About

Paganakan Dii means The Family in indigenous Kadazan-Dusun tongue and the retreat is conceived to welcome guests in familial hospitality. Designed in a contemporary interpretation of traditional stilts houses, it seeks to become the gateway to an unforgettable discovery of Sabahs rainforest; its flora and fauna, and a meeting point of people who value our planets eco-treasures.

Our true tropical retreat consists of air-ventilated longhouses constructed with walls made of a fine mesh which allow all-round visibility and air-circulation. The duplex chalets consist of walls which open in their entirety to the trees surrounding you and are designed with open-air bathrooms to fully embrace Natures liberty.

With a multi-tiered communal pavilion built on a forested hillside and a multi-purpose hall offering amazing panoramic views reaching over 10km to complete the retreat, you truly feel enveloped by a tangible sense of Nature.

House Rules

Check In

13:00 - 22:00

Check Out

until 12:00

  • Taxes Not Included
View House Rules

Facilities

  • Free Breakfast
  • Free Parking
  • Bicycle Parking
  • Luggage Storage
  • Internet café
  • Reception (limited hours)
  • Restaurant
  • BBQ
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Reviews

8.2Fabulous(319)
  • Value for Money
    8.0
  • Security
    8.7
  • Atmosphere
    7.7
  • Cleanliness
    8.0
  • Staff
    9.0
  • Location
    8.7
  • Facilities
    7.7
Summary of traveller reviews

Paganakan Dii Tropical Retreat in Sandakan offers a unique jungle experience with incredibly friendly and helpful staff. Enjoy delicious food and convenient shuttles to local attractions. Some rooms can get hot and occasionally there are bugs, which is expected in a rainforest setting.

Stayed in Jul 2026
10
S
Shaun
Female, 41+, England
Lovely place with warm kind staff. Dinners were excellent
Stayed in Jun 2026
9.7
A
Anonymous
Female, 18-24, New Zealand
Amazing hostel for a getaway from the city areas, in a very peaceful location with beautiful views of Sepilok. Cozy beds with mosquito net. Free shuttle to the sanctuaries was also great.
Stayed in May 2026
8.0
L
Lily
Female, 18-24, Australia
This felt like being in a jungle - it was incredible to wake up in the morning with bird sounds and trees all around you. The staff were polite and the food available was good. We really enjoyed our stay and appreciated that they provided a transfer to and from Sepilok. Would stay again
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Location

Mile 14, Jalan Labuk, Sandakan, Malaysia
20.5km from city centre