Utan Rainforest Lodge, situated in the pristine Sungai Kapur Virgin Jungle Reserve just outside the renowned Tabin Wildlife Reserve, offers a unique and immersive experience in one of Borneo's untouched wilderness areas. Combining comfort with ecotourism, Utan features air-conditioned rooms and a variety of nature-based activities – the only Sabah nature lodge offering both jungle trekking and river cruises as main activities. Ideal for those eager to explore diverse ecosystems and observe endemic wildlife, Utan Rainforest Lodge provides a gateway to encountering rare species such as the Bornean Orangutan, Bornean Ground Cuckoo, and the elusive Irrawaddy Dolphin, all while adhering to the principles of sustainable travel and conservation.

How to get here

Located just outside the borders of Tabin Wildlife Reserve, Utan Rainforest Lodge is 117 kilometres away from the nearest town of Lahad Datu.

🚌 Buses can be taken from Kota Kinabalu, Semporna, Sandakan and Tawau to Lahad Datu.

✈️ Daily flights from Kota Kinabalu to Lahad Datu are available via the regional airline MASWings.

🚗 From Lahad Datu Airport, it is a 2-hour drive to Utan Rainforest Lodge, mostly along the Lahad Datu-Tungku highway to Kinabatangan.

For a more comfortable and personalised travel experience, you may wish to consider a private tour with a private guide and vehicle.

Highlights

Location: Nestled in the Sungai Kapur Virgin Jungle Reserve, adjacent to Tabin Wildlife Reserve.

Accommodations: Offers 12 air-conditioned rooms with modern comforts in a remote jungle setting.

Wildlife Viewing: Prime spot for spotting endemic species like the Bornean Orangutan, Irrawaddy Dolphin, and Bornean Ground Cuckoo.

Activities: Features jungle trekking, river cruises, and night safaris for a comprehensive nature experience.

Background / History

Utan Rainforest Lodge is a relatively new addition to the ecotourism landscape of Sabah, strategically located in the Sungai Kapur Virgin Jungle Reserve, an area contiguous with the Tabin Wildlife Reserve. Established with a vision to offer immersive wildlife experiences while adhering to sustainable and environmentally friendly tourism practices, the lodge has been designed to integrate seamlessly into the surrounding jungle environment. This initiative not only aims to provide guests with close encounters with Borneo’s unique flora and fauna but also contributes to the conservation of the region’s delicate ecosystems. The lodge’s establishment marks a significant step towards expanding ecotourism opportunities in Sabah, enhancing visitor access to untouched natural habitats and promoting conservation through responsible tourism.