Sepilok, Malaysia and Borneo

Nestled on the banks of a small lake in the heart of the Bornean rainforest, this resort is the best base for visits to the nearby orangutan sanctuary, sun bear centre and Kabili-Sepilok Forest Reserve, and serves as a comfortable and welcoming stepping stone if you’re heading further east towards Kinabatangan. The wood-lined chalets are pretty, spacious and cool, and the waterside gardens full of birds and butterflies which you can watch from the comfort of your darkwood veranda – particularly atmospheric at night when the staff line the walkways with lanterns and candles. The meals and smiling service also garner consistently positive feedback from TI guests.