Sabah Islands Honeymoon Getaway

Written by Aleena Che Ramli

A Romantic Escape in the Heart of Borneo

Show the one you love what matters most by planning a romantic getaway that is not only memorable but relaxing as well. There are tremendous amazing places to honeymoon in Sabah — from stunning sunsets, pristine lush forests, exceptional wildlife, charming islands and romantic resorts — which begs the question: where do you start first?

If you want to feel like the only two people on earth, a tranquil romantic tropical island of Sabah is the perfect honeymoon destination to start your marriage life together and recover from all the wedding stresses. Secluded chalets, relaxing hammocks, refreshing spas, strolling along the shore, dreamy sunsets and romantic dinners under the stars — the Sabah island honeymoon offers a truly heavenly experience.

With HAK’s World Travel & Tours (formerly Bike and Tours), your every need will be taken care of — all you have to do is enjoy each other’s company to your heart’s content. So, check out these amazing islands that combine tropical surroundings with adventure for the most memorable honeymoon.

---

Pom Pom Island

Pom Pom Island has long been a popular destination for lovebirds due to its picture-perfect island setting and excellent diving sites. If you and your partner are into adventure, consider making your post-wedding vacation a scuba diving excursion. The sea life and rainbow-coloured corals are sights you’ll never forget — and becoming scuba-certified together is a great bonding experience.

Just a 45-minute boat ride from Semporna, Pom Pom Island Resort offers world-class scuba diving courses and modern beach villas. Couples can sunbathe on endless sandy shores, surrounded by turquoise waters and vibrant reefs. Its location allows easy access to over 70 dive sites within 20 minutes, making it one of Sabah’s best underwater destinations.

---

Mataking Island

Only 10 minutes from Pom Pom by speedboat lies Mataking Island — home to The Reef Dive Resort in the Celebes Sea. This privately owned tropical paradise is perfect for couples seeking serenity and simple pleasures of sand, sea, and sky. The 1.4-km island boasts powdery white sands, aquamarine waters, and rich marine life. Kayak, snorkel, or simply float in the clear shallows to explore Mataking’s hidden world.

The island also offers unique day trips to Sipadan Island and hosts Malaysia’s first underwater post office — the wreck of the Sipadan Mermaid. Don’t miss sending a postcard from beneath the waves during your honeymoon dive!

---

Sipadan-Kapalai Resort

If you really want to splurge on an unforgettable adventure, book your honeymoon at the Sipadan-Kapalai Resort. Built on sturdy stilts over the Ligitan Reefs, this floating paradise is designed as a spacious water village featuring 50 elegant wooden chalets with private ocean-view balconies.

Perfect for divers and non-divers alike, the surrounding reefs teem with macro sea life visible just below your room. Enjoy the serenity of the Celebes Sea, breathtaking sunsets, and endless marine encounters — the ideal setting for newlyweds seeking privacy and wonder.

---

Lankayan Island

For total seclusion, head to Lankayan Island — a romantic hidden paradise in the Sulu Sea. Home to only a handful of bungalows, this remote island offers intimacy, pristine beaches, and spectacular snorkeling and diving opportunities.

It’s a nesting ground for both green and hawksbill turtles, and between March and May you may even spot whale sharks. Visitors can adopt a turtle nest or watch hatchlings return to the sea. Whether you prefer a relaxing swim or a marine adventure, Lankayan promises a truly magical honeymoon escape.

---

Selingan Turtle Island

Another enchanting destination for love and conservation is Selingan Turtle Island. About an hour from Sandakan by speedboat, it hosts Sabah’s largest turtle conservation project. Couples can witness turtles nesting and release baby hatchlings into the ocean — a profoundly moving experience to share.

Spend your days basking on golden beaches, snorkeling in clear waters, or napping beneath swaying palms. As night falls, walk hand in hand under a canopy of stars. For sea-loving couples, Selingan offers romance with purpose — and memories to last a lifetime.

---

Gaya Island

Whether you crave relaxation or adventure, Gaya Island delivers both. Located within Tunku Abdul Rahman Marine Park, just 15 minutes from Kota Kinabalu, Gaya Island Resort blends luxury with nature. Relax on pristine beaches, hike through ancient rainforest, or indulge in a couples’ spa experience overlooking the sea.

The resort’s deluxe villas, island-hopping tours, scuba diving sessions, and culinary experiences — from Asian delights to international dishes — make it an idyllic retreat. As the sun sets behind Mount Kinabalu, enjoy a romantic dinner under the stars — a perfect finale to your Sabah honeymoon journey.

Return to Sabah – Natural Wonders of Borneo and discover more of the “Land Below the Wind” — from misty rainforests and mountain trails to rivers, wildlife, and tropical islands.

---