Discover the Hidden Gem of Sabah: Exotic Lodgings in a Malaysian Paradise

Discover the Hidden Gem of Sabah: Exotic Lodgings in a Malaysian Paradise

Sabah is located in northern Borneo, in East Malaysia. It is part of the island of Borneo, the third largest island in the world. Sabah is known for its lush tropical rainforests, exotic wildlife, white sand beaches and coral reefs. 

The region has a tropical equatorial climate, with temperatures ranging from 23°C to 32°C year-round. The lush jungles get abundant rainfall, making them green and full of diverse plant and animal life. Off the coast are islands with some of the most pristine beaches and clearest waters, perfect for snorkeling and diving.

Sabah is one of the 13 member states of Malaysia. It covers over 28,000 square miles and has a population of over 3.5 million. The capital and largest city is Kota Kinabalu. Sabah has incredible biodiversity, making it a top ecotourism destination. Visitors can see wildlife like orangutans, proboscis monkeys, pygmy elephants and hornbills. It is a nature lover's paradise.

The culture of Sabah reflects its ethnic diversity. Indigenous groups like the Kadazan-Dusun make up the largest percentage of the population. There is also a significant Chinese and Malay population. Sabah is known for its traditional music, dance, food, arts and crafts. 

With its stunning scenery, exotic culture and adventure activities, Sabah is an ideal tropical vacation destination. The rainforests, mountains, beaches and islands offer endless opportunities for exploration and relaxation. It's a part of the world not to be missed.

Kota Kinabalu

Kota Kinabalu is the capital city of Sabah and the main entry point for most travelers visiting this exotic destination. Located on the northwest coast of Borneo, it's a modern and vibrant city with plenty to see and do. 

The city center is compact and walkable, with markets, malls, street food stalls, and historic buildings like the Atkinson Clock Tower and Sabah State Mosque. For sweeping city views, head up to the Observation Deck at Menara Tun Mustapha or take a sunset stroll along the waterfront promenade.

Kota Kinabalu is also a gateway to nature. Day trips go to Tunku Abdul Rahman National Park, a marine park with islands fringed by white-sand beaches and coral reefs. Mount Kinabalu, the tallest mountain in Malaysia, is about a 2-hour drive away. 

Travelers flying into Kota Kinabalu International Airport can easily get to the city center by taxi, bus or local rideshare services. The airport has connections within Malaysia and direct international flights from nearby countries like Singapore, China, Korea, and more.

Kota Kinabalu combines modern conveniences and a laidback island vibe. It's the perfect starting point to explore the beauty of Sabah before venturing off to rainforests, beaches and exotic lodgings around the region.

Shangri-La's Tanjung Aru - A Luxurious Seaside Retreat

Located less than 10 miles from Kota Kinabalu is the luxurious Shangri-La's Tanjung Aru Resort & Spa. This seaside resort offers a beautiful tropical retreat near the city center. With 495 beautifully appointed guest rooms and suites, Shangri-La Tanjung Aru has something for everyone. 

The resort boasts 8 restaurants and bars serving a variety of cuisines from local Malaysian specialties to international favorites. Guests can enjoy meals alongside breathtaking ocean views or sip cocktails at the swim-up bar. 

Amenities abound at this luxury resort. Guests have access to water sports equipment and motorized water sports. The resort also has a fitness center, tennis courts, kids' club, and outdoor pool. For those seeking the ultimate relaxation, there is the CHI Spa offering massages and beauty treatments. 

The Shangri-La Tanjung Aru provides top-notch service including 24-hour butler service in every room. Guests can also participate in cultural activities like Malaysian cooking classes and Bornean rice wine tastings. Whether travelers seek adventure or relaxation, this luxury resort has everything needed for an unforgettable tropical vacation near Kota Kinabalu.

Sutera Harbour Resort - A Complete Vacation Destination

Sutera Harbour is a destination in itself, with two excellent lodging options and a wealth of amenities to enjoy. Within the resort you'll find the Magellan Sutera and the Pacific Sutera hotels. 

The Magellan Sutera has 456 ethnically inspired rooms, while the Pacific Sutera caters more to business travelers with 500 contemporary rooms. Though they have different styles, the two hotels share access to the resort's many leisure facilities.

Guests can enjoy 27 holes of golf at the resort's country club, get pampered at the luxurious Mandara Spa, or stay active with the fitness center, tennis courts, and water sports like sailing and kayaking. There are multiple swimming pools for relaxation as well. 

With 14 restaurants and bars spread throughout the expansive Sutera Harbour property, finding a delicious meal or refreshing drink is never a problem. The resort truly has everything needed for a complete vacation, without having to leave the grounds.

Ride the Historic North Borneo Railway

One unique experience offered by the Sutera Harbour resort is the chance to ride the North Borneo Railway. This historic railway is operated by the resort and features a steam locomotive and six restored railway cars from the colonial era. 

You can take a 4-hour tour on the railway that visits many of the main stations in Sabah. It's a scenic journey that transports you back in time to when steam engines powered commerce and travel through Borneo. 

The railway was originally built by the British North Borneo Company in the late 19th century to transport tobacco and other commodities across North Borneo. Today, it provides a relaxing way for visitors to take in the beautiful landscapes and vistas of Sabah.

The railway cars have been refurbished with polished wood interiors, comfortable seating, and large windows so you can admire the passing scenery. As the train gently chugs along, you'll get a glimpse into Sabah's rich history and cultural heritage. It's a memorable experience for anyone interested in trains, history, or simply taking in the lush tropical countryside.

Riding the North Borneo Railway makes for a pleasant day trip from the Sutera Harbour resort. You can sit back, relax, and let the locomotive transport you to a bygone era in Sabah. It's a scenic journey like no other through beautiful Borneo.

More Lodging Options

Sabah offers a wide variety of lodging options to suit different tastes and budgets. Here are some other recommended resorts and hotels to consider:

The Magellan Sutera Resort - Situated near the beach in Kota Kinabalu, this 5-star resort features 456 elegantly furnished rooms, suites, and luxury villas. Guests can enjoy a variety of dining options, an outdoor pool, spa, fitness center, and kids club. 

Gaya Island Resort - Located on Gaya Island just off the coast, this luxury resort immerses guests in nature with its jungle setting. The hillside villas offer beautiful ocean views and seclusion. There are hiking trails, private beaches, spa, and watersports available.

Bunga Raya Island Resort - Set on a private island, this exclusive resort has 48 timbered villas nestled in tropical foliage next to white sand beaches. Guests can snorkel, dive, kayak, or simply relax in the serenity of the island.

The Klagan Hotel - Found in downtown Kota Kinabalu, this modern 4-star hotel features contemporary rooms with city or mountain views. There's an outdoor pool, fitness center, spa, and a trendy rooftop lounge. It's great for exploring the city.

The Pacific Sutera - Part of the Sutera Harbour resort complex, this hotel has 500 contemporary rooms geared towards business travelers. It offers easy access to the resort's amenities like golf, spa, and dining.

With lush rainforests, beaches, and mountains, Sabah provides many scenic choices for accommodations. Resorts on private islands or right on the beach provide a quintessential tropical experience.

Activities in Sabah

Sabah offers a wide range of exciting activities for travelers seeking adventure, cultural experiences, and wildlife encounters.

Unique Cultural Experiences

Immerse yourself in Sabah's indigenous cultures by visiting traditional longhouses where you can observe and participate in cultural rituals. Many tour operators offer guided longhouse visits where you'll learn about the traditional lifestyle of tribes like the Rungus and Murut. Watch cultural performances featuring traditional music and dance. Shop for handmade crafts and textiles at local markets and meet the artisans.

Adventure Activities

Sabah is an adventure lover's paradise. Go whitewater rafting on the Padas River or ziplining through the jungle canopy. Trek through pristine rainforests to see exotic flora and fauna. Climb Mount Kinabalu, the highest peak in Malaysia. Dive or snorkel among coral reefs teeming with marine life. Spot proboscis monkeys on a river cruise in Sandakan. Drive an ATV through remote villages. The options for thrills are endless.

Wildlife Encounters

Sabah is home to incredible biodiversity. See Bornean elephants, orangutans, proboscis monkeys, hornbills and more at wildlife reserves like Kinabatangan River and Danum Valley. Go on guided nature hikes to spot exotic birds and insects. Visit the Sepilok Orangutan Rehabilitation Centre to see orphaned orangutans being rehabilitated. For the ultimate wildlife experience, go on a jungle safari and stay overnight in the rainforest to spot nocturnal animals. With its wealth of exotic species, Sabah is a wildlife watcher's paradise.

Sabah Cuisine

Sabah is a food lover's paradise, with a vibrant culinary scene showcasing the region's cultural melting pot. Traditional Sabahan dishes reflect the influences of indigenous groups as well as Chinese, Malay, Indian, and European settlers.  

Rice is a staple ingredient, served with curries, stir fries, and other dishes. Popular local specialties include hinava, a raw fish salad marinated in lime juice; linongot, a type of leafy green similar to spinach; and ambuyat, a starchy glue-like substance made from sago palm. Ambuyat is dipped into flavorful sauces and eaten with chopsticks.

Exotic ingredients like wild boar, deer, jungle fern, and even flying fox bats are used in traditional cooking. Bamboo shoots, banana buds, coconut, and a wide array of seafood also feature prominently. Bambangan, a fleshy fruit with a tart taste, is used to make pickles, jams, and desserts.  

The street food scene is excellent, with night markets selling everything from satay skewers to fried noodles. Food stalls serve up bowls of creamy coconut curries, spicy stir fries, and cooling shaved ice desserts. 

Sabah's culinary diversity reflects its history as a cultural crossroads and trading hub. Dining in Sabah offers a chance to savor exotic new flavors and ingredients.

Getting to Sabah

Sabah is located on the northern part of the island of Borneo, in East Malaysia. The main gateway for visitors is through the Kota Kinabalu International Airport (BKI). KKIA is serviced by direct flights from major hubs in Malaysia, Singapore, Indonesia, China, South Korea, Japan, Australia, and more. The airport is only about 8km from the city center, with taxis, buses, and rideshares readily available for transportation into town. 

For those looking to travel overland, there are buses that run between Sabah and other parts of Malaysia as well as Brunei and Kalimantan in Indonesia. The main bus terminal is Inanam Bus Terminal, about 9km from downtown Kota Kinabalu. From here, buses run frequently to destinations such as Keningau, Sandakan, Tawau, Lahad Datu, and Semporna.

Another option is to take the ferry from Labuan Island or Brunei. Ferries arrive at the Jesselton Point ferry terminal in downtown Kota Kinabalu. The trip takes about 2-3 hours from Labuan and 5-6 hours from Brunei. Tickets can be purchased at the ferry terminal. 

Lastly, for those looking for a more adventurous overland option, it is possible to enter Sabah from Sarawak in northern Borneo. This involves travelling through remote logging roads and river crossings. A 4x4 vehicle is required for this option. The journey takes around 12 hours from Miri to Lawas, crossing through Brunei briefly. Permits from immigration may be required.

Getting to Sabah is relatively easy given the direct international flights into Kota Kinabalu. Overland options are also available for those seeking a more adventurous journey or are travelling from nearby parts of Malaysia, Brunei or Indonesia.

Why Visit Sabah

Sabah offers an affordable and unique destination for travelers seeking an exotic tropical getaway. The lush rainforests, beautiful beaches, and mountainous terrain provide abundant adventure opportunities that you won't find anywhere else. 

Some key reasons to visit Sabah include:

• Affordable prices - Accommodations, food, and activities in Sabah are very reasonably priced compared to other tropical destinations. You get an exotic vacation without breaking the bank.
• Abundant adventure - Sabah's landscape is perfect for adventure. Go scuba diving to see vibrant coral reefs, trek through jungles to see orchids and proboscis monkeys, climb Mount Kinabalu, spot wildlife on a river safari, and more. New adventures await around every corner.
• Tropical island paradise - With turquoise waters, powdery sand beaches, swaying palm trees, and colorful coral reefs, Sabah is a quintessential tropical paradise. Relax on the beach or explore jungle waterfalls. The beautiful natural settings will leave you breathless.
• Cultural diversity - Sabah is home to over 30 indigenous ethnic groups, leading to a vibrant mix of cultures. Learn about traditional music, dance, food, and crafts from the welcoming local communities.
• Exotic wildlife - The jungles and waters of Sabah teem with exotic wildlife found nowhere else on Earth. See Bornean orangutans, pygmy elephants, rhinos, proboscis monkeys, hornbills, and over 600 species of birds.

For the affordable tropical island vacation of a lifetime filled with adventure, culture, and wildlife, Sabah is a top destination worth putting on your travel bucket list. Its mix of relaxation and adventure will leave you with incredible memories.