Meristogenys orphnocnemis inhabits rocky streams in lowland and hillside forests of Sabah.

This frog is often found at night perching on boulders or vegetation in rocky streams or vegetation. Females grow much bigger than males and can reach 70 mm, males are approx. 50 mm in snout-vent length.

The snout is protruding in profile and the body is slender in males and more robust in females. The iris is bronze in the upper and lower third and coppery in between. 

The tadpole is brown or grey with dark blotches on the tail and a finer spotted pattern on head and trunk. 

Snout and body are depressed and streamlined. The tail is strong. The tail tip is pointed. The tadpole can reach approx. 35 mm in total length.