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Booking was made over WhatsApp and it was easy to communicate and confirm the booking a few days out.
We arrived in the afternoon at Sandekan Airport from Kuala Lumpur and I arranged a Transfer from the airport @ RM40 and the driver was waiting for us with a name board. The 16 km drive took about 25 min and it was a pleasant drive. The resort is a bit remote, Great for Nature and no City Noises, but no shops close around. I would recommend to get SIM cards at airport or ask the driver to stop on the way from airport to buy SIM card and other items you might need.
On arrival we were met by the owners and their lovely 7 year old daughter that was on school holidays.
We checked in and shown to our room. The dorm rooms were closer and easier to walk to and from the main area and our room (Ridge Duplex Huts) was a further 4 min walk down some steps and up some steps again.
Room was basic with double bed and bunk beds with Mosquito Nets. Air-condition worked well but we hardly used it as the side wall opened up revealing the jungle and tree tops and it was cool to sleep with out. We only used the ceiling fan.
Bathroom was open aired with small electric water heater with an amazing view over jungle.
Wifi - non in rooms available, but our phones had decent 4G Connection from the cellphone towers. Main area of the Resort had a small router that had to be activated by the owners and it was done quickly and wifi connecting was good.
Food and Drink - only 4 / 5 items on menu but they were all done very well. Prices from RM13 - EM16. Breakfast was included in room rate and consisted of 2 white bread toast, one egg fried, one sausage and some fruit. Jam and butter was also provided. Basic Breakfast but it got the job done. Cold Beers (@ RM15 a can) and soft drinks available for sale
Coffee, Tea and Drinking water always available in main area for free.
Free Shuttle to and from Sepilok Orang Utang / Sunbear Sanctuaries and the Discovery Rainforest Centre at fixed times. Any additional or outside fixed time was charged at RM5 per person. (Grab was not always reliable as its a bit located out of city)
We had a wonderful stay and the owners and their daughter where very pleasant and helpful!
The Resort might need some updating and renovation (Photos from website don’t look 100% the same anymore) but I do understand the Global Pandemic hit small businesses like Paganakan Dii Tropical Resort very hard and recover will take some time. Even saying that I highly recommend this place and would 100%...
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We booked the Kinabatangan River tour through Paganakan Dii and paid RM 300 each in cash, no receipt was given. Unfortunately, the entire experience turned out to be a complete disappointment and nothing like what we were led to expect.
The driver was 30 minutes late and spent the whole trip burping loudly, which was incredibly unpleasant. His driving was dangerous, overtaking cars even when it wasn’t safe, and we honestly felt unsafe.
The actual river tour didn’t go through real nature, it went through palm oil plantations and degraded land. There was barely any wildlife. We only saw a couple of very common monkeys, the kind you see on the side of the road, and the guide shouted at them, scaring them off. He didn’t explain anything and seemed totally untrained for the job. The boat was uncomfortable, with no roof, no proper seats, just rough wooden planks.
We were so unhappy with the experience that we asked to go back early. We skipped the included dinner because the place didn’t feel clean or trustworthy at all. Having to tip to use a poorly kept toilet after paying such a high price just added insult to injury.
When we tried to raise the issue with the woman who claimed to be the manager, she was incredibly dismissive, refused to take responsibility, and made no effort to make things right. It felt like she didn’t care at all.
To make things worse, there were cats and dogs on the property that were clearly sick or neglected. It was honestly heartbreaking and made us question the ethics of the whole place. Avoid this tour and choose a provider that takes responsibility and cares about people,...
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We stayed here for just one night and specifically chose this retreat because it’s located a bit further away from the main tourist attractions (like the Orangutan Centre) — and we’re so glad we did. The retreat truly lived up to our expectations: a beautiful, quiet spot surrounded by greenery. It’s perfect for anyone who appreciates simplicity and rustic, natural charm.
We stayed in the premium double room with air conditioning and a private bathroom. At night, it was cool enough to sleep with just the fan and the door open — especially lovely when it rained, with the sound of rain and insects in the background.
The communal area was cozy and welcoming, great for dining and socialising in the evening. Communication with the staff was excellent too. We knew the night walk at RDC often gets fully booked, and the accommodation staff, Cilly, kindly helped us arrange both the tickets and transportation.
Breakfast is included, though it’s quite simple — just two slices of kaya toast and a boiled egg, which might not be enough if you have an active morning planned. However, they do offer good lunch and dinner options with decent portions and flavour — perfect for a pre- or post-activity meal.
All in all, we highly recommend this charming little retreat for anyone who enjoys peaceful surroundings and a simple,...
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