The Retreat @ Koduko Sanctuary is a self-catering eco-retreat perched on a forested hill above the South China Sea. Our home is 100% off-grid, powered by solar energy and rainwater harvesting, and designed for comfort, privacy, and peace. The house features three thoughtfully designed bedrooms, each boasting panoramic sea views and cooling architectural elements, with ceiling fans and sea breezes replacing air-conditioning. You’ll enjoy sweeping sea views, spectacular sunsets, and exclusive access to two secluded beaches, with snorkeling gear, a paddleboard, and an inflatable kayak available for use. The kitchen is fully stocked with essentials, and you'll stop at a grocery store on the way to stock up on fresh produce and drinks. The retreat is reached via a scenic 4x4 transfer that adds a sense of adventure to your arrival. Once here, the silence, the forest, and the sea will do the rest. Rooms configuration is as follow: - Blue (Master) Bedroom - 1 king bed with mosquito nets and ensuite bathroom – Can accommodate 1 couple. - Yellow Bedroom – 2 queen beds with mosquito nets and shared WC/Bathroom – Can accommodate 2 couples or 4 kids. - Orange Bedroom - 1 king bed with mosquito nets and shared WC/Bathroom – Can accommodate 1 couple. - In addition, a sofa bed is available in the living/dining room. Don't forget ! Please note that The Retreat @ Koduko Sanctuary operates as a self-catering guest house and is not a full-service hotel or resort. While our kitchen is well stocked with all cooking utensils and equipment and the basics, before driving to the villa, you should stock up to a grocery store in Kota Kinabalu where you’ll have most of choice of western products and drinks. Make sure to buy everything you need as the closest grocery store is about 40 minutes from “Koduko Sanctuary”. If you need extra supplies, our caretakers can assist with getting groceries for you for a fee.

We’re a French-Romanian family who has been living in Malaysia for over 10 years. Although based in Kuala Lumpur, we fell in love with Sabah through our professional ventures in Borneo—and when the opportunity arose, we couldn’t resist building our family holiday home on this land. Together with our neighbors (and friends), we spent five years building our homes with care, soul, and a sustainable mindset. We created "The Retreat" and "Rimba" to share the peace we found here, and we’ve furnished it with the same amenities we enjoy ourselves. After hosting friends and family over the years, we’re now happy to open our doors to new guests—hoping they, too, will reconnect with nature and tranquility, far from the buzz of the city. You’ll be supported throughout your stay by our wonderful caretakers, Aunty Bila and Uncle Elias, who live on the property and take care of daily maintenance. Their kind presence and local warmth are part of what makes staying at Koduko truly special.

Koduko Sanctuary is a private estate featuring two charming country houses, “The Retreat” and “Rimba,” each independently owned but built with the same spirit of simplicity, sustainability, and harmony with nature. Located near Kota Belud, the property is about a 2-hour drive from Kota Kinabalu International Airport, including a thrilling final 20-minute off-road journey into the forest. Though the nearest village is only five minutes away, you won’t find shops there—just banana trees, a peaceful beach, and a warm, welcoming local community. From the house, you’ll have access to two secluded beaches offering complete privacy. North Beach, directly below the house, is ideal for snorkeling and best reached by 4x4 due to the steep trail. South Beach is a 10-minute walk via a gentle forest path and offers a wide, untouched stretch of sand that’s all yours to explore. Wildlife is part of the experience—daily sightings may include macaques, silver leaf langurs, tropical birds, and nocturnal creatures like owls and civets. For diving and snorkeling enthusiasts, Bigfin Divers Beach Resort is nearby and can arrange pickups directly from the beach. We’ll be happy to advise on nearby activities. If you have a vehicle, you can explore several natural and cultural highlights within a 2-hour drive: • Kinabalu Geopark (Sayap Substation) – Hike through pristine mountain forest trails (2h drive). • Kawa Kawa River Cruise – Spot proboscis monkeys and fireflies along the mangrove rivers (1h drive). • Kota Belud Market – Discover local crafts, produce, and Sabah culture (1h drive).