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Hilltop lodge at dusk with lit windows and a wooden staircase leading into the surrounding rainforest near Sandakan, Kinabatangan River
3D2N Kinabatangan River Hilltop Lodge | Support Conservation Work
Stay on a hill with stunning views of Kinabatangan, exploring wildlife & nature
5.0
|6 Reviews
Group size
Up to 2 guests
DURATION
3 days 2 nights
Booking type
Join-in trip
MEET UP
At location
Group size
Up to 2 guests
- Experience highlights
- Itinerary
- Inclusions
- Accommodation
- Availability
- More Info
- Host
- Reviews
Escape to a hilltop jungle retreat. Enjoy river safaris & support conservation.
Spend 3 days and 2 nights high above the Kinabatangan at a hilltop retreat few others get to experience. Perched 100 metres above the river, this small, conservation-led lodge offers sweeping views you won’t find at the usual riverside stays. With a maximum of just 12 guests, it feels private, peaceful and deeply immersed in nature.But this isn’t just a scenic escape. It was created by two conservationists who are actively involved in wildlife rescue and research in Sabah. Your stay directly supports collaborations with the Sabah Wildlife Department, orangutan conservation partners and field researchers studying Borneo’s ecosystems. Over these 3 days, you won’t just experience the rainforest - you’ll help protect it.What to ExpectExperience a unique hilltop retreat with breathtaking views of the Kinabatangan River like no other in the areaRelax in a space mindfully integrated with nature, which will allow you to spot wildlife right from your room or common spacesEnjoy the privacy of a small retreat, with a maximum of 12 guests staying at any one time.Enjoy 2 thrilling river cruises for incredible wildlife spotting, including proboscis monkeys, hornbills, and a rare possibility of pygmy elephants if you're lucky.A thrilling guided jungle walk along a serene hill ridge with stunning vistas of the river and surrounding rainforest.Two peaceful nights at a cozy, nature-inspired lodge in the heart of Borneo.Immerse yourself in the local ecosystem, with opportunities to learn about the area's rich biodiversity.Rest easy knowing that your stay contributes to wildlife conservation efforts in the area.Optional add-onRound Trip transfer from Sandakan English Teahouse/ Airport/ Sepilok to Kinabatangan. Due to traffic congestion and limited parking in Sandakan town, pickups are no longer available there; instead, guests are kindly requested to meet at the nearby English Teahouse, easily accessible by taxi or GRAB. Pickup times are fixed at 12:00 PM from the English Teahouse and Sandakan Airport, and 12:30 PM from Sepilok, with a set check-out time of 8:00 PM on the final morning.If you're interested in this transfer service, please leave a note in your booking — your host will reach out to you to confirm the details.If you want to add extra bed for the 3rd and 4th person, you'll get extra bed - add on available.Accommodation:Enjoy a peaceful and minimalist design of Double/ Twin Ensuite, where you can unwind and soak in the breathtaking jungle views. Enjoy a restful stay with custom-made beds and spacious 7ft. mattresses, ensuring you sleep comfortably through the night—no more worrying about your feet hanging off the bed! Each room is equipped with an attached bathroom, hot water, towels, and toiletries to enhance your convenience.Please note that we only have a ceiling fan in each room because at night it's usually quite chilly.IMPORTANT Note: The lodge is located atop a 100-meter-high hill with breathtaking views, but reaching it requires climbing a 600-step staircase, which takes 10-20 minutes depending on your fitness level. We recommend packing light—only backpacks or small overnight bags are suitable for the climb. Lockers are available at the bottom of the staircase to store bulky or heavy items. Please repack your luggage in advance to ensure a comfortable ascent.IMPORTANT Note: Please be aware that check-in and check-out for this lodge are only available on even days of the month (e.g., 2nd, 4th, 6th, etc.). Unfortunately, check-ins and check-outs cannot be accommodated on odd days (e.g., 3rd, 5th, 7th, etc.).Conservation & ImpactWhat makes this retreat truly different is that it’s built and run by active conservationists working on the ground in Kinabatangan. The lodge is part of KITA Borneo and collaborates with the Sabah Wildlife Department and Orang Juga on wildlife rescue and orangutan conservation efforts. The land is also used to support academic research, including field studies by PhD students from Oxford University. By staying here, you’re contributing directly to these ongoing conservation partnerships — helping fund wildlife protection, research and long-term rainforest preservation in the Kinabatangan region.Room Configurations: We have rooms based on 2 people per room. While we may not offer five-star luxury, we’re committed to ensuring your stay is fulfilling and memorable in this stunning natural setting.For 2 Guests: A cozy room with a standard double bed.Boat Capacity:We offer river cruises with a maximum of 12-seater boat.*Please note that availability may vary based on the number of bookings for both the lodge and boat
Experience highlights
What You’ll be Doing
Day 1:
Arrive, wildlife river cruise, dinner and relax at hilltop lodgeDay 2:
Jungle walk, boat cruise, wildlife spotting, relaxing and dining at lodgeDay 3:
Morning breakfast and departure from lodge to Sandakan or SepilokShow Details
What’s Included
Shared excursions
English-speaking guide
Meals Included (2 breakfast, 2 lunch, and 2 dinner)
2 River Cruises
1 guided jungle walk
2-nights accommodation
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Who you’re supporting
Community Champion
Plastic Waste Warrior
Wildlife Protector
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Where You’ll Sleep
Double/Twin Ensuite Room (Ceiling fan...
All Nights
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Double/Twin Ensuite Room (Ceiling fan only)
Next Available Dates
Prices shown in USD
Select Time for 08 Jun 2026
Additional Information
Where we'll meet
Start Point
Meet-up at English Tea House, Sandakan Town (English Tea House & Restaurant, Jalan Istana, Malaysia)
- 12:00pm
- Notes: Pick-ups from English Tea House, Sandakan will commence around 12:00 PM. Keep in mind that this is a group pick-up, and we will collect other guests at the same time. Departure will take place once everyone has arrived. Please note that pick-up is not free. Your host will reach out to you to confirm the details once you have made your booking.
+ 1 other option
End Point
- End at Start Point(s)
Start & Ends
- If Meet-up at English Tea House, Sandakan Town12:00PM Free pick-up from 10:30AM on Day 3
- If Meet-up at Sepilok, Sandakan12:30PM Free pick-up from 10:30AM on Day 3
Suitability / Accessibility
- Child Friendly (Recommended Age: 8+)
Cancellation & other policies
Cancellation
To secure your spot, your host will turn away other guests. Because of this, cancellations aren't allowed.
What to Pack
- Binoculars (optional).
- Camera.
- Cap/hat.
- Comfortable cotton T-shirt with long or short pants.
- Flash light.
- Good walking shoes.
- Insect repellent.
- Personal toiletries and medications.
- Poncho.
- Sunglasses.
- Sunscreen.
From
RM2,472
/group5.0(6)
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Meet your host
Gert and Jason founded The Last Frontier Boutique Resort in Borneo’s Kinabatangan Forest Reserve, crafting a sanctuary designed with minimal environmental impact. Driven by their passion for nature and conservation, their vision is to provide an unforgettable rainforest experience that supports local communities and helps protect this precious ecosystem. Through their efforts, they aim to inspire future generations to appreciate and safeguard this remarkable part of the world.
Experience: 18 years
Speaks: Fluent English, Bahasa
Acceptance rate: 42%
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