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

The place is situated in paradise. It's one of the best places on the island, with gorgeous beach and view. Delicious home cooked meals. Clean room.

We felt unwelcome from the moment we arrived. We were asked to take 5 kg of fruit from the mainland for the accommodation. When we arrived on the island we stood there with our luggage of 2 adults and 2 children in our hands plus the fruit. No one to greet us. The resort where the boat arrived told us to follow the beach for 200 metres. Not far, but with heavy bags and hot, humid weather in the sand.. we expected the owner then at least to greet us and take his fruit from our hands when he saw us in the heat walking towards him. Instead he sat down at a table. During our stay he made it very clear that only his rules should be obeyed. When my daughter walked to the fridge to change her soda for another taste she was being yelled at loudly. She nearly dropped the drink. Only the management was allowed to do this. It felt like she committed a crime, while she is a child, only wanted to help. Wifi was not working. Bathrooms were outside the room, new ones were being constructed attached to the room. The workers started early morning, just on the other side of our rooms window. With no curtains between. I felt like there was no interest in the guests. Only 2 rooms were occupied, but no personal feeling at all. It felt cold and distant. The 2nd day we crossed to the smaller island by kayak. The sea was perfectly calm, we checked windy.com that it stayed like that, but still the owner forbid us to make the 45 minutes crossing (he told it was 1 and a half hours, which is not true). The other guests were allowed to cross though. When we came back we got a big lecture on how we worried them. I thought that we finally found some humanity, but ithe worry was only because they could be in trouble and loose their license when we would be in an accident with the kayaks. We were told that they should charge us extra time, because we crossed and stayed so long, but they only didn't do so because they were worried about a bad review. Again they only cared about their own.

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!

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!

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.

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

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

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

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

No such.

The location of the hotel was wonderful. Right on the beach with crystal clear water and nice hammocks and bean bags to relax in. Most likely the best spot on Mantanani. SP is a great cook and made tasteful lovely meals three times a day. She did her very best to make food that we and our girls would like. We saw a sea turtle while snorkelling, which was a big experience for all. When we visited there were almost no other tourists at this side of the island. The sunsets were magical and we had a campfire at the beach.

Room: The room is located in the back right next to a big fish tank which we thought was a bit smelly. There was 2 holes in the ceiling in our room which the owners were aware of and had tried to fix before we came. Rain was dripping into our room and the solution was two buckets.... There were no mosquito nets in the room even though it said in the description that there would be. We had a lot of mosquito bites after the first night. The room was very hot, there is no aircondition, but only a fan, and it is not possible to make drafts in the room without opening the door and we do not like sleeping with open doors at night. The bathroom is not attached to the room- but all located together in another building. There were a lot of mosquitoes in the bathroom and no hot water. We had read all the good reviews about the owners- we had a quite different experience. We did not feel the nerve of the place and did not feel welcome for the first couple of days. It is hard to explain where the feeling came from, but even our girls (4,7 and 9 years old) could feel it. The first couple of days there was not so much food for breakfast, lunch and dinner. We did not find other places to eat on the island, so there was not really an option to go elsewhere. Payment: Please note that 6% tax will be added to the total bill- also on what we thought was a fixed price for the taxi and the boat. In the beginning the owner also added 6% on top of the bill on booking (even though 6% taxes was already added). Only after we drew attention to this (twice) it was corrected. It ended up being 5 expensive nights in Borneo. Beach: The beach in front of the hotel is nice and clean, but as soon as you leave the property there is heaps of garbage (we know the owners can't be blamed for this). We hoped for beautiful snorkelling with beautiful corals, but almost all the corals close to the beach are dead and there is a lot of garbage stuck to the reef.

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.

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.

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

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!

Beautiful location at the beach. Snorkelling is possible straight away from here (unfortunately not the healthiest corals) or after a 20 min. kayak ride to the nearest island. Very friendly German-Malay couple who runs it. Wonderfull meals! We booked the chalet and had our own garden and access to the beach.

Many deserted lodges and dive centers etc at the island, a bit of a weird atmosphere.

the food was amazing. the hosts are very nice and helpful.

-

Loved the homey feel and the homecooked food! It is a small eco-friendly place run by the home owners themselves. Fred and SP are amazing hosts and made us feel very welcomed! SP even showed me exercises for relaxing my back (I was in abit of pain following Mt K earlier in the week). We enjoyed our time on the beach and taking the kayak out for a short adventure and just spent the time resting and chillaxing.

We liked everything! It was perfect for what we were looking for. However, if you are looking for 5 star service and facilities, aircon and all the resorty modcons, then perhaps better book at the other resort.

I fancied the 'family-like' meals and the beach off which snorkelling is pretty good.

The room was value for money. The resort was right on the beach. The beach was just wonderful. You can snorkel right off the beach. The water was crystal clear. The food provided by Fred and SP was delicious. SP is a very good cook.

The toilet was outside. It was a little inconvenient because I had to go to the toilet at night several times. But I survived.

Meals were prepared by the host. Mostly western and fusion home cooked meals.

Nothing much. Expect a lot of mosquitoes at night.

Fred and SP were amazing! Warm welcome straight off the boat, detailed explanation on the island as well as the resort. The meals that SP prepared are delicious! we were spoilt with home made jams, delicious pancake, and special diet for me as I am pescatarian. Plenty of vegs! Room was basic and clean. Shared bathroom unless you have the honeymoon suite. Kids had fun showering outdoors (yes they have outdoor showers too). The resort have the best beach on Mantanani, quiet and peaceful. Hammock and hut were the best spot to just relax, read book and snooze. the corals just out front and you could also kayak to the opposite island and snorkel there too. we spot turtles swimming past and came up for air!

Highly recommend Green House EcoLodge. We enjoyed our vacation. Fred and SP were really great hosts. Felt very welcome. Food served and prepared by SP was great. We enjoyed the lodge very much. 🌹👍

the owner, the food, the activities

mosquitto

Amazing home cooked food and lovely community atmosphere. Great hosts and a lush setting!

We loved everything about Greenhouse Lodge, and our hosts Fred, SP, Fenna, and Vivien most of all. What a beautiful family. Fred met us as soon as we got off the boat and gave us an introduction to the island and some regulations while staying at Greenhouse. It is located along the bay of Mantanani, on a quiet strip of beach. Fred and SP manage and maintain the premises, guests, kitchen, bar, garden, and beachfront all on their own. They provide snorkeling gear and kayaks at a fee. Breakfast is included in your stay but if you'd like, you can add on lunch and dinner, prepared by SP who is a fantastic cook - I cannot even explain how good her food is. All meals are communal with other guests and our hosts, full of laughter and great chit-chat. They run on solar power so be mindful of your usage, it may go off for several hours when it gets too weak. And as expected, when you are surrounded by nature, there will be mosquitoes and insects, so do bring deet or insect repellant. Bedroom and bathroom was clean and spacious, all basic necessities provided. If you're looking for a simple, relaxing, no-frills stay on the beachfront, with the ultimate island vibe, this is the perfect place. We loved it and we miss you already! Thank you

The hospitality provided by Fred & SP is beyond expectations. Its something you wouldn't get in any fancy hotels or resorts. its personalized and sincere. I had all my meals there and it was surely cooked with passion and love and it was delicious as i requested for a vegetarian meal. I surely added a few pounds after my 4 days there! Fred & SP has so much love for the nature as they have build an amazing place while preserving the eco system. The beach in front of the resort is quiet, pristine and clean (Kudos to Fred for cleaning it every morning). The best place to relax, refresh your mind from the busy city life & to detox (with added pounds on the scale). This is surely the best beach and best sunset spot on the island!

Nothing. Its a secluded island so dont bring your fancy attitude here.

Nice peaceful place to stay, right on the beach with shallow warm water for snorkeling. The food was delicious with plenty to eat and lots of variety from one day to the next. The owners arranged taxi and boat transfers for us and that worked really well. The owners also had excellent kayaks for hire and had hammocks and comfortable bean bags on the beach. The owners also kept their beach front clean and have made great efforts to reduce their environmental impact.

Nothing, we were very happy with the accommodation. But visitors need to be aware of the basic accommodation, the amount of plastic waste on the island in general and the amount of damaged coral.

We absolutely loved staying with SP and Fred, they are such wonderful and funny hosts. They contacted us immediately after we booked to advise on the best way to get to them and helped to arrange everything for us. The beach itself is stunning, and is away from the day tripper crowds. Its the perfect place for some R&R - We spent the 3 days sleeping in the hammocks, snorkelling and rented a canoe for a couple of hours to explore around the island. SP is a wonderful cook, the food served was delicious, so much so that we wrote down each recipe! The room was basic but it was perfect for the two of us for 2 nights. Thanks for having us!