Hotels in Sandakan

"It was located well next to the Orangutan sanctuary. Had a nice pool, with a scenic walk to get there. The breakfast was really nice, and changed slightly each day. Rooms were cleaned daily. Our room didn't have AC, and the WiFi didn't. No free water is provided, and it's overpriced to buy. There is a very small shop that sells it cheaper close to the resort."

"We stayed here in 2019 and enjoyed our stay back then, so decided to book again. Unfortunately after this stay we will not be coming back. First off, our room had the most cumbersome door lock, which required you to slide a wooden bar through the handle and padlock it. A pain when your hands are full. Second the front desk person told us to call if we needed anything, but there was no phone in our room nor a phone list with numbers or contact info. Third nowhere to put luggage but on the floor, even though there is a huge dead space along a wall where a luggage stand could’ve easily been placed. The area where to hang clothes, the bench area was too narrow to fit a suitcase. Fourth , no lamp at the bedside, so you have to get out of bed to turn off the lights after reading. Plus the main light is on while others are trying to sleep. Lastly we asked 2 different front desk people to call the RDC to reserve a spot for us for the night walk. Both parties said they would. We when we got to the RDC our names were not on the list. Luckily they let us join as my daughter was really looking forward to it and it was our only night to go. I won’t stay here again. We checked into the Sepilok Nature Lodge after, and for a little bit more we had the most fabulous room, with an upstairs and 3 beds, double sinks, large fridge, bench at the end of each bed for suitcases etc."

"This is the sort of place where the staff will always greet you with ”hello, sir/ma'am” whenever they see you. Nice swimming pool and very good food at the restaurant, even though slightly pricy at first (I guess it's fine being a resort), the portions are actually huge and very fresh. Try their lemon chicken on rice for 20 ringgit (February 2024). All you can eat breakfast included for free even with the dorm bed: fried noodles, a very thick pancake, fruit, British breakfast, beef sausages, coffee, juice, etc. Walk-in price is 80RM, cheaper here on Trip. The dorm looks exactly the same as the one I staid in Kinabatangan, which is always funny (same contractor?). Comfortable night, with a new AC and fan, specially so considering I had it all to myself since the other few guests they had had private accommodation. Dorm showers have plenty of hot water and are clean, but there's no soap or amenities beyond the towel they give you at check-in. Bring your own. The staff at the restaurant sometimes disappears for no reason in the middle of service, even if there's about 20 of them considering réception is right there. They helped me book a taxi to the airport (50 ringgit), since there's no grab available (spent 1h looking for one). Don't bother trying to get one, ask them to call a taxi for you, really. This resort is about 1km away from the three main things to do at sepilok. You will be walking on the side of the road to get anywhere since transportation options are scarce and expensive. Overall this is standard of service here in Borneo, so don't settle for less than this."

"The environment is very good, in the middle of nature so there are more insects and birds. The bathroom shower is integrated and relatively clean. The hotel's dogs and cats are very cute and friendly. The restaurant does not have many dishes and has limited serving time. It is very close to RDC, only a 10-minute walk away. The hotel front desk staff is also very friendly. The wifi signal at the front desk is the best, and it is very weak and almost non-existent in the room. Overall, I will book again."

"What I liked a lot: Well situated to visit main attractions in Sepilok: Sepilok Orang Utan Rehabilitation Centre/Sunbear centre/Rainforest Discovery Centre (RDC), free shuttle bus to the main attractions (09h-14h-16) which was really great. Also offer tours at reasonable prices e.g. Mangroves & Firefly Cruise (recommended). Free water dispenser. To note: rooms are very basic (there is airco), we had some ants in the room, bathroom is outside. Breakfast was limited and minimal. When we were there internet was not functional, luckily we had taken local simcard before with unlimited data so for us, this was not a big issue. Before coming to the hotel, I had sent a mail to have info about tours they offered, but never received a reply therefore I had booked tours with an agency which in the end was more expensive then when I would have it booked with Paganakan Dii Tropical Retreat. Possible to book tours on the spot (no need to reserve before coming) but I did not know this in advance."

"During a major blackout in our area, it was almost impossible to find a hotel. Thankfully, Trip.com helped us secure a booking, and the hotel even offered a free upgrade so my kids could have a good night’s sleep. Truly grateful for the excellent service!"

"**ROOM 102 (01–02 JUNE 2025)** This was my first time staying at this hotel. Based on recommendations from social media friends, this hotel was said to be the best in the area. However, after staying here, I found the room to be quite ordinary. It is recommended that the hotel management consider renovating the room design to align with current interior design trends. To maintain guest comfort, there are several important aspects that the hotel management should improve: 1. CLEANLINESS * Bathroom tiles are moldy and have an unpleasant odor. * Exhaust fan is dusty. * Toilet window frame is dusty. * Window glass has smudge marks. 2. FACILITIES * The air conditioner is very noisy and not sufficiently cold, even when set to a very low temperature. * Curtain railing is not well-maintained; the room remains bright even when the curtains are closed. * No bidet hose provided. * The restaurant during breakfast is quite cramped despite a large number of guests. * No iron and ironing board provided in the guest room. * Peephole does not have a cover. HIGHLIGHTS 1. A safety box is provided. 2. Coffee amenities are available. 3. Fast WiFi connection."

"The hotel is one of the largest in the area and is fully equipped. The surroundings are also pleasant; there's a local market nearby selling coconuts, where you can get 5 for 10 RMB – an excellent deal! The Chinese restaurant is also very good."

"Great hotel for Sandakan but just a small problem. Whenever you shower you will flood the whole toilet. Other than that, it is a good choice for Sandakan"

"The employees were great. They did all they could to keep the hotel running, keep the hotel clean etc. The hotel building is not new. It has seen better days. If you are lucky you would get a room with a quiet AC (6th floor and upwards). The room was clean enough. 5-10 minutes away from shops, market etc."