Sabah, located in Malaysia Borneo, boasts some of the world's breathtaking sunsets, quiet and long beaches to relax in peace, and numerous small islands to discover. Here’s a fun fact: Malaysia has a total of 878 islands and Sabah holds the record of the highest number, boasting nearly 400 islands. It’s no surprise that this state is recognized as a popular beach destination for many tourists.

Sabah is often referred to as the ‘Land Beneath the Wind’ due to its location 6ᵒ north of the equator. As a tropical country, Sabah maintains year-round summer temperatures, ranging from 22 to 33 degrees Celsius in most locations. That also means the beach’s beauty is preserved, and the corals are in better condition than elsewhere. Diving in Sipadan proves this as well.

When you visit Sabah, beach hopping can be your top activity since there are various options, ranging from free entry spots to isolated islands that may require additional spending.

So, beach lovers, get ready to stroll along Sabah’s best beaches that we recommend for you, let’s check this out!

Tanjung Aru Beach is located approximately 6 km from Kota Kinabalu. It has become one of Sabah's most popular attractions and has a special place in the hearts of every local.

The beach is one of the best places to see a spectacular sunset. Tanjung Aru is divided into three sections, known as the First, Second and Third beaches. There are several activities that you can do here. You can either jog or stroll along the stretchy sandy beach. If you are hungry, you can buy food from hawker stalls, restaurants or beachside cafes. Tanjung Aru Beach's nightlife contrasts dramatically with its gorgeous daytime ambiance, with loud music and entertainment everywhere.

Location: Tanjung Aru Beach Resort, Tanjung Aru, 88100, Kota Kinabalu, Sabah Malaysia.

Open Hours: 10 AM - 11 PM

Ticket Price: Free entry

Tun Sakaran Marine Park is located close to the east coast of Sabah, right on the edge of Darvel Bay. It’s about a 20 km drive from the town of Semporna. You need to take a speedboat for approximately 45 minutes to visit this place. Prepare yourself for a breathtaking sight: eight magnificent islands surrounded by the most beautiful reefs and water. Tun Sakaran Marine Park doesn’t have fancy facilities for tourists. Nonetheless, visitors are welcome to check out the awesome dive spots with snorkels and scuba gear for a day trip.

Location: Semporna, Sabah, Malaysia

Open Hours: 24 Hours

Ticket Price:

Labuan Beach is located on the outskirts of Labuan Town in the island’s south east corner. This is the nearest beach to Labuan city, so it’s popular with locals but not packed with people. The beach is wide, sandy, and immaculate clean. The beach offers stunning views of the North Borneo coast across the sea. The entrance is free and there are few parking areas. Set up your own grill for a memorable experience.

Location: Bandar Labuan, 87000 Labuan, Sabah, Malaysia

Open Hours: 24 hours

Ticket Price: Free entry

Facing by the South China Sea, Layang-Layang Beach is a popular weekend destination for residents. Visitors can also enjoy free entertainment, such as live band performances on weekends and during holidays. It is recommended to rent a car and embark on a tour to this location. Besides enjoying nature’s beauty, you can have extra fun at Layang-Layang beach. Take a walk by the shores, beach picnic, or cycling for a relaxed ride around the beach.

Location: Layang-Layang Beach, 87000 Labuan, Sabah, Malaysia

Open Hours: 24 hours

Ticket Price: Free entry

Kelambu Beach is like a hidden gem for your own beach adventure. Even though not many people know about it, it is one of the most beautiful beaches in Sabah. It has crystal blue water and breathtaking expanses of white sandy beach. You can blast in the water with activities like water skiing, swimming, snorkeling, and speedy boat rides. It is the greatest location just to lie back and relax with your loved one. Kelambu Beach is for everyone to enjoy despite its lack of facilities. There are also resting pavilions and barbeque pits for visitors who want to cook their food here.

Location: Kelambu Beach, 89050 Kudat, Sabah, Malaysia

Open Hours: 24 hours

Ticket Price: Free entry

Bak-Bak Beach is a wide coastline with a sparkling turquoise ocean and bright sand and rock cover. The beach is near the town of Kudat, approximately 11 km away to the north. The water on this beach is crystal clear and shallow, and you can walk 100 meters from the shores. When the tide is high, it is ideal for swimming. The beach has colorful decorations and photo booth spots. The facilities, such as public toilets, are available here. Bak-Bak beach is a quiet beach, the peak is only on the weekends by the locals. So this is the best place for you to relax or visit with your family.

Location: Bak-Bak Beach, 89050 Kudat, Sabah, Malaysia

Open Hours: 24 hours

Ticket Price: Free entry

Tindakon Dazang is known as one of the most beautiful beaches located about 35 minutes away from Kudat. This beach is a popular option for locals to spend their weekends or during school break holidays. Visitors can enjoy activities such as strolling along the beach, kayaking, swimming, camping, and more. The entrance fee is RM 2 for adults and RM 1 for children. There are also restaurants here, so you don’t have to carry your own food.

Location: Jalan Minyak, 89050 Kudat, Sabah, Malaysia

Open Hours: 8 AM - 5 PM

Ticket Price: Adult RM 2 Children RM 1

The Outdoor Development Centre of the University Malaysia Sabah is one of the public beaches near Kota Kinabalu. The university maintains the beach, which serves as an ideal location for the university’s conservation programmes. There are sports like horseback riding, ATV riding, archery and fishing. If you just want to chill, you can set up a picnic on the clean, peaceful beach and enjoy the sun. Also, you can visit the nearby Aquarium and Marine Museum or grab a bite to eat at Marina Cafe.

Location: UMS ODEC, 88400, Kota Kinabalu, Sabah, Malaysia

Open Hours: 24 hours

Ticket Price: Free entry

Badarag Sikuati is a calm and peaceful beach located in Kudat, around 20 km from the city. This beach is a great spot for photo-lovers. There’s a cool bridge path is perfect for snapping pics with scenic views. It was made by the locals who own the floating restaurant there. To get in, you have to pay RM 5, which you can use as a discount voucher if you decide to eat there. This beach is awesome for family and friends who want to relax, enjoy affordable food, and try fun activities like banana boat rides.

Location: Mojin Seafood Restaurant and Beach Resort, Kampung, 89050, Kudat, Sabah, Malaysia

Open Hours: 8 AM - 10 PM

Ticket Price: RM 5

Kenangan Beach or also known as Bowangan Beach is one of the best places to catch sunset. The beach is wide and pristine, so you can jog or walk here. There are public facilities such as public toilets or shower rooms, parking areas and food stalls with affordable prices. This beach is popular among the locals that’s why it is less polluted than any public beach. Calming and relaxing surroundings make Kenangan Beach the best option for those who are seeking a peaceful beach.

Location: Jalan Pantai Kenangan, Papar, Sabah, Malaysia

Open Hours: 24 hours

Ticket Price: Free entry

Sabandar Beach is located in Tuaran and has the best spot to see a spectacular sunset over the South China sea. The beach is clean and not crowded unless on weekends or public holidays. This Is the perfect place to spend with your family and friends. Visitors can have a blast doing lots of activities, whether swimming, sunbathing, or picnicking. No need to worry about snacks because there are stalls around where you can buy food.

Location: Sabandar Beach, Tuaran, Sabah, Malaysia

Open Hours: 24 hours

Ticket Price: RM 1

Dalit Beach is situated in Tuaran District, 21.1 km from the city, Kota Kinabalu. The beach is located in an urban area. You can enjoy an amazing sunset here and the parking area is only 300 meters away. If you want to enjoy the beach and have excellent facilities, you can stay at a resort near the beach. Visitors can sunbathe or wander along the stretchy sandy beach.

Location: Dalit Beach, 89200 Tuaran, Sabah, Malaysia

Open Hours: 24 Hours

Ticket Price: Free entry

Manukan Island is the second biggest island in Malaysia’s first marine park, Tunku Abdul Rahman National Park. Lots of people visit because of its beautiful beaches, great snorkeling and diving spots, and many sea animals to see. You can also go hiking, picnic, and find different places to stay and eat. It’s easy o to get there with a short boat ride from Kota Kinabalu, so it's a perfect day trip for tourists.

Location: Manukan Island, Tunku Abdul Rahman National Park, Kota Kinabalu, Sabah, Malaysia

Open Hours: 24 hours

Ticket Price:

Mengalum Island is an island in Malaysia’s South China Sea located in the west coast region of Sabah. The island is famous for tourists, both local and international. It takes a one-hour boat ride from the city, Kota Kinabalu. The gorgeous blue water, soft and delicate sandy beach offer all it should. If you are looking for a serene beach to relax, enjoy the nature and sea waves around, this island is the best choice for you.

Location: Mengalum Island, Kota Kinabalu, 88000, Sabah, Malaysia

Open Hours: 24 hours

Ticket Price: RM 288- RM300 (ticket prices may vary, including an island tour, the island did not accept walk-in customers)

Sapi Island is voted as the most favorite place in Sabah by tourists. It is part of Tunku Abdul Rahman Marine Park and the second smallest island. Sapi Island is an awesome destination to soak in the blue sky, white sandy beach, crystal clear seawater, and rainforest. This island is the perfect place for diving and snorkeling for those who are seeking water activities. Also, swimming in the ideal temperature of the beautiful blue waters between this island and the others is a really cool experience, too!

Location: Pulau Sapi, Kota Kinabalu, 88000, Sabah, Malaysia

Open Hours: 8 AM - 10 PM

Ticket Price:

So there you have it, the 15 best beaches in Sabah, Malaysia, each offering a unique blend of natural beauty and exciting activities. Whether you are diving, enjoying the tranquility, or even exploring the vibrant sea and beach, Sabah’s beaches offer something to every beach enthusiast. So what are you waiting for? Book your flight and accommodation with Traveloka and explore more fun activities in Sabah to elevate your experience!

Explore further detailed recommendations about Sabah:

Kid-Friendly Trip & Things To Do in Kinabalu

The Ultimate Guide Trip to Semporna in Sabah, Malaysia

Trip to Sabah: A Guide for Hotels and Must Visit Sabah Attractions