Sepilok Nature Resort, Borneo, Malaysia
The village of Sepilok, in northeastern Sabah in Malaysian Borneo, is home to four well-regarded wildlife sanctuaries.
While it is possible to visit the sanctuaries on day-trips from the nearby town of Sandakan, it is much more atmospheric (and time-efficient) to be based in Sepilok itself, where you can be within the rainforest, and able to explore the sanctuaries on your own schedule.
There are six accommodation options in the vicinity of Sepilok – none are what you would call luxurious, but the most stylish and sophisticated lodging is Sepilok Nature Resort and is easily our pick for this component of a journey to Sabah.
Just metres from the entrance to the Sepilok Orangutan Rehabilitation Centre and the Bornean Sun Bear Conservation Centre, Sepilok Nature Resort has 23 bungalows in lush gardens surrounding a large, scenic natural pond, in addition to the popular restaurant The Lake.
The villas are linked by picturesque walkways and bridges, and in the evenings the entire resort is lit with lanterns with a magical effect.
The chalets at Sepilok Nature Resort are very comfortable if in a rustic-chic kind of way. Each dark-timbered bungalow is fronted by a large veranda overlooking the lake or the jungle, complete with deck chairs and hammock, and shaded by a canopy of trees and cascading vines.
Bungalows overlook the lake or the jungle, complete with deck chairs and hammock.
Inside the chalets, wooden floors and ceilings are offset with eclectic decorations and practical furnishings, including a small fridge with drinking water, tea and coffee making facilities, insect spray and, most importantly, a powerful airconditioner plus overhead fan.
Comfortable rustic-chic rooms with much appreciated airconditioning.
There is a large modern ensuite, with piping hot water (available a couple of minutes after remembering to press the heater button), and a separate vanity area with twin basins, hairdryer and bathroom amenities (including conditioner, which is seemingly a rarity in Sabah!). There is unfortunately no safe, and wi-fi is not available in the rooms, but is free and fast in the communal areas.
At the entrance to the resort, the main lodge is a two-storied traditional timber building, opening onto a lake-front deck with sun-loungers and umbrellas. The reception desk is open 24 hours and can assist with booking a range of tours and transfers. Upstairs, there is a lounge area and reading room, and both indoor and outdoor seating.
The main lodge is a two-storied traditional timber building, opening onto a lake-front deck with sun-loungers and umbrellas.
The well regarded Lake Restaurant is an open aired pavilion, with picturesque views over the lake, and is especially romantic when lit with fairy lights and lanterns in the evenings.
The menu has a range of flavoursome Western and Malay classics, and the bar is well stocked, with friendly and enthusiastic staff. Breakfast is served from 0700-1030, with a brunch menu that continues until 1400, and a light-bites menu from 1400-1800. Dinner is available from 1800 to 2100, so the kitchen is still open when you return from your night walks in the jungle.
