One of the only two Malaysian states on the island of Borneo, Sabah is well suited for outdoorsy travellers. It’s also a nature lover’s paradise, with protected forests, mountains, and rich flora and fauna, both terrestrial and aquatic, including coral reefs. The tourist base and the capital is Kota Kinabalu, which is a charming resort destination in itself. From here, take a speedboat to Tunku Abdul Rahman Marine Park to witness coral reefs and enjoy snorkelling and diving. Should you want more marine adventures, you can check out Sabah’s many charming islands and diving destinations, such as Mabul and Sipadan, also famous for their rich aquatic life. If you’re visiting Sabah for its coastal lifestyle and stunning beaches, it would be ideal to stay in a beach resort. For more information, scroll down for the best beach resorts in Sabah, Malaysia.
We handpicked these listings carefully, considering (wherever possible) recent guest reviews, location, accommodation type, prices, availability of dates, decor, and access to beach. The image galleries get refreshed with the latest updates regularly. They were last updated on April 14, 2024.
1. Shangri-La Rasa Ria, Kota Kinabalu; Kota Kinabalu (from USD 212)
Reasonable pricing for spacious rooms and excellent amenities.
Private beach, jungle trek, kids' facilities, spa, and multiple dining options.
Secluded, picturesque location with a beautiful beach, but far from the city center.
Fantastic buffet options, world-class dining experiences, and attentive staff.
Located 32.2 km (20 mi) from the city centre of Kota Kinabalu, this resort offers a private beach, a beachside bar and a music lounge for a refreshing holiday. To enjoy the sea comfortably, you can book a room with a sea view and a balcony.
The property also features five on-site restaurants where you can enjoy cuisines such as local Malaysian, Japanese and Italian. Offering amenities such as cots, strollers, a kid-friendly buffet and two outdoor pools with a view, it’s well suited for families.
Shangri-La Rasa Ria, Kota Kinabalu
Address: Pantai Dalit, Tuaran
25.55 km (15.9 mi) from Tanjung Aru Beach
2. Bigfin beach resort; Kota Belud (from USD 96)
Featuring a balcony with a sea view in every room, this beachfront resort is perfect for unwinding. It also features a private beach on the shore of the South China Sea. For water sports enthusiasts, the resort offers surcharged snorkelling, diving and canoeing. Other areas from which you can admire the sea and the outdoors include a terrace, a garden and a picnic area.
For budget travellers wanting accommodation by the seaside, it offers dorm rooms as well. In addition, daily housekeeping is provided to make your stay hassle-free.
Bigfin beach resort
Address: Pantai Merakit Kampung Mengkabar
54.35 km (33.8 mi) from Tanjung Aru Beach
3. Shangri-La Tanjung Aru, Kota Kinabalu; Kota Kinabalu (from USD 260)
Reasonably priced with great value for the amenities and location.
Wide variety of recreational activities, clean pools, and spacious rooms.
Scenic beachfront location with convenient access to nearby cultural village and islands.
Delicious and extensive breakfast buffet with local and international options.
Only 6.8 km (4.2 mi) from Kota Kinabalu International Airport, this resort is in one of the best spots in Sabah. The beachfront property offers water activities such as jet skiing, surfing, diving and snorkelling for an additional fee. It also has sea-view rooms where you can comfortably admire the charming vistas.
Furthermore, the accommodation features Shangri-La’s exclusive Chi, The Spa, which provides unmatched wellness and spa services. You can also take refreshing baths in the two year-round pools, one of which is indoor and suitable for kids as well.
Shangri-La Tanjung Aru, Kota Kinabalu
Address: No 20, Jalan Aru, Tanjung Aru
884 meters (0.6 ft) from Tanjung Aru Beach
4. JSK Mantanani Island Resorts; Pulau Mantanai Besar (from USD 216)
Reasonable pricing for a beachfront resort with inclusive meals and activities.
Snorkeling, kayaking, bicycles, and clean beach with available water sports.
Paradise-like island with breathtaking views and peaceful surroundings.
Tasty Malaysian cuisine, though limited variety and vegetarian options.
Located on Pulau Mantanai Besar in the middle of the South China Sea, the resort offers a surreal stay surrounded by the sea and the woods. It features a private beach lined with sun loungers and a pier in addition to a terrace from which you can admire the pristine waters.
To reach the island and the resort, you can take a ferry from JSK Rampayan Jetty (JSK River Cruise). A 24-hour desk and a concierge are on-site to help you with your enquiries and bookings during your stay.
JSK Mantanani Island Resorts
Address: Pulau Mantanani Besar Mantanani Island
91.13 km (56.7 mi) from Tanjung Aru Beach
5. Bunga Raya Island Resort & Spa; Gaya Island (from USD 310)
This resort is situated on Gaya Island just off Borneo’s coast in Kota Kinabalu. Wedged between a small bay and the woods, it provides a magical and secluded stay with a private beach. Offering only spacious suites and lavish villas, it’s well suited for a luxurious retreat.
For rejuvenation, the property includes a spa with a hot tub, sauna and fitness centre. During your stay, you can try the best seafood at the on-site restaurant. For an additional fee, you can get a hassle-free airport transfer and a ferry ride to the island.
Bunga Raya Island Resort & Spa
Address: Polish Bay, Gaya Island
9.48 km (5.9 mi) from Tanjung Aru Beach
6. Nexus Resort & Spa Karambunai; Kota Kinabalu (from USD 130)
Book your stay at this luxurious resort for leisure on its private beach or drinks at the semi-outdoor and poolside bars. Every spacious room in the establishment includes a balcony, with some providing sea views as well. The property also features three outdoor pools perfect for fun swim sessions with your kids. During your stay, you can try a wide variety of cuisine in the six on-site restaurants to recharge after outdoor activities.
Other family-friendly amenities include free cots, family rooms, surcharged babysitting services and surcharged kid meals. Meanwhile, in-room amenities include air conditioning and a TV.
Nexus Resort & Spa Karambunai
Address: Off Jalan Sepangar Bay
19.76 km (12.3 mi) from Tanjung Aru Beach
7. The Magellan Sutera Resort; Kota Kinabalu (from USD 162)
Good value for money, package deals with meals and activities
Multiple swimming pools, beach access, live music, gym, spacious rooms
Beautiful seaside location with stunning sunsets, close to city center and airport
Varied breakfast options, good local food, excellent dinner service, some room for improvement in menu variety
Located in a central location in Kota Kinabalu, this beachfront resort is easy to reach and ideal for exploring the city. Other than the sea, it’s surrounded by beautifully landscaped gardens and pools, providing charming sights to guests. In addition, beach chairs and towels are provided for a perfect day at the private beach.
With three restaurants, two of which serve Italian cuisine or seafood, and two coffee houses, the resort has plenty of options to keep you satiated. You can also enjoy several activities such as movie nights, live performances, a game room and surcharged karaoke.
The Magellan Sutera Resort
Address: No 1 Sutera Harbour Boulevard
3.61 km (2.3 mi) from Tanjung Aru Beach
8. The Pacific Sutera; Kota Kinabalu (from USD 140)
Sitting adjacent to Sutera Harbour in Kota Kinabalu, this resort offers a hassle-free stay and easy access to Sutera Harbour Golf & Country Club just a two-minute ride away.
It features a private beach, terrace, garden and sun deck to let you bask in the surrounding scenery. The property also has two year-round outdoor pools with charming views and loungers. During your stay, pamper yourself with massages in the spa and bring balance to your mind and body with yoga classes. Furthermore, with an on-site currency exchange facility, international travellers can stay trouble-free in case of additional cash requirements.
The Pacific Sutera
Address: No 1 Sutera Harbour Boulavard
2.63 km (1.7 mi) from Tanjung Aru Beach
9. Ara Dinawan Island Resort; Kota Kinabalu (from USD 115)
Situated on Dinawan Island off the northern coast of Borneo by Papar, this establishment is great for a secluded seaside retreat. The resort offers tent rooms, with all tents having luxurious amenities such as air conditioning, a fridge, a minibar and tea and coffee makers. The premises also feature a private beach perfect for a secluded or romantic time admiring the sea.
To conveniently reach this resort on the island, you can book a surcharged airport shuttle. For bookings or any other requirements, you can reach out to the concierge.
Ara Dinawan Island Resort
Address: Beringgis Papar, 1, Jalan Baru, Kg. Beringgis, Kota Kinabalu, Sabah
12.77 km (8.0 mi) from Tanjung Aru Beach
10. Sutera Sanctuary Lodges At Manukan Island; Kota Kinabalu (from USD 193)
Book your stay at this resort on Manukan Island and have a lavish retreat in your sea-view suite or villa with a private balcony. You’ll also find that the private beach has a long pier and is surrounded by lush greenery, making it ideal for a charming day out by the sea.
For on-site entertainment, the property offers regular live performances. Meanwhile, the outdoor swimming pool is fenced so that you can have fun and safe swimming sessions with your kids.
The on-site bar, restaurant and coffee house will make your stay on the island more convenient as well.
Sutera Sanctuary Lodges At Manukan Island
Address: Manukan Island
5.5 km (3.5 mi) from Tanjung Aru Beach
11. Explore the lush coast of Borneo in Sabah
Many of these establishments, especially those on islands surrounded by lush woods, create a surreal setting featuring the best of nature. Elevate your trip to the coast and the islands of Sabah and stay in one of these resorts to relish the most stunning beaches.
History
Get Trip101 in your inbox
Unsubscribe in one click. See our Privacy Policy for more information on how we use your data
Create an account to