Quieter places to relax/snorkel in Sabah?

Question

Hi all,

I am planning a trip to Borneo in April 2017 with friends but can only squeeze in one week. I'm decided on doing a 2 night tour around the Kinabatangan river with a guide who has been recommended to me. We also want to spend a few days afterwards snorkeling and relaxing somewhere as secluded, beachy and clear as we can find. I was trying to figure out how to get from the Kinabatangan down to Maratua island (where it looks like there is so much to do and peaceful too, perhaps only until the airport starts up), but am worried I can't make all the travel/cost (multiple flights & transfers between Sandakan-Tarakan-Berau-Maratua and return) work in just a week. Can anyone recommend another good place for snorkeling that is off the coast of Sabah and not a busy daytrip destination, or a 5-star dive lodge - maybe a homestay? Don't want anything fancy, just peaceful. Thanks for any advice you can offer :)

David N · Accepted Answer

Hello pen451, There are 3million people in Sabah I understand your "just peaceful" request but it is not easy to find. Have a look at Johnathan's web page Borneo boats and tours he is based in K.K. maybe there is something there that interests you, I also use Borneo Tours and have superb trips with them their guides have been checked by Sabah Tourist Board, they are very knowledgeable. You will need to book as soon as you can as all the parks have restricted access as do Turtle Island park, restricted as in the number of visitors. I would suggest Semporna and then visit the dive sites nearby.

Traelogue · Answer

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Lee_D_Traveller · Answer

Hi Pen451,

you can actually look for Lankayan Resort or Selingan Turtle Island to witness sea turtle laying eggs during the night. U can fly to Sandakan and take a tour to either island above before proceed to Kinabatangan River. There are daily limitation on vising turtle island, do book in advance.

crellston · Answer

We spent a week a the "Tip of Borneo" which was about as quiet and laid back as it gets. We had the beaches literally to ourselves. There are homestays and small Guesthouses there and a few decent restaurants also a dive shop, although even though we are keen divers we didn't partake. Some photos of our trip last year and more detail on our blog & https://accidentalnomads.com/category/bolivia/

We hired a car but I am sure it is possible by public transport.

Jrysa · Answer

Hi, Myself and 2 friends late 30's looking for a beach holiday in Jan, Thailand prices are getting ridiculous so thinking of other options. We still want nightlife to socialize but want quiet accom and to avoid the 'full moon party' crowd. Any suggestions in a beach holiday in Malaysia?. Any advice would be great. Jane

David N · Answer

Helo jrysa, I am replying to let you know you have posted a message in the Sabah forum, under a thread "Quieter places to relax/ snorkel in Sabah.

You requested..with a social scene? Have a look at the FAQ's on the right see what attracts you then come back with any further requests, I'm sure you will get some replies then. We all have very different ideas of what a holiday should be so once you let all of us have a clearer idea we will help.

Penelope D · Answer

Hi everyone, thanks so much for your responses, it's great to hear your thoughts. I'll look at Semporna, the turtle islands and tip of Borneo and Borneo boats n Tours and see how I go :) thanks again, I am so excited about this trip!

David N · Answer

pen451,

You mentioned the tip of Borneo.

Just so you can factor this in to your travels, the tip of north Sabah (Kudat) is known as the tip of Borneo. It is nowhere near Semporna and has a 8-10 hour drive between the two.

Also the Kudat area has some beautiful beaches, leaving from Kota Marudu you can stay on Palau Banggi or Palau Balambangan. these can be reach via local ferry daily.

Swimming from the beaches in Kudat can be very pleasant, it can be rough as the South China Sea meets the Sulu Sea on the peninsular that is the tip of Borneo.

enjoy you Sabah time.

Fearless802748 · Answer

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Quieter places to relax/snorkel in Sabah?

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