Islands & Beaches

On both the mainland Sabah and the neighbouring islands, you can explore stretches of white, sandy beaches where the glorious, tropical sunset with its riot of colours is something not to be missed.

o        Kota Kinabalu

For those who like swim, snorkle or laze all day on a quiet, uncrowded beach of pure white sand under bright blue tropical skies, the live outlying islands of Kota Kinabalu await to capture your heart completely. Only about 15 minutes, away by boat from KK, these off-shore islands have crystal-clear waters, sunny beaches and beautiful corals. If you go island hopping, you will find the beach of your dreams in one of them.

o        Sipadan

For the true diving enthusiast, the island of Sipadan, located off the east coast of Sabah, needs no introduction. Praised by the internationally renowned diver and filmmaker Jacques Cousteau as one of the best diving spots in the world, Sipadan is the only oceanic island (meaning not connected to the continental shelf) in Malaysia, rising 2,000 ft (60 m) on a limestone pinnacle that “mushrooms” out near the surface. The abundant and stunning marine life will thrill and amaze you to no end.

o        The Layang Layang Atoll

Another divers’ favourite, The Layang Layang Atoll, is located 165 miles north west of Kota Kinabalu. Oval-shaped and blessed with clear blue waters, you can also windsurf, sail a catamaran, dive, snorkel, fish to sour heart’s content, then climb back on land and watch the thousands of migratory birds nesting there in this nature lover’s paradise.

o        Other islands that have equally enchanted the diving fraternity are Mabul Island, known as home to the world’s best “muck diving”, a discovery that is gaining in popularity, and Langkayan Island, for its colourful world of macro marine life in over 20 dive sites that never cease to fascinate all visitors.