Not every lodge on the Kinabatangan can put you into the forest on foot. The position of Hornbill Lodge, on the outskirts of Bilit village, gives our guests access to the forest as well as the river, and the trails start a short walk from the restaurant.
Walking with a guide
You explore the various forest trails near the lodge together with your nature guide, who will slow you down and show you the things you would walk straight past on your own: a stick insect that is not a stick, weird and wonderful lantern bugs, elephant footprints in the mud, the difference between a fresh orang-utan nest and one built last week. Once you have learned to pick nests out of the canopy you start seeing them everywhere, and occasionally the orang-utan that built one.
What we see near the lodge
- Orang-utans, gibbons and langurs, none of them unusual here though none guaranteed either
- Orang-utan nests high in the trees, often several within sight of one another
- Hornbills and a long list of smaller birds
- Insects, spiders, frogs and fungi that most people walk past
- On a very lucky day, even a sun bear or binturong on the hill next to the lodge
When we walk
Walks run between your morning river cruise and lunch. Exact departure timing can be found on the whiteboard in our main restaurant.
What to wear and bring
Long trousers and long sleeves are sensible. We keep adult and child rubber boots at the lodge free of charge, and you should use them: the trails get muddy and boots are the best defence against leeches. Bring insect repellent, water, and a camera you do not mind getting damp. Leech socks are useful if you own a pair.
Jungle walks are included in every package of 2 nights or longer at Hornbill Lodge.
