[1] The specific name inexpectata is Latin and refers to the fact that finding a species of the genus Chiromantis, as the species was originally assigned to, was considered unexpected in Borneo given that the genus was previously only known from continental South-East Asia.

The coloration is changeable, varying between whitish-yellow on body and pinkish on limbs to light brown.

A dark lateral band runs from the tip of the snout over upper half of tympanum to about one-half way down the body and is bordered under by a narrower white stripe.

[1] The type series was collected at night when the frogs were perching on leaves of low trees (no higher than 1 metre) that extended above the surface of a shallow pool at an elevation of 1,050 m (3,440 ft) above sea level.

Frog species sharing the same habitat included Rhacophorus borneensis, Kurixalus appendiculatus, Polypedates macrotis, and Microhyla petrigena.