Here is a special Borneo Sepilok Rainforest Resort review, as this place recently opened fully in 2022 after the Covid-19 pandemic crippled tourism in Sabah and the world over. This is also part of the birdwatching hotel and resort reviews targeted towards birdwatchers and photographers.
When I visited the Borneo Bird Festival 2022 in October, I made a special booking to stay here for a few days before returning to Kuala Lumpur. Therefore, this is my simple resort review for anyone planning to do birdwatching around Sepilok.
Borneo Sepilok Rainforest Resort Review
The resort is located just before the main junction, which leads to the Rainforest Discovery Centre or RDC, where you will also find the impressive steel canopy walk and possibly do your birdwatching there.
Usually, I will walk the main road (Jalan Fabia) leading to the RDC, as there are also birds to be spotted along the road in the bushes and up the canopy. But, of course, the star place is still around the RDC, the canopy walk, and the trails.
The Borneo Sepilok Rainforest Resort Rooms, Chalets & Dorm
In total, 18 chalets are private units, each spaced well apart for privacy and located along a beautiful walkway partially covered with trees and shrubs. This provides an intimate experience with the local flora and fauna while staying here.
Private Chalets – Of the 18 chalets, two units are single-room chalets, and the rest are double-bed units which can accommodate up to four persons per unit. The room is also quite large, around 15 feet wide x 28 feet long (4.5 meters x 8.5 meters). Each chalet unit has air-conditioning, a ceiling fan, an attached bathroom, a hot and cold rain shower, and basic amenities and is surrounded by nature.
Dormitory – Four chalet units accommodate six persons in one unit. Each unit comes with three bunk beds, air-conditioning and a ceiling fan. Each unit has its own bathroom, which the individual chalet shares.
The prices vary depending on the season or time of the year. And prices are slightly higher on weekends and public holidays. You can consider this place for those planning ahead, as it would be better to book early. For both accommodations, the check-in time is at 2.00 PM, and the check-out time is at 12.00 Noon.
Chalet Unit Photos
Sepilok Restaurant
The resort has a massive restaurant in the main building structure behind the reception area. This is called the Sepilok Restaurant, where guests can have breakfast, lunch, tea and dinner and accommodate up to 60 persons.
They serve a set menu and an ala-carte menu where guests can order individually. There are also vegetarian options, which must be conveyed to the staff when ordering. But if you are the pure vegetarian type, I recommend contacting the resort before booking to double check if they can accommodate you.
There is only one main restaurant, which is open from 7.00 AM to 9.00 PM. For birdwatchers, if you leave before 7.00 AM, please inform the staff a day before, and they will be able to cater to arrange packed meals for you. Otherwise, you can go birding early, come back for breakfast and continue.
Swimming Pool
While this is one of the least expected things, the resort offers a decent-sized swimming pool along the way to the chalet units. This freshwater pool is complete with deck chairs, not deep, and a maximum of 1.2 metres deep. There is also a children’s pool with a depth of 0.6 metres.
The pool caters to anyone who wants to take a dip or swim during their stay here. For those travelling with kids, you are reminded to pay attention to your kids as no lifeguard is available at this swimming pool.
Other Facilities
As this is a nature resort, no spa, gym, conference room or business centre is available here. The Borneo Sepilok Rainforest Resort is a lodge-style accommodation that caters to nature lovers who will spend the entire day exploring the many attractions around Sepilok.
Photos of Borneo Sepilok Rainforest Resort
Below are photos taken with my Huawei Mate 50 Pro when I visited in October 2022 to attend the Borneo Bird Festival.
*All the photos were taken with my Huawei Mate 50 Pro smartphone. I find the colours quite realistic, while each picture’s sharpness is reasonably well controlled.
Distance to Places of Interest around Sepilok
- To Rainforest Discovery Centre (RDC) – 11-minute walk
- To Sepilok Orangutan Rehabilitation Centre – 17-minute walk
- To Bornean Sun Bear Conservation Centre – 17-minute walk
Distance from Sandakan
The Borneo Sepilok Rainforest Resort is conveniently located in the area of Sepilok, which is estimated to be about a 40-60 minutes drive from Sandakan, depending on traffic.
- From Sandakan Airport: 25-30 minutes drive
- From Sandakan City Area: 40-60 minutes drive
You can also look at the other birdwatching resort reviews, as I have done one special article called Where to Stay in Sepilok. That article highlights most of the resorts and hotels in the main area of Sepilok.
On my other platform, MalaysiaAsia, I also reviewed My Nature Resort in Sepilok, a premium stay accommodation at the end of Jalan Fabia near the Rainforest Discovery Centre or RDC. If your budget allows, then this would be an option.
Conclusion
For those wanting a nice decent place to stay, this resort is recommended due to the facilities and amenities being offered and the resort’s location. It is also a new resort, so you can expect the latest equipment here. You can book this resort via Agoda.
I hope this Borneo Sepilok Rainforest Resort review has given you a better idea of what the lodges and resorts look and feel like in Sepilok, Sabah, as you have options from budget to normal to high-end.
