Located on the bank of an oxbow lake, far from any village, this wonderful place is great for wildlife spotting. Digs are simple: six twin rooms with bug netting, flushing toilets and rainwater bucket showers. Owner/guide Afiq is a treasure trove of nature-related knowledge and great with kids, too. Arrange pick-up in advance, as it entails two boat rides.
Activities include boat cruises, with the oxbow lake made magic by night with silvery fish leaping out of the water, jungle walks and the 'Borneo Big Five' – a day-long trip down the Kinabatangan River, almost as far as the sea if need be, in search of the orangutan, pygmy elephant, proboscis monkey, rhinoceros hornbill and crocodile. Boat pick-ups from Deramakot Forest Reserve can be arranged.
One of the advantages of Tanjung Bulat is its location in a namesake 220-hectare swath of protected secondary forest. The lodge is actively involved in the reforestation program and welcomes volunteers.