Sabah is a northern state of East Malaysia on the island of Borneo. It is rich in its diverse culture, natural beauty of the sea and the famous Mount Kinabalu, the highest peak in South-East Asia, plus a host of accommodations and nature resorts. Sabah is a favorite haunt for tourists from China and Singapore, amongst others. It has one of the best coral reefs and diving spots in the world. The natural beauty is mostly left untouched unlike other popular diving spots where some of the coral reefs may be affected. As Sabah is not very populated and widely spread due to its relatively large area compared to other states in Malaysia, there is hardly any traffic jams and you can be assured of a smooth vehicle ride. Check out this article for the best places to stay in Sabah, East Malaysia.
We handpicked these listings carefully, considering (wherever possible) Superhost status, recent guest reviews, location, accommodation type, prices, availability of dates, decor, and amenities. The image galleries get refreshed with the latest updates regularly. They were last updated on April 04, 2024.
1. Cozy Duplex Apartment in Sabah (from USD 95)
This is a 3-room duplex apartment conveniently located in a residential suburb of the city. It is easily accessible to the airport, Sutera Habour Resort and the city centre. Amenities include a nearby supermarket and delicious local restaurants. Gary has been awarded as a Superhost by Airbnb continuously for 2 years and earned hundreds of 5-star reviews by guests. His home can accommodate up to 6 people.
Top guest reviews
Amenities & Room:
the wifi was very goodthe wifi service is also goodthe accommodation is clean with excellent air-conditioning and fast wifithe apartment is well equipped with various amenities feeling homeyit is specious and comfortable all the furniture are new from ikeaCleanliness:
bed was clean and comfortablevery clean peaceful and spaciousthe apartment was very clean comfortable and spaciousthe pool is very clean and largevery clean well- kept and cozyHost:
gary is a great hostgary was an excellent hostgary is a fantastic hostthe host is great and help us along in booking and arrangement of checkin and outgary was so gratefully kindRead more reviewsLocation:
rented 2 apartments from gary for a gathering with close friendsalso had a large park just outside the gate which our child lovedvery clean and comfortable and the location is quite nearby airport and townwe were very comfortable and the place is big well furnished and in a safe areaamenities are great and convenient location for most of the place to visit in sabah
Superhost
2. Home Sweet Home (from 50 USD)
This Airbnb unit is an ideal base for couples, solo travelers and small families. Its proximity to the city centre, shopping malls, cafes and restaurants makes it popular for honeymooners. Breakfast for 2 is provided from Mondays to Saturdays. It is fully air-conditioned and is equipped with Wi-Fi, 1 Queen-size bed plus a single bed. The condominium comes with gym, swimming pool, hot tub, rooftop sky lounge, children’s playground and 1 car park. There is also security and CCTV all over the building.
Home Sweet Home
Price: from 50 USD
Number of Guests: 3
3. Apartment in Kota Kinabalu City (from 66 USD)
This suite apartment has an infinity pool with deck chairs to rest and relax while enjoying the city view. It also has state-of-the-art gym equipment facilities and modern interiors. The master bedroom and rest room are beautifully furnished. It has 1 Queen-size bed and 2 single beds with 2 extra small single mattresses available on request.
Apartment in Kota Kinabalu City
Price: from 66 USD
Number of Guests: 6
4. The Pacific Sutera Harbour Resort (from USD 95)
The Pacific Sutera offers contemporary rooms with breathtaking views of the South China Sea and its golf course. Amenities include an outdoor pool and a bowling alley. It is a mere 15-minute drive from Kota Kinabalu International Airport. Being a 5-star resort, it provides spacious modern rooms with glass floor-to-ceiling windows and free Wi-Fi. Each room comes with a cable/satellite TV complete with Chinese channels, a personal safe and tea/coffee making facilities. Free dental kits, shower kits and slippers are also provided.
The Pacific Sutera
Address: No 1 Sutera Harbour Boulavard
2.63 km (1.7 mi) from Tanjung Aru Beach
5. Sepilok Nature Resort (from USD 102)
Located amidst lush tropical greenery and algae river, Sepilok Nature Resort makes you feel right at home with Mother Nature. Built mainly of brown timber, it gives a feel of jungle accommodation with a hint of luxury. Tourists can rest and relax at the balcony while immersing in the sights and sounds of nature like crickets singing, bird chirping, river water streaming down to the sea and so on.
Sepilok Nature Lodge - Formerly known as Sepilok Nature Resort
Address: KM 22.5 (Mile 14), Jalan Sepilok, Off Jalan Sapi Nangoh, PPM 255 Elopura,Sandakan, Sabah
210.83 km (131.0 mi) from Tanjung Aru Beach
6. Narada Hotel Kota Kinabalu (from USD 43)
Affordable rates, especially when booked through cooperation with booking.com.
Nice pool for children, clean and comfortable rooms with big beds and toilets.
Strategically located near the airport, with easy access to banks, restaurants, stores, clinics, and malls.
Breakfast place could offer a wider menu and better decoration, but Semenanjung food style is enjoyable.
With good reviews, Narada Hotel Kota Kinabalu offers modern accommodation with free Wi-Fi access. It operates a 24-hour front desk check-in service, which is good for tourists who travel here in the wee off-hours in the morning, possibly due to flight delays, etc. Hence, tourists can arrive here anytime of the day. The hotel is within 5 km (3.1 mi) of Kota Kinabalu International Airport, which is very convenient for visitors.
Pan Borneo Hotel Kota Kinabalu
Address: One Place Mall, Lorong Putat 3, 88200 Putatan, Kota Kinabalu, Sabah
6.3 km (4.0 mi) from Tanjung Aru Beach
7. Luxury Suite at the Riverson SOHO (from USD 46)
With an earth brown theme, this Airbnb unit is modern with a luxury feel at the Riverson SOHO, right in the city centre of Kota Kinabalu. Guests can cook and prepare their own food, and do laundry as a top-end washing machine is provided as well. It can accommodate up to 4 guests.
Top guest reviews
Amenities & Room:
we enjoyed the amenities provided eg washing machine iron kitchen utensils fridge iron+board tvthe pool had an ok view of the sunset (not full sunset though)the facilities are really nice and completenice place to stay and comfortableCleanliness:
room was clean and cozyroom is clean and cozythe house is clean and comfortableroom is clean and comfortablespecial thanks to vivian for hosting such clean cozy and tastefully decorated condo for usHost:
host was helpful with questionsowner provides a very good customer servicefriendly and helpful ownerhost is kind and freindlyand the host was very kindRead more reviewsLocation:
great location of the apartmentthe location of this condo is amazinggood location and cozy unitbrilliant location handy to everythingand the location is excellent as well
8. Nak Hotel (from USD 17)
Nak Hotel was established in 1966 in the town of Sandakan, Sabah. It is still a landmark hotel in Sandakan that is rated 3-stars, featuring Oriental decor. Nak Hotel offers a rooftop bar and restaurant which provides awesome views of Sulu Sea and Sandakan City. This boutique hotel provides free Wi-Fi in its vicinity.
Visit Sabah for an awesome stay
Sabah is a tourists’ haven offering natural sceneries from tropical forests to the highest peak in South-East Asia, Mount Kinabalu. There are a wide repertoire of places to stay like 5-star hotels right in the city centre to resorts near rivers. From couples to small families and those traveling in large groups, there is a place to cater to everyone, according to their needs.
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