Sabah, Malaysian Borneo
Nestled in the northern part of Borneo, Sabah is a tropical sanctuary known for its gorgeous beaches, lush islands, and unparalleled marine life. From island-hopping in Kota Kinabalu to world-class diving in Semporna, Sabah offers unforgettable beach escapes for nature lovers, adventure seekers, and relaxation enthusiasts.
About the Place
Sabah’s coastline stretches along the South China Sea and Celebes Sea, boasting pristine sands, coral reefs, and biodiverse waters. With over 400 species of marine life, incredible diving spots, and scenic sunset beaches, Sabah is easily one of Southeast Asia’s most beautiful coastal destinations.
Highlights of Sabah’s Island Escapes
- Island-hopping at Tunku Abdul Rahman Marine Park (Manukan, Mamutik, Sapi, Gaya)
- Diving at Sipadan – ranked among the top dive sites globally
- Sunsets at Tanjung Aru and Kelambu Beach
- Luxury retreats at Gaya and Mabul Islands
- Local food stalls and beach cafés with fresh Sabahan seafood
- Eco-friendly activities: snorkelling, jungle trekking, sea walking, and camping
Things to Do
| Activity | Best Locations |
|---|---|
| Snorkelling & Diving | Sipadan, Mabul, Manukan, Sapi |
| Sea Walking | Sapi Island |
| Camping | Gaya, Sapi, Mamutik |
| Hiking | Gaya Island (20km trail) |
| Sunset Watching | Tanjung Aru, Kelambu Beach |
| Cultural Visit | Bajau Laut village, Mabul Island |
| Banana Boating & Parasailing | TAR Park islands |
Top Places to Stay in Sabah
| Island/Area | Recommended Stay | Category |
|---|---|---|
| Manukan Island | Sutera Sanctuary Lodges | Beachfront Resort |
| Gaya Island | Gaya Island Resort, Gayana Marine Resort | Eco-Luxury Resort |
| Mabul Island | Sipadan-Mabul Resort, Kapalai Dive Resort | Overwater Villas |
| Kota Kinabalu | Hyatt Centric KK, Le Méridien KK | City Luxury |
| Kudat (Kelambu Beach) | Kudat Riviera, 9 Huts on a Hill | Boutique Resort |
How to Get There
Main Gateway: Kota Kinabalu International Airport (BKI)
- Regular flights from Kuala Lumpur, Singapore, Manila, and Brunei.
To TAR Marine Park Islands
- Depart from Jesselton Point Jetty, Kota Kinabalu (8:00 AM – 5:00 PM)
- Book boat transfers at jesseltonpoint.com.my
To Sipadan/Mabul (Semporna area)
- Fly from BKI to Tawau Airport (TWU) ➝ Drive to Semporna Jetty
- Take a boat to Mabul or Sipadan Island
To Kudat / Kelambu Beach
- 3-hour drive from Kota Kinabalu
- Self-drive, chartered tour, or express bus available
Must-Visit Island & Beach Attractions
Manukan Island
- Vibrant coral gardens, beach cafés, and water sports
- Best beach on eastern side, plus Sunset Point view
Gaya Island
- Largest island in TAR Park
- Jungle trails, Police Beach, and luxury eco-resorts
Sapi Island
- Ideal for snorkelling and sea walking
- Sandbar link to Gaya during low tide
- Camping available
Mamutik Island
- Smallest and quietest island
- Great for nature lovers and campers
Mengalum Island
- Remote, crystal-clear waters with powdery sand
- Perfect for snorkelling and one-day tropical escapes
Tanjung Aru Beach
- Iconic Kota Kinabalu sunset spot
- Food stalls, white sands, and breezy ambience
Kelambu Beach (Kudat)
- Off-the-beaten-track gem
- Sandbank access to a nearby island
- Known for sunsets at the Tip of Borneo
Sipadan Island
- Malaysia’s only oceanic island
- World-renowned diving with reef sharks, turtles, and barracuda schools
- Requires diving permit; no accommodation on island
Mabul Island
- Home of macro diving: seahorses, nudibranchs, pygmy creatures
- Bajau Laut village, kayaking, island-hopping, and sunrise/sunset photography
Top Food Spots to Try
| Location | Eatery | What to Try |
|---|---|---|
| Kota Kinabalu | Welcome Seafood, D’Place Kinabalu | Grilled fish, hinava, bambangan |
| Manukan Island | Manukan Beach Café | Seafood platters, coconut shakes |
| Gaya Island | Fisherman’s Cove (Gayana), Feast Village (Gaya Resort) | Fusion Sabahan dishes |
| Tanjung Aru | Beach Stalls | Satay, grilled wings, local juices |
| Semporna Town | Fat Mom’s, Mukbang Semporna | Giant tiger prawns, seafood soup |
| Mabul Island | SMART & Kapalai Resort Buffets | BBQ seafood, buffet breakfast |
Travel Tips
- Book dive permits for Sipadan in advance due to daily visitor limits
- Bring cash for food stalls and boat tickets at Jesselton Jetty
- Pack reef-safe sunscreen and a reusable water bottle
- Dress modestly when visiting villages like the Bajau Laut
- Check tide schedules for walking sandbars at Kelambu and Sapi-Gaya
Final Thoughts
From vibrant marine parks to quiet stretches of sand, Sabah’s coastal and island offerings are some of the most spectacular in Malaysia. Whether you’re a diver, a beach lover, or a luxury traveller, Sabah’s beaches and island retreats promise adventure, serenity, and unforgettable moments in one of Asia’s best-kept tropical secrets.
