4-Star Hotels in Sabah, Malaysia

Three days, two nights, and every day brought a new kind of 'excitement.' Day one, the air conditioning didn't work, there were tons of mosquitoes, and the shower only had cold water. The only decent thing for dinner was the fried shrimp, which disappeared in seconds, and the few other dishes available were practically snatched away. It felt like a refugee experience. Day two, we got a different room. After swimming, I went back to shower, and there was no water, then cold water, then extremely hot water, constantly cycling. The water pressure was also incredibly low; I almost lost my mind trying to rinse the shampoo out of my hair. That night, it was very windy, and there was a lot of noise outside, as if something wasn't properly secured. On the third day, as we were checking out, our luggage was mistakenly taken by a staff member and given to other guests. It was only returned after the other guests realized the error. Our luggage was perfectly fine in the restaurant; how dare you just take it away? Do you have any basic management sense? Of course, the environment is nice, that's the only highlight. Given how expensive it was during Chinese New Year, you should provide a service level that matches the price. The buffet was cafeteria-standard, and we still had to fight for food. Are you not ashamed?

An incredible place that makes you want to return again and again! Waking up every morning to such a view is a true dream. The sunsets here are simply magical, and the sea is clean, warm, and inviting. Our villa wasn't new, but it had absolutely everything needed for a comfortable stay. Special thanks to the administrator, who was always reachable and promptly helped resolve any household issues. This place gave us wonderful memories and a feeling of complete relaxation. If we get the chance, we will definitely come back here again!

✓ Carpark provided (but limited) ✓ Breakfast included (check your booking if it's included) Need RM100 deposit (refundable) Overall cleanliness can be more improved I'm glad the bedsheets are clean So far I enjoyed my stay Will stay again during my next meeting

I chose this hotel for a one-night stay before heading to the overwater bungalow the next day. Although the room facilities were a bit old, they were very clean. There's a convenience store right downstairs, and it's very close to the pier. The sea breeze was a bit loud at night, but the breakfast was excellent and plentiful.

This overwater bungalow requires a boat transfer from Myding Lodge, which takes about 20-25 minutes. It's crucial to contact the hotel in advance to register for fixed boat transfer slots. Before my trip, I saw quite a few negative reviews online, so my expectations weren't high. I even double-checked the exact pick-up point with the hotel multiple times. However, upon arriving at the hotel, the stunning shallow waters and coral reefs along the boardwalk immediately dispelled my initial worries. The natural scenery here is truly exceptional. After a smooth check-in at the lobby, the staff informed us of the specific dining times for breakfast, lunch, afternoon tea, and dinner. We then proceeded to our room. Regarding the actual room experience: the interior tends to be stuffy, and the air conditioning unit is quite noisy. Earplugs are definitely needed for a peaceful night's sleep. The water pressure in the bathroom is low, though not as bad as some reviews claimed (like a mere trickle). However, the faucet couldn't be completely turned off at night, leading to a constant dripping sound that somewhat disturbed our rest. Of course, the room type also had its highlights. I booked the Deluxe room, which came with lounge chairs and a popular hammock net on the balcony, perfect for relaxing in the evening. However, the hammock net was surrounded by wooden boards and nails, making it feel a bit unsafe, so we didn't dare to use it for too long. The room also had a private ladder directly into the sea, which is fantastic for guests who love to swim. The hotel offers complimentary rental services. Snorkeling enthusiasts can borrow masks from the front desk, and kayaks are also available for free, making for an excellent water activity experience. The waters in front of the hotel lobby are rich in coral. The best time for snorkeling is between 3-4 PM daily during high tide, when you can see numerous fish and extensive coral formations, creating a breathtaking view. During our stay, we often encountered Bajau people in small boats selling seafood. I highly recommend bargaining boldly for the best price. After a successful negotiation, you can have the hotel kitchen prepare it. On our first night, the processing fee was 10 MYR per dish, but it increased to 15 MYR on the second night. The prepared dishes were decent and satisfactory for everyday meals. The hotel's own buffet quality was rather average, and dining options would be quite limited if you didn't purchase seafood elsewhere. Overall, the biggest advantage of this overwater bungalow is its excellent privacy. You can quietly await the sunrise in the morning and enjoy the beautiful sunset in the evening, completely undisturbed by others. It's perfectly suited for those seeking a peaceful getaway and a close connection with nature.

I had a pleasant stay at Sutera Mantanani Island Resort and would recommend it to those looking for a relaxing island getaway. The resort offers beautiful ocean views and a clean, well-maintained beach, making it a great place to unwind and enjoy nature. The staff were consistently friendly, helpful, and welcoming throughout the stay. I also appreciated the clear directional signs around the property, which made it easy to locate facilities and navigate the resort. The overall atmosphere was peaceful, relaxing, and perfect for a short escape from the city. For areas of improvement, it would be great if the resort could provide more indoor activities, especially during periods of bad weather when outdoor activities are limited. Additional board games, karaoke sessions, movie nights, or other entertainment options would help keep guests occupied. I also noticed that there were no visible lifeguards or safety personnel around the beachfront and resort areas. Having dedicated safety staff on-site would provide greater peace of mind for guests, particularly families with children. In addition, given the resort’s remote island location, it would be reassuring to know what medical emergency support is available. Clear information about emergency response procedures, first-aid facilities, or access to medical assistance would help guests feel more secure during their stay. Overall, I enjoyed my experience and appreciate the warm hospitality of the staff. With a few enhancements to guest activities and safety measures, the resort could offer an even better experience for future visitors.

Overall, our stay was very good – actually, better than expected! We had a lovely balcony with a nice view. The pool itself was nice – perfect for relaxing after a day of exploring. The apartment was clean and had everything we needed. Staff was helpful. After we checked out, we accidentally left some clothes in the washing machine, and they kindly recovered them for us. That kind of thoughtful service makes all the difference! Downstairs, there are plenty of food options, so you’ll never go hungry. I’d definitely recommend this place for couples or small families looking for a comfortable, well-located base. Great value for money.

Room filtered water has an unpleasant odor. Sutera Avenue lack of management maintenance, parking basement is dirty and dark, corridor amd lift also dirty.

This is my third year in a row staying here when I visit clients. The breakfast is amazing, and the staff are very warm and friendly. When you open the curtains, you're greeted with a beautiful sea view. My clients also rave about the buffet, saying it's incredibly delicious, and they often come here for dinner too.

The scenery is beautiful, surrounded by the 'jellyfish' sea. The in-room facilities are complete and kept very clean. The Xiaomi smart home system in the room is a nice touch, but it's a bit unstable. They provide life jackets and snorkel masks, so you can enjoy free snorkeling. We pre-booked the 45-minute complimentary essential oil spa, and they came to our room, which was very relaxing. My only minor complaint is that the food was the same every day and got a bit boring. If you bring your own snacks, I'd recommend not eating them in the room as it can attract bugs.