

After an evening cruise or nature walk, guests can look forward to dishes like grilled prawns and fish supplied by local fishermen or sip chilled beer at the riverside Melapi restaurant.  More than 80% of the Lodge’s staff are local Orang Sungai people from Kg Sukau. Local woodworkers crafted the wooden boats to ferry visitors and built the boardwalks, decks, benches, chairs and tables.   Four locals have now trained to become guides and their English is improving day by day.   The activities here are all about nature. Two boat safaris per day, one in the evening and one in the very early morning. A jungle walk and a walk on the boards behind the lodge. The lodge donates a dollar for every tourist to the fund for conservation in Sabah. There are other lodges in the area but none are true Eco Lodges and none do as much as this spectacular set up to promote and protect the very things that make this such a desirable tourist destination.

No related posts.