Guide
1. ISLAND AND BEACHES
4. MAP OF MALAYSIA
6. LANGKAWI, KEDAH
10. PENANG
14. PANGKOR, PERAK
16. PORT DICKSON, NEGERI SEMBILAN
18. ISLANDS OF JOHOR
22. TIOMAN, PAHANG
24. CHERATING, PAHANG
26. ISLANDS OF TERENGGANU
30. SABAH
34. SARAWAK

Islands and Beaches – Sabah

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Sabah Sabah

This gateway to Borneo showcases diverse cultures, a timeless rainforest and ancient caves. Its extensive coastline is a paradise of alluring beaches and island retreats.

Sabah is caressed by the South China Sea on its west and the Sulu and Celebes seas on its eastern coastline.

Kota Kinabalu, Sabah’s capital, offers top-notched properties such as the Shangri-La Tanjung Aru Resort and the Sutera Harbour Resort and Spa. Both resorts offer spectacular views of the South China Sea and the Tunku Abdul Rahman Park islands. The Sutera Harbour Resort offers a full range of recreational facilities, including a golf course, marina and spa.

In the vicinity of the airport, the Tanjung Aru Beach is a popular spot to watch the beautiful sunset and relax at the beachside cafes. Tanjung Aru is also the gateway to explore several of Sabah’s delightful attractions. Go on a ride in the North Borneo tourist steam train and take in the scenic countryside.

A treasured marine heritage, the five islands of the Tunku Abdul Rahman Park are surrounded by extensive coral reefs. Its proximity to Kota Kinabalu makes it a popular playground for water sports enthusiasts, sun-seekers, swimmers and snorkellers. 

Just a 30-minute drive from Kota Kinabalu is the Nexus Karambunai, a fabulous resort offering six kilometres of soft sandy beach. Indulge in idyllic days of swimming and sauntering by the beach or try out exciting pastimes such as horse-riding and archery.  For golfers, tee off at the resort’s 18-hole par 72 course designed by Ronald Fream. The Lagoon Park, a recreational centre situated 10 minutes away, abounds with thrills such as jet-skiing, kayaking, wake-boarding, mangrove cruises and sunset firefly cruises.

The Shangri-La Rasa Ria, located nearby, is a splendid getaway surrounded by 400 acres of lush tropical vegetation. An idyllic, white sandy beach stretched over three kilometres awaits swimmers, beachcombers and windsurfers. Guests can delight in kayaking, jet-skiing, banana boat rides and catamaran excursions, or enjoy a round of golf in the 18-hole championship golf course designed by Ted Parslow. For a glimpse of Borneo’s fauna, visit the resort’s nature reserve which houses long-tailed macaques, sambar deer, pangolins and more. The resort has completed its Orang Utan rehabilitation programme. Visitors who would like to see these primates can head to Sepilok Rehabilitation Centre.

For some privacy and seclusion, try the Paka Beach in Tuaran where a six-kilometre shoreline, hugged by coastal vegetation, glitters invitingly. The glorious beach offers pristine nature with no intrusions of modernity. Delight in a picnic, take leisurely strolls along the shore or enjoy hours of swimming. The beach will also be an excellent retreat for sunbathing as it ensures a quiet environment.

En route, visit the Bajaus, famed as ‘Sea Gypsies’ and enjoy a boat ride through the mangroves. For a trip to this beach, prior arrangements can be made with tour operators.

Blessed with ancient shipwrecks and an abundant marine life, Mantanani Island lies approximately 45 minutes off Kuala Abai Jetty in Kota Belud. The knife-shaped Mantanani Besar has a beach stretching up to 2,500m. The island also has a diverse marine life with a visibility of up to 40m.

To the north of Sabah is Kudat Beach, where visitors can enjoy crystal-clear waters and picturesque scenery while visiting the Rungus tribe in their longhouses.

For the exhilarating feeling of standing on land’s end, visit the Simpang Mengayau Bay, at the tip of Borneo. Located north of Kudat, this stretch of beach is excellent for swimming and to watch the sunrise and sunset.

Sabah has a host of captivating islands among which is Pulau Tiga Park, better known as ‘Survivor Island’ as it was featured in the TV reality show ‘Survivor’.    

The islands of Layang Layang, Turtle Island, Mabul, Kapalai and Sipadan are outstanding diving sites in the region.

Labuan, known as the ‘International Garden Island of Borneo’, is a major destination as well as the site of several World War II memorials.

GETTING THERE

By Air

Malaysia Airlines, the budget carrier AirAsia and several international carriers operate direct and connecting flights from Kuala Lumpur to Kota Kinabalu, Sandakan, Tawau and Labuan.

USEFUL CONTACTS

Tourism Malaysia

Tourist Information Centre:
Kota Kinabalu International Airport Terminal 1
Tel: 6088 413 359

Copyright © Malaysia Tourism Promotion Board

Tourist Map of Malaysia

There is so much to do and so many places to see in Malaysia. To make sure that you don’t miss anything, use this handy map to navigate your way across the country and find great places to visit.

Perlis

Perlis is the northern gateway to Malaysia. Despite its small size, Perlis has an abundance of attractions that make it a great destination.

Kedah

Kedah is Malaysia’s largest paddy producing state. Delve into history in Lembah Bujang, the site of an ancient civilisation or relax in Langkawi, a world-famous resort island.

Penang

The site of a UNESCO World Heritage City, Penang is a holiday paradise with fabulous beach resorts and eclectic cultures. It is also the undisputable haven for foodies.

Perak

A tin-rich state in its heyday, Perak beckons with a range of sights and experiences. The state’s top attractions include Pangkor, an island getaway and Pangkor Laut, an internationally-acclaimed private island.

Kelantan

Hailed as the Cradle of Malay culture, Kelantan is a destination teeming with age-old arts, crafts and pastimes.

TERENGGANU

Beautiful islands, culture and nature give Terengganu its magical appeal. Dive, snorkel, sunbathe at the islands or journey to its hinterland to experience the best of nature.

Pahang

The largest state in the peninsula beckons nature-enthusiasts with exciting eco-adventures. From Taman Negara, the oldest national park in the country, to the idyllic Tioman Island, Pahang is simply mesmerising.

Kuala Lumpur

Malaysia’s dynamic capital city is bustling with attractions and activities. Explore the city by day and night.

Selangor

Selangor is home to the country’s main airport KLIA, and the main gateway by sea, Port Klang. It is also the country’s most developed state with a long list of shopping malls and themed attractions.

Putrajaya

Putrajaya, the administrative capital of Malaysia, is a well-planned township with impressive buildings, verdant parks, scenic lakes and beautiful bridges.

Birdwatching Paradise

Enjoy birdwatching at 55 Important Bird Areas (IBA) throughout the country, tucked away at various habitats such as islands, coasts or lush lowland and montane rainforests.

Cool Highland Resorts

Love the cool highlands? Find refreshing destinations to unwind in Malaysia. From French-themed settings, energetic amusement parks to forest-clad hills, there is something for everyone.

Fun and Fantasy

Find the fun and thrill that you are looking for in Malaysia. Meet your favourite characters, plunge down the world’s longest water slide or enjoy the rides and games!

Sabah

From the majestic height of Mount Kinabalu, Southeast Asia’s tallest peak, to the stunning depths of the world-famous Sipadan Island, Sabah is a magnificent nature destination.

Sarawak

Sarawak, the largest state in Malaysia, has a vast wilderness that contains numerous national parks including the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Mulu National Park.

Labuan

Located off the northwestern coast of Borneo, this island thrills visitors with its wreck diving sites, historical relics and duty-free shopping.

Melaka

The birth place of the nation, Melaka is a treasure trove of history and heritage. Explore the UNESCO World Heritage City for vestiges of the past.

Negeri Sembilan

Known for its fascinating Minangkabau culture and a unique social system, Negeri Sembilan is the place to learn age-old customs and traditions.

Johor

Visit Malaysia’s southern gateway, for a family vacation at the theme parks or escape to its islands for an unforgettable holiday.

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