Sukau Travel Forum

Hi,

We're travelling to Sabah in August and instead of going on a tour to the Kinabantangan area I am wondering if it is possible to organize such a trip individually.

Therefore I would be thankful if someone has information about the following:

-Is there any accommodation in Sukau itself (hotels, homestay, etc?)
-Is it possible to 'charter' a boat in Sukau in order to go onto the Kinabantangan river?

Thanks in advance.
Emile

It is a bit difficult to make such a trip by yourself and I feel you would be missing out in this way ... The guides on boat tours know best where to find Proboscis Moneys, hornbills, elephants, snakes etc.

I am not a fan of tours, but felt I had to make an exception for there - to get there in the first place is already difficult, let alone organise the rest. Still, at the back of my mind I remember reading somewhere that there is accomodation in Sukau, like homestays or very small guesthouses. All other accomodations include tours and transport in the package.

Final option is this - if you still want to rough it up, and not stay in some lodge/resort why not try Uncle Tan? The most affordable in Sukau. Visit this website : www.uncletan.com I myself was going to do this, but managed to get a better deal exclusive for airline employees.

Sorry I could not be of not much help, and I am not saying that what you want is impossibe - it may take a bit more effort to organise. Don't miss out on the Kinabatangan just because you don't like tours - it is one of the highlights of Borneo!

Cheers,
Alison

Hi Emile,
I've to agree with SanguiniA. I just got back from Sukau last month. Went there from Sepilok, the hotel I was staying there, Sepilok Jungle Rersort does provide 2D1N trip to Sukau with lodging at The Lodge for RM280. I should have take up the deal. Pls don't make my mistake. At least this is what I think. Too much hassle to go to Sukau by yourself, as I'd learned. It's a waste of time.
I got Sepilok Jungle Resort (RM15) to take me to the bus terminal. From there, look for bus/van/4x4 to take you to the turn off to Sukau from the highway. This is cost you abt RM25-RM30. At the turn-off from the highway, you've to look for transportation to take you to Sukau. I think this will cost you another RM70. I think it will cost you a lot more to go there by yourself. I'm not a fan of tour, but for Sukau, I think it's the best. I stayed at a home stay programme. I wouldn't do it the 2nd time. Bathing from the river, leeches. Argh... A rather unpleasant experience though...

hi there,

i worked in bilit (near sukau) on the kinabatangan river last year as a guide and resort manager. you can definately stay in a homestay in sukau. the accomodation is inexpensive and basic and meals are provided as well. if you want to hire a boat to take you along the river, that can be arranged by the homestay co-ordinator. they charge per trip and if u want an english speaking guide, that's an extra fee. if you want to go on jungle treks, they charge per person. once you're there, everything is pretty easy to arrange but it's just the getting there...hmmm. as the person said before me, there are tours which operate in these areas and are very good (i used to work with the one he mentioned at rm280) and they give you a good deal which includes all transport, food, accomodation and normally 2 boat trips on a one night stay. if u try to get there on your own it is a lot of hassle. the taxi's wil take advantage of this and will charge you extortion amounts to get there. saying that, if you are really determined to get there on your own steam, make sure you start ur journey really early in the morning. get to the sukau junction as early as you can and you could hitch a free ride into sukau. the people there are quite friendly and love tourists- gives them a chance to bang out their english.
if u decide to do everything on ur own, bear in mind all the individual things begin to add up, the taxi to sukau junction, the taxi into sukau, the accomodation, the boat hire, the guide and jungle treks. it won't be a lot but for an extra few ringits u cold save urself some hassle and go with a tour operator. try out ur own thing first and if it doesn't work out try a tour operator...uncle tan's (in Batu Putih, kinabatangan) is fantastic (i worked here too) accomodation is very basic, the experience is rough and ready and the guides are brilliant- trips can be arranged with their main office(www.uncletans.com) 20 ringits more is Bilit adventure lodge, accomodation is very good and again the guides here are brilliant too- trips can be arranged via Sepilok jungle resort.
good luck!!

Hi, we are travelling from Kundasang to Sukau. Besides Uncle Tan, where else can we stay. We are on a budget tour and there are 13 pax of us. Does anybody know how far is Kundasang to Sukau?? Or does it make sense to go to Sandakan from Kundasang, put a night at Sandakan. Then travel from Sandakan to Sukau?? Suggestions are welcome. Thanks..