Bilit Rainforest Lodge — Hotel in Borneo

Bilit Rainforest Lodge is on the banks of the Kinabatangan River, Sabah's longest river.|The lodge is built on stilts due to flooding, and the boardwalks connecting to the rooms looks to be in constant repair as they rot due to the moisture, but the rooms are huge and the bathroom looked recently refurbished. We noticed more rooms being built as well. The food served at the main lodge was plentiful.|The Lower-Kinabatangan River sustains one of the world’s richest ecosystems. It is also recognized as Sabah’s first and Malaysia’s largest RAMSAR site - an area that meets the criteria for the List of Wetlands of International Importance.|Over two days, we were immersed within nature as we took part in guided cruises at dawn and dusk to maximise sightings of the unique wildlife in the area.|The wildlife we saw included orangutans, proboscis monkeys, silvered leaf langurs, pig tail and long tail macaques, squirrels and pygmy elephants as well as numerous birdlife, such as kingfishers, owls and hornbills that had us glued to our binoculars.|During the evening, a herd of around seven pygmy elephants visited the lodge in search of food. The local villagers were trying to discourage them which made them angry and we saw one bull elephant rip the ducting off the air conditioning unit on our lodge and heard them stripping the plumbing pipes on the other side. They were small enough to fit under the lodge so we were a bit concerned they could take out the supporting posts, but luckily they didn't. Our guide told us that the elephants are running out of corridors in which to roam, but sadly the villagers aren't interested in helping them. We were told a sanctuary is being built to protect them but it...

I loved this place. It's out in the middle of the rainforest, no roads, little to no internet, no tv, just peace and quiet. It is truly a rainforest experience. The boat cruises to spot wildlife was just fantastic, I don't know how our pilot Izzac (hope I've spelt that correct) managed to spot the wild life in the trees from so far away was just amazing. We managed to see a whole range of birds, loads of different types of monkeys, a baby crocodile, and a huge crocodile. The rooms are just how you expect them to be a lodge in the middle of the rainforest, peaceful and relaxing. The aircon in the rooms is that good. I had to turn it off because I was too cold. The food was great, the open plane of the resturant/lobby/social area I thought was brilliant. The monkeys around the lodge just chilling in the trees just shows that it's in the wild. The stuffed toy tigers in the seating area confused me to begin with but then I came to realise that is to scare the monkeys off so they don't wreck the place up. All the staff at the resort were so friendly and nice that they kind of felt like family, they got on with each other so well which made it such a nice relaxing atmosphere I would wholeheartedly recommend this lodge to anyone who wants to experience wildlife...

We were given such a warm welcome. Picked up by our driver Afat who was amazing. He took us for breakfast and then on to Sipilok and the Sun Bear sanctuary and gave us some great information. He looked after all our bags in the bus while we went and enjoyed. When we arrived we were greeted by such friendly staff. A table was ready for my family of six and we were given refreshments, tea, coffee and juice and food. The accommodation was beyond our expectations. We had a massive space with 2 showers and 3 king size beds with refreshments in the room and all the bathroom essentials and towels. Super beautiful and clean and the aircon was perfect as was the warm showers. The views from the room were stunning. The second room was a 2 bed room and was just as impressive. We then went on three separate boat rides, 4pm, 8pm and 6.30am. We saw so many birds, three types of Kingfisher, Oriental Darters, Crested Eagles, Bee Eaters, Red and Black Broad Bills and the amazing Hornbills in abundance. The guides really knew their stuff. We saw saltwater crocodiles, macaque long tail and pig tail, proboscis and silver leaf monkeys everywhere. We can't recommend more highly. Thank you to all the staff!!! A memory to treasure forever. P.S the mutton curry was the best...