We are delighted to share that Utan Rainforest Lodge has been recognised with the Tripadvisor Travellers’ Choice Award 2026.
This This achievement is especially meaningful for us. Since welcoming our first guests in October 2024, Utan Rainforest Lodge has sought to offer more than simply a place to stay. Our aim has always been to create meaningful journeys into one of Sabah’s lesser-explored wilderness areas, supported by warm hospitality, knowledgeable guides and a deep respect for the surrounding environment.is especially meaningful for us. Since welcoming our first guests in October 2024, Utan Rainforest Lodge has sought to offer more than simply a place to stay. Our aim has always been to create meaningful journeys into one of Sabah’s lesser-explored wilderness areas, supported by warm hospitality, knowledgeable guides and a deep respect for the surrounding environment.
Located beside the Sungai Kapur Virgin Jungle Reserve, Utan Rainforest Lodge introduces travellers to a quieter and more remote side of Borneo. Here, the rainforest meets the mangroves and coastal ecosystem, creating opportunities for a remarkable variety of wildlife encounters.
Guests may begin their mornings listening to the forest come alive, explore the surrounding trails in search of birds and mammals, or spend time inside our dedicated wildlife hides. Estuary cruises offer opportunities to spot dolphins, hornbills and the evening movement of flying foxes, while night walks and drives reveal an entirely different side of the rainforest.
Among the wildlife recorded in the area are the Bornean Ground Cuckoo, Crested Fireback, Sabah Partridge, Blue-headed Pitta, civets, leopard cats, hornbills and many other species. As with every genuine wildlife experience, sightings are never guaranteed; and that sense of discovery is part of what makes each visit unique.
The Tripadvisor Travellers’ Choice Award is based on the reviews and ratings shared by travellers following their experiences. For this reason, the recognition belongs not only to the lodge but also to every guest who took the time to share their journey with others.
Your stories, photographs and thoughtful feedback have helped introduce Utan Rainforest Lodge to travellers around the world. They have also encouraged our team to continue improving every part of the guest experience.
To everyone who has stayed with us, recommended the lodge or shared a review: thank you for being part of our journey.
This recognition is also a tribute to the people who bring Utan Rainforest Lodge to life each day.
From our guides and lodge hosts to the kitchen, housekeeping, maintenance and operations teams, every person plays an important role in creating a welcoming, comfortable and memorable stay. Their commitment is especially significant in a remote rainforest setting, where every detail requires careful coordination and genuine teamwork.
Behind every wildlife sighting, prepared meal, comfortable room and friendly welcome is a team that takes pride in sharing this special part of Sabah with the world.
Receiving the Tripadvisor Travellers’ Choice Award 2026 marks an important milestone for our young lodge, but it is also an encouragement to keep moving forward.
We remain committed to offering responsible wildlife experiences, supporting the long-term appreciation of the Sungai Kapur landscape and creating journeys that connect our guests more closely with Borneo’s natural heritage.
There is still so much to discover at Utan Rainforest Lodge, from the calls of rare forest birds and the quiet movement of wildlife along the trails to spectacular sunsets over the estuary and clear nights beneath the Milky Way.
We look forward to welcoming more travellers into this remarkable wilderness and sharing the experiences that have made Utan Rainforest Lodge a Tripadvisor Travellers’ Choice Award winner for 2026.
Thank you to our guests, partners and team for making this achievement possible.
Discover more about Utan Rainforest Lodge and experience the remarkable wildlife and rainforest landscapes of Sabah. For more unforgettable journeys across Borneo, explore the tours and experiences offered by Borneo Eco Tours.
