Sabah, known as 'The Land Below the Wind,' is Malaysia's easternmost state on the island of Borneo, celebrated for its extraordinary biodiversity, towering Mount Kinabalu, and world-class diving at Sipadan Island. The state is home to over 42 ethnic groups, pristine rainforests, and wildlife including orangutans, pygmy elephants, and proboscis monkeys.
Luxury hotels
Five-star and palace properties.
Shangri-La Tanjung Aru Resort & Spa
Sabah's most prestigious resort hotel spread over 25 acres of beachfront gardens at Tanjung Aru, with five swimming pools, six dining outlets, a full-service CHI Spa, private beach, water sports centre, and the finest sunset views in Kota Kinabalu over the Tunku Abdul Rahman islands.
Bunga Raya Island Resort & Spa
An intimate 48-villa jungle resort hidden in the rainforest of Gaya Island, accessible only by speedboat 20 minutes from KK. Each villa is a private jungle sanctuary with plunge pool, butler service, and deck overlooking the forest. The CHI Spa uses traditional healing rituals in an outdoor jungle setting.
Gayana Marine Resort
A luxury over-water and beachfront villa resort on Gaya Island with a world-class marine biologist program, giant clam conservation sanctuary, and exceptional snorkelling from the jetty. Each suite is a private sanctuary with direct water or jungle views and Bornean inspired décor.
Borneo Rainforest Lodge
The definitive luxury eco-lodge experience on earth, set within the 130-million-year-old Danum Valley rainforest. Elevated chalets above a river, expert Bornean naturalist guides, night drives for wildlife, canopy walkway access, and outstanding cuisine in the heart of pristine primary jungle — a life-changing stay.
Sukau Rainforest Lodge
Multi-award-winning eco-luxury lodge on the Kinabatangan River with stunning chalets above the water, expert naturalist guides leading multiple daily river cruises for orangutans, pygmy elephants, and proboscis monkeys, and exceptional sustainable cuisine.
Fine dining
Michelin-starred and chef-driven restaurants.
OITOM
Sabah's most celebrated restaurant and Tatler Dining Award winner. Chef Sham Hanif's 8-course tasting menu showcases Borneo's extraordinary pantry — wild ferns, smoked river fish, heirloom rice, bambangan wild mango, and jungle herbs prepared with world-class technique in an intimate dining room
Shang Palace (Shangri-La Tanjung Aru)
The Shangri-La's signature Chinese restaurant serving refined Cantonese cuisine and Sabah's finest dim sum. Live seafood, Peking duck, and Hong Kong-style delicacies in an elegant formal setting with impeccable service
Gusto Food & Wine
Kota Kinabalu's finest European dining room with outstanding steaks, artisan pasta, and a remarkable wine cellar. Intimate setting ideal for romantic evenings, with the Tiramisu considered the best in all of Sabah
Breeze Restaurant (Pacific Sutera Hotel)
Premium beachside dining at the Pacific Sutera Resort with sunset views across the South China Sea, featuring sustainable Sabahan seafood, signature cocktails, and Malaysian-Western fusion cuisine
Exclusive experiences
Bespoke and once-in-a-lifetime activities.
Private Sipadan Island Dive Charter
Private speedboat charter from Mabul Island to Sipadan with a dedicated divemaster, priority dive briefing, and 4-5 unlimited dives at the world's most spectacular dive site. The permit is pre-arranged; experience includes lunch on Sipadan beach.
Mount Kinabalu Private Summit Climb
A private guided summit climb of Southeast Asia's highest peak with a dedicated certified mountain guide, priority Laban Rata accommodation, and Via Ferrata traversal at the granite summit. Includes all permits, porter, and meals.
Private Kinabatangan Wildlife Expedition
A fully private luxury wildlife safari on the Kinabatangan River with your own expert naturalist guide, private river boat, overnight at Sukau Rainforest Lodge, and unlimited safari opportunities for orangutans, pygmy elephants, and rare Bornean wildlife
Danum Valley Wilderness Stay
Three nights at Borneo Rainforest Lodge in the heart of the Danum Valley Conservation Area — the most pristine lowland rainforest in Southeast Asia. Guided canopy walks, night drives for clouded leopards, birding with expert naturalists, and Bornean cuisine.
Private Island Day Charter (Gaya/Sapi)
Charter a private speedboat and crew for an exclusive marine park day trip — swim, snorkel, and picnic on a secluded Tunku Abdul Rahman island beach without the crowds, with Bunga Raya or Gayana resort catering delivered to your beach
Layang Layang Atoll Diving
Fly by small aircraft to the remote Layang Layang atoll — Malaysia's most exclusive dive destination — for hammerhead shark schools, extraordinary wall diving, and pristine coral atoll in the South China Sea. Ultra-exclusive resort with only one property
Spas & wellness
World-class spa retreats and treatments.
CHI Spa (Shangri-La Tanjung Aru)
Shangri-La's world-renowned CHI Spa set in tropical gardens by the beach, offering traditional Asian healing therapies including the signature CHI Balance journey (3.5 hours), Borneo herbal wraps, and Thalgo marine treatments
Jungle Spa (Bunga Raya Island Resort)
An extraordinary spa experience in private jungle pavilions on Gaya Island, with treatments inspired by indigenous Sabahan healing traditions using local plants, oils, and techniques passed down through Kadazan-Dusun culture
Pristine Spa (Gayana Marine Resort)
Overwater spa pavilions with treatments performed to the sound of the sea below, offering marine-inspired therapies and Bornean herbal treatments alongside standard spa menu
Luxury transport
Travel in style.
- Car
- Private chauffeur service from $80/day through Shangri-La concierge or Limo KK; Mercedes and BMW vehicles available
- Air
- Charter flights to remote eco-lodges (Danum Valley, Maliau Basin, Layang Layang) via MASwings charter; helicopter charters for aerial Kinabalu photography through private operators
- Airport
- VIP Meet-and-Greet at Kota Kinabalu International Airport through hotel concierge ($50-80); private lounge access via Plaza Premium at Terminal 1