Barefoot Sukau Lodge
Barefoot Sukau Lodge
Barefoot Sukau Lodge
Barefoot Sukau Lodge
Cliff-Hangar Restaurant overlooking the Kinabatangan River
Majestic view from the river
Yet another majestic view
I had the most opportune event to do a fam-trip (familiarization trip) to Sukau two weeks ago. For the benefit of those who do not know, Sukau is located in Kinabatangan, Sandakan. It is a remarkable place, abundant with a range of wildlife species, including primates, birds, snakes, crocodiles and other reptiles. As Paris Hilton is for Hollywood, the star attraction of Sukau would of course be the Proboscis monkeys, endemic only to Borneo! (Excuse me for the choice of comparison *giggles*)
At first, I expected this trip of mine to be adventurous, wild and a bit of a-dirt-play! Surprisingly, it was quite the contrary. Ooh, please don’t get me wrong here. I thoroughly enjoyed my stay at Barefoot Sukau Lodge! It’s just that you see, being raised in a kampong environment, Sukau was something familiar to me. Adventurous and wild would simply mean to me , something altogether new, something never ventured!
So for those who have yet to experience life amidst the river jungle, the morning greetings of gibbons and birds and the long river cruise at Kinabatangan river, by all means, this would be the perfect getaway for you!
I stayed in Barefoot Sukau Lodge for 2D/1N – a place where I immediately feel welcomed and at eased. The rooms were clean and comfortable, equipped with the basic necessity that one would require: a cozy bed, an attached bathroom with hot shower, towels and toiletries and a wall fan. I would say that the architecture of the lodge was given the rustic kampong touch to it. Simply perfect for my liking!
Upon arrival to Barefoot Sukau Lodge, I was warmly greeted by the staffs and was given a refreshing welcoming drink. Checked-in into my twin bedded room, had a quick nap from my 6 hours bus ride journey and by 16:00 hours, I was already off for my evening river cruise! It was just too bad that I didn’t get to bring my digital camera during the river cruise. I had to leave it charging it in the room (Drat!! I know!). I saw eagles, hornbills, and kingfisher. Bats and snakes, short tailed macaques and of course the proboscis monkey! We even saw them in ‘action’ *wink-wink*. One word of advice from me, when you go for the river cruise at Kinabatangan River, it would be good if you have a binocular with you and a camera that can zoom in. The cruise itself took about 2 hours and we got back to the jetty and had a scrumptious beautiful dinner and I had a can of beer to go with it – for the lounging after that of course!
Early next morning, I was up and about by 06:00 hours and had my daily dosage of 2 cups of coffee (or was it three?). I think they served toasts and all for breakfast, but I couldn’t be bothered. Coffee is all I need to start my day! By 06:30 hours, we were off to another journey along the river, but this time, to Ox-Bow Lake we went! More sightings of wildlife especially birds! Simply wonderful! By the time we were done at the Ox-Bow, the sun was already half-way up to noon time. Got back to the lodge, enjoyed the rest of my quiet day with a good book in hand (The Thirteenth Tale by Diane Setterfield), with double dosages of coffee (did I mention, coffee & tea are free flow at Barefoot Sukau Lodge. Simply marvellous!). Coupled that with a warm windy breeze (cooling under the ceiling fan), I was content and happy. Got to stretch my leg, and got to finish my book (well, almost). Nothing beats the tranquility of a mind that has needed a break for so long from the hectic schedule of work! At the end of the day, I was smiling with my hearts satisfaction!
Sad to say, all good things must come to an end. I departed from Barefoot Sukau Lodge after having my lunch. Took a 2 hours ride back to Sandakan town (I slept through most of the journey) and stayed overnight at @Ease Hotel at the harbour square. By 12:30 hours the next day, I was on my way back to Kota Kinabalu, via a bus coach. It was a very, very, veerrrryyy loooong 6 hours journey back home. For anyone who decides to go really on a budget traveling like me (airasia ticket wouldn’t cost you that much actually), good music would really help. Bring along your mp3 or your iPod. It is a must for a monotonous bus ride. Don’t say I didn’t warn you. Btw, guess what music I was listening to during my ride home? Non other than my favorite compilation of Japanese songs!! Kyaaa!!!
So, how did I find my stay at Barefoot Sukau Lodge? I loved it! Apart from the murmur of the wildlife, I find Sukau rather peaceful and relaxing. Would I recommend it to travelers alike? I definitely most will!
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