Embark on married life in the most unusual and exotic locations unique to Sabah and Sarawak
With its exotic charm and unspoilt beauty, East Malaysia is undeniably a magnet for lovebirds as much as nature enthusiasts. Blessed with lush virgin rainforests, majestic mountains, mystical caves, and pristine beaches, the Borneon island is poised to woo honeymooners looking for a bit of adventure in the romantic wilderness without compromising on the luxury element of the experience. If you’re scouting for a dream honeymoon spot, there’s nothing East Malaysia doesn’t have to make this one memorable escapade.
For untouched rainforest: Borneo Rainforest Lodge, Sabah
Witnessing the 43,800 hectares of tranquil and undisturbed tropical flora and fauna of Sabah's largest protected Lowland Rainforest, the Danum Valley Conservation Area, is closer than you think at the award-winning Borneo Rainforest Lodge. Check in to the premium villas, which are stylish single-storey and double-storey chalets that also adhere to green conservation standards. When you’re not observing the 340 species of birds, 124 species of mammal, 56 species of amphibians and 200 species of plants, you’ll get to soak in the soothing forest landscape from your chalet’s private outdoor tub, positioned on a spacious viewing deck!
For sunshine and vitamin sea: Gayana Eco Resort
Fuel the love from the remote, coral reef island off the coast of Borneo that Gayana Eco Resort calls home. Also doubling as an ecological marine research centre, the resort is a romantic South China Sea-meets-rainforest beauty in Sabah. There’s no more befitting way to embark on married life than with Gayana’s honeymoon package of picturesque stilted lagoon and ocean villas over the water, and rustic rainforest and palm villas, for couples to choose from, to suit their fancy. The package includes a Honeymoon Adopt-A-Coral program, a champagne breakfast-in-bed and 60 mins Bamboo Massage each, among other thoughtful treats. There’s no short of activities especially for aqua devotees, with snorkelling, kayaking and diving jaunts to spice up your honeymoon.
For cave crawling: Mulu Marriot Resort and Spa, Mulu National Park
Take a step back into prehistoric civilisation of Sarawak’s Mulu Caves – check in for a five-star, tropical honeymoon at the elegant Mulu Marriot Resort & Spa that’s just five minutes from the Guning Mulu National Park. Apart from being a stone’s throw away from the world-famous caves, the resort and spa, modelled after Sarawak’s ethnic longhouse, lets you experience romantic jungle life from their swanky rooms suspended on a forest walkway, which also offers leisurely Balinese-style spa, outdoor pool or a private balcony overlooking the rainforest or the scenic Melinau River. Launch into a lovers’ adventure at the national park, which preserves a collection of rare birds, wildlife, striking flora, and of course, the magnificent caves.
For a native experience: Batang Ai Longhouse Resort by Hilton, Sarawak
Conspiracy can’t get more romantic than on a honeymoon with the love of your life by unravelling the secret of Borneo’s Sarawak tribes at the Batang Ai Longhouse Resort by Hilton! Once there, couples will surrender to the serene, mindful and relaxing hideaway of these timber longhouse luxury rooms surrounded by untouched nature; a scenic lake, warm Iban communities and preserved wildlife. The serene setting encourages intimate quality time for newlyweds, or for a spot of adventure, activities like fishing, jungle trekking and guided nature walks are perfect for getting acquainted with Mother Nature.
For cool highlands: Borneo Highlands Resort
Borneo is also known for its highlands, and there’s no better occasion to experience it than as a newly married couple. Nestled in a lush jungle upon a mountain plateau 1,000 meters above sea, the Borneo Highlands Resort is a cool and serene sanctuary that’s conducive for romance and reflection at the same time. Perched atop the world’s oldest and second largest rainforest, there’s something for everyone, from the enchanting Jungle Spa for pampering needs, to the lush Hornbill Gold Course shrouded in refreshing mountain air. Afterwards, retire to the Albatross Suite, the designated honeymoon suite set in an exotic rainforest backdrop.
Photo Credits: Borneo Rainforest Lodge; Gayana Eco Resort; Mulu Marriot Resort and Spa; Batang Ai Longhouse Resort; Borneo Highlands Resort
