Spectacular Shores: Exploring the Stunning Beaches of Malaysian Borneo

The Malaysian Borneo is the eastern tip of the Malaysian peninsular. It features many unexplored and undiscovered elements. Borneo Malaysia also features some gorgeous beaches that can redefine and reimagine your seaside experience.

Due to its raw essence and nature elements, there are many things to do in Malaysian Borneo that capture tourists’ and visitors’ assiduity across all age groups. The gorgeous beaches in Malaysian Borneo are some of the must-visit attractions in Borneo. If you plan to skip them, you are committing a cardinal sin. We have collated a small list of some of the best beaches on the Borneo tip that will help you maximize your merriment quotient in your Malaysian peninsular vacation. Visiting these beaches are some of the best things to do in Borneo as well.

Top Beaches In Malaysian Borneo

1. Tanjung Aru

Stretching lavishing over a coastline of 2 kilometers, Tanjung Aru is one of the raw beaches untouched by human development. Several local restaurants and food stalls are found in abundance that offer plenty of local variables to the visitors and tourists. Sunset is mesmerizing, and several locals socialize towards the latter half of the day. The vibrant Perdana Park lights up the entire evening with a live musical show.

Best Time to Visit: March to October

2. Tunku Abdul Rahman Marine Park

It features five islands that are placed very close to each other, giving you instant access to gorgeous islands blessed with clean fine sand gravels and crystal clear waters that are almost a quarter-mile long. Manukan, the second largest island, features Borneo’s best places to visit on every list. With easy accessibility features, plenty of snorkeling, and scuba diving opportunities, you will not have a minute of idleness here.

Best Time to Visit: April to October

3. Permai Private beach

All beaches of Borneo Malaysia are gorgeous. However, Permai Rainforest Resort, located on the Permai Private beach, has caught the attention of the tourist population who visit the area. With the neighboring attractions like Mount Santubong and Bako National Park, the Permai Private beach offers plenty of secluded spots for private and intimate moments with your partner. The abundance of boulders on the shoreline may not offer an ideal place for the sunbathers. However, don’t miss out on the natural rock pool in the neighboring rainforest that falls just before the beach.

Best Time to Visit: May to September

4. Pantai Dalit Beach

Dangerous currents constantly surrounding the beach don’t stop people from looking to explore this gorgeous strip of white sand and crystal-clear water. The Shangri-La Rasa Ria, a five-star resort, is housed on Dalit Beach. There are plenty of things to do in Malaysian Borneo’s Pantai Dalit Beach, like the visiting discovery center, natural reserve, and miles of unexplored jungle hiking trails. Experience an unlimited round of exotic and rejuvenating escapades no matter which age group you fall into.

Best Time to Visit: June to September

5. Pulau Tiga

This island in the Sabah region of Borneo Malaysia was not known to humanity and tourism as late as the early 2000s. However, ever since featuring in the first American series of “Survivor: Borneo,” it has quickly come into prominence and recognition due to its pristine white sandy features, tropical jungle, and active mud volcanoes spread over a 1500-acre land giving it an exotic appeal.

Best Time to Visit: March to October

6. Mabul Beach

One of the best beaches and among the best places to visit in Borneo, Mabul beach is overflowing with tourists and visitors who look to dive and explore the turquoise bed surface of the beach. Snorkeling, water sports, and beach walking are very common here. Many people visit this place to unwind themselves from their daily routine lives.

Best Time to Visit: March to August

7. Bakam Beach

The locals fondly call it the “Hawaii Beach” due to its gorgeous settings, attractive picnic spots, and plenty of adventurous indulgences. This beach regularly features in every list of the must-visit attractions in Borneo. Being undeveloped, idyllic, and palm-lined, don’t be surprised by the amount of littering done at this beach. Unfortunately, the resorts don’t take any responsibility for cleaning it up.

Best Time to Visit: May to September

Few More Remote Beaches in Borneo Malaysia

Investing too much time in the Borneo beaches is a good thing to do. That’s because it completely changes your outlook towards life. You feel so relaxed and refreshed just stepping a foot on these gorgeous beaches. There are plenty of remote islands that have caught the attention of tourists and visitors due to their magnificent underwater treasures.

1. Montana Islands

Thatched bungalows nestled amongst dense, towering trees fringe the white sandy beaches of the Montana Islands. This hidden gem offers a true escape from the hustle and bustle, promising serenity, and a deep connection with nature. Imagine waking up to the gentle sound of waves lapping against the shore, breathing in the fresh ocean air, and spending your days swimming in crystal-clear waters or exploring the lush surroundings.

Best Time to Visit: April to October

2. Derawan Islands

Bordering Indonesia, the Derawan Islands boast some of Borneo Malaysia’s most offbeat and breathtaking beaches. Unlike some of the more remote islands, Derawan is one of the inhabited islands, offering a unique blend of natural beauty and local culture. While a few islands are only accessible for day trips, some offer basic accommodation, allowing you to immerse yourself in the island’s charm for a longer stay.

Best Time to Visit: March to October

3. Lankayan Island

Lankayan Island is an exotic haven for those seeking an encounter with majestic whale sharks. Imagine snorkeling alongside these gentle giants in crystal-blue waters, an experience that will leave you awestruck and humbled. Beyond the incredible marine life, Lankayan Island offers a peaceful escape for those seeking relaxation and rejuvenation.

Best Time to Visit: March to October

4. Tanjung Batu Beach

Located on the eastern coast of Sabah, near the town of Sandakan, Tanjung Batu Beach is a secluded paradise. Accessible by boat, this beach boasts pristine white sand, crystal-clear waters, and a laid-back atmosphere. Visitors can enjoy swimming, sunbathing, and snorkeling in the vibrant coral reefs teeming with marine life.

Best Time to Visit: June to August

5. Selingan Island

Part of the Turtle Islands National Park, Selingan Island is a haven for endangered sea turtles like the Green and Hawksbill turtles. This island offers a unique opportunity to witness these magnificent creatures nesting on the shore at night. While development on the island is minimal, basic accommodation is available for those who wish to experience this unforgettable encounter with nature.

Best Time to Visit: March to September

Things to do in the Malaysian Borneo beaches

The most common things to do on the Malaysian Borneo beaches are snorkeling, diving, surfing, stand-up paddling, kayaking, primarily due to the inhabited and raw nature of the area. Blue Fin is an established company that provides diving opportunities, including mentoring sessions. Shark watching and chasing is a very common activity witnessed across all beaches. Due to the underdeveloped regions, traditional-style barbecue is very popular here. You can procure fresh fish and local groceries from the market to start your barbecue in the backyard.

Snorkeling : Snorkel the clear waters along the Borneo coast to spot vibrant coral reefs and tropical fish. Many beaches offer snorkeling gear rentals and guided snorkeling tours of top sites.

Diving : Explore deeper underwater territory by scuba diving or free diving off the Borneo beaches. Dive centers offer certification courses, equipment, and dives for both beginners and experienced divers.

Surfing : Test your balance riding waves along Borneo’s surf beaches that benefit from swells and offshore winds. Surf shops rent boards and provide lessons if you’re looking to catch your first waves.

Stand-up paddling :  Paddle through the shimmering coastline waters while getting a full body workout on a stand-up paddleboard. Rent boards right on the beach or join a paddling eco tour through mangrove forests.

Kayaking : Kayak along remote stretches of shoreline and wind through maze-like mangroves for up-close beach and wildlife viewing. Both single and tandem kayaks are available to rent for self-guided trips or tours.

Borneo beaches are the must-visit attractions in Borneo that are blessed with incredible natural vistas surrounded by mangroves, rocky shores, and tiny coral islands. Enjoy plenty of relaxing moments due to the secluded location of these beaches. This is your chance to explore the incredible accessible beaches of Borneo Malaysia for a relaxing holidays, Book your Malaysia visa now!

FAQ’s About Malaysian Borneo Beaches