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 (RDC). There, you can also enjoy the impressive steel canopy walk and possibly birdwatch.
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 are single-room chalets, and the rest are double-bed units that can accommodate up to four persons per unit. The rooms are 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 people in one unit. Each unit has three bunk beds, air conditioning, and a ceiling fan. Each unit has its bathroom, which the individual chalet shares.
The prices vary depending on the season or time of year. They are slightly higher on weekends and public holidays. This place is recommended for those planning ahead, as it would be better to book early. For both accommodations, the check-in time is 2:00 PM, and the check-out time is 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. It accommodates up to 60 people.
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 and 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 is open to anyone who wants to take a dip or swim during their stay. However, parents travelling with children are reminded to pay attention to their children 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. 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 Sepilok, which is estimated to be about a 40-60-minute 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. I have written a special article called Where to Stay in Sepilok, which 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 accommodation at the end of Jalan Fabia near the Rainforest Discovery Centre (RDC). If your budget allows, this would be an option.
Conclusion
This resort is recommended for those wanting a decent place to stay due to its facilities, amenities, and 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.
