Sepilok Nature Resort is perfectly positioned amidst the lush big trees of the lowland tropical forest beside the world-famous Sepilok Orangutan Rehabilitation Centre of the Kalabi-Sepilok Forest Reserve. It's a natural wonderland where a rustle in the canopy heralds the appearance of an orangutan that frequents the resort as if it's his home away from home. Upon my arrival here, an orangutan who obviously liked carrying a security blanket was busy doing a lap of the resort, swinging from branch to branch with his cuddly cloth in tow. It was a quirky welcome and one that I won't forget.
Sepilok Nature Resort is a boutique resort of only 23 cabins with a laid-back ambience that gives you room to breathe without the curse of crowds of scurrying tourists. Totally constructed from Bornean timber, it's set around a large, picturesque lake where scarlet water lilies pop with vibrancy against dark green leaves and meandering wooden boardwalks connect simple but comfy wooden chalets in landscaped gardens of natural tropical shrubs and plants. Occasionally, the long twisting limbs of an old fig tree stretch along the pathway or dip their feet into the lake, while a profusion of exotic Asian orchids in various hues cling to tree trunks.
It's an escape from the heat in the middle of the day after a bustling morning of sightseeing when a hammock on the veranda beckons you for a lazy afternoon with a good book. Complete with spacious ensuite bathrooms, a large outdoor tub in its own private garden gives a glamorous touch. Despite having hot and cold water for the bath, lying in a cold bath gazing at the natural world around and the blue sky above is the ultimate for a peaceful time-out. While wallowing, it's even a great place to watch for stray orangutans and their human-like actions as they swing from branch to branch in search of fruit. Another entertainment was watching a small bird industriously build its nest in the garden. The chalets are air-conditioned, but if you are like me and don't relish being closeted in a room, plenty of fresh air can be had when the doors are flung wide open, allowing the natural world in. With daily housekeeping, in-room safe, flat screen TV, and a small refrigerator, the rooms have everything necessary to keep a smile on your face. Coffee and tea facilities allow you to indulge in that decadent early morning ritual, sitting on your veranda watching the steamy mist rise over the lake as you listen to the sounds of the jungle waking up. At this time, there's a good chance of gawking at an orangutan seeking his breakfast.
The resort's hub looks over the lake; this is the only area where you will find complimentary WiFi. The reception area is operated 24 hours a day, and there is a safety deposit box if you wish to use something other than the one in your room. All the staff are friendly and helpful with advice on local activities, arranging tours or finding a local driver with a car for private excursions. The massive wooden pavilion is open-air with separate dining and lounging areas under huge overhangs to keep the room shaded; there's also a sun deck poking its nose over the water decorated with sun lounges and umbrellas. The perfect place for a late afternoon beverage—cocktail, beer, or wine— while kingfishers dip beaks into the lake, majestic black rhinoceros hornbills fleetingly perch in high branches showing off dazzling golden-yellow horns on their beaks, and an eagle may make a graceful flight across the sky. Meals are a la carte with eggs cooked to order for breakfast, dribble-worthy Malaysian curries, and a sprinkling of Western fare for lunch and dinner.
Staying at Sepilok Nature Resort is immersing yourself in nature and simple jungle pleasures.
NB: Not to be confused with Sepilok Jungle Lodge, located nearby, which many do. Sepilok Nature Resort is in demand, so you must book early to get a bed here.
Gail Palethorpe, a self proclaimed Australian gypsy, is a freelance writer, photographer and eternal traveller. Check out her website Gail Palethorpe Photography and her Shutterstock profile.
