To fully appreciate the ancient rhythms of the forest, the best thing one could do is to stay at least a few days in Sepilok Nature Resort, a most beautiful compound bordering on the protected area (it is actually not uncommon to have Orang Utans or pythons wandering around among the chalets) and perfectly integrated with the surrounding forest. Set in a spectacularly landscaped private area of manicured lawns and rolling hills, the fully air- conditioned (and very comfortable) twin bed chalets feature beautiful lake or jungle view verandahs and private bathrooms with hot water; the surrounding garden – which would take half a day to explore – offers and amazing array of tropical plants and grasses and a collection of more than one hundred and fifty different Asian orchid species. Front office, tour information desk and restaurant are all integrated in the resort main building built with charming traditional wooden interior reflecting a truly tranquil setting, overlooking the green shimmering curtain of lowland tropical rainforest canopies with some formations reaching almost 80 to 120 feet. A view of the beautiful natural lake at the heart of the resort is a sight not to be missed. Guest can enjoy a sumptuous meals cooked by our chef with a fusion of local and western cuisines served in the central building under cove rd terraces in a serene setting overlooking the lake and virgin rainforest.The Orang-Utan Rehabilitation Center (where young captive or abandoned Orang Utans are being helped by a highly trained and motivated staff to re-adjust to a life in the wild, and where a Sumatran rhino breeding program is in progress) and the actual Sepilok Forest Reserve are just a few minutes’ walk away, and the Resort staff are happy to organize birding, trekking and river trips to the neighboring areas (including the fauna rich Sukau area along the Kinabatangan river and Turtle Island off North of Sandakan.
Dining in Sepilok brings you double pleasure. You get to feast your stomach with sumptuous meals and at the same time feast your eyes with view of the lake and the beautiful rainforest as the backdrop. At night during dinner, instead of being serenaded with violins or acoustic guitar, you’ll be serenaded with sounds of nocturnal creatures and insects of all kinds.
