The 10 best Resorts in Sabah, Malaysia

May 10, 2023 Jacquiline Darosa

Discover the best Resorts in Sabah including Shangri-La Rasa Ria, Kota Kinabalu, Shangri-La Tanjung Aru, Kota Kinabalu, The Pacific Sutera Hotel - Sutera Harbor Resort, Sutera Sanctuary Lodges @ Manukan Island Resort, Bunga Raya Island Resort, Horizon Hotel, The Magellan Sutera Resort, Nexus Resort & Spa Karambunai, Sutera at Mantanani Island Resort & Spa, Langkah Syabas Beach Resort.
Things to do in Sabah

1. Shangri-La Rasa Ria, Kota Kinabalu

Pantai Dalit, Tuaran 89208 Malaysia
Excellent
72%
Good
20%
Satisfactory
6%
Poor
2%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 7315 reviews

Shangri-La Rasa Ria, Kota Kinabalu

Escape out of the city and journey into nature; where the sea meets the rainforest and a warm welcome awaits. With vast acres of untouched natural beauty, Shangri-La Rasa Ria, Kota Kinabalu is a stunning sanctuary that makes each moment of your holiday matter. Find yourself being entertained with the best dining in all of Kota Kinabalu, nurtured at our spa and delighted by our unique signature experiences. You’ll be immersed into this enchanting Borneo paradise, creating memories that last a lifetime. Experience the stunning outdoors of Borneo with over 60 land and water activities for adults and children at the Rasa Ria Resort. Unwind at our Spa or indulge with our extensive dining options with 6 restaurants and 2 bars. You can also choose our customised dining experiences curated just for you at breath-taking locations across the 400-acres of the resort. Rasa Ria is also home to an 18-hole championship golf course with picture-perfect views of Mt Kinabalu (a UNESCO World Heritage site). Create memories that last a lifetime at this Borneo paradise with our stay offers.

The perfect antidote to post-pandemic fatigue

Reviewed By Tanya1184

My family and I (husband and 2 children age 4 and 7) stayed at the Rasa Ria resort over the long weekend. It was our first visit to Rasa Ria having previously stayed at Shangrila Tanjung Aru on our previous visits. We stayed at a family room in 201. The room is perfect for families with children as it comes with a bunk bed. There were thoughtful additions such as children’s toothbrushes, a step stool for easy access to the wash basin, rubber duckies at the bathtub and a plush toy for each of the children to take home as a souvenir. Crayons and coloring pages were also provided. We had a memorable stay at the resort. The resort’s best feature, to our minds at least, is the vast expanse of beach. Coming from busy KL, the beach was exactly what we needed to rejuvenate ourselves! We were blessed with the most beautiful sunsets every evening. Do opt for the dine and play package as there is a variety of restaurants to dine at and food options around Tuaran area is scarce, especially if you do not have a car to move around with. We dined at Kozan, the coffee terrace and Oceano. Food was good although there is room for improvement for service at Oceano as we had to wait about 45 minutes for our food to arrive. My children loved the pool even if the slides were not as exciting as the ones at Tanjung Aru. Most of our time was spent at the beach anyway. Do order the Kitchai Ping (sabah’s version of lemonade) at any one of the restaurants or at the Sampan bar as it’s a great thirst quencher. Very refreshing! I would highly recommend getting a foot massage at the poolside. Do look out for Mr Raymund who was our therapist - thank me later! A true gem who spoke to us like a long lost friend without even realizing that he had exceeded the time allotted to us for our massage. Thank you Raymund! I would also like to commend and thank Alice, Anisah and Febby at the coffee terrace who were very accommodating and took the time to speak to us despite the busyness of the restaurant. Gabriel at the sports recreation counter was also very friendly and patiently answered all our questions. Sadly I did not get the name of the front desk lady who checked us in - thank you madam for your hospitality! We expected a large crowd as our visit coincided with a long weekend as well as the start of the school term break. Do be patient as the number of staff probably isn’t enough to deal with the sudden influx of hotel guests post-pandemic. All in, I am glad we chose Rasa Ria for our stay in Kota Kinabalu. We look forward to returning for a visit in the near future.

2. Shangri-La Tanjung Aru, Kota Kinabalu

20 Jalan Aru, Tanjung Aru, Kota Kinabalu 88100 Malaysia
Excellent
57%
Good
28%
Satisfactory
9%
Poor
3%
Terrible
2%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 4377 reviews

Shangri-La Tanjung Aru, Kota Kinabalu

Located 10 minutes from Kota Kinabalu International Airport, coral islands and the city centre, just 150-minute flight time from Singapore, Hong Kong and Kuala Lumpur, Shangri-La Tanjung Aru, Kota Kinabalu is a tranquil retreat offering 498 beautifully appointed mountain and seaview rooms and suites, six restaurants and bars, and a wealth of enjoyable recreational opportunities for families and leisure travellers. The resort is home to Chi, The Spa, a luxurious private spa experience based on traditional Asian healing philosophies. The spa comprises of 5 single villas, 3 couples' villas and an open Yoga Pavilion, all located on Pulau Bayu, the resort’s private island. It is one of the only two five-star spas in Kota Kinabalu.

Great Staff, Great Experience and Looking Forward for Another Stay

Reviewed By Thomas235711

Shangri-La Group never let me down. It is great to stay with especially when considering there is nice and efficient staff. My trip was disturbed by a ridiculous hotel group leading to a sudden changes. However, the staff in Shangri-La helped me amend my booking at once and answer my questions patiently. They are with professional attitude and friendly tone which totally respectable. I do recommend others staying in Shangri-La, and you

3. The Pacific Sutera Hotel - Sutera Harbor Resort

1 Sutera Harbour Blvd, Kota Kinabalu 88100 Malaysia
Excellent
45%
Good
35%
Satisfactory
12%
Poor
5%
Terrible
4%
Overall Ratings

4 based on 3697 reviews

The Pacific Sutera Hotel - Sutera Harbor Resort

"The Pacific Sutera Hotel features 500 immaculately appointed rooms and suites with contemporary décor and amazing views of either the championship golf course or the South China Sea and Tunku Abdul Rahman Marine Park islands. The Pacific Club guests enjoy the magnificent sea view from the 11th floor, where breakfast and cocktails are served in the exclusive Pacific Club Lounge. Strategically located close to the shopping and business centres of Kota Kinabalu City, this hotel is perfect location to work, live and play."

Great value

Reviewed By jamesmcvig

Food was a little expensive at the restaurants, but still was fairly good. You get vouchers for breakfast and dinner which is really nice. The rooms were really great and had comfortable beds. I found the price for the resort to be a good price for what is all included.

4. Sutera Sanctuary Lodges @ Manukan Island Resort

Tunku Abdul Rahman Park Kota Kinabalu, Manukan Island 88100 Malaysia 011 60 154-876 1800
Excellent
53%
Good
28%
Satisfactory
11%
Poor
3%
Terrible
5%
Overall Ratings

4 based on 280 reviews

Sutera Sanctuary Lodges @ Manukan Island Resort

Telephone: Manukan Island is located just off the coast of Kota Kinabalu, the capital city of Sabah. It is the second-largest island of Tunku Abdul Rahman Marine Park and offers extensive water activities such as snorkeling, scuba diving, parasailing, and other various water sports activities for those water sports enthusiasts. It also offers one of the best spots to catch Borneo’s famed sunset at the tip of the island called Sunset Point. Immerse yourself in a serene retreat as all premium villas and suites overlook the azure waters of the South China Sea.

Zero privacy and untrained staff

Reviewed By chloeywy

Upon arrival at MIR, we were greeted by a receptionist who briefed us about the resort facilities. He was friendly but could tell he wasn't experienced with the briefing as he was constantly asking himself whether he'd missed something. We were informed that the jungle trekking activities weren't available due to a landslide and therefore there weren't any activities available in the resort. Any other activities had to be booked through one of the third party agencies at the island. Check in was late. Room was meant to be ready at 2pm but we only got in around 2.40pm. The villa itself was good, with cable TV and a comfortable bed. The staff had also helped decorate the bed with petals for my boyfriend's birthday which was gorgeous. The petals did stain the bed a lot tho which left a huge mess but that was a minor problem. I should also point out that the beach villa we stayed in was right in front of Manukan Island's public beach area so literally EVERYONE could see you from outside. Zero privacy at this area and kind of ruined the whole luxury element of MIR. Definitely recommend getting the hillside villas as these were located at MIR's private beach. Only the Prahu restaurant was opened during our stay, which is an open air beach side restaurant with limited options on the menu. We had lunch upon arrival around 3pm and flies were EVERYWHERE. Not sure if the restaurant could do much about this but it was very bothersome and as a result I couldn't finish my food. Service wasn't great at this hour either - cashier looked like she hated her life. They do have dine-in options as well tho which I regret not choosing for lunch. We had the Malay set menu for dinner and the butter prawns were AMAZING. The other dishes were only average so I recommend just ordering the butter prawns ala-carte as the set dinner was quite pricey. The fly situation at night wasn't too bad and the waiter brought a little anti-mosquito burner thing to put at the foot of our table. Service was much better during dinner and the chef even came out to greet us after our meal. What I was really ticked off with was by the customer service MIR offered before our stay. The lady who answered my call had no idea how much meals would cost at MIR, and could not assist me at all when I requested for the birthday set up in the room. She just kept asking me to email their sales team instead which was weird to me because what was the point of her job then? Also customer service post-stay was non-existent. Upon our arrival at the Sutera jetty after check out the 'concierge' just told us to carry our own bags instead of helping us like they did when we checked in. I had also messaged them about a charger I left at MIR but received zero reply from them about it. Bye charger... T.T Overall I think the staff do need to be trained a lot more especially since the normal room rates at MIR can go up to RM1K+++. Thank God we went there during one of their promo seasons because their normal rates are definitely not worth it given that the services are average AND the island is not exclusive at all. Crowded beaches and trash everywhere. Anyone looking for a more exclusive and luxurious vacation should definitely check out the resorts on Gaya Island instead. They are pricey but SO worth it.

5. Bunga Raya Island Resort

Polish Bay, Pulau Gaya 88778 Malaysia
Excellent
56%
Good
27%
Satisfactory
9%
Poor
5%
Terrible
3%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 630 reviews

Bunga Raya Island Resort

As sensual and exotic as the hibiscus flower that bears its name, Bunga Raya Island Resort is a luxurious jewel set on a coral reef island just off the coast of Borneo. A secluded island hideaway of 47 timbered villas, the resort is framed by white sand beach and virgin jungle. Hillside villas reflect the simplicity of the Borneo architectural style. A hilltop spa blends the finest Traditional Asian and Western treatments using restorative powers of indigenous plants and oils.

A Most Enjoyable Experience

Reviewed By InTheMomentManhattan

My wife and I enjoyed a really excellent experience during our 4 night's stay at the Bunga Raya Resort. Our bungalow facing the beach was our best room during our visit to Malaysia. The room was very comfortable and beautifully furnished. The bathroom was equally well designed and fitted. Beyond this we enjoyed a plunge pool and private veranda. We also had direct access to the beach. Every member of the staff of the Resort provided us with personable and efficient service. Laurent Driole, the manager of the resort, was super helpful with resolving all concerns that we expressed. Breakfast was excellent every day. Dinners were equally enjoyable. My wife and I were among the first western guests to arrive in Malaysia after the shutdown. The resort was just beginning to come back to full life. Accordingly, some of the edges were still a little rough. However, I am sure that these will be resolved as time goes by.

6. Horizon Hotel

Jalan Pantai, Kota Kinabalu 88999 Malaysia
Excellent
28%
Good
50%
Satisfactory
17%
Poor
4%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4 based on 954 reviews

Horizon Hotel

Overlooking the city with sea views, featuring branded 42/50" Plasma TV, restorative rain showers, comfortable beds, free high speed internet access and all the extra touches that will make your stay memorable. Our thoughtfully designed modern spacious and luxurious rooms promise a restful stay.

Clean and convenient

Reviewed By billios4466

Stayed 3 nights and found this hotel very good value for money. Very good location with nice places to eat nearby. Nice, big comfortable rooms and good breakfast. Staff were very friendly and helpful. Would definitely stay here again when we return to Sabah.

7. The Magellan Sutera Resort

1 Sutera Harbour Boulevard, Kota Kinabalu 88100 Malaysia
Excellent
60%
Good
17%
Satisfactory
8%
Poor
6%
Terrible
9%
Overall Ratings

4 based on 143 reviews

The Magellan Sutera Resort

The Magellan Sutera Resort

Reviewed By hairolfaizalhussin

My dream comes true when i arrived at The Magellan Sutera Resort. The best resort, the best food, the best room that i slept, the best services by all the employees. Thank you so much, The Magellan Sutera Resort. I hope that i will come again to this dream resort

8. Nexus Resort & Spa Karambunai

Nexus Resort Karambunai 100 Jalan Sepangar Bay, Kota Kinabalu 88993 Malaysia
Excellent
36%
Good
31%
Satisfactory
16%
Poor
9%
Terrible
9%
Overall Ratings

4 based on 1729 reviews

Nexus Resort & Spa Karambunai

Nexus Resort Karambunai is set within 3,335 acres of unique & unspoiled beauty.

Very nice resort

Reviewed By Riekje K

The resort is very nice located, has its own beach. The gardens are very beautifull. The staff is very friendly and helpfull. There was a problem with the bedlinnen and that was solved in a very good way. The food was good. Advise to the owner or gm: The resort needs updating in maintenance, like cleaning , painting outside spaces. Repairing outside furniture. The staff is great so when you update the rooms and outside the resort as a whole will be wonderfull

9. Sutera at Mantanani Island Resort & Spa

Pulau Mantanani Besar, Kota Belud 89150 Malaysia
Excellent
64%
Good
13%
Satisfactory
10%
Poor
5%
Terrible
8%
Overall Ratings

4 based on 39 reviews

Sutera at Mantanani Island Resort & Spa

Set on a pristine beach, Sutera@Mantanani is an oasis located on the idyllic island of Mantanani Besar; a hidden gem blessed with natural wonders and rich marine life. Featuring 20 Beach Chalets, built in a minimalistic style yet very inviting as well as cosy and 8 spacious, comfy Deluxe rooms, Sutera@Mantanani promises an island gateway like never before. Haven for recreational divers, it is also one of the most sought after spots for snorkeling and other sea activities such as kayaking and fishing. Sutera@Mantanani is also a perfect gateway for couples. Take a stroll along the white sandy beaches and watch the spectacular evening sunset on this secluded yet beautiful and romantic island for that perfect time just the two of you.

Good and Bad

Reviewed By derbna

Good: -friendly staff -great food -great scuba diving -beautiful white sand beach with many beautiful shells -warm turquoise water -awesome view of Mt. Kinabalu -beautiful beachfront cabins Bad: -resort area is small and you are not allowed to leave the grounds due to Covid. - no coral (all dead) and just a few tiny fish may be seen when snorkeling the island. Off shore Scuba trips are awesome though (according to my son). -no beer was available during my 2 night stay as they had not stocked up adequately. Hot beer did arrive on my second night but was undrinkable due to the temp. - no refrigerators available in the cabins. - they play an annoying soundtrack on a continuous loop in the common areas, it’s the only soundtrack they have and it almost drove me insane. -ATV rental is free (30 minutes) but the area to ride is very small. About half the size of a football field. -TV in rooms only play 3 lousy channels. A great place to go and read a book enjoy the beach and get the required photo ops. By the second day though I was bored and more than ready to leave.

10. Langkah Syabas Beach Resort

Jalan Papar Kampung Laut Kinarut, Kinarut 89607 Malaysia
Excellent
38%
Good
40%
Satisfactory
15%
Poor
5%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4 based on 247 reviews

Langkah Syabas Beach Resort

Nestled in the quiet idyllic town of Kampung Kinarut Laut (Village by the Sea), Langkah Syabas Beach Resort offers a peaceful retreat for families and singles alike. The Resort is located only 25 minutes from the City of Kota Kinabalu, which is also the State Capital of Sabah and 15 minutes from the Kota Kinabalu International Airport.

Christmas Dinner

Reviewed By AlSamuel

Thank you sooo much Liza and her team for preparing us our family Christmas Dinner. The food was unbelievable (combo chicken roast & lamb roast), dinner hall was very homely and their attendants were fantastic. Hope to see you guys again. SALUTE !

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