Tripadvisor gives a Travellers’ Choice award to accommodations, attractions and restaurants that consistently earn great reviews from travellers and are ranked within the top 10% of properties on Tripadvisor.
Tripadvisor gives a Travellers’ Choice award to accommodations, attractions and restaurants that consistently earn great reviews from travellers and are ranked within the top 10% of properties on Tripadvisor.
The award winning Borneo Rainforest Lodge (BRL) is nestled within 43,800 hectares of protected virgin rainforest of the Danum Valley Conservation Area, Sabah, listed also as an Important Birding Area (IBA MY24) site. The immense biodiversity of 200 species of plants per hectare in this pristine 130 million years old rainforest is home to more than 320 species of birds and 124 species of mammals. Accessible via a 55 minutes flight from Kota Kinabalu International Airport (BKI) and 2.5 hours overland drive from Lahad Datu (LDU), BRL has 30 chalets and a spa which adopts eco sensitivity, sustainability and minimum impact as the core principles of designs and operations. Full board packages include guides and return transfer of LDU-BRL-LDU. Reviews recommends a 4 days/3 nights package to experience the vast biodiversity of this magical 130 million years old rainforest and to pamper yourself with traditional Borneo massages at the in-house Spa.
Star ratings are intended to indicate the general level of features, amenities, and services to expect. This property is classified according to Giata.
HOTEL STYLE
Modern
Family
Languages Spoken
English, Malay
Location
Off Coastal Highway Block B, Lot 11 & 12, 3rd Floor, KK Times Square, Danum Valley Conservation Area 88100 Malaysia
Borneo Rainforest Lodge, Danum Valley Conservation Area
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Nestled in a special, picturesque location, Borneo Rainforest Lodge is celebrated for its elegant ambiance and luxurious amenities, such as private plunge pools and extensive wildlife views. Guests often find the expense justified by the memorable experience and exceptional service, despite the remote setting and occasional noise from neighboring rooms.
While some reviewers mention the lack of Wi-Fi and sporadic cleanliness issues, the spacious rooms with stunning views, alongside the hotel's overall cleanliness and culinary offerings, receive high praise.
Location
Remote
Atmosphere
Elegant
Rooms
Comfortable
Value
Expensive
Cleanliness
Immaculate
Service
Attentive
Amenities
Lavish
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What an truly amazing experience. The stay here was the highlight of our 12 day Borneo trip, to see the pristine rainforest first hand. We travelled into the resort by Toyota Hilux pickup, 2 1/2 hours along dirt tracks through the jungle. After turning off the main road you head down to a check point with a barrier where your driver does the necessary checks with the security guards. The first 2 hours of the drive are through jungle which has been previously logged but is still an amazing sight to see, it is only when you reach the pristine forest that you see the difference. Another half an hour past the next barrier and you reach the Rainforest Lodge, wow what can I say. I thought that the lodge was going to be fairly basic due to it's remoteness, how wrong was I. The main reception building is very modern with all the modern facilities that we come to expect but maybe not in the middle of nowhere. The best internet connection that we had had so far & the accommodation and food was excellent. Buffet restaurant with a great selection of fresh cooked food & chefs on hand to cook additional dishes. All of the staff were exceptionally friendly & very eager to please. The veranda at the restaurant is a great place to sit with a drink and watch the wildlife, an evening g & t whilst watching birds etc through our binoculars. Our guides Britney and Ali were first class and very personable, they have an amazing ability to see flora & fauna that we would otherwise have missed. The guided walks were great, both day & night. The walk up to the viewpoint was done at our own pace with no rush, stopping to see things on the route. Once up at the viewpoint we were treated to a visit by an orangutang high in the canopy, the view down over the resort is well worth the hike. The only reason that this is not listed as a 5 star resort is due to the fact that it doesn't have a swimming pool ! However a waterfall with a pool is available nearby on one of the rivers, much more environmentally friendly. If you are travelling to Borneo then I would highly recommend taking the time to visit Danum Valley to see the real Borneo as it should be & as it was before being destroyed by man.
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Date of stay: March 2020
Rooms
Location
Service
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
My daughter and I stayed here April 2019, I have been extremely unwell and forgot to do a review so sincere apologies. We stayed in one of the rooms overlooking the river with aircon (which you have to request, not all rooms have aircon) and plunge pool. All I can say is just wow, tranquil, beautiful & healing. Food top class, clean, staff can’t do enough for you , and wardens who take you out to see the wildlife total amazing we even got to see a male wild orangutans looking for a female. You can go on other paid trips to see the sunrise, highly recommended. All I can say is we wanted more time here. Thank you so much🥰🙏🏽
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Date of stay: April 2020Trip type: Travelled with family
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
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Spent three days there and truly a beautiful property set in an amazing part of the world. The main reason for going is exploring the flora and fauna and that's where they don't disappoint. Our guide Ali was one the best I've ever had. So knowledgeable about everything that I was sure he must have had PhD in biology, but it's all self taught. And he was an absolute joy to spend time with. The rooms are pretty amazing, we stayed in the Premium Deluxe suites (PD). Food in the restaurant is OK but nothing to write home about. Service was a bit patchy and I don't blame the staff but rather their lack of proper training. One extremely frustrating thing they do is store the white wine in a cooler with the reds set at 18C (65F), which is within the appropriate range for reds but makes any white undrinkable unless you stick some ice in it. If I'm going to pay $75 for a bottle of white, I pretty much expect that it's going to be served at the right temperature. It's not like they don't have refrigeration behind the bar, they do as they serve ice cold beer. But they just stick them all in the wine fridge with the reds. When I tried to point this out to the barman and explain to him that whites need to be cold, I just got a blank stare. He had no idea. Again, not his fault, the catering manager should know better. Excellent place but for the money I expected a bit more.
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Date of stay: January 2020Trip type: Travelled solo
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
My wife and I were fortunate to travel to this magnificent place recently. It is rare to experience classy and attentive service, the highest quality room, sumptuous food, a superb guide, exceptional staff and the most amazing environs in one package and in one place. But BRL has it all. Our Premium Deluxe room was up there with the best we have ever stayed in - we loved the openness of the room, the outdoor shower, the pool and a balcony that was abuzz with the noise of the rainforest all the time. Visits from the local monkeys, deer, and a first class vista from which to watch Orangutans in the trees across the river, are all seared into our memory. We went mainly to see the Hornbills and we were not disappointed. The sound of those majestic birds as they prepared to fly, and the noise in flight, will live long in our memories. Messi took us out into the rainforest on several occasions and he was amazing, his local knowledge enhanced our experience, and brought us much joy - we will never forget his bird calls and the occasional responses he got back. Even with the occasional leech (as you would expect in a wild environment), BRL is simply a stunning place, and if you are reading this, you could do no wrong by planning a trip to see the wonder of the ancient Borneo rainforest.
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Date of stay: April 2022
Rooms
Service
Sleep Quality
Room Tip:Premium Deluxe is the way to go - facing the river and the rain forest and they come with a cool...
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
The meeting in Lahad Datu and transfer is very efficient.The location, Main Lodge, rooms food and staff are all high quality and well presented. The guides try very hard are very knowledgeable and caring. Whilst recognising seeing wildlife is a matter of luck many people staying were in agreement that the wildlife part of the trip is over sold - we spotted a rat and a frog on a night walk !! .All the trails are very well used. Spending time in primary rain forest in quality accomodation is special.
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Date of stay: February 2020
Rooms
Service
Sleep Quality
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
The lodge was extraordinary. It featured amazing views of the forest from the luxuriously appointed rooms and restaurant. The climate control system, luxurious bedding, and clean dry showers and toilets, not to mention outstanding food makes it very easy to recover from hours of jungle trekking each day. The staff is unbelievably attentive. When asked about dietary preferences on the first day, I said i am Hindu non-vegetarian (all meat allowed except beef) and my mother is Hindu vegetarian. Suddenly the next day, butter chicken masala, lamb keema, and lemon rice appeared in the buffet line, as did several vegetarian dishes. We cancelled multiple custom requested activities because my mother got sick and they never lost patience. Cups of fresh made ginger lemon tea appeared at our room every hour with a smile and well wishes. Every staff member will help you. I didn’t know what my next activity was; the cleaning staff went to find my guide to ask and informed me. I wanted my room serviced while eating dinner. The restaurant staff went to housekeeping and made it happen. When I started getting panic attacks during a hike, my guide pulled at least 50 leeches off my body for me. Every staff member will go to every length to help you with ANYTHING. I’ve never experienced service like that before. Nor have I experienced such cleanliness and luxury in the deep jungle, which isn’t easy to provide but makes recovery from excursions easy. Some other guests caused us trouble but every staff member was absolutely amazing. As for wildlife we had orangutans and giant hornbills appear outside our door. The only disadvantage is that this is not as dense of a forest as Ulu Temburong in Brunei. If you’re looking to be really surrounded by 70 meter tall trees that look like broccoli, you will not find it here. You will find it in Limbang division, MY and Temburong, Brunei but you will find no wildlife there, just gorgeous, dense forest. But at BRL you will find orangutans and hornbills amidst primary forest, which is a very rare treasure indeed. It’s expensive but worth every penny for those who can afford it. We’re in the category of people who can afford it as a once in a lifetime experience. But if I was a billionaire who wanted to get off the grid I really might move there for a few months.
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Date of stay: December 2023
Value
Location
Service
Trip type: Travelled with family
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
I stayed two nights at BRL in a standard lodge that was very nice, great size, clean although dim lighting if you’re a reader. The staff are friendly and welcoming.
The reception started off in Ladah Datu where a Covid RAT was required before entering the lodge, unexpected when turned up to the office.
Be prepared for the 2.5 hour bumpy off-road drive into the lodge, and keep watch for wildlife during the journey in/out.
The accommodation includes buffet breakfast, lunch and dinner, all which offer a large range of tasty food to cater for all taste requirements. The balcony for eating has stunning views of the rainforest and river below. Keep an eye out for movement in the trees opposite at any stage for primates.
The BRL is the perfect location to explore Danum Valley’s natural environment with many walks and wildlife on offer
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Date of stay: September 2022Trip type: Travelled with friends
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Nothing to add to the other reviews: from pick-up to welcome, rooms and food, with a special mention of the tours and excellent guides everything was perfect. A professional ressort, maybe a little bit too professional, so the ambiance is a bit less familiar, but this has nothing to do with the very kind and helpful staff, and having the tours and trekkings always with the same guide adds this little bit of familiarity, if you want this. Recommendations: Stay 3 nights and 4 days at least, we only did 2 nights, which is not enough for the amazing location and surroundings. Be patient and take your time if you want to see big animals and enjoy also the small ones and the vegetation. And if you stay in a premium villa, at the front, you will love to spend a few relaxing hours enjoying the large terrace and get refreshed in the little private pool. Don't worry about drinking water, there is plenty for free. If you want to walk at your own pace or your group doesn't suit you, get your private guide, they are all highly skilled and very friendly. Bring some good footwear for slippery and muddy paths, as well as a light rainproof jacket, as you might experience heavy tropical rain.
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Date of stay: August 2019Trip type: Travelled as a couple
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
My first regret is that we did not stay longer at this perfect place in paradise. My second regret is that I should have booked the stay through Borneo Nature Tours who own the lodge.
We were transported to the lodge in the Danum Valley after meeting in Lahad Datu for registration and mandatory RAT tests. (We were not informed of this by the tour operator that we used). All good to go and game spotting began as we entered the conservation area.
Whilst there is an abundance of game, it is not that easy to spot!
The lodge itself is rustic but beautiful. The rooms were well appointed and exceptionally equipped- rechargeable torches, binoculars, tea and coffee facilities, air con and fans, hairdryer, etc etc
The food was a gastronomic delight- fresh fruit, international and Malaysian cuisine coupled with attentive and obliging staff.
Our guide, Helen, was brilliant - her knowledge, her enthusiasm and her patience. On our night walk we saw tree frogs, redleaf monkeys, flying squirrels, night/bush baby, tarantula, birds, civet and some others.
Whilst the shop is rather low on stock (probably due to Covid), I was able to purchase leech socks for 50RMB.
A most memorable stay that I can highly recommend.
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Date of stay: July 2022Trip type: Travelled as a couple
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
We stayed at Borneo Rainforest lodge for part of our honeymoon and it exceeded our expectations. It was an incredible 4 days and we already would love to come back. Everything from the moment you get into the rainforest is 5 star; the staff go above and beyond to make your stay special and the food is excellent quality. It is a buffet style, however my husband and I were repeatedly surprised at the lack of flies or mosquitos around the area, everything was impeccably clean and kept on top of. You are always hydrated with water at every meal which is filtered and cold. The rooms are spacious and comfortable and with ac can be kept cool. You have to keep pinching yourself that you are in the middle of the rainforest and you have access to electricity, water and outstanding views! All the staff at the lodge are so kind and generous, and make an effort to have a conversation with you and talk about your day. Our guide, Manu was brilliant and we enjoyed our group and all the guided tours. We saw many animals, orang-utans, monkeys, bush babies, otters and elephants on our way out! It is so special to see these animals in their natural habitat. We couldn’t recommended the lodge highly enough and it was a memorable way to end our honeymoon.
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Date of stay: August 2023
Value
Location
Service
Trip type: Travelled as a couple
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Halifax, United Kingdom27 contributions10 helpful votes
Depends how many nights you are going and the type of clothing you are taking. If they’re synthetic and quick drying you might get away with one set for a two night stay. We took two sets for two nights, but could have made do with one set.
Hello! Apologies for my late response - I hope you managed to get in touch!
Along with others’ responses - you contact via WhatsApp mostly! It feels abit weird at first but that’s their primary contact method!
I note that their Instagram seemed to be hacked last year, so they had to create a new account.
All the best,
Steph
Bathford, United Kingdom16 contributions12 helpful votes
You can’t explore the trails etc without a guide but you’ll be assigned a guide by the hotel when you arrive (at no extra cost). They normally have small groups (around 6/8) per guide. They are all extremely knowledgeable and talk to you about what you want to get out of your time at Danum Valley
Hi, I had military jungle boots which I usually use during such a trips but I saw many tourist in trainers and it seemed to be ok. IMHO leech socks are more crucial ;)
There are more places to choose from in the Danum Valley Conservation Area area.
ALSO KNOWN AS
borneo rainforest hotel sabah, borneo rainforest lodge
LOCATION
MalaysiaSabahDanum Valley Conservation Area
NUMBER OF ROOMS
30
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