Manis Manis Nature Resort & Spa

Hill view rooms.

Recently, I went with some friends of mine to the Manis Manis Nature Resort & Spa which is situated along the new Kimanis to Keningau highway. The distance from Kota Kinabalu is 60 km and it took us just over an hour to drive there. The resort was previously called DZ resort but was sold and is now under new management, hence the rebranding and new name of Manis Manis or in English “Sweet Sweet” resort & Spa.

The turnoff from the highway to the resort is on the left of the main Kimanis/Keningau highway. Follow the gravel road for about 300meters and you will arrive at the resort. It is quite a surprise to see this well constructed resort with nicely landscaped gardens in the middle of nowhere. The resort sits in a valley bounded on 3 sides by hills and has a very nice river running on 2 sides of the property. The main building houses the reception, restaurant and a meeting room and is designed in a mix of modern and Balinese architecture with an open concept allowing the flow of natural breezes to cool the place.

Tonkat Ali tree on the jungle trail.

The guestrooms are spread out in rows on terraces carved out of the hillside that offers beautiful views across the resort towards the distance hills of the Crocker range. There are a total of 37 air-conditioned units with en-suite hot water shower facilities and the Hill view rooms come with private balconies. The gardens surrounding the resort give a very relaxed atmosphere to the resort and encourages guest to step out of their rooms and stroll amongst the colourful tropical shrubs. There are pergolas shaded with climbing vines where one can sit and read a book or contemplate life while numerous water features like fountains and little ponds give serenity to the resort. As it is a very large area, it also requires constant maintenance that is something the new owners will have to look into as some areas are showing signs of neglect.

The surrounding hills provide ample opportunities for nature appreciation and jungle trekking with trails that lead through secondary forest, rubber plantations and wild fruit trees. There is also a delightful waterfall with a small pool suitable for taking a dip in the cool waters. The Kimanis River, which borders the resort, is also possible for inner tubing and kayaking.

The resort is ideal for families who want to get away from it all and spend some time bonding together without the distractions of modern living like the Internet or even cell phones as the reception there is pretty bad. It is ideal for small company retreats and simple team building activities. The resort can also be used as a base to explore the Crocker Range national park that is situated not very far from the resort.

For more information contact:

http://manismanisresort.com
Phone: (Sales Office) +6088-719-900


Text and photos by David de la Harpe