25 Best Beaches in Sabah, Malaysia

Sabah is known for its beaches, from the islands of the Tunku Abdul Rahman Marine Park to the islands near Semporna. These 25 best beaches in Sabah cover the top destinations.

Kota Kinabalu Beaches

1. Tanjung Aru Beach

Tanjung Aru is a popular beach in Kota Kinabalu, known for its sunset views. It is one of the most popular beaches in the city.

Location: Kota Kinabalu Atmosphere: Popular, urban Best for: Sunset views, relaxation Nearby attractions: Kota Kinabalu city Practical tips: Easy access from Kota Kinabalu. Check swimming conditions. See our best places to visit in Kota Kinabalu guide.

2. Manukan Island Beach

Manukan Island is one of the islands in the Tunku Abdul Rahman Marine Park, popular for beaches and facilities.

Location: Tunku Abdul Rahman Marine Park Atmosphere: Island, popular Best for: Swimming, relaxation Nearby attractions: Tunku Abdul Rahman Marine Park, snorkelling Practical tips: Accessible by boat from Jesselton Point. Check current ferry schedules with official operators. See our best things to do in Kota Kinabalu guide.

3. Sapi Island Beach

Sapi Island is one of the islands in the Tunku Abdul Rahman Marine Park, popular for beaches and snorkelling.

Location: Tunku Abdul Rahman Marine Park Atmosphere: Island, popular Best for: Swimming, snorkelling Nearby attractions: Tunku Abdul Rahman Marine Park Practical tips: Accessible by boat from Jesselton Point. Check current ferry schedules with official operators. See our best things to do in Kota Kinabalu guide.

4. Gaya Island Beach

Gaya Island is the largest island in the Tunku Abdul Rahman Marine Park, with beaches and a mangrove forest.

Location: Tunku Abdul Rahman Marine Park Atmosphere: Island, scenic Best for: Swimming, nature Nearby attractions: Tunku Abdul Rahman Marine Park, mangrove forest Practical tips: Accessible by boat from Jesselton Point. Check current ferry schedules with official operators.

Semporna Beaches

5. Mabul Island Beach

Mabul is an island near Semporna, known for diving and accommodation. It has beaches.

Location: Near Semporna Atmosphere: Island, relaxed Best for: Relaxation, diving Nearby attractions: Sipadan, diving Practical tips: Accessible by boat from Semporna. Check current ferry schedules with official operators. See our best islands near Semporna guide.

6. Mataking Island Beach

Mataking Island is an island near Semporna, known for its beaches and diving.

Location: Near Semporna Atmosphere: Island, resort Best for: Beaches, diving Nearby attractions: Diving, snorkelling Practical tips: Accessible by boat from Semporna. Check current ferry schedules with official operators. See our best islands near Semporna guide.

7. Timba-Timba Island Beach

Timba-Timba is an island near Semporna, popular for island hopping and photography.

Location: Near Semporna Atmosphere: Island, quiet Best for: Photography, relaxation Nearby attractions: Island hopping Practical tips: Accessible by boat from Semporna. Check current availability with official operators. See our best islands near Semporna guide.

8. Sibuan Island Beach

Sibuan is an island near Semporna, popular for snorkelling and photography.

Location: Near Semporna Atmosphere: Island, quiet Best for: Snorkelling, photography Nearby attractions: Island hopping Practical tips: Accessible by boat from Semporna. Check current availability with official operators.

Kudat Beaches

9. Tip of Borneo Beach

The Tip of Borneo (Tanjung Simpang Mengayau) is a scenic headland in Kudat, the northernmost point of Borneo.

Location: Kudat Atmosphere: Scenic, remote Best for: Photography, views Nearby attractions: Kudat town Practical tips: Accessible by car. Check swimming conditions. See our Sabah road trip guide.

10. Bak Bak Beach

Bak Bak Beach is a beach near Kudat, popular with locals.

Location: Kudat Atmosphere: Popular, local Best for: Relaxation Nearby attractions: Kudat town Practical tips: Accessible by car. Check swimming conditions.

11. Tindakon Dazang Beach

Tindakon Dazang is a beach near Kudat. Check current access with official sources.

Location: Kudat Atmosphere: Quiet, scenic Best for: Relaxation Nearby attractions: Tip of Borneo Practical tips: Accessible by car. Check current access.

Tuaran Beaches

12. Tuaran Beach

Tuaran is a town north of Kota Kinabalu, known for its food and beaches.

Location: Tuaran Atmosphere: Popular, local Best for: Relaxation Nearby attractions: Tuaran town Practical tips: Accessible by car. Check swimming conditions. See our best food in Sabah guide.

13. Shangri-La Rasa Ria Beach

The Shangri-La Rasa Ria Resort has a beach, popular for relaxation. Check current access with official sources.

Location: Tuaran Atmosphere: Resort Best for: Relaxation Nearby attractions: Nature reserve Practical tips: Check current access with official sources.

Kota Belud Beaches

14. Kota Belud Beaches

Kota Belud is a town north of Kota Kinabalu, with beaches.

Location: Kota Belud Atmosphere: Quiet, local Best for: Relaxation Nearby attractions: Kota Belud market Practical tips: Accessible by car. Check swimming conditions. See our Sabah road trip guide.

Sandakan Beaches

15. Sandakan Beaches

Sandakan has coastal areas, with beaches. Check current access with official sources.

Location: Sandakan Atmosphere: Various Best for: Relaxation Nearby attractions: Sandakan attractions Practical tips: Accessible by car. Check swimming conditions. See our best places to visit in Sandakan guide.

Other Beaches

16. Likas Beach

Likas Beach is a beach near Kota Kinabalu. Check current access with official sources.

Location: Kota Kinabalu Atmosphere: Popular, local Best for: Relaxation Nearby attractions: Kota Kinabalu city Practical tips: Accessible by car. Check swimming conditions.

17. Kinarut Beach

Kinarut is a town south of Kota Kinabalu, with beaches. Check current access with official sources.

Location: Kinarut Atmosphere: Quiet, local Best for: Relaxation Nearby attractions: Kinarut town Practical tips: Accessible by car. Check swimming conditions.

18. Papar Beach

Papar is a town south of Kota Kinabalu, with beaches. Check current access with official sources.

Location: Papar Atmosphere: Quiet, local Best for: Relaxation Nearby attractions: Papar town Practical tips: Accessible by car. Check swimming conditions.

19. Kuala Penyu Beach

Kuala Penyu is a town in southwestern Sabah, with beaches. Check current access with official sources.

Location: Kuala Penyu Atmosphere: Quiet, local Best for: Relaxation Nearby attractions: Kuala Penyu town Practical tips: Accessible by car. Check swimming conditions. See our Sabah road trip guide.

20. Weston Beach

Weston is a town in southwestern Sabah, with river and coastal areas. Check current access with official sources.

Location: Weston Atmosphere: Quiet, local Best for: River cruises Nearby attractions: Weston river Practical tips: Accessible by car. Check current access. See our Sabah road trip guide.

21. Kuala Penyu Beaches

Kuala Penyu has other beaches. Check current access with official sources.

Location: Kuala Penyu Atmosphere: Quiet, local Best for: Relaxation Nearby attractions: Kuala Penyu town Practical tips: Accessible by car. Check swimming conditions.

22. Sipitang Beach

Sipitang is a town in southwestern Sabah, with coastal areas. Check current access with official sources.

Location: Sipitang Atmosphere: Quiet, local Best for: Relaxation Nearby attractions: Sipitang town Practical tips: Accessible by car. Check swimming conditions. See our Sabah road trip guide.

23. Layang-Layang Beach

Note: Layang-Layang (Swallow Reef) is a remote atoll, not a mainland beach. Access is restricted. Check current access with official sources.

24. Lankayan Island Beach

Note: Lankayan Island is in the Sandakan area, not near Kota Kinabalu. It is a popular island for diving. Check current availability with official operators. See our best places to visit in Sandakan guide.

25. Other Beaches

Sabah has many other beaches, from Kota Kinabalu to Kudat and Semporna. Explore the coast to find your own favourite.

Location: Various Atmosphere: Various Best for: Relaxation Nearby attractions: Various Practical tips: Check swimming conditions. Check current access.

Practical Tips

• Weather: Sabah is tropical year-round. Rain is possible year-round. Check weather conditions before your trip.
• Swimming: Swimming conditions can change. Check current conditions. Follow safety notices. Do not swim alone.
• Sun protection: Bring hats, sunscreen and water.
• Marine park: Some beaches are in marine parks. Follow marine park rules. Do not touch or step on coral. Do not collect marine life.
• Islands: Island access depends on weather and sea conditions. Check current ferry and boat schedules with official operators before travelling.
• Culture: Sabah is multicultural. Respect local customs.

FAQ

What are the best beaches in Sabah?

The best beaches include Tanjung Aru, Manukan Island, Sapi Island and the beaches near Semporna. See our places to visit in Sabah guide.

Can I swim at Sabah beaches?

Swimming conditions can change. Check current conditions. Follow safety notices. Do not swim alone. See our best beaches in Sabah guide.

When is the best time to visit Sabah beaches?

The dry season is generally from March to October, with less rainfall. However, rain is possible year-round. Check weather conditions before your trip. See our places to visit in Sabah guide.

Conclusion

Sabah has some of the best beaches in Malaysia. For more ideas, see our places to visit in Sabah, best things to do in Kota Kinabalu and best islands near Semporna guides. For exploring beyond Sabah, see our Sarawak travel guide guide.