The best resorts in Borneo take advantage of the area’s beautiful rainforest or stunning sea – and sometimes both at the same time! The Malaysian state of Sabah in north Borneo is a destination to consider for anyone seeking a holiday with a nature focus. If you’re wondering where to stay in Sabah, here are some island resorts and other lodgings to consider for your next trip to this part of Southeast Asia.
Bungaraya Island Resort
Clear waters and pleasant beaches define Gaya Island, just off the Borneo coast. Sometimes referred to as the ‘Malaysian Maldives’, Gaya is home to a small handful of eco-friendly accommodation options, including the upscale Bungaraya Island Resort. Perched on a hillside overlooking Polish Bay, this five-star property provides guests the best of both worlds: jungle surroundings with a seafront vista.
On arrival at Kota Kinabalu Airport, you’ll be greeted for the 30-minute drive to Jesselton Point, the main jetty for the short speedboat transfer to Gaya Island. For those staying in Bungaraya or sister resort Gayana Marine Resort, return-trip transfers are included. The two resorts are also just 10 minutes apart by speedboat – if you’re a guest at either property, you can make a quick day trip to the other any time you like!
The 48 timber villas at Bungaraya are decorated in traditional Bornean architecture, with options for honeymooning couples, solo adventurers and families with kids. The Deluxe Villa has a generously-sized living area and a bedroom upstairs, with a balcony for viewing crashing waves and chirping birds.
Things to do at this island resort
At Bungaraya, there’s free kayaking and snorkelling so you can explore the marine life, potentially seeing manta rays or sea turtles. Families should visit the Marine Ecology Research Centre (MERC) at Gayana Marine Resort – an interesting way to learn more about marine conservation, including efforts to conserve endangered giant clams. For jungle lovers, Bungaraya offers various trails, a canopy walk and a zipline.
For relaxation, head to the Echo Wellness Spa, set among towering trees and rich foliage. Among the treatment options is the ‘Bungaraya Regime’, an hour-long session including a sauna, cold room treatment and a eucalyptus black soap scrub.
If you love a cocktail, head to Pantai Restaurant and Bar for your nightly fix, along with a menu of seafood, steaks and kid-approved picks like pizza. At alfresco restaurant The Longhouse, meanwhile, you can indulge in authentic local fare or international dishes.
Borneo Eagle Resort
If you’re out to splurge, Borneo Eagle Resort is another one of Sabah’s island resorts that will impress. It’s located on isolated and idyllic Tiga Island, approximately 50km southwest of Gaya. After a two-hour drive from Kota Kinabalu Airport to Pulau Tiga Park Jetty, the resort is reached via a 30-minute boat ride. (The resort team will look after you on these transfers.)
Opened in 2018 by ECHO, the same hotel group behind Bungaraya and Gayana Marine Resort, Borneo Eagle consists of just 13 one-bedroom villas sprawled across a stretch of beach, with uninterrupted views of the South China Sea.
The massive open-concept space includes a long dining table, mini-bar, cosy living area, king-sized bed overlooking the ocean and a giant bathroom! There’s also a private pool – or rockpool, rather – filled with specially filtered saltwater that has skin-smoothing properties.
Things to do at this island resort
If you can peel yourself away from your private balcony at Borneo Eagle Resort, take a leisurely stroll along the coast via the resort’s direct beach access. For further adventuring, there’s an hour-long guided trek to an all-natural mud volcano. Legend says that the mud is an ideal full-body mask for brighter and clearer skin.
Full-board dining is also included in your stay. All three ECHO Resorts – Bungaraya, Borneo Eagle Resort and Gayana Marine Resort – practice a farm-to-table philosophy using organic farmed fish and pesticide-free veggies from their private farms in Tuaran, 30 minutes from Kota Kinabalu. Furthermore, the resorts have transitioned from plastic to reusable water bottles in the rooms. They’re not only eco-friendly but also designed for guests to take home as a souvenir.
Other notable resorts in Sabah, Malaysia for your next visit
Lankayan Island Dive Resort
A 90-minute boat ride north of Sandakan, this is one of the best island resorts in Sabah for anyone keen on diving. Part of a huge Marine Protected Area, the tiny island is ringed by a white sandy beach and offers accommodation in 23 roomy wooden seafront chalets. Divers can explore large stretches of hard and soft corals and an abundance of fish, rays and turtles.
Sukau Rainforest Lodge
This 40-room lodge is located on the banks of the Kinabatangan River, offering an ecotourism experience that includes excellent wildlife watching. You can enjoy the tranquillity of the rainforest – until, that is, it’s interrupted by the exhilarating cacophony of macaques, langurs, orangutans, leopards, lizards and other critters that call this part of Borneo home.
Sutera Sanctuary Lodges @ Manukan Island Resort
There are four different resorts and guesthouses under the Sutera Sanctuary Lodges umbrella. One popular one is on Manukan Island. This is the second biggest island in the Tunku Abdul Rahman Marine Park, and the resort’s premium suites and villas all look over the picturesque waters of the South China Sea. It’s a fab spot for snorkelling and indulging in some water sports.
Laban Rata
Offering respite to adventurers climbing the daunting Mount Kinabalu, Laban Rata (another of the four Sutera Sanctuary Lodges mentioned above) is known for its homely appeal and comfort. Positioned just before the challenging ascent, the hotel provides a variety of accommodation options. You can choose to stay in a communal dormitory, for example, or your own private room. Laban Rata may not have all the extra frills of the best resorts in Sabah that we’ve mentioned above, but for a hot meal before and after you climb the summit of Kinabalu, it’s the ideal thing, and every climber is warmly welcomed.
Shangri-La Rasa Ria, Kota Kinabalu
This 400-acre beach resort is a 45-minute drive from KK airport and has its own private 3km stretch of beach, as well as a 64-acre forest reserve. There are two wings of accommodation, six different options for wining and dining, and more than 60 activities on offer for guests. Hiking in the surrounding jungle is a highlight of a stay at Rasa Ria; the resort has six different trails to try. Sports fans will enjoy the resort’s 18-hole championship golf course at Dalit Bay Golf & Country Club.
Shangri-La Tanjung Aru Resort
Located just 10 minutes from Kota Kinabalu International Airport, the Shangri-La Tanjung Aru makes for a great family getaway. Enjoy the resort’s private STAR Marina, unwind at Chi, The Spa, or splash around in the water play area. The six dining options include the famous Sunset Bar, where you can enjoy views of palm trees and ocean. And both the city centre and coral-ringed islands are just a short trip away.
Sepilok Forest Edge Resort
This resort is open all year, welcoming everyone from solo backpackers to families looking for a getaway with a difference. The area is home to some of Borneo’s renowned orangutans – and the resort is just a 700-metre walk from the famous Sepilok Orangutan Rehabilitation Center!
Aside from spending time with those cute primates, you can also take a day tour in nature. Explore the Kinabatangan River on a cruise, experience the sparkling lights on a mangrove firefly cruise, or go camping on Libaran Turtle Island. There are various accommodation options at Forest Edge, including cosy chalets and traditional longhouses.
Like this? Now read about things to do on your next trip to Penang!
