Best Summer Beach Destinations in Sandakan, Sabah, Malaysia
1. Silam Bay
Experience pristine white sand and crystal-clear waters at Silam Bay, a hidden gem in Sandakan. The bay offers stunning views of the Sulu Sea and is perfect for snorkeling and diving.
- Snorkeling Opportunities: Abundant marine life, including turtles and colorful coral reefs.
- Off-the-beaten-path: Less crowded than other beaches in Sandakan, offering a more peaceful experience.
- Scenic Views: Beautiful sunrises and sunsets over the Sulu Sea.
2. Sembulan Island
Sembulan Island is a tropical paradise with powdery white sand beaches and clear turquoise waters. It's known for its stunning coral reefs and abundant marine life.
- Diving and Snorkeling: Vibrant coral reefs teeming with diverse marine life.
- Island Escape: A perfect destination for those seeking a relaxing island getaway.
- Turtle Sanctuary: The island is home to a turtle sanctuary, where you can learn about and help protect these majestic creatures.
3. Lankayan Island
Lankayan Island offers a unique experience with its turtle monitoring project. The island also boasts stunning beaches and excellent diving opportunities.
- Turtle Monitoring Project: A chance to learn about and help protect sea turtles.
- Diving Opportunities: Explore diverse marine life, including sharks, rays, and turtles.
- Romantic Getaway: A secluded island perfect for couples seeking a romantic escape.
4. Sugud Island
Sugud Island offers pristine beaches and is a great spot for birdwatching. The island is also home to a turtle hatchery.
- Birdwatching: Opportunities to observe various bird species, including the Brahminy Kite and White-bellied Sea Eagle.
- Turtle Hatchery: A chance to learn about and help protect sea turtles.
- Pristine Beaches: Beautiful, unspoiled beaches perfect for relaxing.
5. Bohey Dulit Island
Bohey Dulit Island is famous for its snorkeling and diving opportunities. The island also offers a rainforest hike.
- Snorkeling and Diving: Vibrant coral reefs teeming with diverse marine life.
- Rainforest Hike: Explore the island's lush rainforest and spot wildlife such as proboscis monkeys and macaques.
- Secluded Beach: A secluded beach perfect for relaxation.
6. Rainbow Reef
Rainbow Reef offers spectacular snorkeling and diving opportunities with its colorful coral reefs. The reef is also home to a variety of marine life.
- Snorkeling and Diving: Vibrant coral reefs teeming with diverse marine life.
- Colorful Coral Reefs: Stunning, colorful coral formations make for amazing photos.
- Marine Biodiversity: The opportunity to observe a wide variety of marine life, including turtles and sharks.
7. Mabul Island
Mabul Island is a popular destination for divers, offering world-class diving opportunities. The island also has beautiful beaches and a vibrant local community.
- World-Class Diving: Dive with sharks, turtles, and other marine life in crystal-clear waters.
- Vibrant Local Community: Experience the local culture and meet friendly locals.
- Beautiful Beaches: Relax on beautiful, white-sand beaches.
8. Kapala-Telipok Beach
Kapala-Telipok Beach offers a unique experience with its mud volleyball court and fishing village. The beach also has beautiful sunset views.
- Mud Volleyball Court: Play a game of volleyball on a sand-mixed-with-mud court.
- Fishing Village: Explore the local fishing village and learn about the local way of life.
- Sunset Views: Enjoy stunning sunset views over the South China Sea.
9. Tanjung Aru Beach
Tanjung Aru Beach offers a mix of city and beach life. The beach has a long stretch of white sand and is perfect for swimming.
- City and Beach Life: Experience the best of both worlds: city amenities and beach relaxation.
- Long Stretch of Sand: A long, uninterrupted stretch of white sand for relaxing and sunbathing.
- Swimming Opportunities: Safe swimming conditions with lifeguards on duty.
10. Pulau Seludit
Pulau Seludit offers a remote, secluded beach experience. The island is also known for its snorkeling and diving opportunities.
- Secluded Beach Experience: A peaceful, remote beach getaway.
- Snorkeling and Diving: Vibrant coral reefs teeming with diverse marine life.
- Remote Location: A chance to escape the crowds and experience a truly unique location.
11. Pulau Sulabayan
Pulau Sulabayan offers a secluded beach experience with crystal-clear waters. The island is also known for its turtle hatchery.
- Secluded Beach Experience: A peaceful, remote beach getaway.
- Turtle Hatchery: A chance to learn about and help protect sea turtles.
- Crystal-Clear Waters: Swim in crystal-clear waters surrounded by beautiful coral reefs.
12. Pulau Gaya
Pulau Gaya offers a mix of beach relaxation and jungle adventure. The island is also home to the Borneo Rainforest Lodge.
- Beach and Jungle Adventure: Experience both beach relaxation and rainforest adventure.
- Borneo Rainforest Lodge: Stay at the luxurious Borneo Rainforest Lodge, offering a unique jungle experience.
- Marine Life: Snorkel and dive among diverse marine life in the surrounding waters.
13. Sepilok Beach
Sepilok Beach offers a mix of relaxation and adventure. The beach is located near the Sepilok Orangutan Rehabilitation Centre.
- Relaxation and Adventure: Experience both relaxation and adventure with the nearby Orangutan Rehabilitation Centre.
- Orangutan Rehabilitation Centre: Learn about and observe orangutans up close at the rehabilitation centre.
- Adventure Activities: Partake in adventure activities such as jungle trekking and river rafting.
14. Sibuan Island
Sibuan Island offers a secluded, peaceful beach experience. The island is also known for its diving opportunities.
- Secluded Beach Experience: A peaceful, remote beach getaway.
- Diving Opportunities: Explore diverse marine life in crystal-clear waters.
- Remote Location: A chance to escape the crowds and experience a truly unique location.
15. Sapi Island
Sapi Island offers a mix of relaxation and adventure. The island is known for its snorkeling opportunities and jungle trekking.
- Relaxation and Adventure: Experience both relaxation and adventure with snorkeling and jungle trekking.
- Snorkeling Opportunities: Swim among diverse marine life in vibrant coral reefs.
- Jungle Trekking: Explore the island's lush jungle and spot wildlife such as proboscis monkeys and macaques.