Nature or wildlife are the two things that come to most people’s minds when they think about what to do in Borneo. However, in Borneo you will find some of Malaysia’s best beaches, if not the best beaches in all the Far East.
The beaches in Borneo are mainly in the Eastern state of Sabah, which includes Tajung Aru Beach, the beaches in Abdul Rahman National Park, as well as Shangri La Rasa Ria, which is located near Kota Kinabalu, and the Kinabatangan Wildlife Sanctuary.
In Sarawak, the Western state, you will find the Permai Rainforest Resort, which has a wonderful private beach. The far east of Malaysia’s Borneo coast also has some very nice beaches that you can visit. In that area of the island, however, you should first consider FCO advice as well as whether travel insurance can cater for your stay in the region while you travel around Borneo.
Permai Private Beach
Beautiful beaches can be found in South Malaysia and Permai Rainforest Resort is beautiful too. Located in Sarawak, close to Mount Santubong and Bako National Park, this is one of the best places in Borneo. It has a private beach with a lovely desert island feel.
It might not be the best option for sunbathers because the shoreline is dominated by boulders. However, there are still pockets of beautiful sand that give sunbathers the chance to lounge. One insider’s tip is exploring the surrounding rainforest’s waterfalls that have created a natural rock pool just before reaching the beach. It is an excellent place to wash off any sand and salt from the sea.
Shangri La Rasa Ria
One of the best places to visit in Sabah is Pantai Dalit Beach. Over 400 acres of lush vegetation surround it and this makes it the ideal location for the lovers of nature and beaches. The hotel itself hosts many amenities, lovely gardens, and is set on a private beach, which makes it an ideal location for families. The hotel has a wide range of locations for food and drink and a cocktail at sunset at the Sampan Bar is never disappointing.
Tanjung Aru Beach
The Tanjung Aru Beach is located 6 kilometres south of Kota Kinabalu close to the Shangri La Tanjung Aru. It is a very local area with an abundance of restaurants and food stalls in the evenings of great variety and just a handful of tourists.
It is the ideal place for you to sample the local cuisine, with the fresh seafood, and the steaming bowls of Roti Chenai and Laksa being favourites. If you are wondering where you should visit in Borneo to sample some everyday life in Borneo, this is an excellent spot.
Selingan Island
Selingan Island, which is also referred to as Turtle Island, is located in the Sulu Sea. It has shallow seas and while sand beaches. The turtle rehabilitation centre is the main focus of the island. While it is the best location for seeing turtles, please remember that trips are usually not arranged there because of animal welfare concerns. It also gets very busy at times with as many as 40 individuals gathered around a single turtle. The island is also located on the border of FCO warnings, which is something to bear in mind when you visit.
