Abai Jungle Lodge

Location: Kinabatangan Basin & Selingan Island | Malaysia & Borneo

Price guide: $$$$$ Less than $100 per person per night

In the depths of Malaysian Borneo’s rainforest, wildlife is abundant, and for prime wildlife viewing the rustic Abai Jungle Lodge is ideal. Hidden away in Borneo’s lush, green heart, this secluded hideaway is accessible only by boat, and name-drops orangutans and pygmy elephants among its A-list neighbours.
Perfect forRustic and remote, Abai Jungle Lodge is perfect for adventurous animal lovers, who will love staying in one of the jungle’s best wildlife-watching locations.
In the knowRose the orangutan is regularly spotted by guests, otters are also regularly seen, and there have also been reported sightings of the rare and elusive clouded leopard.

Recommended for...

  • Eco-tourism
  • Lodge
  • Rustic
  • Wildlife & Nature

Hotel Overview

Sense of Place

Abai Jungle Lodge sits on the peaceful banks of Borneo’s Kinabatangan River, a 1-hour boat ride from Sandakan.

Rooms at Abai Jungle Lodge

Each of the handful of wooden chalets is raised on stilts and has a private bathroom and an outdoor deck peering across the river. Simple but comfortable, the accommodation offers a real taste of jungle living –  just as you’d imagine it.

Food & Drink

The lodge’s restaurant overlooks the river and serves up food brought from the local village – freshwater prawns and freshwater marble goby are often on the menu. 

Activities at Abai Jungle Lodge

The five watchtowers and outdoor deck offer prime spots for wildlife viewing. Needless to say, it’s the animals that steal the show here, and as it’s a full hour away from the nearest hint of civilisation, the lodge is renowned for being in one of the best places to spot them in their natural habitat.

Following the trail that surrounds the lodge, or taking to the river by boat, you’ll have a good chance of seeing anything from the extraordinary proboscis monkey to the rare pygmy elephant. You'll be able to spot animals during a stroll down the jungle boardwalk, from one of the watchtowers or on a river cruise, led by Abai's expert guides. Birdlife is also incredibly varied here, and for a really magical experience you can head out on a night-time river cruise to spot luminescent fireflies.

Best time to go

Best time to travel

Good time to travel (but some limitations)

Travel is possible (but it’s not the best time)

Travel is not recommended

  • Jan
  • Feb
  • Mar
  • Apr
  • May
  • Jun
  • Jul
  • Aug
  • Sep
  • Oct
  • Nov
  • Dec
Best time to go

Hotel location

Abai Jungle Lodge can be reached via a road transfer from Sandakan airport to Sandakan jetty, followed by a boat ride through the Kinabatangan waterways. This will take approximately 2 hours and 45 minutes in total.

Stay at Abai Jungle Lodge on these trips

More places to stay in Kinabatangan Basin & Selingan Island

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