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Sabah holds some of Malaysia’s most spectacular beaches. They are clean, pristine, alluring, and picturesque. That being said, some of the best beaches and waters in the state are scattered throughout the region. While Sabah’s capital, Kota Kinabalu, has some amazing beaches, its nearby islands have similarly dazzling waters and sands. Come and get to know some of Sabah’s beach resorts that stand out among the rest.

Shangri-La’s Rasa Ria Resort, Kota Kinabalu, Sabah

Situated outside Kota Kinabalu’s town centre, on Pantai Dalit Beach, the Rasa Ria resort provides guests with a combination of immaculate white sandy beaches and lush greeneries in a single package. Home to an 18-hole championship course but known for its long stretch of beach goodness, this Sabah beach resort is well known to locals and tourists alike. Rooms are divided into garden or ocean views and attractions in the region include the Borneo Marine Research Institute, the 1 Borneo Hypermall, the spa at Dalit Bay and the on-site Orangutan Education Centre where you can meet Sabah’s icon. This family friendly resort also contains five restaurants and two bars for a little rest and indulgence as well as a 24-hour room service. For water enthusiasts, jet skiing, fishing, windsurfing, kayaking, and even banana-boat rides are all up for rent at the resort.

Shangri La’s Rasa Ria Resort: Price Range
Rooms at the Rasa Ria typically ranges from RM700-RM1200 while suites tend to be above RM1300.

Gaya Island Resort, Pulau Gaya (Off the coast of Kota Kinabalu)

On an island off the coast of Kota Kinabalu only accessible by sea travel, rests a modern beach resort that is completely in-tune with nature. This beach resort perfectly complements the immaculate scenery that surrounds it. Gaya Island Resort on Pulau Gaya is a haven for the weary traveller, the adventurer, and the nature lover. Situated in between an ancient forest and a beautiful beach, the resort features 120 villas and suites that use local materials in a contemporary fashion to be both eco-friendly and harmonious. There are three types of villas and a suite one can choose to stay in, all with their own different styles. Entertainment on the resort include PADI (Professional Association of Diving Instructors) snorkelling and dive programmes, deep sea fishing excursions, island excursions, cruises, guided nature walks, personalized gourmet picnics, various water sports, and many more other activities. With a view of Mount Kinabalu looming on the horizon, it is hard not to enjoy dining at one of the many restaurants or other quieter areas around the resort. Weary souls should also take a trip down to their Spa Village for a session that will melt your troubles away.

Gaya Island Resort Price Range:
Villas can start from RM750-RM1000+ a night, depending on different seasons and advance booking factors, while the price rises in parallel to the luxury of the room. While not clearly stated, suites available should generally be the priciest choice of accommodation on the resort.

Sipadan Pom Pom Resort, Sabah

Sipadan Island is an untouched topical gem situated south of Sabah’s Semporna and is a premier diving spot for underwater enthusiasts far and wide. It gives visitors the chance to kick back and unwind to the splendours that Mother Nature has blessed Sipadan with. Featuring Beach, Water, Garden, and Hexa Villas, the Sipadan Pom Pom Resort gives visitors, couples and families, the chance to choose their ideal island resting spot. Rooms come with basic features such as air-conditioning, ceiling fans, hot showers, and complimentary tea and coffee. Resting on the beach and lazing around the resort is a viable option, nevertheless, those who often come to the island do so for the diving opportunities. Diving in Sipadan has often been remarked as extraordinary due to the various types of fishes that inhabit the surrounding waters. Schools of barracudas offer a must see attraction for any diver worth his salt, while the possibility of witnessing larger species of fish such as manta rays, eagle rays, scalloped hammerhead sharks, whale sharks, and various other small fishes proves equally exciting. Night dives are also available for those more courageous than the average diver. While mainly a diving resort, the Pom Pom Resort also offers a spa, a restaurant that serves a grand buffet, a bar, and Wi-Fi connectivity throughout the clubhouse. This is one Sabah beach hotel you do not want to miss due to the vast merits.

Sipadan Pom Pom Resort Price Range:
Garden and Hexa Villas are the most affordable, offering up to RM1840 for a 3 day 2 night package without a diving option, while the most expensive Water Villas cost up to RM2300 for a 3 day 2 night package, which also doesn’t include a diving option.

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