Sungai Kapur Virgin Jungle Reserve (VJR)

the last UNTOUCHED rainforest

Utan Rainforest Lodge promises a unique and comfortable experience in the wilderness that is bound to enchant whilst still upholding its ecotourism principles that adds meaning to your stay. Nestled within the Virgin Jungle Reserve (VJR) of Sungai Kapur; is a dense canopy of vegetation that is home to a myriad of endemic species such as the Proboscis Monkey, Bornean Orang Utan, Sun Bear, Bornean Ground-Cuckoo, and the elusive Helmeted Hornbill, which never fails to mesmerise those who catch a glimpse of it.

Transport into this pristine frontier where the rainforest's wildlife remains elusive to human presence. Be serenaded by the melodious music of the endemic bird species of Borneo during the day and by sundown, immerse in the orchestra of the nocturnal creatures that come alive at night. Further heighten your senses as you embark on a soul-soothing river cruise journey through the mangrove forests among the estuaries.

Surrounded by untouched forests teeming with an array of astounding wildlife and birdlife, Utan Rainforest Lodge mirrors a place so extraordinary that encapsulates what a wildlife paradise truly is. Discover nature’s amazing wonders through a private and exclusive tour of this hidden gem only with Utan Rainforest Lodge, which is just 2 hours from Lahad Datu by overland and 4 hours away from our award-winning sister lodge, Sukau Rainforest Lodge.

things to do around utan rainforest lodge

Get ready for a remarkable adventure in the Bornean rainforest! Ignite your sense of wonder and gear up for a journey of a lifetime and discover the wondrous secrets within the Virgin Jungle Reserve (VJR) of Sungai Kapur with the ease of our exceptional local guides, ensuring a seamless and unforgettable experience from start to finish.

bird watching

wildlife viewing

wildlife photography

River Cruise

Night Drive

jungle trekking

GETTING HERE

Utan Rainforest Lodge is accessible via 2-hour overland journey from Lahad Datu, which is the nearest town to the Sungai Kapur Virgin Jungle Reserve (VJR). For your convenience, our tour packages are inclusive of airport or hotel transfers from Lahad Datu to our lodge.

Firstly, to get to Lahad Datu, you can fly from two other cities within Sabah, which are Kota Kinabalu or Sandakan. If you are coming from Kuala Lumpur, the capital city of Malaysia, you will need to fly to either Kota Kinabalu or Sandakan first, as there are no direct flights to Lahad Datu from Kuala Lumpur.

Another alternative is to take a bus from Kota Kinabalu or Sandakan to Lahad Datu, but we do not recommend this option because the journey is much longer and less comfortable. We recommend that you fly instead, which is much more convenient and faster.

Please note that Kota Kinabalu offers only one morning flight to Lahad Datu. So, to join our tour on time, plan your arrival in Kota Kinabalu a day in advance. For travellers from Sandakan or Kuala Lumpur, there are flexible flight options to choose from throughout the day to fit into your schedule.

Travel with borneo eco tours

Borneo Eco Tours is a local tour operator based in Kota Kinabalu and Sandakan, Sabah, North Borneo.

THE borneo specialist

Experience Borneo at its finest with our personalised, value-for-money, and hassle-free tours, setting us apart as one of Borneo's leading tour operators.

ecotourism award-WINNING

With a proven track record of excellence, Borneo Eco Tours has earned a reputation as a premier tour operator, receiving numerous international awards and accolades.

PROFESSIONAL tour guIDES

Led by our passionate and insightful tour guides, guests embark on unforgettable journeys, immersing themselves in Borneo's fascinating wildlife and nature.

THE HIDDEN GEM

Transport yourself into a place where you’ll start an adventure on an abundance of Bornean wildlife, various endemic species birds of Borneo that will sing music to your ears and nocturnal animals that would awake at night for the long stretch of darkness.

Utan Rainforest Lodge (TRL) is one of the first lodges in the area designed to uphold the ecotourism principles and offer our guests a once in a lifetime experience in the heart of the rainforest. Situated in a reserved forest, Utan Rainforest is a dense canopy of vegetation that home to endemic species such as the Proboscis Monkey, Bornean Orangutan, Sun Bear, Borneo Ground Cuckoo, and the elusive Helmeted Hornbill that never failed to mesmerized to those who witnessed it.

The rainforest is teeming with other wildlife and bird life like no other place in the world and a list of endangered species also call this forest their home. As you venture here, be prepared to hear a concert of wildlife humming, buzzing and chirping in their natural habitat. Do you feel the excitement of this rainforest paradise? Come along this journey with us to confirm it.

how to get there

Nearest airport is Lahad Datu.

2 hours overland journey from Lahad Datu.

4 hours overland journey from our award winning sister lodge,
Sukau Rainforest Lodge

Our tour packages start from us picking you up from Lahad Datu airport or from a hotel in Lahad Datu.

You can fly directly to Lahad Datu from Kota Kinabalu or Sandakan and would need to make a stop if you’re coming in from Kuala Lumpur.

You can also take a bus from Kota Kinabalu or Sandakan however we strongly recommend that you fly if you’re not up for a bumpy ride.

Currently there’s only 1 morning flight from Kota Kinabalu, hence we suggest you arrive a day before the tour commences.

Utan rainforest lodge