Our Unforgettable Borneo Adventure at Bilit Lodge, what an incredible trip to Borneo we just had! While there are a few things we'd tweak for next time (and trust me, there will definitely be a next time!), overall it was an absolutely amazing experience. Day 1: Arriving in ParadiseAfter a scenic 2.5 hour drive from Sandakan, with a quick pit stop to stock up on some whiskey and wine (pro tip: Borneo is predominantly Muslim so plan ahead if you want anything besides beer!), we arrived at the charming Bilit Adventure Lodge1. Nestled right on the banks of the Kinabatangan River, the lodge features rustic wooden cabins on stilts complete with AC, private baths, and stunning rainforest views.We got settled in and then headed to the open-air restaurant for a mouth-watering buffet lunch of local Malaysian cuisine. In the afternoon, we set off on our first river cruise and spotted proboscis monkeys, macaques, and tons of tropical birds1. Our fantastic guide Leo was a walking encyclopedia on every animal we saw - he patiently answered all our questions and really brought the rainforest to life for us. Day 2: Jungle Treks & Night WalksWe woke up to the magical sounds of the jungle and fueled up with a big Western breakfast before setting off on a guided trek through the rainforest. Our local guide pointed out so many fascinating plants and animals as we hiked to a beautiful oxbow lake for a picnic lunch1. After relaxing back at the lodge, we grabbed our flashlights for an exciting night walk to look for nocturnal creatures like civets, frogs and owls1. It was a little intimidating for us city slickers to be out in the jungle after dark, but so thrilling!Day 3: Orangutans GaloreThe highlight of the trip was definitely visiting the nearby Sepilok Orangutan Rehabilitation Center. We got to observe adolescent and adult orangutans up close as they chowed down on fruit1 - an unforgettable experience!In the afternoon, we hopped in the boat for another river cruise and were lucky enough to spot a wild orangutan in the trees along the bank. On the way back, we saw a baby crocodile and I jokingly asked Leo if we might see Mama Croc too. Well, ask and you shall receive...a few minutes later an enormous 10-foot crocodile appeared!1 Being that close to such a massive predator in a tiny boat was equal parts terrifying and exhilarating. We slowly backed away to snap some pics from a safer distance.
As the sun began to set, we were treated to the incredible sight of a large herd of pygmy elephants gathered to drink and bathe at the river's edge1. Absolutely breathtaking!Day 4: Caves & GoodbyesOn our last morning, we soaked in the beauty of the misty river at sunrise on one final cruise before checking out. On the drive back to Sandakan, we explored the massive Gomantong Caves, home to over a million swiftlets that build the edible birds' nests used in Chinese cuisine
.With heavy hearts and full camera rolls, we bid farewell to the amazing staff at Bilit Adventure Lodge and headed to the airport. Until next time, Borneo!Some Borneo Photography Tips:
Use a polarizing filter to minimize glare and make colors pop1
Look for interesting textures and patterns in the foliage
Take advantage of the gorgeous early morning and late afternoon light
Play around with different lenses to capture unique perspectives
Be patient and prepared - you never know when a shy animal will make an appearance!
When to Go:For the best overall experience, plan your visit between May and September during the dry season. You'll have great weather, less rainfall, and the best chances of wildlife sightings, especially orangutans and proboscis monkeys who are more active during the fruiting season from June to September.April is the driest month while May is ideal for beating the high season crowds and prices. July and August offer prime conditions but book early as it's peak travel , a stay at Bilit Adventure Lodge is the ultimate way to immerse yourself in the natural wonders of Borneo. With comfy lodging, delicious food, thrilling guided excursions, and incredible wildlife right outside your door, it's a bucket list experience you'll never forget. I'm already dreaming about my next visit to this little slice of heaven!
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Where to stay
accommodations in Borneo:
Borneo Rainforest Lodge - An award-winning luxury lodge located in the heart of the Danum Valley Conservation Area, one of the world's oldest rainforests. It offers elegant wooden chalets, attentive service, a spa, and incredible wildlife viewing opportunities right on the property.
Shangri-La's Tanjung Aru Resort & Spa - A 5-star beachfront resort in Kota Kinabalu featuring 6 dining options, a spa, outdoor pool, and luxurious rooms and suites with views of the South China Sea.
Gaya Island Resort - An upscale resort on Gaya Island off the coast of Kota Kinabalu. It has a private beach, villas with plunge pools, a hilltop spa, and offers guided snorkeling and diving excursions.
Bungaraya Island Resort - A luxury resort on a private beach on Gaya Island with 47 timber villas, some with plunge pools. Amenities include a spa, infinity pool, zip-line, canopy walk, and exclusive beach dining.
Shangri-La's Rasa Ria Resort & Spa - Set on Pantai Dalit beach near Kota Kinabalu, this 5-star resort boasts a golf course, nature reserve, spa, and a wide range of dining options and activities.
Bunga Raya Island Resort & Spa - Situated on Polish Bay off the coast of Kota Kinabalu, this luxury resort features spacious villas with private balconies overlooking the beach and rainforest.
Kinabatangan Riverside Lodge - An eco-friendly jungle lodge along the Kinabatangan River known for its river safaris and opportunities to see pygmy elephants, orangutans, and proboscis monkeys.Sepilok Nature Resort - A rustic resort near the Sepilok Orangutan Rehabilitation Centre with chalets set amidst a lush rainforest garden.
Tabin Wildlife Resort - A unique eco-lodge within the Tabin Wildlife Reserve, offering jungle treks, night drives, and wildlife spotting in a remote rainforest setting.
Borneo Eagle Resort - A 5-star resort on a private island off the coast of Kota Kinabalu with luxurious overwater villas and stunning ocean views.
These accommodations offer a range of experiences from remote jungle lodges to beachfront luxury resorts, allowing travelers to immerse themselves in the incredible natural beauty and wildlife of Borneo.