Packed with plenty of top-notch attractions, Sabah is a must-visit destination in Malaysia. Stop by Mari Mari Cultural Village to discover what the traditional houses of the local ethnicities look like. You can also be entertained by the cultural performances and gain insights into how their traditional craft. It is also a nice idea to visit Bornean Sun Bear Conservation Centre. Here, you can meet numerous sun bears and observe their amusing behaviors. Other than those attractions, Sabah is also home to many pristine beaches and seas where aquatic life resides. There are abundant spots for snorkeling and scuba diving.
If you are looking for a superb place to stay that lets you access diving spots easily, you have come to the right place. Read on to learn more about the top dive 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 diving spots, equipment, and diver education. The image galleries get refreshed with the latest updates regularly. They were last updated on April 14, 2024.
1. Gaya Island Resort - Small Luxury Hotels of the World, Gaya Island (from USD 205)
Gaya Island Resort - Small Luxury Hotels of the World has a wonderful location which is off the coast of Borneo. There are plenty of exciting activities that you can take part in during your stay. The PADI snorkeling and dive programs, for example, invite you to enjoy diverse marine life in over 25 diving spots. You may also be interested in a fishing excursion. There will be an expert to guide you deep under the ocean as you board a boat.
After diving, it is time to pamper your body with the right treatments at Spa Village. When it comes to accommodation, it is highly recommended that you stay in either a Kinabalu Villa or a Canopy Villa.
Gaya Island Resort - Small Luxury Hotels of the World
Address: Malohom Bay, Pulau Gaya, Tunku Abdul Rahman Park
5.91 km (3.7 mi) from Handicraft Market
2. Bigfin Beach Resort, Kota Belud (from USD 96)
Bigfin Beach Resort is an accommodation to consider for many reasons. It has a private beach area and during your stay, the fabulous views of the sea will accompany you. An array of room types is available here, including a Triple Room with Sea View and a Double Room with Balcony and Sea View.
When it is time to get your diving started, you need to take a boat trip to any of the dive sites. Depending on the site of your choice, the trip can take between 5 to 45 minutes. Apex Avenue, Fish Bowl, and Ella’s Garden are popular dive sites among divers. Be sure to come between February and June as those months are the best dive season.
Bigfin beach resort
Address: Pantai Merakit Kampung Mengkabar
49.67 km (30.9 mi) from Handicraft Market
3. Gayana Marine Resort, Gaya Island (from USD 310)
Good value for money, expensive food and beverages, high room rates for sea view
Water sports, spacious rooms, marine ecology center, complimentary water sports equipment, infinity pool
Peaceful island location, close to a larger city, beautiful scenery, marine life, access to sea from villa
Delicious meals, high food prices, limited food variety, good breakfast, Pan Seabass standout dish
Are you looking to relax and recharge in an overwater villa? If so, then Gayana Marine Resort is the ideal dive resort for you. All the villas are equipped with flat-screen televisions and private bathrooms. To maximize your stay, booking a villa that has its own pool is recommended.
While here, fill your days with scuba diving. Under the water just off Gaya Island, you will have the opportunity to meet with coral fish and sea turtles. Dive packages are available, you can pick between Dive Refresher and Fun Dive.
Gayana Marine Resort
Address: Malohom Bay, Gaya Island
4.11 km (2.6 mi) from Handicraft Market
4. Sutera Sanctuary Lodges At Manukan Island, Kota Kinabalu (from USD 193)
Presenting magnificent views of the South China Sea, Sutera Sanctuary Lodges At Manukan Island is equipped with all the necessary amenities for a pleasant stay. Guests can start their morning full of energy by savoring a delicious breakfast at the on-site restaurant. During the day, indulge in the pleasure of diving. Those who are fond of water activities that include scuba diving and parasailing can head to Manukan Island. Do not leave until the time for sunset comes because the view will take your breath away.
On different days you can try out different activities such as having a dip in the outdoor swimming pool on-site and enjoying meals with your loved ones in the picnic area.
Sutera Sanctuary Lodges At Manukan Island
Address: Manukan Island
7.64 km (4.8 mi) from Handicraft Market
5. Ara Dinawan Island Resort, Kota Kinabalu (from USD 115)
Boasting a bunch of amenities, Ara Dinawan Island Resort is an accommodation that can help you create unforgettable memories during your vacation. Larger groups can stay in a Family Room while small groups can choose between a Deluxe King Room or even a tent. To satisfy your appetite, stop by an on-site restaurant that serves a variety of Malaysian and Asian dishes. International cuisine is also available.
Underwater activities that you can enjoy as part of the all-inclusive package are scuba diving, snorkeling, and parasailing. Besides those, other recreational activities such as fishing trips and banana boats can make your vacation complete.
Ara Dinawan Island Resort
Address: Beringgis Papar, 1, Jalan Baru, Kg. Beringgis, Kota Kinabalu, Sabah
17.41 km (10.9 mi) from Handicraft Market
Enjoy the best of Sabah
As you can see, Sabah is the place where you need to be if you love to explore underwater. Have a delightful stay during your diving trip by choosing any of the above dive resorts in Sabah, Malaysia.
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