The word ‘thalassophile’ is derived from the Greek term thalassa which means sea and phile which means a person is someone who loves a specific thing. In short, a thalassophile is someone who loves the sea. There is just something about the ocean that draws you, and you enjoy spending time near the sea or in the sea.
And where better to be a thalassophile than the beautiful beaches found in Sabah? Satiate your desire for crystal clear water, long stretches of sand and stunning sunsets at one of these 9 accommodations that is located right by the sea in Sabah.
1. Gayana Marine Resort
Off the coast of Sabah in Gaya Island’s crescent Malohom Bay is the Gayana Marine Resort. Located in a beautiful location, you can have views of the blue sea, mangrove forest, or the tropical rainforest from any one of their unique 52 water tropical villas. Each villa is even specifically designed to enhance the lullaby of the rolling waves beneath! They are also home to the largest giant clam nursery in Sabah – combining marine conservation, comfort and luxury into one beautiful package for the ocean lovers in your life.
Rates: Starting from RM600/night for Rainforest Villa (fits 2 adults and 2 children)
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2. Borneo Beach Villas
Borneo Beach Villas is a beach front property featuring two types of accommodation – Spa Suites and Pool Villas. Hidden on a 7 km pristine white beach and tucked on beautiful, landscaped grounds on the Karambunai Peninsula, you will also be surrounded by a million-year-old tropical rainforest and the distant beauty of Mount Kinabalu as backdrop. You can have your pick of spectacular sea views – whether it’s from a private balcony or a private backyard pavilion. Whichever one you pick; you are guaranteed a relaxing and rejuvenating holiday only a few steps from the beach.
Rates: Starting from RM250/night for the Spa Suite
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3. Bungaraya Island Resort
Located on the other side of the island from Gayana Marine Resort is the exclusive Bungaraya Island Resort. This award-winning, remote resort is nestled in natural rainforest and includes 48 timber villas with traditional Bornean architecture that overlook a magnificent white-sand beach. The resort amazes at every turn, whether you’re sunbathing on the beach, resting at the hilltop spa, enjoying local and international cuisine, or savouring a glass of wine from their renowned wine cellar. It is just the place for a romantic getaway that will delight any thalassophile!
Rates: Starting from RM700/night for Superior Villa (fits 2 pax)
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4. Kotak Kotak
Kotak Kotak is an all-natural resort located along the seashore at the Tip of Borneo, Kudat. The individual cabins are located in a secret wetland garden that is only a short walk from the beach. Each cabin is outfitted with human comfort as top priority – they are fully air conditioned and include a seating area and/or dining area. The lodge also provides a sun terrace where you can soak up some sunlight while listening to the birds sing. Take note that not many food options are available nearby, but you can always prepare some food for a BBQ. Having a BBQ by the sea sounds pretty perfect, doesn’t it?
Rates: Starting from RM199/night for 2 pax
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5. Hibiscus Beach Retreat
Brought to you by the owners of Hibiscus Villa, the Hibiscus Beach Retreat is a treat to any of you who are looking to leave the hustle and bustle of a busy life behind (at least for a few days). The Hibiscus Beach Retreat is the perfect tropical paradise, and it is located a 5-minute drive from the Tip of Borneo in Sabah. Offering two self-contained one-bedroom chalets that are suitable for couple or small families, you’ll have to take a short walk through a jungle path before reaching your accommodation where you will be greeted with the cool sea breeze and the sound of breaking waves.
Rates: Starting from RM595/night for 2 pax
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6. Lato Lato Resort
If you’ve always dreamt of staying at a place where you could just walk out of your door and dive right into the ocean, you might want to give Lato Lato Resort a visit. Built on stilts in the shallow waters off the coast of Semporna, you will literally be surrounded by the sea. Not only that, Lato Lato Resort is the only place that has a panoramic view of the Tun Sakaran Marine Park. There are many activities that you can participate in, and free snorkelling equipment are available for guests to explore the waters there. It’s certainly a wonderful place to spend some time under the sun and in the sea with your family or friends.
Rates: Starting from RM150/night for 1 pax
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7. Scuba Tiger Semporna Holiday Resort
A budget-friendly vacation destination that offers a unique experience that is unlike anything else in the area, the Scuba Tiger Semporna Holiday Resort is a seaside resort located in Semporna. The reason it offers an experience unlike any other place is probably due to the PADI (FYI it stands for Professional Association of Diving Instructors) dive centre that is located within. If you are looking to try scuba diving, you’ll be happy to know that the dive centre offers a variety of skilled and multilingual local dive instructors and dive masters who will be pleased to show you the many wonders of the sea. #TheScubaTigerExperience
Rates: Starting from RM63/night for 1 pax
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8. D View Holiday Homes
D View Holiday Homes is nestled in Pantai Bak Bak and offers 13 fully furnished rooms with gorgeous views of the sea. This one-of-a-kind facility is an accommodation that allows you to experience authentic living in Kudat. Only a 10 minutes’ drive from Kudat town, guests looking for peace and quiet will be able to enjoy and soak in the sights and sounds of nature. Imagine the breeze in your hair, views of beautiful sunsets, and the sound of waves rushing across the sand – oh yes, it sounds like the perfect retreat.
Rates: Starting from RM300/night for 2 pax
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9. 9 Huts on A Hill
Do not be misled by the name – 9 Huts may be located on a private hill, but they offer a pretty spectacular view of the ocean and direct access to the beach! An eco-friendly resort located at the Tip of Borneo, they offer nine exclusive huts for guests to rest, relax, and recharge in. They also conduct yoga retreats regularly with the help of their in-house yoga instructors. Other activities that you can enjoy include swimming and diving, hiking, cycling or you could just get a massage and chill for the entire vacation. Don’t worry, no one is going to judge you.
Rates: Starting from RM192/night
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