Deep in the rainforest, by the raging rapids lies the Merarap Hot Springs Lodge. This small and modest abode is also home to owners Mr. and Mrs. Alfred Padan.

The lodge with one of the hot water pools (click picture)

This 10 room lodge is clean, spacious and relaxing. On the upper floor are 5 family rooms with 2 queen size beds each and on the bottom floor are the 3-ple bedded rooms. Cost of the rooms are around RM 120 per night with 4 breakfasts for the family and RM 90 with 3 breakfasts for the 3-ple. They cater for the other meals and the food here is good. All rooms have attached bathroom.

Mrs. Padan can prepare a sumptuous meal anytime.

There are 3 pools where the hot spring water is piped to and then mixed with the cool water where the temperature can be dialed to your liking. The hot springs are not sulphuric and thus does not smell. It's from the same of springs where the local natives boil off the water to get iodise spring salt. The best time to soak in the pool is during the night when temperatures drop. It has been said that salt is good for your body. 

View of the rapids by the lodge

There is not much to do here except lazy around and 'recover' from the stresses of the city. It's also an ideal place to hold small meetings and retreats. Christian groups often come here for church camps. The owner can arrange for a guide to take you on a jungle walk around the pristine forest here.

The best times to visit Merarap are the drier months from April to October. Many groups stop over here on their way to Ba'Kelalan or Mt. Murud too.

The diner overlooks the rapids

Apart from the accommodation floors, there is also a large sitting area adjourned to a diner. The sitting room is a perfect place to settle in with a good book. If it's a little warm, you can use the fans to cool you down. Don't worry about carbon emission from the electricity, power is derived from a micro hydro electric generator not too far from the main building.

The rooms are spacious and clean.

Booking and getting there. First, its in a fairy isolated place. 69 km from Lawas via a timber dirt road, 98 km to the Sabah border, 315 km to Kota Kinabalu. There are a number of 'ulu' taxis - mostly Toyota Hilux that can run the shuttle from Lawas and back. It's possible to drive from any destination in Sarawak, Sabah and Brunei to this place, but you'll need a 4X4, (soft roader welcome). Alternatively you can fly into Lawas and Mr. Padan can arrange a transfer for you.

 You may send an email to the address below and we can help arrange your trip there.

outdoortreks@gmail.com

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