Description
Situated on Borneo's famous Kinabatangan River, Abai Jungle Lodge has an excellent position one hours boat journey from Sandakan and a similar time from Sukau village further upriver. Only reachable by boat and with no other lodges within an hours boat ride, Abai has proved to be one of the most renowned locations in Borneo to see a prolific amount of wildlife.
Built in 2007, the lodge is one of the newest on the river and although simple, is well maintained, clean and comfortable. The 18 stilted wooden chalets are divided in to small blocks of two or three, all en suite, with fans and hot water. There is a small bar (wine 100 MYR per bottle, beers 12 MYR per can) and simple restaurant serving good local fare, especially large river prawns that the waters around Abai are famous for. Depending on how busy the lodge is, there will either be a buffet choice or set menu.
Behind the lodge is a small jungle trail that you can visit at any point to try and see the wildlife that can sometimes get remarkably close to the lodge. There is even a photo on the lodge wall by a recent guest who managed to capture a photo of Southeast Asia's most elusive predator - the clouded leopard - while on the trail.
The lodge is run by generator and there are occasions when this (and the back-up generator) can fail but it is a rare occurrence and is all part of staying in the jungle!