Bilit Rainforest Lodge

ncredible diversity of plant, mammal and bird life at the Kinabatangan region. Birdlife is especially rich here including eight species of hornbills, kingfishers, egrets, darters, owls, kites, eagles, broadbills, doves, storm storks, herons, hawks, ospreys, falcon, pheasants, parakeets, bee eaters, woodpeckers, pittas, bulbuls, forktails, babblers, warblers, flycatchers, orioles, flowerpeckers, spiderhunters, among others. A chance to get close with the wildlife of Borneo here including the endemic Borneon pygmy elephant, endemic proboscis monkeys, gibbons, macaques, orang utans, Sumatran rhinos, estuarine crocodiles, wild boars, sun bears and many others

About Kampung Bilit

Kampung Bilit is unique in its own ways, with a population of less than 200 in this small village, nature is much untouched, providing an eco-paradise for nature lovers. One of the well-known oxbow lake, Danau Bilit, a perfect oxbow shape, is where the villagers make their living by fishing here and along the river. The oxbow lake boasts of rich biodiversity, a safe place for swimming free from estuarine crocodiles and even the possibility of water skiing! Location
Kampung Bilit is situated on a gentle curve of the Kinabatangan, about 25 km upriver from Sukau and 130 km from Sandakan City. The People
The villagers, also known as Orang Sungei, which means “People of the River” are majority Muslim, while some follow the Christian religion. Their main language is Malay and most does not understand English. They are very friendly and welcoming people. Their lives are concentrated around the Kinabatangan River, which provides an important source of food abundant in freshwater shrimps and fishes. The river is also their means of communication. Besides fishing, the villagers also do rice and orchard planting, and harvesting wild plants as vegetables to supplement their diet. Wonders of Kampung Bilit
At Bilit, you can listen to the morning calls of the gibbons – a magical moment – that frequent the virgin forest behind this village. This beautiful forest has been classified as “kampung land” which means protected from logging to preserve it as a forest haven for wildlife. Kampung Bilit is the best place to spot the endemic Borneon pygmy elephant. A sub-specie and smallest in size compared to the Asian elephant, the Borneon pygmy elephant has a cute face, relatively larger ears, straighter tusks and longer tails. These pygmy elephants, passive and tame in nature, are considered endangered animals due to the decreasing numbers and it was estimated less than 150 elephants remaining in Lower Kinabatangan region. You may spot these elephants crossing the river, or having fun by the river bank drinking and resting. Learn traditional ways of fishing from the villagers or even assist them in planting bananas to provide food for the elephants. Morning, late afternoon and night safari cruises can be conducted along the river and around the oxbow lake, in search of wildlife such as elephants, primates and different bird species. Bird watches will be amazed and impressed by the rich variety of birdlife here. It is possible to spot water birds such as white egrets, the rare Storm’s Stork, the black crowned Night Heron, the endangered Oriental Darter, several species of kingfisher and many more. The name “Bilit” is taken from the tall white-trunked tress known as Kabilit, commonly found in the lowland forests nearby the village.