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Check prices for these dates

Next weekend
20 Nov - 22 Nov
In two weeks
27 Nov - 29 Nov
In one month
11 Dec - 13 Dec
In two months
8 Jan - 10 Jan
No exact matches found, but these alternatives could be just right

Recommended hotels in Kota Kinabatangan

A wooden interior with a spiral staircase leading to a balcony.

1. Borneo Natural Sukau Bilit Resort

Borneo Natural Sukau Bilit Resort
3.0 star property
Kota Kinabatangan
8.8 out of 10, Excellent, (18 reviews)
"Pretty basic but compared to others very good value for money as all inclusive etc. You see the same animals as other more expensive lodges. Overall had a great time and would recommend."
Australia
Sherry
The price is NZ$429
includes taxes & fees
11 Nov - 12 Nov
Borneo Natural Sukau Bilit Resort
A spacious outdoor seating area with wicker furniture and a stone wall backdrop.

2. Borneo Nature Lodge 2

Borneo Nature Lodge 2
4.0 star property
Kota Kinabatangan
8.0 out of 10, Very good, (1 review)
The price is NZ$675
includes taxes & fees
14 Nov - 15 Nov
Borneo Nature Lodge 2
A rustic cabin with a thatched roof, a small fire inside, and a person standing by the entrance.

3. Tambisan Island Lodge

Tambisan Island Lodge
2.5 star property
Kota Kinabatangan
The price is NZ$73
includes taxes & fees
10 Nov - 11 Nov
Tambisan Island Lodge
A wooden cabin with a balcony, surrounded by lush greenery.

4. Paganakan Dii Tropical Retreat

Paganakan Dii Tropical Retreat
2.5 star property
Sandakan
8.8 out of 10, Excellent, (103 reviews)
"Amazing place to stay on the edge of the rainforest. Our family room was very comfortable and we had a balcony which had a great view of the surrounding wildlife. The food was delicious and there was a basic but decent selection every day. Close proximity to the Orangutan Rehabilitation and Sunbear Sanctuary as well as the Rainforest Discovery Centre. Would definitely recommend staying here"
United Kingdom
Michael
The price is NZ$40
includes taxes & fees
10 Nov - 11 Nov
Paganakan Dii Tropical Retreat
A rooftop infinity pool with lounge chairs and umbrellas, overlooking the sea.

5. Ormond Sandakan

Ormond Sandakan
4.0 star property
Sandakan
9.6 out of 10, Exceptional, (53 reviews)
"Great stay, helpful staff and the restaurant was lovely too."
United Kingdom
Sarah-Jayne
The price is NZ$146
includes taxes & fees
10 Nov - 11 Nov
Ormond Sandakan
A pool surrounded by tropical vegetation and a waterfall.

6. Sepilok Jungle Resort

Sepilok Jungle Resort
2.5 star property
Sandakan
7.6 out of 10, Good, (248 reviews)
"It was an amazing lodge. We could see animals inside the hotel grounds orangutans five minute walk to Rehab center and sun bear."
United States
jerald
The price is NZ$77
includes taxes & fees
10 Dec - 11 Dec
Sepilok Jungle Resort
A modern house with a large porch, wooden staircase, and a well-lit entrance.

7. Tanini Sepilok (Formerly Nature Lodge Sepilok)

Tanini Sepilok (Formerly Nature Lodge Sepilok)
2.5 star property
Sandakan
8.6 out of 10, Excellent, (83 reviews)
"Everything was good"
Canada
Audrey
The price is NZ$136
includes taxes & fees
10 Nov - 11 Nov
Tanini Sepilok (Formerly Nature Lodge Sepilok)
A buffet setup with multiple serving stations, a seating area with chairs, and a view of the outdoors through large windows.

8. The Pavilion Hotel

The Pavilion Hotel
3.0 star property
Sandakan
7.2 out of 10, Good, (84 reviews)
"Love t room. Comfortable & clean"
Malaysia
Felicia
The price is NZ$65
includes taxes & fees
12 Nov - 13 Nov
The Pavilion Hotel
A modern hotel room with a bed, a desk, a sofa, and a television.

9. Hotel Meliden

Hotel Meliden
2.0 star property
Sandakan
8.0 out of 10, Very good, (13 reviews)
"Clean room, easy access for budget travel"
United States
Shoab
The price is NZ$80
includes taxes & fees
22 Nov - 23 Nov
Hotel Meliden
A modern living room with a flat-screen TV, a sofa, a small table, and a balcony with a view of a forested area.

10. Trival Property Homestay

Trival Property Homestay
3.0 star property
Sandakan
6.0 out of 10, (1 review)
"Check in is at a hotel 15mins away and strictly followed the 3pm check in time. There is a shop about a 10min walk away but the actual apartment was not overly clean and the showers not getting hot. No coffee mugs or kettle provided. Unfortunately we booked this place because of the swimming pool that was closed for maintenance but not communicated beforehand."
United Kingdom
Daniel
The price is NZ$106
includes taxes & fees
10 Nov - 11 Nov
Trival Property Homestay
A resort with a large pool, a waterfall, and a lounge area surrounded by lush greenery.

11. Sabah Hotel Sandakan

Sabah Hotel Sandakan
4.0 star property
Sandakan
8.6 out of 10, Excellent, (391 reviews)
"Lovely hotel with friendly staff and nice food. Amenities were great and would definitely stay here if in Sandakan again"
United Kingdom
Michael
The price is NZ$172
includes taxes & fees
10 Dec - 11 Dec
Sabah Hotel Sandakan
A bar area with stools, a counter, and red lanterns.

12. My Dream Hotel

My Dream Hotel
3.0 star property
Sandakan
7.2 out of 10, Good, (40 reviews)
"If you don't mind of sharing toilet, the property is clean and acceptable standard"
Malaysia
Chung Fai
The price is NZ$42
includes taxes & fees
22 Nov - 23 Nov
My Dream Hotel
A modern restaurant interior with wooden flooring, a central bar area, and pendant lighting.

13. Livingston Hotel

Livingston Hotel
3.5 star property
Sandakan
7.8 out of 10, Good, (170 reviews)
"Room was clean and spacious, a short grab ride from town. Staff were friendly, breakfast was good."
United Kingdom
Lucy
The price is NZ$124
includes taxes & fees
16 Nov - 17 Nov
Livingston Hotel
A modern reception area with a counter, seating, and a television.

14. Gloria Swiss Hotel & Apartment Sandakan

Gloria Swiss Hotel & Apartment Sandakan
3.0 star property
Sandakan
7.8 out of 10, Good, (19 reviews)
"very good place to stay provided you have own transport"
Malaysia
aaron chong en
The price is NZ$58
includes taxes & fees
10 Nov - 11 Nov
Gloria Swiss Hotel & Apartment Sandakan
A multi-story hotel with a white facade, balconies, and a visible entrance.

15. Hotel Lutana

Hotel Lutana
2.5 star property
Sandakan
8.4 out of 10, Very good, (5 reviews)
"Good price. Friendly staff"
Canada
Apollonia
The price is NZ$20
includes taxes & fees
10 Nov - 11 Nov
Hotel Lutana
A hotel room with three single beds, each with a red and white bedspread, wooden headboards, and bedside tables with lamps.

16. Hotel O London

Hotel O London
2.0 star property
Sandakan
7.0 out of 10, Good, (23 reviews)
"Property was fine for a one night stay"
Australia
Michelle
The price is NZ$35
includes taxes & fees
10 Nov - 11 Nov
Hotel O London
A view of a calm sea with a distant island, a building with a blue and red facade, and a palm tree in the foreground.

17. Sandakan Backpackers Hostel

Sandakan Backpackers Hostel
2.0 star property
Sandakan
7.8 out of 10, Good, (10 reviews)
"Great budget hotel, with friendly staff and a comfy bed. Help yourself breakfast was a bonus. "
United Kingdom
Kelly-ann
The price is NZ$36
includes taxes & fees
22 Nov - 23 Nov
Sandakan Backpackers Hostel
A hotel reception desk with a marble wall backdrop and the hotel's name displayed above.

18. THE HOTEL

THE HOTEL
2.5 star property
Sandakan
5.0 out of 10, (4 reviews)
"Close to the airport, but far enough not to hear the noise. Nice clean room. Bathroom needs some re-thinking. Shops and restaurants nearby. No elevator to the rooms. "
Australia
Tapos
The price is NZ$46
includes taxes & fees
10 Nov - 11 Nov
THE HOTEL
A hotel room with a bed, a wardrobe, a bench, a sink, and an air conditioning unit.

19. Sandakan Inn

Sandakan Inn
2.5 star property
Sandakan
5.4 out of 10, (3 reviews)
"Quiet"
Malaysia
MAZNI BINTI
The price is NZ$54
includes taxes & fees
10 Nov - 11 Nov
Sandakan Inn
A gas station with a red roof, a white building with a green stripe, and a sign for Esso.

20. Hotel O Hotel Ramai

Hotel O Hotel Ramai
3.0 star property
Sandakan
10.0 out of 10, Exceptional, (1 review)
The price is NZ$24
includes taxes & fees
15 Nov - 16 Nov
Hotel O Hotel Ramai
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
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Learn more about Kota Kinabatangan

Cruise along the Kinabatangan River to spot wild orangutans, pygmy elephants, and proboscis monkeys in their natural habitat. The nearby Gomantong Caves offer impressive limestone formations where you can watch thousands of swiftlets and bats during their evening exodus.

See all hotels in Kota Kinabatangan
A close-up of an orangutan with reddish-brown fur.
Photo by Iain Mclean
Open Photo by Iain Mclean

Top reviews in Kota Kinabatangan

A rooftop infinity pool with lounge chairs and umbrellas, overlooking the sea.
Ormond Sandakan

Ormond Sandakan

Ormond Sandakan
Sandakan

10/10 Excellent

A very good hotel in Sandakan, I wouldn’t stay anywhere else. We had dinner at the Poolside restaurant and the food was amazing (as were the staff). The gym was well equipped, and the rooms comfortable with good bedding. I wouldn’t stay anywhere definitely stay here again
Australia
Melissa
Reviewed September 25, 2026
Ormond Sandakan

Frequently Asked Questions

What can I expect from a motel trip to Kota Kinabatangan?

If you're having trouble locating a motel in Kota Kinabatangan, allow Expedia help you find a motel or similar property from more than 54 lodging options in the larger area. Just use our search tools to filter by price per night or money-saving amenities such as free parking and free airport transport.

What's it like to stay in a motel?

Motels often have free parking, and many have outdoor pools. Often one or two storeys high, motel properties usually have exterior corridors overlooking the car park or an outdoor pool. The term "motel" was invented in 1925 by the owner of the Milestone Mo-Tel in San Luis Obispo, California.

What are the best motels in Kota Kinabatangan?

These are some cheaper accommodations to book in Kota Kinabatangan. Borneo Natural Sukau Bilit Resort - Lodge Tanini Kinabatangan (Formerly Known as Nature Lodge Kinabatangan) - Hotel Borneo Nature Lodge 2 - Guest house Tambisan Island Lodge - Lodge The Last Frontier Boutique Resort - Bed & breakfast

What can I do in Kota Kinabatangan?

Enjoy nature with a stop at Bukit Batangan and Bukit Bulud Napa. Other places worth a visit include Bukit Belanda and Batu Tulug.

What's the weather like in Kota Kinabatangan?

Weather can make or break a road trip, so here's some data about year-round temperatures in Kota Kinabatangan to help you plan yours: The hottest months are usually May and June, with an average temperature of 27°C, while the coldest months are February and January, with an average of 26°C. The snowiest months in Kota Kinabatangan are April, May, August and July, with each month seeing an average of 211 cm of snowfall.

What are my options for getting around Kota Kinabatangan while staying in a motel?

We’ve gathered some information about local transportation options in Kota Kinabatangan to help you navigate your stay: Fly into Sandakan (SDK), which is located 26 mi (41.8 km) away from the city centre. Otherwise, you can search for flights to Lahad Datu (LDU), which is 50.6 mi (81.5 km) away. If you'd like to venture out around the area, consider renting a car to explore more sights.