I stayed here for 1 night as part of the 3D/2N Abai and Sukau Package Tour. It is about 75 minute speed boat ride from Sandakan Jetty to the Abai Jungle Lodge via SI Tours. The boat ride was a little fast, but it got us there safely and on time. We got assigned Room 18, and we believe that that is the best Twin Rooms to be assigned as it is close to the boardwalks/jungle area at the back of Abai Jungle Lodge. We stumbled across orangutans in front of our rooms twice, one in the early morning and another time during mid-morning.
The rooms are basic, but it had the important amenities - attached bathrooms, electricity the whole night, clean running water, a shower, towels and a fan. They don't provide hair shampoos, but I believe there is biodegradable body shampoo. There are about 4 rooms in 1 block, and each block had a nice veranda and hammock for relaxing and wildlife viewing. Don't expect AC, but the rooms were clean and functional.
The food here is reasonably good - I had one average meal (lunch upon arrival) here but the rest of it was pretty good. For dinner we were provided fish, prawns, vegetables, rice, fruits, and soup. We even had a Jungle Breakfast where they had an outdoor deck to serve the guests breakfast. It was certainly an experience to have breakfast out in the wild like at with nature all around you. The breakfast included baked beans, eggs made to order, sausges, toast, orange juice and fried noodles. The package tour I was on also arranged lunch at the nearby Abai Village and it was absolutely delicious.
An orangutan spotted outside our hut
This is a very memorable hotel - it has many highlights. Orangutans around the hotel, the nature boardwalk where guests can take off independently and view wildlife on their own, the Jungle Breakfasts, the decent food, and the warm and friendly staff. They provide welcome drinks, and warm towels upon arrival and also coffee and tea on a 24/hour basis.
Jungle breakfasts at Abai Jungle Lodge
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While the river safaris at Abai are not the best, it is certainly worth it to stay at least 1 night just to enjoy the hotel, the lunch at Abai Village and the tree planting activity. If there is one tip I can provide, do not sit in front of the boat, as you tend to feel the most of the wind as the boat speeds back to the hotel and sometimes, wayyy too close to the wildlife (like snakes).
Nature boardwalk at Abai Jungle Lodge
Tour package Details: http://www.journeymalaysia.com/rainkinabatangansia10.htm
Company and Hotel Website: www.sitoursborneo.com
To read more about the Sandakan Viewpoint and lunch at Sabah Hotel after we returned to Sandakan, click here.
