The diverse state of Sabah provides ample recreation and relaxing activities for families in the area. If you are a water baby, head off to the islands of Sipadan or Layang Layang and marvel at underwater life. But if you would rather stay on land, Kinabalu National Park is the best spot to explore trails. Staycations make for the perfect short breaks to regroup and feel refreshed without going too far from home. And the options in Sabah are spectacular, to say the least, with most properties offering a range of exciting activities on-site. Keep reading to know more about the top staycations in Sabah, 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 13, 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.
When you think of Shangri-La, you think of pure luxury, and this beachfront property in Kota Kinabalu is no different. Spread across 400 ac (162 ha) the resort includes a golf course, a forest reserve, hiking trails, multiple pools, and a private beach.
Kids are treated like absolute royalty with fun and engaging activities planned especially for them such as wooden plane-making and batik painting. They will also enjoy splashing around at the kids’ pool, open daily from 7am to 7pm. Make sure to take little ones to the Discovery Centre, where they can learn about conservation efforts and animal rehabilitation, and to Adventure Zone for some experimental play. And in case you were wondering about how adults can unwind, they can walk into one of six restaurants or four bars for a meal or drink, get some treatments at the full-service spa, or choose from a range of chargeable and complimentary daily activities.
Rooms and suites are spread across the Garden and Ocean wing and are decorated using traditional pieces inspired by nature. No matter what room you select, you are guaranteed exceptional views from the balcony and exclusive bath amenities.
2. Hilton Kota Kinabalu; Kota Kinabalu (from USD 69)
Great value for money with spacious rooms and excellent breakfast options.
Superb rooftop pool, modern gym, and convenient central location with easy access to nearby attractions.
Centrally located in Kota Kinabalu, close to restaurants, shops, and attractions, with a safe and comfortable surrounding area.
Delicious and diverse breakfast buffet, with local and international options, though some minor room service and dining area improvements could enhance the overall experience.
Going past the imposing glass facade of Hilton Kota Kinabalu, you will be welcomed into an expansive lobby dripping with crystal chandeliers. Boasting a prime location, this luxurious Hilton property is perfect if you are looking for a relaxing weekend. The rooms feature the plushest beds and complimentary internet access and some even come with interactive TVs.
Begin your day with a delicious breakfast before heading to the beach, or you can spend a lazy day by the pools. In the evening, nothing will beat the views from the Rooftop Bar & Grill, where you can enjoy fresh seafood paired with delicious wines.
Hilton Kota Kinabalu
Address: Jalan Tunku Abdul Rahman, Asia City
3. Sepilok Jungle Resort; Sepilok (from USD 11)
Exceptional value for a jungle resort, with affordable rooms and meals.
Lovely pool, beautiful grounds, and helpful staff. Close to orangutan and sun bear sanctuaries.
Perfectly situated near Sepilok attractions, within walking distance to major wildlife centers and the Rainforest Discovery Center.
Varied meal options with great views and service. Breakfast included, but limited vegetarian choices.
Enveloped by the lush Borneo rainforest, this jungle retreat allows you to be closer to nature. What started as a 5-room hotel has now grown to include 60 accommodation units with a mix of dorms and deluxe rooms. The landscaped tropical gardens within the resort grounds have been meticulously planted and cared for by the owners, John and Judy. You will wake up to the chirping of birds who have made these gardens their home, and you might even spot a Gibbon or two.
When the time comes to relax, head to the pool, relax in the hot tub, or why not go boating in the lagoons within the resort?
Sepilok Jungle Resort
Address: Jalan Rambutan, Sepilok
4. Kudat Golf & Marina Resort; Kudat (from USD 54)
Drawing inspiration from traditional longhouses popular in the Kudat region of Sabah, this property incorporates the old with the new. You can swim laps in the 25 m (82 ft) pool, relax in the sauna, or challenge your family to an exciting game of futsal.
Guest rooms are furnished using timber and come with a garden, golf, or ocean views. The hotel is taking a step toward eliminating plastic waste from the oceans and now exclusively offers reusable glass water bottles in all the guest rooms. A prime waterfront location and excellent facilities make this a relaxing staycation choice in Sabah.
Kudat Golf & Marina Resort
Address: Off Jalan Urus Setia, Sabah
5. Borneo Divers Mabul Resort; Pulau Mabul (from MYR 448)
Located off the southeastern coast of Sabah on Mabul Island, this resort is truly the epitome of blissful escape. Simply dive into the crystal clear water and explore underwater life, or go on a stroll and discover the island’s hot sports.
But just because the island is small, don’t think that you will be bored. The resort offers excellent facilities to keep you occupied. This includes a pool table, karaoke, beach volleyball, and a spa. The dedicated Water Sports Centre offers snorkeling, kayaking, and scuba certification courses.
You can enjoy meals at the dining hall, where the chef specializes in a wide range of cuisines, with the Beach Bar being the perfect place to end the day.
Borneo Divers Mabul Resort
Address: SJ3, seafest marina seafest complex Jalan Kastam, Semporna
6. 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
With an entrance inspired by traditional longhouses, and timber furnishings and local handicrafts throughout the property, The Magellan pays tribute to the original settlers of Sabah. Overlooking the South China Sea, this resort is part of the sprawling 384-ac (155 ha) Sutera Harbour Resort, which includes an award-winning 27-hole golf course, a marina, and 16 different dining venues.
In addition to that, guests have the option of a bowling alley, movie theater, tennis courts, and island hopping. The Magellan Sutera Resort is a luxury property that takes care of all your needs.
In keeping with the ambiance, the rooms are grand with magnificent views of the marina and the South China Sea. And for a truly personalized experience, you can choose the Magellan Club room, which comes with exclusive access to the Magellan Club Lounge. Here, guests enjoy complimentary breakfast and evening refreshments along with coffee and tea throughout the day.
The Magellan Sutera Resort
Address: No 1 Sutera Harbour Boulevard
7. Gaya Island Resort; Gaya Island (from USD 205)
If you are looking for an indulgent stay, consider the award-winning Gaya Island Resort. This beachfront property lies within the protected Tunku Abdul Rahman Marine Park and offers accommodations in unique hillside villas.
The resort offers several dining options, so you can choose from Japanese or Asia-Pacific cuisines or indulge in seafood. You can even stop by the casual pool bar. However, if you are in the mood for something unique, a five-minute boat ride will lead you to Tavajun Bay located on a private beach and open only for lunch.
You can head to Pure, the activity center when you want some outdoor fun. Join in for dives, fishing excursions, and nature walks. For a blissful staycation, keep a day aside for Spa Village, which specializes in ancient healing practices.
Gaya Island Resort - Small Luxury Hotels of the World
Address: Malohom Bay, Pulau Gaya, Tunku Abdul Rahman Park
8. Sutera Sanctuary Lodges At Manukan Island; Kota Kinabalu (from USD 193)
You are in for a treat when you step onto Manukan Island, part of the Tunku Abdul Rahman Marine Park. The powder-soft sand of the beach and the turquoise water of the South China Sea is at your doorstep. The private suite and villa balconies are the best spots to view a private sunrise or sunset with your loved ones.
Indulge in a wide variety of water sports, spend your days on the beach or explore the many hiking trails of the biodiverse island. The resort operates two beachside restaurants that serve all meals, with the barbecue buffets being an absolute treat.
9. Bungaraya Island Resort; Gaya Island (from USD 310)
Cushioned by the lush rainforest, Bungaraya comes with just 48 traditional villas. You can pick and trail to discover the rainforest, take a thrilling zip line across the jungle, or go on an exciting canopy walk. When you want to head to the water, you can snorkel or kayak in the pristine South China Sea.
And if all you want to do is relax, sit by the infinity pool, or head to Echo Wellness Spa for a treatment session. The Longhouse is the all-day dining venue at the resort, and underneath it is the award-winning wine cellar where by appointment you can enjoy wine and cigar after your meal.
Bunga Raya Island Resort & Spa
Address: Polish Bay, Gaya Island
10. The Pacific Sutera Hotel; Kota Kinabalu (from USD 140)
Part of the sprawling Sutera Harbor Resort complex, The Pacific Sutera offers guests countless activities for a fun stay. Play a round of golf at the award-winning golf course, watch a movie at the theater or spend a fun day at the glow-in-the-dark bowling alley. But if all you are in the mood for is to relax, then choose to lounge by one of the lap pools surrounded by tropical palms with your favorite book.
Complete your refreshing staycation with a trip to the Balinese Chavana Spa where you can even opt for a romantic treatment with your partner.
The Pacific Sutera
Address: No 1 Sutera Harbour Boulavard
Sabah is an absolute paradise that deserves to be explored
Sabah will appeal to everyone with its wide range of activities both on land and in water. Plan a trip to Sabah to reconnect with pure unadulterated nature and enjoy the joys of a quiet life. Pick from one of these top staycations in Sabah, Malaysia for a special break.
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