See all properties

Paganakan Dii Tropical Retreat

2.5 star property
A peaceful natural retreat where travelers enjoy delicious breakfasts on private terraces while surrounded by tranquil gardens and sunshine

Choose dates to view prices

Photo gallery for Paganakan Dii Tropical Retreat

Exterior - Paganakan Dii Tropical Retreat (Sandakan)
Basic Shared Dormitory - Paganakan Dii Tropical Retreat (Sandakan)
Room - Paganakan Dii Tropical Retreat (Sandakan)
Terrace/patio - Paganakan Dii Tropical Retreat (Sandakan)
Shared Dormitory - Paganakan Dii Tropical Retreat (Sandakan)
Paganakan Dii Tropical Retreat offers tranquility and thoughtful amenities. Guests enjoy breakfast, explore the garden, or relax on the sunny terrace. The restaurant serves authentic local dishes, and the staff provides helpful service with dry cleaning and laundry.

Reviews

8.6 out of 10
Excellent

Popular amenities

  • Breakfast included
  • Parking included
  • Restaurant
  • Air conditioning
  • Business services
  • Laundry

Room options

Available filters for rooms
Showing 3 of 3 rooms

View all photos for Basic Shared Dormitory

Basic Shared Dormitory

Basic Shared Dormitory

8.0 out of 10
Very good
(1 review)
  • Garden view
  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 12
  • 1 Twin Bed

View all photos for Standard Room

Standard Room

Standard Room

9.0 out of 10
Wonderful
(2 reviews)
  • Garden view
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 Queen Bed

View all photos for Family Room

Family Room

Family Room

8.0 out of 10
Very good
(1 review)
  • Valley view
  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 4
  • 1 Queen Bed and 1 Twin Bunk Bed

About the neighborhood

Sandakan is home to Paganakan Dii Tropical Retreat. Sandakan Memorial Park and Agnes Keith House are local landmarks, and the area's natural beauty can be seen at Rainforest Discovery Centre and Sandakan Rainforest Park. Borneo Sun Bear Conservation Centre and Sepilok Orangutan Rehabilitation Centre are also worth visiting. Take an opportunity to explore the area for water adventures such as fishing. Visit our Sandakan travel guide
View more Lodges in Sandakan
Map
Mile 14, Jalan Labuk, Taman Hiburan Jalil Alip, Sandakan, Sabah, 90000

What's nearby

  • Rainforest Discovery Centre
    Rainforest Discovery Centre
    6 min drive - 3.7 miles
  • Adult female proboscis monkeys sitting on the wood alone. Jungle trees on background Labuk bay, Sabah, Borneo island. Travel Malaysia
    Labuk Bay Proboscis Monkey Sanctuary
    32 min drive - 19.3 miles
  • Borneo Sun Bear Conservation Centre
    11 min drive - 4.2 miles
  • Sandakan Memorial Park
    16 min drive - 10.4 miles
  • Sandakan Harbour Mall
    31 min drive - 20.1 miles

Getting around

  • Sandakan (SDK)
    23 min drive

Restaurants

  • Kafeteria Sepilok
    7 min drive
  • Sepilok banana cafe
    7 min drive
  • The Lake Bistro Bar
    7 min drive
  • Natural Food Court
    10 min drive
  • Kedai Kopi Thiam dan Minuman - 添记面包茶室
    12 min drive

About this property

Paganakan Dii Tropical Retreat

Property highlights
Take advantage of free breakfast, a terrace, and a garden at Paganakan Dii Tropical Retreat. Stay connected with free WiFi in public areas, and guests can find other amenities such as dry cleaning/laundry services and a restaurant.
Additional perks include:
  • Free self parking
  • Tour/ticket assistance, barbecue grills, and a banquet hall
  • Meeting rooms, luggage storage, and a front-desk safe
Room features
All guestrooms at Paganakan Dii Tropical Retreat offer comforts such as air conditioning.
Other amenities include:
  • Balconies, ceiling fans, and daily housekeeping

Similar properties

Outdoor pool, sun loungers
Sepilok Jungle Resort
Sandakan
  • Pool
  • Kids pool
  • Parking included
  • Free WiFi
7.6 out of 10, Good, 233 reviews
Sepilok Jungle Resort
Compare similar properties

Property amenities

Internet

  • Available in some public areas: Free WiFi and wired internet

Parking and transportation

  • Free self parking on site
  • Limited onsite self parking

Food and drink

  • Free breakfast available daily
  • A restaurant

Family friendly

  • Laundry facilities

Conveniences

  • Laundry facilities
  • Limited-hour front desk
  • Luggage storage
  • Safe at front desk

Guest services

  • Dry cleaning/laundry service
  • Housekeeping (daily)
  • Tour and ticket assistance

Business services

  • Meeting rooms

Outdoors

  • Barbecue grill
  • Garden
  • Terrace

More

  • Banquet hall

Room amenities

Bathroom

  • Private or shared bathroom
  • Shower
  • Towels provided

More

  • Air conditioning
  • Ceiling fan

Policies

Check-in

Check-in time starts at 2 PM
Minimum check-in age: 18

Check-out

Check-out before noon

Special check-in instructions

The front desk is open daily from 9 AM - 10 PM
Front desk staffed during limited hours
Information provided by the property may be translated using automated translation tools

Access methods

Front desk (limited hours)

Pets

No pets or service animals allowed

Children and extra beds

Children are welcome
Rollaway/extra beds are not available

Important information

You need to know

Extra-person charges may apply and vary depending on property policy
Government-issued photo identification and a credit card, debit card, or cash deposit may be required at check-in for incidental charges
Special requests are subject to availability upon check-in and may incur additional charges; special requests cannot be guaranteed
This property accepts cash
This property has outdoor spaces, such as balconies, patios, terraces which may not be suitable for children; if you have concerns, we recommend contacting the property prior to your arrival to confirm they can accommodate you in a suitable room

We should mention

No pets and no service animals are allowed at this property

Property is also known as

Paganakan Dii Tropical Retreat Hostel Sandakan
Paganakan Dii Tropical Retreat Hostel
Paganakan Dii Tropical Retreat Sandakan
Paganakan Dii Tropical Retreat
Paganakan Dii Tropical Retreat Hotel Sepilok
Paganakan Dii Tropical Retreat Lodge Sandakan
Paganakan Dii Tropical Retreat Lodge
Paganakan Dii Tropical Retreat Lodge
Paganakan Dii Tropical Retreat Sandakan
Paganakan Dii Tropical Retreat Lodge Sandakan

Frequently asked questions

Is Paganakan Dii Tropical Retreat pet-friendly?

No, pets are not allowed at this property.

How much is parking?

Self parking is free at this property.

What time is check-in at Paganakan Dii Tropical Retreat?

Check-in begins at 2 PM.

What time is check-out at Paganakan Dii Tropical Retreat?

Check-out is at noon.

Where is Paganakan Dii Tropical Retreat located?

Situated in Sandakan, this lodge is within 6 mi (10 km) of Rainforest Discovery Centre, Borneo Sun Bear Conservation Centre, and Sepilok Orangutan Rehabilitation Centre. Sandakan Memorial Park and Sandakan Memorial Park are also within 12 mi (20 km).

Can I cancel my reservation for free and receive a full refund?

Yes, this property offers free cancellation on select room rates, because flexibility matters! Please refer to the property cancellation policy on our site for more details about any exclusions or requirements.

Have a question?

AI iconBeta

Get instant answers with AI powered search of property information and reviews.

Reviews

Paganakan Dii Tropical Retreat Reviews

8.6

Excellent

8.4

Cleanliness

8.2

Location

8.8

Staff & service

8.0

Property conditions & facilities
Rating 10 - Excellent. 39 out of 84 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 33 out of 84 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 8 out of 84 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 2 out of 84 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 2 out of 84 reviews

Reviews

Verified

8/10 Good

Rajesh

Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities
The room, bedding and toiletries were clean. The staff was courteous. Food provided was good. WiFi access was restricted to the common area.
Stayed 2 nights in Jan 2026
Verified

6/10 Okay

Ryan

Liked: Staff & service
Disliked: Cleanliness
Lovely staff and location but lots of bugs in our room. Tiny ants could get the mosquito net and into our bed which we had to remove each night. Not the nicest. Maybe it was just our room.
Stayed 3 nights in Sep 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Lykke Christel

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities

Nice and authentic

Authentic place. Very nice staff. Free shuttle to the parks. 4-5 dishes to choose from on the menu.
Stayed 3 nights in Jul 2024
Verified

10/10 Excellent

cara

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Room much nicer and bigger than expected (family room) with lovely views. Nice breakfast options and lots of trip options and lifts if needed. Limited food options in evening but food good.
Verified

8/10 Good

Richard

Liked: Staff & service, amenities
Staying in the bunk longhouse could be classed as roughing it a little, but the lodge as a whole is inexpensive the staff are very helpful and it is a fantastic adventure - a base from which to explore Borneo's wildlife. Our teenage kids loved it, once they had adjusted!
Stayed 4 nights in Aug 2023
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveler

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort

Amazing experience!!

I loved this unique hotel, it was a tick off the bucket to stay in the rainforest! The staff are so friendly and the food is excellent and great value for money. It is very easy to get to the animal centres and I was still able to access the internet so could order grab taxis. I’d definitely recommend bringing bug spray! 100% would recommend, where else can you stay in the rainforest?!
View from my bedroom
Stayed 3 nights in Jan 2025
Verified

8/10 Good

Meredith

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort

Overpriced but great location

Cute eco lodge near attractions in Sepilok. Beautiful views in the morning and staff offers competitive rates on tours and transport. I appreciated the free shuttle to the Orangutan Rehabilitation Center. The property is not as pristine as the photos and I feel was overpriced for what it was.
Stayed 2 nights in May 2024
Verified

6/10 Okay

Francesca

Liked: Staff & service
Disliked: Cleanliness, property conditions & facilities
Paganakan Dii Tropical Retreat has a stunning setting, you’re right in the rainforest, surrounded by beautiful grounds and nature. The location is great, and the free shuttle to the Orangutan and Sun Bear Centres is a big plus. The staff were incredibly kind and helpful throughout our stay. However, we did struggle with the accommodation. Our room was hot and stuffy, the air conditioning didn’t work, and the shower leaked. The mosquito net was too small for the bed and had several holes, which made it difficult to sleep comfortably, especially since we really needed it in that environment. Unfortunately, we also had rats running in and out of the room during the night, which made for a very unsettling experience. We asked for help from security, but no one came to check. In the end, we only stayed one night instead of three, though we appreciated that the team kindly refunded the booking. With some updates to the rooms and better pest control, this could be a wonderful place to stay, but in its current state, it just wasn’t suitable for us.
Stayed 3 nights in Oct 2025
Verified

8/10 Good

Victor

Liked: Staff & service
Disliked: Cleanliness
This review is for the private room. Our room was nice with 1 Queen bed and a bunk bed. All beds had netting in good condition and the view was excellent. Our private bathroom was almost outdoors so that made for an immersive experience. Food was ok; the amount of protein was in some dishes very small and the menu never changed but it was cheap. Breakfast was included and was eggs, 2 white toasts and small amount of fruit. Plus tea or coffee. The big buts we’re maintenance;e.g. door latches didn’t work, loose safeguard netting for the balcony and cleanliness. Under the beds they didn’t clean and the reception/restaurant area was not very clean. Leftover food was left for hours and floors weren’t swept. The bathroom there was filthy. The big plus we’re the leading ladies who multitasked booking tours, checking in/out, taking restaurant orders etc. They eeee always serviceable and with a smile. Lots of families and younger travellers.
Stayed 3 nights in Aug 2023
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Elianne

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort

Well looked after

Wonderful place, such friendly, helpful staff. The communal eating area has a lovely atmosphere. Rooms are very pleasant and comfortable.
Stayed 2 nights in Aug 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Bradley

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Great accommodation surrounded by beautiful nature. Staff was very helpful and kind. Would definitely stay here again.
Stayed 2 nights in Sep 2022
Verified

8/10 Good

Jo

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
A family run retreat who make you feel like part of the family. Basic and rustic, it fits perfectly into the surroundings. Close to the attractions in Sepilok so location is convenient. While breakfast is provided and other meals can be purchased, the menu didnot change (we were there 5 nights) so some variety would be nice. Outdoor bathroom attached to the room makes you feel like you are showeri g in the jungle. Don't leave anything in the bathroom though. My husband's toothbrush mysteriously went missing!!
Stayed 5 nights in Jul 2022
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Veronica

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Abbiamo soggiornato qui due notti ad Agosto, che dire il posto é circondato dalla foresta, stupendo! Si è in mezzo alla natura! Le ragazze sono gentilissime e si preoccupano di dare tutte le informazioni. Il cibo è fantastico! C’è un servizio di navetta gratuito per il centro di conservazione degli oranghi e per l’escursione nella giungla se ricordo bene due volte al giorno. Per quanto riguarda la camera la vista era pazzesca peccato solo che là si possa vedere tenendo lo scuro aperto, ma così c’è la possibilità che entrino insetti perché ovviamente non ci sono zanzariere. Il bagno è all’aperto, fa parte dell’esperienza. Abbiamo trovato tutto abbastanza pulito a parte qualche formichina sul letto. Consigliato!
Stayed 2 nights in Aug 2025
Verified

8/10 Good

mailys

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort

Muy bonito, cómodo y tranquilo!

Bungalows muy bonitos , para alojarse en la selva. Está muy tranquilo, alejado de Sepilok pero te llevan con un mini van. Tienen restaurante para desayunar, comer y cenar . El chalet era muy cómodo, con aire acondicionado y mosquetera. Si que animalitos pueden entrar ya que el baño está abierto, pero solamente son gekos y mosquitos
Stayed 2 nights in Sep 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Marcel

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Sehr schöne Natur, toller Blick ins Grüne
Stayed 2 nights in May 2025
Verified

8/10 Good

Cristiana

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
I bungalow sono spartani ma molto puliti. Non troppo spazioso. Noi abbiamo dormito in una camera famigliare con letto matrimoniale e letto a castello, molto comodi. Il bagno è annesso alla stanza ma praticamente aperto verso la foresta, molto molto basico ma funzionale. Cucina OTTIMA ed economica. Personale super gentile e disponibile Navetta gratuita per i parchi dei dintorni ad orari prestabiliti. Gli esterni sono poco curati. Ci sono diversi cani e gatti lasciati liberi
Stayed 2 nights in Jul 2025
Verified

8/10 Good

Elise

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Lorsque je suis arrivée, j'ai vu le restaurant en pleins travaux, alors que je prévoyais d'y travailler (sur mon ordinateur) et qu'il n'y avait pas beaucoup d'autres endroits autour. J'aurais aimé le savoir avant.
Stayed 1 night in Dec 2024
Verified

8/10 Good

Hans Peter

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service
Das Preis/ Leistungsverhältnis war okay
Stayed 5 nights in Mar 2024
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Regina

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort

Jungle stay

Great place close to the jungle!
Stayed 3 nights in Mar 2020
Verified

8/10 Good

Verified traveler

Liked: Staff & service, property conditions & facilities

Basic but fit for purpose, staff and food great

Basic wooden hut stay in the jungle so has to be judged as such. Staff were really friendly and helpful. Food was great and very reasonable. Rather remote so you have to get the shuttle provided or sort out your own arrangements. We couldn't get Grab from the hotel but could get it at the attractions in town. Room itself was basic, no towels provided, no cleaning service. Shower was hot. Served its purpose and would recommend for a few days to see the sights of Sepilok.
Stayed 3 nights in Feb 2020
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Wendy

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
We had a great time staying at Paganakan Dii. The hotel is rustic, but clean. It is a quiet location and you really feel like you are in the jungle when you are staying there. The staff are very friendly and it is lovely that they organize shuttle services to the Orangutan Sanctuary as well as the Rain Forest Discovery Center. Our kids loved staying the bunk beds and the mosquito nets added to the adventure.
Stayed 3 nights in Oct 2019
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Elizabeth

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
This is a retreat built in the jungle and has to be judged accordingly. We stayed in a wooden chalet which was clean and spacious with a private outdoor bathroom. We slept under mosquito nets and were careful not to leave outside lights on unnecessarily so as not to attract the insects. You will need insect repellent in the open dining/sitting areas particularly in the evening. Tha staff were particularly friendly and helpful. This is a great place to stay to visit Sepilok and surrounding areas with the staff helping if you wanted transport or trips arranged.
Stayed 4 nights in Aug 2019
Verified

8/10 Good

Adila

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
true nature
Stayed 1 night in Aug 2019
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveler

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Great lodge in the heart of Sepilok. Good facilities and very tasty basic food. Staff amazingly friendly and helpful, especially when organising trips. Very child friendly. The kids loved chilling in the hammocks and listening to the spunds of the jungle. Free transport to Sepilok, Sun bears etc. If yoi have time dont miss out the Rainforest Discovery Centre. Almost deserted and haven for wildlife. Saw orang utans, flying squirrels, slow loris etc. The night waalk is a must! Paganankan is also highly recommended as a lodge, especially if you have kids!!!
Stayed 2 nights in Aug 2019
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveler

Liked: Cleanliness
The location is great, the cabins lovely and the staff fantastic!
Stayed 1 night in Aug 2019