The Last Frontier Boutique Resort

We booked our stay as independent travelers and all of the booking process was made seamless by the owners who responded to all our questions quickly. We decided to do a 4 night stay so effectively two back to back 2 night stays as advertised. We were picked up from our location in Sepilok at exactly the agreed time of 1215 by one of the owners in a smart pickup. Two of the other guests were already in the car and we then set off for the two hour journey to the resort. Two other guests would meet us there so for the first two nights there were 6 guests out of a possible 8 (4 rooms for two people but the possibility of one or two additional children). When you arrive at the resort you are at the foot of a large set of stairs up to the resort which is very well advertised on their website. You need to deposit your big bags in a secure locker at the base of the stairs and take up what you need for the next few days in a smaller rucksack. We had already packed this way so we were ready to make the climb which we measured as being about 70m vertically with a total distance of 350 meters. The steps are all made of solid hard wood but the handrail is wobbly in places (we understand the whole step and rail will be upgraded for the 2025 season) so you have to take it slowly. It took us under 10 minutes to make the climb comfortably and we repeated this many times over the next 4 days. At the top of the steps the resort is split into two sections, to the left a row of 4 rooms and to the right a little higher a dining and sitting area. The rooms are basic but spotlessly clean. There is a large covered exterior walkway between the rooms with seats and a bench outside each room. If you leave things outside such as coats to dry keep in mind you are in the wild and a platoon of monkeys could pass and find your coats entertainment (it happened but not our coats!). The room is large with a big bed in the middle which is firm and comfortable. There is a ceiling fan (no air con) and a window on the back wall which helps with airflow and cooling. On the other side of the back wall is the door to the toilet and shower room with basin. It is a bit more of a wet room but clean and functional. Keeping (or getting) things dry in this environment is important so we left the bathroom door open most of the time and kept the ceiling fan going to provide airflow. This allowed us to dry our cloths as needed during our stay. Keep in mind it does rain, and heavily at times. Not even the best poncho will keep you 100% dry so for the boat trips and hiking do bring something waterproof to keep your electronics and other items dry in and wear shorts and light clothing that will dry quickly. The tours are quite bespoke due to the size of the resort and the tour guide, Ryan, was exceptional. The hiking is a couple of hours there and back along a ridge that the resort sits on. The views are amazing and it is just chance whether you see wildlife or not. The chances of seeing an oran

This is my second time visiting here the last being 2017. It's a great base to explore the nearby river and jungle itself with a guided walk. It's nice and cool because it's a it's higher up and views of the river. The sounds of the jungle are amazing to hear at night. The food is great. Jason and his team do an brilliant job at looking after you and preparing fantastic dishes. We saw orangutan, elephant, hornbill, various primates, kingfisher, eagle and the release of a bushbaby, which they'd saved from a plantation. There are a decent amount of steps up to the lodge, but honestly it's worth it.

What makes this places is the views, staff and the food. The rooms are cosy, with comfy beds and fantastic views. I loved going to sleep with the windows open (mosquito nets are up at the windows) and listening to the sound of the wildlife around you. Yes there are 600 wooden steps up to the lodge, but if you take your time it is not an issue. They have a store at the bottom of the steps, where large luggage items can be kept. There are only 4 rooms at the lodge, so you feel like you are all alone, as there are many places to sit outside to take in the views. Gert the owner picked us up from the airport and explained everything on the way over to the lodge. Ryan, the guide for the boat trips and the jungle walk, was very knowledgeable and he spotted so many things. We did two boat trips and saw orangutans, hornbills, pigmy elephants plus lots of other wildlife. The food provided at the lodge was fantastic and so flavoursome. All the staff were friendly and helpful throughout our stay.

I don't often gush about places I've stayed but this is an exception, a uniquely magical resort that was an absolute delight. Let's start with the one and only downside - the 600 odd steps to get there. You need to be fairly fit to manage them but once you do, boy is it worth it! Leave your suitcases at the bottom and carry a small back with all you'll need for your stay. If you're expecting the marbled halls of a a 5-star international hotel chain you'll be disappointed but I found beautifully appointed rooms that are clean and comfortable. Compared to what I could have expected from a remote jungle stay, this really is a 5-star experience, with the occasional monkey playing on your roof at night! The guide, the river cruises, the view from the lovely dining area, it is all so worthwhile and represents excellent value. The guide is very knowledgeable and informative - he really knows his local wildlife and I had some great sightings of everything but Orangutang, hey it's luck of the draw out there, and seeing animals in the world is so much better than zoos and animal parks. One special staff member worthy of a mention is the Chef - the guy is a genius! The food he prepared was absolutely delicious - how he does it in what is essentially a field kitchen I will never understand, but apart from the comfortable beds, the respectable selection of wine, the unique location, friendly staff, great views and everything else, it's worth going for the food alone. If you have a sense of adventure, I have no hesitation in recommending The Last Frontier Boutique Resort. A lovely and unforgettable experience.