Top 5 Beach Resorts In Kota Kinabalu, Malaysia - Updated 2024

Beach life in Kota Kinabalu

Often referred to as ‘KK,’ Kota Kinabalu serves as the gateway to the state of Sabah. If you’re a beach lover, there’s a plethora of activities awaiting you here. Witness the breathtaking sunsets at Tanjung Aru Beach and relish the best street food outside, or visit Teluk Likas Beach, renowned for its mouthwatering seafood offerings, such as grilled squid.

A mere 15-minute boat ride from Jesselton Point Jetty will transport you to Tunku Abdul Rahman Park. Comprising five islands: Gaya, Sapi, Manukan, Mamutik, and Sulug, it’s perfect for a day trip from Kota Kinabalu. These islands offer opportunities for sandy ‘muck’ diving, snorkeling, scuba diving, and various beach activities. Additionally, from January to April, you may even catch a glimpse of Whale Sharks. For those looking for some adventure, jungle trekking is also an option.

Beach resorts in Kota Kinabalu

1. Shangri-La Tanjung Aru, Kota Kinabalu (from USD 260)

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Start your day with a great breakfast while staying at Shangri-La Tanjung Aru, Kota Kinabalu. This is a luxurious resort that has rooms with balconies where guests can relax as they admire spectacular mountains and the waters of the South China Sea. The units are beautifully decorated and fitted with flat-screen satellite TVs for entertainment. While in residency, patrons can enjoy free access to wireless internet connectivity and parking.

Patrons can spend their free time playing with water and basking on the sand at Tanjung Aru Beach, which is nearby to this property. Sun loungers and umbrellas are provided. I find the location of this property great, allowing for quick access to other beaches.

• Property highlights: A luxurious property nestled in a tranquil corner, boasting a private marina.
  
• Nearest beach: The beach is located within the property.
  
• Beach access: Private
  
• Beach amenities: Sun loungers and beach umbrellas are provided here.
  
• Suggested rooms/units: The Horizon Club Sea View Terrace Room allows you to soak in the unobstructed views of the South China Sea and lush greenery from the oversized patio.
  
• Activities/tours: The resort offers various sea sports such as sea walking, jet skiing, e-foiling, and more. It also offers island transfers, sunset cruises, fishing, and boating, and has a learning center for divers. For tours, you can contact the Sabah Holidays tour desk in the lobby.
  
• Ideal for: Families as there are themed family rooms and several amenities for both kids and adults.

What guests are saying about their beach stay:

• "Nice hotel and facilities even though a bit outdated, the kids loved the swimming pool and water slides. Very good breakfast buffet. Wonderful sunset view from the beach and sunset bar. It's very convenient to arrange boat trip to the islands of Tunku Abdul Rahman park with packed lunch from the hotel." - Raphaële (Hong Kong)

2. The Pacific Sutera (from USD 140)

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The Pacific Sutera is an amazing establishment that ensures guests can easily access attractions such as Sutera Harbour Golf & Country Club. It comes with a private beach area where you can spend the evening admiring magical sunsets. Clean towels, chairs, and umbrellas that one can use while at the beach are available. In addition, the property features an Olympic-size pool where guests can enjoy refreshing laps.

There’s a bowling alley on-site where you can pass the time having fun. Feeling exhausted after a long day? You can go for a relaxing massage at Chavana Spa, which is on the premises.

• Property highlights: Revitalize with a refreshing body treatment at the on-site Chavana Spa, featuring sea-facing spa pavilions.
  
• Nearest beach: The beach is just a few steps away from the property.
  
• Beach access: Private.
  
• Beach amenities: Beach towels, chairs, and loungers are provided here.
  
• Suggested rooms/units: The Premium Deluxe Sea View rooms offer beautiful views of the ocean and the marina.
  
• Activities/tours: The resort offers cruises on its famous yacht, Puteri Sutera. Snorkeling is also available here for the kids.
  
• Ideal for: For families and couples as the resort provides family rooms and the on-site spa offers double suites exclusively to couples opting for spa combination packages.

What guests are saying about their beach stay:

• "...Hotel has a private beach which is not so big. Although it is close to the harbor, the water is clean, and you can swim and snorkel there with no problem. Overall, I had a very pleasant stay there..." - Aleksandra (Japan)

3. The Magellan Sutera Resort (from USD 162)

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Water activities enthusiasts visiting Kota Kinabalu can have an unforgettable getaway at The Magellan Sutera Resort. It’s a charming resort with a private beach area where guests can indulge in activities such as snorkeling during their leisure time. To help you have a nice time while relaxing by the South China Sea, beach umbrellas along with sun loungers are provided.

The property, which is surrounded by lovely gardens, also comes with a large, stylish outdoor pool where visitors of all ages can have a fun swimming experience. Fresh beach towels are available.

• Property highlights: The on-site Al Fresco restaurant and bar offers an eclectic menu of local and international dishes, perfect for a romantic dinner by the sea.
  
• Nearest beach: The beach is within the property
  
• Beach access: Private
  
• Beach amenities: Beach umbrellas, chairs, and loungers
  
• Suggested rooms/units: The Club Room offers a visual treat with breathtaking views of the city and includes complimentary benefits such as breakfast, evening refreshments, and more. You can even book an island hopping tour at the resort's travel desk.
  
• Activities/tours: Snorkeling and swimming are allowed on the beach.
  
• Ideal for: Families with kids as the pool accommodates guests of all age groups, and there's also a childcare facility available on-site.

What guests are saying about their beach stay:

• "Private beach a great place for children to do snorkeling. Many fishes to see easily from the beach just beside the swimming pool! Breakfast was decent." - Wei (Singapore)

4. Nexus Resort & Spa Karambunai (from USD 130)

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Featuring a private beach area, Nexus Resort & Spa Karambunai can be a fantastic place to stay with your loved ones. After having a delicious buffet breakfast, you can head to the beach for a romantic stroll with your better half. Chairs are provided, which guests can relax on and have a suntan before diving into the water. Clean towels are available, which you can use to dry yourself after a swim. There are umbrellas to help shield you from the scorching sun while hanging out at the beach.

While vacationing, I feel it’s very important to maintain your fitness routine for overall well-being. There is a state-of-the-art fitness facility on-site where you can go and burn unwanted calories. Afterward, you can soothe the muscle aches with a full body massage at Borneo Spa.

• Property highlights: Experience leisure at its finest with a round of golf at the picturesque 18-hole Nexus Golf Karambunai while enjoying stunning views of Karambunai Beach and Mount Kinabalu.
  
• Nearest beach: The beach is just a stone's throw away from the property
  
• Beach access: Private
  
• Beach amenities: Beach towels, chairs, umbrellas, and loungers are provided here.
  
• Suggested rooms/units: The Ocean Panorama Premier rooms come with a private veranda for admiring the sea views.
  
• Activities/tours: Motorised activities such as banana boat ride, sunset cultural cruise, fishing at Karambunai, etc. Non-motorized activities, such as surfing, kayaking, and more. The resort also provides a Mangrove Sunset Cruise.
  
• Ideal for: Families, couples, and business travelers thanks to an extensive range of amenities for all.

What guests are saying about their beach stay:

• "The resort is secluded with a beautiful private beach. Rooms are built to an extremely high standard with white marble every where. The staff have been helpful in every way. There are an abundance of monitor lizards, geckos, black squirrels, many song birds and insects" - John (United States of America)

5. Sabah Beach Villas & Suites (from USD 62)

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Book accommodation at Sabah Beach Villas & Suites, one of the best places to stay in Kota Kinabalu, and make the most of your time in Sabah. This delightful establishment sits in front of the pristine Karambunai Beach, where guests can enjoy quiet, peaceful seaside relaxation without intrusion from outsiders. You can take advantage of the loungers to read a book while chilling on the beach. There are towels that patrons can use to dry themselves before heading back to their units.

The property has a playground and a kids’ pool for the younger guests to enjoy themselves.

• Property highlights: Indulge in relaxation at the spa facility featuring a hot tub, sauna, and rejuvenating massage treatments.
  
• Nearest beach: Karambunai Beach is just a two-minute walk away.
  
• Beach access: Private.
  
• Beach amenities: Beach towels, chairs, and loungers.
  
• Suggested rooms/units: The Two-Bedroom Villa Beach Front offers direct access to the beach.
  
• Activities/tours: The property offers watersports facilities while snorkeling, diving, and canoeing are available offsite.
  
• Ideal for: Individual and spacious villas ares ideal for both families and couples.

What guests are saying about their beach stay:

• "...Beach is walking distance. Just not in the mornings due to high tide. There's a flight of stairs to walk down to the beach during sunset..." - Liz

Experience a fun-filled beach retreat in Kota Kinabalu

Surrounded by gorgeous beaches and enchanting forests, Kota Kinabalu is surely a dream destination for holidaymakers and adventure lovers. Book one of the top beach resorts listed above and experience a fun-filled escapade.