The Best Tropical Vacation Beaches in Sabah, Malaysia Borneo

If you are planning a tropical beaches vacation where you can simply laze around underneath a coconut tree on your deck chair with:

Then, Sabah has an abundance of excellent tropical beaches that can make your dream tropical vacation a reality. Most of the best beaches with developed infrastructures are located in the West Coast of Sabah (near Kota Kinabalu and especially around Tuaran).



Firstly, there are many unique Offshore Islands in Sabah where you can have a perfect Tropical Island Vacation. Clear waters, sun-drenched beaches and unspoilt tranquility are the main attraction of Sabah’s islands. Underwater, corals and its marine life are absolutely stunning. Surrounded by one of the richest underwater ecosystems in the world along three of its borders, Sabah is one of the premier destinations to view marine life.

Islands just off the coast of Kota Kinabalu such as Gaya island and Manukan island within the Tunku Abdul Rahman Park, as well as Pulau Tiga Survivor Island near Kuala Penyu can be a perfect solution for your private gateway. Each of these islands have accommodation providers that can cater for your every needs after a day relaxing in the sun.

But given the calm seas and warm waters, you and/or your loved ones may most likely take a break from sun tanning to indulge in some water sports such as jet-skiing, water skiing, diving, parasailing and a host of other fun rides.

After a sun-filled day, you can treat yourself to a sumptious dinner while witnessing the amazing tropical sunset. And at night, let the ocean waves sooth you to a good night rest in your quaint beach chalet.

If you are more into Onshore Beaches or looking to be truly pampered by luxury, you can stay at one of world-class tropical resorts with established quality accommodations and facilities coupled with excellent services. Most of the 5-star tropical resorts in Sabah have perfect private beaches for a tropical vacation.

In fact, the best beaches in Sabah (and the whole of Borneo as a matter of fact) are found at International standard Tropical Vacation Resorts in the West Coast of the state.

You may choose to stay at the Shangri-La's Tanjung Aru Resort and Magellan Sutera Hotel near Kota Kinabalu, or for a tropical getaway, you may prefer a more secluded resort such as the Shangri-La's Rasa Ria Resort or Nexus Karambunai Resort, both in Tuaran, about 45 minutes by road away from the city center.

If your budget is a bit tight, you still have the choice to stay at some Tropical Vacation Getaways by the seaside which offer lower cost but quality accommodation.

For Public Beaches, the Tanjung Aru Beach with its Prince Philip Park is one of the most popular beaches in Sabah. Since it's a public beach, it is not as secluded as other private beaches in Sabah. But it is the most accessible tropical beach for you to visit especially if you are not staying at a beach resort.

Just about 10 minutes drive away from the Kota Kinabalu city centre, the Tanjung Aru Beach has now taken a new look with a modern hawker stalls facility plus modern eateries at the main beach area (or 2nd Beach), while retaining its original laidback atmosphere. You can savour both local and western food here, and even have a wonderful sunset dinner below the tall casuarinas or Aru trees that grace the shoreline.

The Tanjung Aru Beach is basically divided into three parts namely the First Beach (near to Shangri-La's Tanjung Aru Resort), Second Beach (or the Main Beach Area) and Third Beach (after the Prince Philip Park). The First and Third Beach areas are more suited for the sun-lovers today. You can sunbathe on ivory-coloured sand or relax under cool casuarinas and swaying coconut palms.

Tanjung Aru is also a beach with sparkling waters and can offer hours of exciting sea sports from water skiing, windsurfing, snorkelling to scuba diving. If you are keen on deep sea fishing, yachting or cruising around the islands, you can easily arrange to charter a boat at any travel companies in the city or at the nearby Shangri-la's Tanjung Aru Resort's Marina.