The location and the owners made the experience amazing and unique. Eaten all together with the rest of the guests.

Stayed in March 2024

Amazing experience! Probably the most unique and beautiful places I have ever had the fortune to stay. Silk sand and crystal clear water! Sook Peng and Fred are wonderful and kind hosts who help to ensure a brilliant stay. They help to organize all the travel arrangements from your lodgings in Kota Kinabalu to the island via car and boat, and it all worked seamlessly. The food that Sook Peng cooked was simply fantastic and some of the best I have had during my whole trip. The lodge is very unique and they take their environmental responsibility very seriously. Staying on the island is a once in a lifetime experience. It’s completely deserted apart from a small village and there are lots of different activities one can do. (Kayak, snorkel, diving, guided walks). We did bonfires at night and spent the days in hammocks just meters from the beach as the local island cows wandered past.

Stayed in March 2024

The waste mountains all over the island are terrible. Snorkeling at the island is very poor compared to other places in Borneo.

Great place direct on the beach. Owner keeps the at the lodge clean, the rest of the island is a desaster. Plastic and other garbage everywhere. A lot of hammocks and deck chairs etc at the beach. Super tasty lunch and dinner.

Stayed in March 2024

The lodge is fantastic, and the immediate beach is clean ,but unfortunately due to no organised waste management on the island there is a lot of rubbish on other beaches if you walk around the island. This needs major community action to resolve I think and hope that as the other resorts come back to life post covid they put money in to help fix this as it’s on their doorstep As a solo traveller could have done without being told I should bring someone back next time! Well intentioned but seems you can’t escape societal expectations and norms even on a paradise island! 🏝️ 🫤

Built from scratch with sustainability in mind. Absolutely incredible food (including for vegetarians! Thanks SP!) Hammocks on the beach and ability to hire snorkel gear and kayak to go to some incredible snorkelling spots Fred and SP are excellent hosts

Stayed in February 2024

The best stay I’ve had in years! 🏝️This is truly a relaxing Island experience and an opportunity for you to unwind in a secluded location. Thank you Sook Peng and Fred for helping my stay feels like home! They have arranged the transfer quite seamlessly, I got picked up from the hotel early morning to the pier and then to the island. The view is truly amazing as the lodge is right in front of the sea. They have everything you need for this Island: kayaks, snorkel masks, beach mats and coconuts (and beer which is a rare commodity in the island)! Thank you Sook Peng for the wonderful breakfast, lunch and dinner. It’s wonderful to enjoy a hearty home-cooked meal by the sea. I also get to taste some delicious farm-to-table vegetables they’ve grown from their aquaponics farm ♥️ I’ve enjoyed my time on the island, there’s a dive centre 5-min walk from the lodge and it’s convenient if you’d like to join a dive or two. My room is right in front of the sea with a little garden, sun lounge area and a private entrance to the beach. You’re surrounded by nature and animals, I’ve seen cats, cows, tree frogs, big green turtles and more. Just be prepared for mosquitos at night, you can spray the room before you leave for dinner, I’ve also bought a “Deep Woods” repellent and some repellent wristbands which comes in quite handy. There’s no aircon in the room but the island breeze does help, the room is well-ventilated and there’s a fan and cooling machine in the room. Truly an amazing getaway, I must come back again!

Stayed in December 2023

Sook Peng and Fred are very friendly hosts. We've enjoyed the home cooked food and the hammocks on the beach. The accomodation is quite basic, but nice and just in front of the sea.

Stayed in August 2023

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Fred and Sook-Peng created a place in Paradise. SP cooks good meals 3 times a day. Kajaks are available for snorkeling trips to a nearby island or just do some snorkeling from the beach. Cows and monitor lizards on the beach as a nice extra.

Stayed in August 2023

Be aware that due to the current at the island there will be rubbish at the beach, however the team at greenhouse lodge is giving their best to be eco-friendly and keeping the private beach clean

Exeptionally good food, great location and both Fred aswell as his wife are really friendly

Stayed in August 2023

Some of the facilities at the unit are still being finished, but that was ok. The island is really not well maintained outside of the guesthouse, which leaves with a bit of sad taste in mouth.

Fred and SK have been wonderful hosts, and their unit is perfect for 3D2N stay in a nature paradise that Mantanani Island is. The food they cooked was awesome, and the beach in front of the house is really nice. They have been super helfpful and proactive in supporting us during our vacation.

Stayed in August 2023

The stay ended too soon.

The Host Sook Peng and Fred were wonderful hosts, Sook Peng is a fantastic cook and host. The Island was idealistic and a great escape. We enjoyed taking out the Kayaks and snorkeling. We did not want to leave.

Stayed in June 2023

Amazing staff. So much like family. Awesome food.

Stayed in July 2023

Our stay was excellent, however the booking process was a bit of a hassle due to their calendar not being up to date. Our initial booking was cancelled and we had to choose new dates/switch to a more expensive room.

Sook’s AMAZING home cooked food, the secluded and peaceful location, clean beach, snorkling and kayak possibilities (small fee), comfortable bed and bathroom. Fred and Sook help you with transport from KK (1.5hr ride and 30min boat ride).

Stayed in July 2023

not at all

The host SP and Fred is super helpful and nice. There is perfect quiet to stay with greenhouse. I was worry about day tour bring lots visitors everyday but totally no need to think about that. Greenhouse they protect the environment and maintaining very well. The natural swim pool right front of Greenhouse and corals are not far, also. I will definitely plan to visit again.

Stayed in June 2023

Nothing much

We had the most amazing time in this little paradise. Fred and SP are the most caring hosts who really go out and about to make you feel at home and manage to create a family with the select group of visitors. The food SP cooks is delicious, and the snorkling in front of the lodge was great - we saw many nemo fishes. Good memories!

Stayed in May 2023

Minor noise from improvement works being carried out. However, this is completely understandable and was not too much of an issue.

Firstly, the lodge is a quaint haven a boat-ride away from Kota Belud. The surroundings were peaceful, quiet and tranquil. Fred and SP were exceptional and went out of their way to make sure our stay was comfortable. The lodge has a nice family-feel to it, and is as pleasant as it can be. The property itself is very comfortable, and has all the amenities you'd need. Snorkelling over corals and marine wildlife is merely a 20-second wade into the sea immediately in front of the property, or alternatively a short kayak (can be rented at the property) away at the adjoining island. Simply put, the location is stunning. Plenty of reviews here highlight SP's wonderful food. Surprising as it may seem, it is an undersell. No words can do it justice, other than to try it yourself. A highly recommended retreat.

Stayed in May 2023

Amazing staff and beach location. Very delicious food 😊 Basic room and bathroom (ok).

Stayed in April 2023

We stayed during the works for the high season so we had to accept some noise in the morning from the workers. They are building new bathrooms so lucky you in the next months!

The best position on the island, absolutely. We walk all the cost but GreenHouse is located where you can see the most amazing sunsets. Excellent cooking, all dishes where of best quality, always different. Fred is working really hard to manage everything and make you feel home. Prices are very good and it worth all we spend. They will also help you to take the boat arriving and departing. Wonderful sea, you won't go out anymore!

Stayed in April 2023

Had a brilliant stay here for our honeymoon. The island is incredible - stunning beach and a relaxing break from reality. Fred and SP were the best hosts cooking us great food. Some of the best we had on the whole trip.

Stayed in March 2023

A short trip to paradise. A wonderful family to stay at. Will come back for sure!

Stayed in February 2023

There are a lot of mosquitos so be sure to bring enough repellent. Then it will be fine. The staff provides a chemical to spray the room in the evening. We used it and didn’t have any issues in the night. there is no other source of food except the accommodation. lunch is 29 RM and Dinner is 39 RM per person. For Malaysian standards this is pretty expensive but the food is fresh, healthy and very tasty. So we were fine with that. If you are on a budget maybe bring some snacks your self

When we were there, there were almost no day tourists at the beaches around and the clean beach and it’s clear water was all ours. For me and my girlfriend the accommodation and the island definitely felt like paradise. Bring snorkel gear to be sure to enjoy the more or less healthy coral reef and it’s abundant sealife that you will find a bit off the beach. The stuff was awesome

Stayed in February 2023

No such.

Excellent environment and the owners very riendly, felt like beeing a family. Food like in a Michelen star place.

Stayed in February 2023

In front of the lodge you won't find a lot of rubbish and plastic. The owners take really good care of their property. The beach in front of the lodge is nice and clean. Awesome to spend time there and just wonder away! I really like the bean bags and the beautiful sunset. When you leave the beach in front of the lodge the beach is unfortunately covered by garbage, the same as so many beaches I've seen in Sabah.

The food was absolutely amazing! The hostess prepares them with a lot of love and care. She has a very warm and caring personality. Her partner and she do a really good job at making your stay comfortable and also interesting because of all the knowledge they share.

Stayed in October 2022

Where do I even begin? SP’s wonderful cooking is the highlight of it all. Fred and SP really go out of their way to ensure all guests have a great time, I feel like being cared for by a family member. The facility is basic, but set against such a beautiful scenery, what else do you need? The hammocks and the bean bags are a nice touch. The experience is elevated by interactions with other guests during meal time, something you don’t get at other resorts. The beach is captivating and offers a nice quiet, serene environment. Thanks SP and Fred

Stayed in October 2022

If you decide to stay at this place you do not book only a hotel room, it's the whole experience at Mantanani Island will get. The owners Fred and SP are two very lovely people and enjoy to have a talk with you. SP is a great cook, probably we got the best food on our whole trip in Borneo. The location of the Lodge is perfect as you can swim, go snorkling or also kayak to the close smaller island. If you want to visit the beautiful beach at the end of the island (horn) you have to walk a bit longer but the whole path is beach. The rooms are comfortable and big. The fact that the lodge is built with lot of recycled materials and energy supply is sustainable has to be appreciated and does not make it less comfortable. Regarding waste (plastic) on the island (not at the private lodge beach) you might be disappointed as you can find quite a lot but staying some more days and talking with the owners you will start to understand the problem much better and nevertheless the island is a really beautiful place! Covid has left its marks (many abandoned places) but in return you can nearly find any tourists on the island. The journey to get to the island from Kota Kinabalu is quite long and not very cheap, so I would recommend to stay at least 2 or 3 nights there. Fred will help you to organize the transport. To sum it up: If you have time and would like to enjoy some peaceful time on an island a bit off the track I can totally recommend to stay with Greenhouse Ecolodge which is definitely the best place to stay on Mantanani! Thank you for the beautiful experience!

Stayed in September 2022