KUCHING: With Kaamatan and Gawai celebrations approaching, many travellers are taking the opportunity to explore the natural beauty and cultural charm of Sabah and Sarawak through unique accommodation experiences across Malaysian Borneo.
From secluded rainforest cabins and riverside retreats in Sarawak to mountain villas overlooking Mount Kinabalu in Sabah, the harvest festival season offers visitors a chance to unwind while immersing themselves in the region’s landscapes, traditions and festive atmosphere.
Among the standout stays in Sabah is Secret Villa Kudat, a countryside retreat tucked away in Kudat featuring a loft-style layout and hidden garden surrounded by greenery.
Designed for couples and small families, the accommodation offers a quiet escape from city life, with nearby ATV trails and opportunities to enjoy local festive delicacies such as hinompuka under the cool evening air.
In Sarawak, Pinggir Siak near Kuching offers guests an off-grid rainforest experience along the Adis River.
Visitors are required to take a short jungle trek before arriving at the riverside cabin, where a deck overlooking flowing waters, barbecue facilities and a fully equipped kitchen create a serene setting for a nature retreat during the festive season.
Kuching’s urban accommodation scene also continues attracting visitors seeking a blend of greenery and modern comfort.
Durian Burung House combines tropical-inspired architecture with landscaped gardens, exposed staircases and an indoor fish pond, creating a tranquil atmosphere within the city.
Another notable stay, LintangCorner, features a spacious bungalow concept with an “indoor jungle” ambience, complete with rooftop space and large communal areas suitable for family gatherings and festive celebrations.
Meanwhile, Kundasang in Sabah remains a popular destination for travellers hoping to wake up to views of Mount Kinabalu.
W Villa 8 offers panoramic mountain and valley views directly from the rooms, providing a cool highland getaway for families and groups.
Paphio Villa, another accommodation in the area, features floor-to-ceiling windows framing Mount Kinabalu, alongside indoor and outdoor kitchens, barbecue facilities, recreational spaces and private lounging areas designed for group gatherings.
Guests staying there also have the opportunity to prepare or enjoy local delicacies such as hinava and pinaasakan during the festive period.
For those preferring coastal escapes, Hibiscus Villa along Sabah’s west coast offers a tropical retreat surrounded by lush greenery and views of the South China Sea.
The villa features landscaped gardens, open living spaces and an 18-metre infinity pool, while a jungle pathway leads visitors to a quiet white sandy beach nearby.
The harvest festivals continue to draw both local and international travellers to Sabah and Sarawak, with many taking the opportunity to experience the region’s hospitality, traditional celebrations and diverse natural attractions.
