Get Back To Nature At One Of Sabah’s Finest Guest Houses: Paganakan Dii Tropical Retreat

Room types

There are six private rooms spread between three duplexes, as well as hostel-style beds within three traditional longhouses. Sleeping in the wooden longhouses would be on bunk beds, and it is a great way to meet new people on your travels as well as getting a taste of the local tribal culture and ways of life from days gone by.

The private rooms can sleep up to four people, with a double bed and two single bunk beds, and there is a choice of Original Duplex Huts or Ridge Duplex Huts, which feature excellent views down into the rainforest.

It costs just 35 MYR (approximately 8 USD) for a bed in a longhouse – a terrific bargain for a great night’s sleep and a brilliant cultural experience. If you opt for more privacy or a romantic sojourn in one of the huts, the price varies depending upon how many people will be sharing and whether you choose to stay in a regular hut or one overlooking the magical rainforest.

For two people in an Original Duplex Hut, the total cost is 150 MYR (approximately 35 USD). For three people, it is 189 MYR (approximately 44 USD), and a room shared by four people costs 216 MYR (approximately 50 USD). The Ridge Duplex Huts are slightly more expensive, ranging from 175 MYR (approximately 41 USD) for two people to 236 MYR (approximately 55 USD) for four people.

Room facilities

The longhouses have fans to keep the sleeping area cool and airy, and there is air conditioning in the duplex rooms. Mosquito nets are also provided to give peace of mind whilst you are dreaming about your fantastic jungle escapades.

Imagine soft and inviting beds, pristine white bed linen, fluffy pillows, and comfortable mattresses that might tempt you to linger in bed for longer,if only there aren’t so many excellent things to do and see waiting for you!

A major selling point of the Ridge Duplex Huts is the wonderful sliding walls… you can laze on your bed and open up an entire wall! Viewing nature is effortless and you can enjoy the marvelous feeling of being simultaneously in blissful luxury and in the heart of the great outdoors. The thrilling sounds of the rainforest waft into your room, weaving their way into your thoughts and dreams. The chirping of insects and tweeting of birds mingle with the calls of unknown creatures in the wild.

Occupants of the longhouses share clean and spacious communal bathrooms with hot water showers, whilst the huts have en suite bathrooms… more about the gorgeous private bathrooms below!

Beautiful bathrooms

The bathrooms in the Ridge Duplex Huts have a whole “wall” that is made from fine netting. Unwanted roommates, such as pesky creepy crawlies, are kept at bay, yet you can feel the cooling wisps of breeze and enjoy the sights and sounds of the outdoors whilst bathing.

The location of the rooms right on the ridge ensures your privacy from prying eyes and it really does feel as though you are showering in the heart of the rainforest. Close your eyes as the water washes over your body and the sounds fill your ears and it is easy to imagine that you have stumbled across your own private waterfall or pool in which you can cleanse.

Accommodation facilities and services

A complimentary breakfast is provided each day, served right outside your room. You can start the day on just the right note whilst feeling like king (or queen!) of the jungle. The restaurant also offers a tempting selection of meals for lunch and dinner. Guests are asked to pre-order their choices in advance to prevent delays and disappointments. The dining area is cosy and welcoming and is the perfect place for socializing and meeting more travellers.

The grounds are well-maintained and you can relax in the inviting hammocks and swing seats located throughout the area. Curl up with a good book or close your eyes and daydream in this wonderfully natural environment.

The property is pretty secluded and does not offer internet or telephone services. Indeed, card payments cannot even be processed due to the unreliability of the services – so make sure that you take enough cash for the duration of your stay. This lack of connectivity provides a wonderful opportunity to switch off from the rest of the outside world, give your electronics a break, and enjoy some peaceful and calming downtime.

Nearby attractions

Sepilok Orang Utan Rehabilitation Centre is one of the area’s primary attractions. Although sightings of man’s closest cousin are not guaranteed, you stand a high chance of seeing the mighty ginger primates if you attend at a feeding time. Nothing can quite top the excitement of seeing a small flash in the distance and watching as an enormous orangutan swings through the trees towards the platform. You are also likely to see a range of other creatures too, such as macaques, the curious-looking proboscis monkeys with their long noses, and an array of birds.

The Rainforest Discovery Centre is another favourite local attraction, with its rainforest canopy walk and abundance of native flowers, trees, and plants.