Sukau Village
Sukau Village is full of nature and opportunities to spot wildlife in their natural habitat.
Situated in a mangrove rainforest right next to the mighty Kinabatangan River, Sukau Village is a launch point for animal watching cruises and jungle trekking. Constantly filled with the sounds of animals and fresh air, both day and night, this is the perfect spot for being in nature without giving up the convenience of basic technology.
Location
About 130 kilometres away from the town of Sandakan and Sandakan Airport, the best way to get to Sukau Village is by a 2 – 3 hour car ride, depending on traffic conditions.
Opening Days and Hours
The village is open to visitors all year round. However, it is not recommended to travel to or out of the village after the sun has set due to the lack of proper street lights and bad road conditions.
Entry Fee and Bookings
There is no entry fee to enter the village.
How to Get There
You can take a taxi either from Sandakan Airport or Sandakan town centre to Sukau Village. If you have a flexible schedule, you could take a bus from the town centre but the buses will only proceed on the trip once passengers are filled, which could take a long time. You could also rent a car from Sandakan and drive to Sukau village. You may also get to Sukau Village by boat if you have booked a tour package at the Sukau Rainforest Lodge.
Suggested For
Sukau Village is a must for nature enthusiasts. It is suitable for any travelers with an interest in nature except for families with very young kids as they might be susceptible to Malaria.
Time to Spend
You can spend half a day here to take one river cruise to spot for animals or spend a few days in the village doing multiple cruises and jungle trekking to increase your chances of spotting more wildlife.
Popularity and Best Time to Go
Sukau Village is somewhat off the beaten track and is usually not very crowded. The best times to visit are very early in the morning, late afternoons, or at night when the animals can be seen near the river.
Activities
You can go on river cruises, jungle treks, relax by the river, and walk around the village to observe the everyday life of local villagers.
Food
Food options are very basic within the village. If you are looking for a proper restaurant and a bar that serves alcohol, the only place to go to is the Sukau Rainforest Lodge. Food is usually included when you book a tour package.
Safety and Fraud
It is generally safe in Sukau Village but you should not swim in the Kinabatangan River as it has strong undercurrents and crocodiles.
Stay
There are many homestays, budget lodgings, and hostels available and very few mid-range lodges. There are no luxury accommodation options available.
Good to Know
You should bring a lot of insect repellent and consult your doctor for anti-Malaria pills before visiting any forests in Borneo. For overnight stays, it is recommended that you book a package which includes accommodation, meals, cruises and/or guided jungle treks.
