Borneo Rainforest Lodge (BRL), the world-renowned eco-retreat hidden deep within Sabah’s Danum Valley Conservation Area, has earned three prestigious awards at the World Luxury Hotel Awards 2025 held in Singapore.
This recognition celebrates BRL’s ongoing dedication to fusing luxury hospitality with rainforest conservation, a balance that continues to set global standards in sustainable travel.
What Awards Did Borneo Rainforest Lodge Win in 2025?

At this year's 19th World Luxury Hotel Awards, BRL stood out among international contenders for its excellence in three distinct categories:
- Luxury Sustainable Resort (Malaysia) highlights BRL’s environmentally responsible operations and renewable-energy practices
- Luxury Eco Lodge (Asia) acknowledges its leadership in integrating comfort with conservation, offering guests the rare experience of luxury within one of Earth’s oldest rainforests
- Luxury Wilderness Lodge (Global) crowns it among the world’s top wilderness retreats, proving that true exclusivity lies in connection with nature rather than isolation from it
Why Borneo Rainforest Lodge Stands Out

Nestled in a 130-million-year-old rainforest, BRL’s success story is deeply rooted in its sense of place. The lodge, operated under the Yayasan Sabah Group, has long served as a model for eco-hospitality and responsible tourism in Malaysia.
What makes BRL exceptional:
- Award-winning eco-architecture designed to blend seamlessly with the jungle
- Guided nature treks, canopy walks, and river excursions led by trained naturalists
- Locally sourced cuisine showcasing indigenous Sabahan ingredients
- Sustainable practices that minimise waste and carbon footprint
- Continuous collaboration with scientists and conservationists at Danum Valley Field Centre
This commitment to both comfort and conservation has made BRL a flagship destination for travellers seeking luxury with purpose.
Where Is Borneo Rainforest Lodge Located?

BRL sits within the Danum Valley Conservation Area, about 97 kilometres from Lahad Datu, Sabah. Travellers reach BRL via a 55-minute flight from Kota Kinabalu to Lahad Datu, followed by a scenic 2.5-hour rainforest drive through Danum Valley.
The journey to the lodge offers a rare glimpse of pristine Bornean wilderness: towering dipterocarp trees, ancient rivers, and abundant wildlife, including orangutans, hornbills, and pygmy elephants.
Fun fact: Danum Valley is one of the last remaining lowland rainforests in Southeast Asia, often described as a “living museum” of Borneo’s natural heritage.
Experience the Award-Winning Borneo Rainforest Lodge

Discover the best ways to experience BRL’s celebrated eco-luxury through Amazing Borneo’s curated packages:
- 3D2N Borneo Rainforest Lodge: Perfect for first-time visitors seeking an immersive introduction to Danum Valley
- 4D3N Borneo Rainforest Lodge: Ideal for travellers who want deeper exploration through guided treks and canopy walks
- 5D4N Borneo Rainforest Lodge: A serene retreat for those craving extended rainforest immersion
Extend Your Eco-Luxury Journey
Pair your stay at BRL with other incredible Sabah destinations to complete your nature adventure:
- 3D2N BRL & Blue Rings Reef: Experience the ultimate rainforest-to-reef journey
- 3D2N BRL Wellness Retreat: A holistic escape combining wellness, nature, and serenity
- 5D4N Wonders of Kinabatangan River & Danum Valley: Combine Sabah’s iconic wildlife riverscape with BRL’s rainforest wonders
- 8D7N Borneo Nature Tour: A premium multi-destination expedition for true nature enthusiasts
What Makes These Awards Significant?

The World Luxury Hotel Awards, established in 2006, honour excellence in the global hospitality industry. Winning three categories in a single year underscores BRL’s consistent performance and its role in positioning Sabah as a world-class destination for eco-luxury travel.
It also signals a broader shift: travellers are increasingly seeking destinations that champion authenticity, conservation, and meaningful connection with nature, values BRL has embodied for decades.
Whether you’re a first-time visitor or a returning explorer, Amazing Borneo makes it easy to experience the award-winning Borneo Rainforest Lodge. Explore tailor-made packages, expert-guided experiences, and seamless logistics, all designed to help you uncover the magic of Danum Valley in comfort and style.
