If your dream holiday combines orangutan sightings, visiting UNESCO World Heritage sites, getting to know indigenous cultures and diving amongst stunning tropical reefs all at one destination, Sabah has you covered. Secret Retreats has curated a collection of the best boutique hotels in Sabah to help you plan your escape to this far-flung destination.
More than a thousand kilometres away from the skyscrapers of Kuala Lumpur or the historic streets of Penang, Sabah is a land of unspoilt landscapes and great natural beauty. Situated in Borneo in the South China Sea, Sabah offers embrace spectacular nature in the eastern state of Malaysia.
Hotels in Sabah:
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Explore Sabah, Malaysia
While most visitors arrive in Sabah via the busy coastal city of Kota Kinabalu, the state capital, in less than an hour’s drive you can be in the heart of national parks, wildlife reserves and nature retreats.Sabah’s landscape varies from a scenic coast up into densely forested hills popular for trekking and wildlife viewing. In fact, more than half of Sabah is covered in tropical jungle and the state is home to many reserves and national parks.
This Malaysian state stretches across the northern tip of the island of Borneo and is bordered to the southwest by the other Malaysian state of Sarawak and to the south by Indonesian Kalimantan. Popular islands off the coast include Bohey Dulang, Sibuan Island and Sipadan.
A land for curious travellers in search of adventure both at sea and in the jungle, a stay in Sabah makes for a trip of a lifetime. Head to UNESCO World Heritage-listed Kinabalu National Park to climb Southeast Asia’s highest mountain, Kota Kinabalu. See the orangutans, proboscis monkeys and other indigenous wildlife that call the rainforest home. Dive or snorkel amidst the coral reefs in Tunku Adbul Rahman Marine Park. Witness local traditions and customs at a cultural village. Shop for native handicrafts and taste some delightful local cuisine. All these unique experiences and more await!
Itineraries in Malaysia:
Discover the best hotels in Sabah
Sabah hotels will transport you to a tropical paradise where nature is all around. Beach resorts in Sabah rival those found on more famous coastlines, but some of the best places to stay in Sabah Malaysia are jungle hideaways tucked into the scenic hills.When it comes to boutique hotels in Sabah, your Secret Retreats options won’t disappoint. Our independent partners can offer 5-star service in between stunning treks in Kinabalu National Park, luxury pampering whilst enjoying gorgeous natural hot springs, or adventures on or under the waves during your stay at a Sabah beach resort.
Fall in love with a Sabah mountain resort
Kinabalu Park is a historic mountain hotel in Sabah, Borneo. Located at the edge of Mount Kinabalu National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage site, wake up to scenic views and crisp clean air. Possibly the best retreat in Malaysia, the location doesn’t get much better than here at nature’s front door.Stay in one of their boutique lodges which can accommodate honeymooners desiring intimacy and privacy, or large families who will want to spread out. Onsite, you’ll also find a restaurant serving delicious Malay cuisine and international favourites.
Your hosts at Kinabalu Park will treat you to Sabah luxury accommodation, stellar service and delicious cuisine. As local experts, they can also help you to plan the perfect trek into the jungle, whether you are searching for a challenging adventure, relaxation and birdwatching or romantic sunset trails.
Retreat in Sabah’s natural splendour at a hot spring resort
Tucked into the dense lowland jungles southwest of Mount Kinabalu, Poring Hot Springs and Nature Reserve is a Sabah resort perfect for relaxation. Enjoy stylish boutique accommodation surrounded by natural delights.Choose from cosy rooms with a garden view, private lodges overlooking the hills, or a large private villa so you can bring the whole family along. Each property is decorated in an airy, wood-clad style which harmonises modern amenities with jungle tranquillity.
After an invigorating trek through the jungle, relax and soothe your muscles with a soak in the onsite baths fed by steamy natural springs. Also onsite is a botanical park, butterfly garden and the Rain Forest Restaurant which serves Malaysian and International cuisine. Of all the luxury resorts in Sabah, Poring Hot Springs and Nature Reserve best brings you all the delights of this destination in one place.
Enjoy the perfect holiday at a Sabah beach resort
In addition to jungle and mountain getaways, Sabah offers plentiful sand, sun, water and waves. Enjoy the best beach resort in Sabah Malaysia and stay at the luxurious Manukan Island Resort.Stay in a suite right on the beach to wake up steps away from the shore or opt for jungle ambience in a hillside villa suite. Each room offers stunning views and crisp ocean breezes.
West off the coast, great amenities, a stunning location and plenty of fun activities makes it one of the best beach resorts in Sabah. Families and honeymooners alike will enjoy the luxury facilities and privacy of Manukan Island Resort. Luxuriate in your Sabah beach villa, lounge on the beach in a secluded bay or go diving with their fully-certified PADI instructors who can show you the magic and mysteries below the waves.
Travel Asia with Secret Retreats
Secret Retreats is a curated community of independent boutique hotel, villas, yachts and river boats keen to share their Asian Homes with travelers, sustainably and responsibly.
Conservation of the environment, culture and traditions of Asia is of paramount importance to all in Secret Retreats.
A community of like-minded hospitality professionals, we offer our guests authentic travel experiences that go beyond typical offerings to unveil the essence of Asia. Supporting the Asia based hoteliers and hospitality professionals and providing incredible holidays in Asia and tailor-made Asia travel itineraries direct to public ad travel agents.
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