Singaporeans may be taking a break from travelling for now, but there are many exciting places to visit once it’s safe to travel again.
If Sabah is on your travel bucket list, don't stop dreaming about its beautiful beaches and stunning sceneries! Since it’s important to stay safe during your future travels, you might be looking for places that are free from the tourist crowd.
To inspire your next Malaysian getaway, here are some amazing secluded nature retreats in Sabah to escape the crowd!
1. Shangri-La Rasa Ria, Kota Kinabalu
There’s more to Kota Kinabalu, the capital city of Sabah, than just its laid-back city and stunning islands. If you’re planning a crowd-free holiday, you will appreciate how relaxing Shangri-La Rasa Ria, Kota Kinabalu truly is with its wide 10km sandy beach, 64 acres of nature reserve and 18-holes championship golf course. Perfect for a family vacation, take some time to explore the tranquil nature reserve that overlooks the South China Sea.
Surrounded by untouched natural beauty, this secluded sanctuary is packed with family-friendly activities, including nature walks, jet skiing, local tribe dance lessons, horse riding, as well as unlimited access to Adventure Point, Cool Zone and Discovery Centre. For those who need some 'me' time, schedule an aromatherapy or foot massage at The Spa for an even more relaxing time away from the crowd.
#HHWT Tip: The restaurants at Shangri-La Rasa Ria use meats and ingredients from halal-certified suppliers, but alcohol is served on the premises. We recommend that you dine at your own discretion.
Address: Pantai Dalit, PO Box 600, Tuaran, Kota Kinabalu, Sabah, 89208 Malaysia
Contact: +608 8797 888
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2. YTL Gaya Island Resort
If it’s been awhile since you last enjoyed the calming sea breeze, get ready for a secluded beach holiday at YTL Gaya Island Resort. Situated on Gaya Island, the largest island in Tunku Abdul Rahman Marine Park, this private resort has a golden sandy beach, lush tropical rainforest, and beautiful coral reefs. Your stay also includes return scheduled speedboat transfers from Jesselton Point to the resort, so you have one less thing to worry about!
Step into your villa and relax in a modern room complete with a comfortable bed, large open en-suite bathroom and outdoor verandah with day beds. Don't forget to join the Guided Nature Walk with their Resident Naturalist or schedule an Aki Nabalu spa treatment, inspired by the vast biodiversity of Mount Kinabalu.
#HHWT Tip: The restaurants at YTL Gaya Island Resort use meats and ingredients from halal-certified suppliers, but alcohol is served on the premises. We recommend that you dine at your own discretion.
Address: Malohom Bay, Tunku Abdul Rahman Marine Park, 88000 Kota Kinabalu, Sabah, Malaysia
Contact: +603 2783 1000
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3. Kudat Riviera
Hidden from the crowd and tucked away on a secluded beach, Kudat Riviera is an exclusive vacation home for travellers who need some quiet time to immerse themselves in nature. Ideal for family holidays, most of the private villas have 2-4 bedrooms complete with a lush tropical garden, a well-equipped kitchenette, dining and living rooms as well as your very own private pool!
Since it's within walking distance to the beach, scuba diving and snorkelling are the main activities at Kudat Riviera. Besides taking a short drive to Kudat town and Kudat Golf Club for sightseeing, visit the Bavanggazo Rungus Longhouse and Kampung Sumangkap Gong Factory to get to know the customs and traditional instruments of the Rungus people, an ethnic group in Borneo. Don’t forget to drive north to The Tip of Borneo where the South China Sea and Sulu Sea meet.
#HHWT Tip: The restaurant at Kudat Riviera uses meats and ingredients from halal-certified suppliers, but alcohol is served on the premises. We recommend that you dine at your own discretion.
Address: Kampung Bawang Jamal, Jalan Pantai Kelambu, 89050 Kudat, Sabah, Malaysia
Contact: +6016 828 8899
Online reservation: Airbnb | Expedia | Booking.com
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4. Sepilok Forest Edge Resort
Situated in Sandakan, Sepilok Forest Edge Resort is a must-visit for nature lovers. Whether you’re travelling solo or with your family, the resort has stylish Malay-style wooden chalets and dormitories to choose from. We recommend splurging on a stay in a two-bedroom Glamping Villa that comes with its own outdoor infinity pool!
What makes Sepilok Forest Edge Resort special is the close proximity to Sandakan’s famous attractions such as Sepilok Orangutan Rehabilitation Centre, Bornean Sunbear Conservation Centre, and Labuk Bay Proboscis Monkey Sanctuary.
#HHWT Tip: The restaurant at Sepilok Forest Edge Resort uses meats and ingredients from halal-certified suppliers, but alcohol is served on the premises. We recommend that you dine at your own discretion.
Address: Jalan Rambutan, Sepilok, Mile 14, 90000 Sandakan, Sabah, Malaysia
Contact: +608 9533 190 or +6016 523 3190
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5. The Reef Dive Resort, Mataking Island
If you prefer a secluded beach holiday in Sabah, there's no better place than The Reef Dive Resort in Mataking Island. With a gorgeous view of Celebes Sea, it'll make you feel like you're exploring your own private island. Featuring premium rooms, beach chalets, and beach villas, you'll definitely find a room that suits your travel needs.
With crystal clear water right outside your door, snorkelling and kayaking are two must-do activities at The Reef Dive Resort. Make the best of your holiday by visiting the turtle hatchery and peacock sanctuary, enjoying a night beach walk and unwinding in a relaxing spa treatment too. Did you know that there’s an underwater postbox, off Pulau Layang-Layang, where you can dive and send a snail mail? It even has a special postcode, postmark, and an underwater postman for it!
#HHWT Tip: The restaurant at The Reef Dive Resort uses meats and ingredients from halal-certified suppliers, but alcohol is served on the premises. We recommend that you dine at your own discretion.
Address: Fajar Complex, TB 212, Jalan Bunga, Bandar Tawau, 91000 Tawau, Sabah, Malaysia
Reservation email: [email protected] or [email protected]
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While we’re waiting excitedly for our future getaways to Sabah, let’s continue to dream about the secluded nature retreats in Sabah that we hope to visit some day!
This article was brought to you by Sabah Tourism.