Melapi Proboscis Lodge at Sukau Kinabatangan River
One of the pioneer Eco-tourism resorts in the main Kinabatangan area is the Melapi Proboscis Lodge at Sukau Kinabatangan River.
Having come here for the first time ever, I found it one of the more excellent places to stay during my Kinabatangan River Wildlife Safari.
Arriving at the main jetty of the Bukit Melapi Lodge was something out of the ordinary from the usual resorts.
After a two-hour drive from Sandakan town, we were picked up from a village jetty and ushered here for a ten-minute speed boat ride along the famous Kinabatangan River of Sabah.
As we approached the large wooden jetty, the lodge staffer waited to welcome us and carry our luggage to the main reception, which is also entirely made of rich wood.
The first impression was that we were welcome to nature, and here we were, right in the middle of it. A local Malay lady who spoke excellent English welcomed us with a glass of juice and a cold towel, and after a quick briefing about the place, lunch was served ala local Sabahan style.
These books were for guests’ pleasure and were not sold. It was really great that the lodge provided them, especially when you are in the middle of the Kinabatangan Sukau River.
By the way, the entertainment room is air-conditioned, so there is no humidity here. This is one of the famous places after dinner where guests work their drinks and socialise with other travellers and guests.
Apart from the nature and adventure provided here, there is nothing else to do but relax. Did I mention that you are in the middle of the Kinabatangan in the centre of Sabah Borneo? Yes, there is absolutely nothing but pure nature found here.
We were given one of the units facing the Kinabatangan River with a balcony and air-conditioned with an attached bathroom, which was beautiful.
I swear to you, this is one balcony I enjoyed while staying here. The actual Kinabatangan River is about 100 meters from the chalet.
I spent good quality time here, minus technology, for two full days. No phone, laptop or computer, Facebook or Twitter, nothing.
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The neat and nicely done bedroom. |
The beds were decently comfortable, and the blankets were sufficient for the night. Again, this is not your four—or five-star resort but a nature lodge.
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The Melapi Lodge Bathroom. |
According to the resort manager, many guests staying at the family chalets have witnessed the Pygmy Elephants roaming the lodge’s surroundings. It’s a priceless experience, if you ask me.
A local chef cooked Mouth-watering Sabah food using local herbs and spices. Not to worry, as they also provide some Western food for the guests here.
On one occasion, I must have seen at least ten of them making loud Hornbill sounds before retiring to bed. They start to appear around 6.00 pm at the Melapi Lodge.
This place is a MUST for decent occupancy while exploring the Kinabatangan-Sukau Conservation.
Although it is slightly higher priced than the other lodges, you can ensure quality service and proper accommodations. I absolutely enjoyed my stay here and have no regrets.
You MUST have an allocated tour guide on your visit here, as they do not entertain walk-in guests. All arrangements are made in Sandakan town in Sabah.
Night River Cruises or Safaris are organised by the lodges themselves, so this is an optional package offered when you check in at the lodge.
Types of lodges available at Bukit Melapi Lodge:
- 10 units of twin-sharing lodge
- 6 units of double-bed lodge
- 2 units of triple bed lodge
- 3 units of a family lodge (equipped with 1 double and 1 single bed respectively)
Each lodge unit is en-suite with:
- Bed – Complete set
- Bathroom with hot shower and basic toiletries
- Air conditioning
- Ceiling Fan
- Ceiling light and side table light
- 220-240 volt points (three points pin/Southeast Asia)
- Wardrobe
- Dressing table with mirror
- Wooden Chair
- Balcony with full-length glass door
Amenities available at Bukit Melapi Lodge;
- Restaurant and bar
- Recreational room with pool table, foosball table and karaoke (air-conditioned)
- Multi-purpose meeting room (air-conditioned)
- Mini stage area
- Mini Library
- Gift and Souvenir Shop
Address and Contact for Bukit Melapi Lodge;
Sukau Proboscis Lodge Sdn. Bhd.
Lot A1103, 11th Floor,
Wisma Merdeka (Mail Box No. A236)
Jalan Tun Razak, 88000 Kota Kinabalu,
Sabah, Malaysia
Telephone: +60 88 240584
Fax: +60 88 240415
Email: proboscislodge@sipadandivers.com
Website: https://www.sdclodges.com/proboscis-lodge/
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