Earth Lodge Malaysia

Earth Lodge is set in a remote lush tropical rainforest located in the northern Peninsular Malaysia state of Kedah. The 160,000 hectares of Greater Ulu Muda is situated along the state’s eastern interior border with the Thai province of Yala. It is an off-the-beaten-path area and practically unknown to most people including Malaysians! 

Comprising of several forest reserves, Ulu Muda Forest Reserve is by far the largest at 105,000 hectares.  Lowland Dipterocarp Forest, Hill Dipterocarp Forest and the Upper Hill Dipterocarp Forest are the forest types found here with an elevation range from about 97m to the highest point of 1256m. The area is particularly known as an important site for Malaysia’s mega fauna. Wildlife usually caught on our camera traps are the Asian elephant, Malaysian tapir, sambar deer, barking deer and wild boar. The other large mammals known to call Ulu Muda home are the gaur, tiger and leopard.

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An exciting recent find is the discovery of a limestone hill and associated caves of Bukit Labu. Limestone was previously not known to occur here. The caves at Bukit Labu are small with most requiring some climbing to gain access. The largest cave, Gua Labu 1 is the only cave open to visitors but only with a guide accompanying.

Earth Lodge is strategically located at Kuala Labua, an area right in the heart of Ulu Muda and teeming with wildlife. As in any rainforest, they are hard to see but signs of their presence are difficult to miss. Along this stretch of Muda River are nearly 9 saltlicks! Probably the largest number of saltlicks in an area anywhere. Three saltlicks, Sira Keladi, Sira Bongor and Sira Ayer Hangat are relatively close to Earth Lodge. The latter is the most known as it combines a mineral hot spring and saltlick.