It is the small details that make the difference and turn a trip into a wonderful memory.

We set off

The desire to have an authentic, nature-friendly experience led us to choose Borneo Eco Tour Group for this important part of our trip. Their reputation preceded them, and they were aligned with our ecological principles, which would ensure an unforgettable trip of discovery and respect for the environment.

Yaya, one of their best guides, was waiting for us at the Sandakan pier in his impeccable ranger outfit, dark glasses and binoculars hanging around his neck. He looked like something straight out of a documentary.

We sensed his friendliness and professionalism from the first moment, an extremely positive impression that would be confirmed in the days to follow.

With his deep knowledge of wildlife and fluent English, Yaya would help us better understand the behavior of the animals we would encounter, and the importance of protecting their habitat.

Leaving the pier behind, we set out for adventure, boarding the boat.

Following the coastline, we could admire the dense mangrove forest that stretched to the horizon. Gradually, the landscape changed: the coast opened up, revealing the imposing muddy mouth of the Kinabatangan.

As we sailed inland, the vegetation became thicker and thicker, and the boundary between the marine and river worlds became increasingly blurred.

We were enchanted by the beauty of the jungle the whole way, with the lush vegetation reflected in the dark waters of the river, creating a surreal landscape.

Halfway there we also had the privilege of spotting a giant crocodile gliding silently over the water. A unique thrill, just as a thunderstorm surprised us in the middle of the transfer, enhancing the wild beauty of nature!

Eventually, after a two-hour boat ride, we arrived at the lodge, greeted by a slowly opening sky, allowing glimpses of a few flashes of sunshine.

The Sukau Rainforest Lodge

The ecological lodge, a peaceful oasis nestled in the jungle, welcomed us with a magical atmosphere. Our spacious apartment, hidden among the trees and built in harmony with its surroundings, was equipped with every comfort.

Every morning, awakened by the songs of birds, we would step outside and be enveloped by the scent of tropical flowers and the sounds of the forest.

The wooden walkways that connected the various lodge facilities wound through the vegetation, offering striking views of the surrounding nature.

The restaurant terrace, overlooking the Kinabatangan River, was the perfect place to enjoy the delicious dishes while admiring the view.

Our personal experience

On the afternoon of our first day, we explored the Kinabatangan River. We boarded a boat and went along a small tributary for about an hour hike.

With a little patience and Yaya's help, we spotted the distinctive proboscis monkeys jumping through the trees, the vibrant macaques, the colorful kingfishers, and the towering rhinoceros hornbills.

Each sighting was a unique and unforgettable thrill, accompanied by exclamations of amazement from a young American couple with whom we would share the boat and the adventures.

Enthusiastic about this first experience, we also booked the night excursion, which was optional. In the evening, after a fabulous dinner, we got back on the boat for the second adventure.

The darkness of the night amplified the sounds of the jungle and gave us unique encounters.

We spotted a number of crocodiles of various sizes, both on the riverbanks and at the water's edge, and majestic eagle owls perched in the trees of the villages that bordered the river.

The next day was equally exciting. During the day we participated in multiple jungle river trips, looking for traces of animals such as orangutans and Borneo elephants, once again admiring the biodiversity of this unique ecosystem.

An unforgettable encounter with rhinoceros horn

bills

One of the most memorable encounters was undoubtedly with rhinoceros hornbills. This bird species, unlike the hornbill, possesses the characteristic red "horn" curved upward, similar in some ways to the shape of the rhinoceros horn. The hornbill's "horn" (which is actually a bony protuberance covered with keratin), is a distinctive feature of the male and serves to impress females.

But the most fascinating sight was witnessing, albeit from a distance, a courtship. Thanks to Yaya, we spotted a male very carefully selecting from a tree the juiciest fruits to bring as gifts to a female nearby. This gesture is not only a way to get her attention, but also serves to show her reliability and dedication.

If the female accepts his attention, nest construction begins. Usually the male chooses a cavity in a tree, and seals it almost completely with a mixture of mud and droppings. Inside the nest, the female will deposit her eggs and hatch, while the male will continue to provide her with food through a small gap.

Fun facts about rhinoceros horn bills

• Monogamy: Rhinoceros hornbills are generally monogamous and form stable pairs throughout their lives.
• Diet: Their diet is varied and includes fruits, insects, small vertebrates and even small mammals.
• Conservation Status: Due to deforestation and poaching, the rhinoceros hornbill is considered a vulnerable species and many populations are in decline.

Conclusion

The days spent at Sukau Rainforest Eco Lodge were unforgettable; we recommend this experience at least once in a lifetime. We lived in close contact with nature, admiring its beauty and fragility. We will return home with a jungle of indelible memories and a renewed awareness of the importance of conservation of our home, planet Earth.