Borneo/Malaysia - Beach Stay Recommends

[RolyPolyLilBatFacedGirl]

Help!!!

I've booked a surprise trip for DH upcoming "big" bday... and need help with the final leg...

Trip so far:

KL -3D/2N
Wildlife Rainforest Tour (Sukau Rainforest Lodge 2N / Utan Rainforest Lodge 2N) - 5D/4N

I plan to finish the trip with a 6D/5N stay at a beach resort before departing back to London from KL - Should we stay in Borneo (KK) or onward to one of the other Malay islands??

I want something with a bit of luxury (but not eye-wateringly expensive) to lounge/relax/snorkel/dive & preferably with a FB/AI option! - any & all suggestions greatly appreciated...

Its in Sept so not long to go and need to finalise - greatly appreciate any advice

Thanks in Advance

We went to the Perhentian Islands many years ago and they were absolutely beautiful, amazing snorkelling and beautiful Sandy beaches. They are quite small though and back then were very undeveloped, I’m not sure what they’re like now. It’s worth checking out what the weather will be like when you’re there, one of the reason we went to the Perhentians was because it was dry that side but rainy season in Langkawi on the other side (this was in august). .

Thank you @2catsand2kids Perhentian Islands weren't on my radar but look amazing...

You could look at the Gaya island resort or Shangri-la Rasa ria in KK, Borneo, or Pangkor Laut off the west coast or the Tanjong Jara on the East coast of mainland Malaysia. Or Tiger rock on Pangkor island, Sea Gypsy village on Sibu island, Japamala on Tioman island, the E and O in Penang, Bon Ton on Langkawi...

Lots of beautiful places. Have a lovely time - I used to live in Borneo.

I've looked at the first 2 but i'll be sure to check out your other recommends thank you @southchinasea

@RolyPolyLilBatFacedGirl did you book somewhere? I'm looking for similar for next year.

Please report back once you're home. I'm also interested in the Sukaku/Urban wildlife tour!

Have just returned from 16 days in Borneo.
Split the last week between the Rasa Ria and then Gaya Island. They are very different!
Gaya Island is quiet and remote, good snorkelling and diving (also paddle boarding and kayaking). Eco luxury. Limited dining options.
RR an all dancing 5 star with all mod cons and multiple restaurants and pools. Didn't even get in the sea!! (It was also overrun with Chinese tourists)

Gaya Island infinitely preferable from my point of view but everyone is different. If you did a whole week on Gaya Island though you'd either come back seriously chilled or very bored!

@Stowickthevast

I have just booked with a Freedom Destinations for next year. KL, Borneo & Singapore. Our 'beach bit' is the shangri la tanjung aru in Kota Kinabalu.

Hi so we booked our tours with Borneo Eco Tours- we stayed at Sukau Rainforest Lodge (highlight of our trip) lots of tours and river cruises and so much wildlife Our guide was also Amazing!! and then onto Utan... (great lodge lovely people but felt the proposition here is not yet established- its new and at the back of of a palm plantation - would not reccomend) - decided on Gaya Island Resort and was exactly what we needed after lots of moving around and very earlier starts. Chilled days, with snorkeling, kayaking, Paddle boarding at leisure!

Thanks for your suggestions - Perhentian Isles are defo on the list for next visit... just felt a little too much travel this time for a relatively short trip... DH was defo ready to stop & relax after the first half of our trip! Gaya worked for us!

So glad you had a great time, it sounds amazing.

We loved Sukau rainforest lodge too