|Minimum Stay||1 night|
|Living space||6000 square feet|
Suitable for childrenYes
Suitable for the elderlyYes
|Theme||Luxury, Romantic, Wilderness, Away from it all, Beach, Tropical|
Description from the owner
A truly idyllic and luxurious holiday villa nestled amongst a former coconut plantation on the stunning north coast of Sabah, near the famous Tip of Borneo. Sleeping eight persons (6 + 2) in the ultimate luxury and privacy, Hibiscus Villa blends harmoniously into the natural landscape of exotic Malaysian Borneo.
The villa is breathtaking. Built with relaxation in mind, it boasts large open living spaces both inside and out. The focal point of the property is the 18 metre long Infinity pool which extends into the villa, creating a stunning feature.
The property is set in over 2 acres of landscaped tropical gardens, overlooking the...Read more
Hibiscus Villa Borneo
Kota Kinabalu, Sabah, Malaysia
Additional Location Information
Hibiscus Villa is situated in an enviable and secluded position within the Kudat Peninsula in northern Borneo, about 150 kilometres north east of the capital, Kota Kinabalu. It is located amongst a diverse natural environment of undulating hills and valleys lined with lush forests and a pristine, coral-fringed coastline with secluded coves, white sandy beaches and clear azure waters.
The nearest town, Kudat, a commercial fishing port, is a 20 minute drive away. It has a wide range of restaurants, shops and banks, with daily markets, an 18-hole golf course and marina, a fresh fish market and hospital. The villa is a 5 minute drive from Borneo's northern most tip, the famed landmark, Simpang Mengayau, or the Tip of Borneo.
Things To Do
True virgin rainforests with exotic wildlife, fine sandy beaches and colourful coral reefs, the highest mountain in South East Asia and a rich cultural heritage await those who come to Sabah. Hibiscus Villa is perfectly located for the simple pleasures in life - a quiet stroll along the beach, an afternoon snooze by the pool, a sunset cocktail on the balcony.
Within the immediate area of the villa there is lots to do:
Explore the area's numerous beaches and bays and take a refreshing dip in the sea - Kelambu is noted as being one of the best beaches in Sabah.
Walk to the Tip of Borneo, passing through kampungs and the stunning three kilometre long beach of Pantai Kalampunian.
Try your skill at fishing, a local may even give you some handy tips.
Discover the magnificent underwater life while snorkelling among the many reefs (limited equipment can be supplied on request).
Enjoy a leisurely stroll through Hibiscus Villa's garden to the beach gazebo.
Take a challenging trek through the jungle.
The local area
Being in the midst of the world's most diverse setting, if you want to venture away from Hibiscus Villa for the day then there is a wealth of exciting excursions and activities to experience:
Visit even more beaches, just as beautiful and secluded as the ones by Hibiscus Villa.
Give your senses a pleasure by visiting the many local markets in the area and experience the amazing colours and smells of the exotic fruit and spices and the intricate handicraft of the Rungus tribe.
Wander around the bustling fish port in Kudat.
Learn about the area's culture by visiting long houses, temples and the nearby gong village.
Play a round of golf at the Kudat Golf and Country Club, the oldest course in Sabah and once twinned with the world famous St Andrews.
The rest of Sabah
Trek to the 4,095 metre (13,435 feet) summit of Mount Kinabalu and await the magical sunrise or take one of the many less challenging guided trails within the national park.
Scuba dive some of the best dive sites in the world, including the famous Sipadan Island.
Play on the many golf courses, from extreme terrain mountain to gentle coastal.
Indulge in a relaxing spa treatment - try the indigenous Borneo approach, which remains mystically unknown to the rest of the world.
Unwind at Poring Hot Springs.
Enjoy a morning with the Orang Utans at the Sepilok Orang Utan Sanctuary.
Take a river cruise down the Kinabatangan River and catch sight of proboscis monkeys, orang utans, pigmy elephants and juvenile crocodiles.
Go on an eco-tour to earth's last pristine virgin forests - the steep canyon slopes of Maliau Basin, known as "The Lost World", the mud volcanoes and salt water springs in Tabin and the primary lowland rainforest of Danum Valley.
Watch the skilled harvesters at the Gomantong Cave, described by the WWF as the "best-managed edible birds' nest cave in the world".
Visit the beautiful gardens of the Kundasang War Memorial, commemorating the brave Australian and British Prisoners of War who died in Sandakan and during the infamous death marches to Ranau during World War II.
There are so many other activities to choose from, including white water rafting, sea kayaking, deep sea fishing, motor biking, horse riding and island hopping.
Location Type Away from it all, Beach, Tropical
Rates shown in $ USD (change)
|Rate Summary||$800 - $1,100||$800 - $1,100||$0||$0||1 night|
|Oct. 11 2012 - Dec. 18 2012
|Dec. 19 2012 - Jan. 2 2013
|Jan. 3 2013 - Feb. 7 2013
|Feb. 8 2013 - Feb. 12 2013
|Feb. 13 2013 - Mar. 28 2013
|Can't find rates for your travel dates? Contact the owner|
|Mar. 29 2013 - Apr. 1 2013
|Apr. 2 2013 - Dec. 18 2013
|Dec. 23 2013 - Jan. 2 2014
|All Other Dates||$850||$850||-||-||1 night|
|View all 9 Rate Periods|
- Additional guests - $40 / person - Per-Person Adjustment - Fee applies to parties of more than guest(s)
Additional notes from owner
Price includes breakfast each morning. Based on 6 adults and up to 2 children (under 10 yrs). Additional guests to be charged extra. Flexible food packages available. Please go to our website for further pricing details - www.hibiscusvillaborneo.com
AvailableUnavailable Last updated: May 10, 2013 ◀▶
What Past Guests Are Saying
London, United Kingdom
The Perefct holiday in Paradise
Wow...really this villa is unbelievable.
It looks incredible from the brochure/website, but despite this our expectations were far exceeded. The fact that the location is so remote adds to the dream-like quality of the place. Surrounded by coconut trees and with the beautiful beach a short walk away, and with literally barely any other people around it is truly unique. When we thought couldn't get any better we went for a snorkel just to the right hand side of the closet beach, and there was a coral reef. The water was crystal clear and we saw all sorts of marine life. You would expect to have to go to a tiny coral reef island to find snorkeling of this standard.
The villa itself is luxury personified. 3 comfortable en-suite rooms, with the one on the top floor having decking with sun-beads looking out to sea. The owners have been very clever in leaving one side of the villa up-stairs as a communal area because other-wise with another bedroom (more people) could get over-crowded. The villa is extremely spacious though. The pool rocks! it is sort of T-shaped and comes into the hall of the main house, which is shallow and ideal for toddlers to mess around in. The part outside is perfect for anyone wanting do lengths and it is all an ideal temperature.
James, the owner, leads as an outstanding example of impeccable service. Any problems and he is just a phone call away in KK, and Joe, a local who speaks decent English is available 24hrs Mon-Sat to help out with any issues. The maids probably won't win any awards, but they are on-hand to wash up after all meals/prepare breakfasts/make up the beds everyday/ and keep the floors dry as it is likely all guests will constantly being going in and out the pool.
Hibiscus villa offer to buy groceries before your stay which was a real help (check out the list - its exhaustive). We found the best value option for supper to get a take-away from the tip-top cafe, (owned by a top guy call Howard from Stratford upon avon, UK), a 5 minute drive away. The food was delicious. Chef J maybe worth a go for a bbq, his food is good but much more expensive (and our bbq was cold).
I really struggle to believe there are many places in such stunning, tropical surroundings, that meet this top-end luxury level. It is also a real secret as I'm not sure ex-pats in Malaysia/Singapore have quite cottoned on yet that it exists.
Just some tips: the best way to the beach is the track just off the road rather than going through the garden, and hiring a car is a must. There is a gorgeous beach, a short drive away, 3 beaches away on the left as you look out to sea. Also we spent a few nights at the Shangri-La Rasa Ria afterwards as a compression chamber before getting back to real life (no-where near as good as Hibisucus!).
If you are considering Hibiscus Villa, I would really recommend booking, and I am certain you will have an incredible holiday.
Incredible- Ensure you hire a car!
We stayed for 6 nights with approx 25 hours travel time to get there. You can imagine how tired we were. However the photos do not do the villa justice! The privacy, the comfort and tranquillity was incredible. The beach was private and perfect temperature to swim in. The spectacular sunsets made afternoons our favourite time to chill out in the pool with a cold beverage. We took a tour of the Mangroves, it was a cultural experience but the view really was amazing. The Maids, security and grounds men made the villa feel like a haven. Don’t hesitate to hire Chef J. He was excellent his fresh food and variety was amazing. He was worth every cent. Make sure you explore the surrounding area, go for a drive, it is a beautiful part of this planet. The time of year seemed perfect we were not bothered by flies or mosquitos and it didn’t rain during our visit.
Our suggestions for future travellers;
•Hire a car! We hired an 8 seater van that had the best air-conditioning! A consultant and sign with your name on it was waiting at the airport for you, payment with a credit card there (mobile Eftpos machine) so easy and hassle free. James provided us with a recommended rental company.
•Stock up on alcohol supplies in Kota Kinabalu. We drank the last box of beer in Kudat.
•Ensure you visit Shangri La’s Rasa Ria Resort (Kota Kinabalu) either on your way to or from the Hibiscus to see the Orang Utangs
•If you play golf, start early in the morning. The course in Kudat can be hot and busy.
•The markets in Kudat were interesting, the people friendly and there is no bartering.
•The locals speak mainly Malay and the local dialect Rungas. Take the time to learn a few phrases so that you can converse with the staff.
•Go visit Chef J’s restaurant at the tip of Borneo; TSM Merrimas. Meet his wife and family.
A little bit of paradise
After 26 hours of travelling to get to Hibiscus Villa it was absolutely worth it just to walk through the doors and see the amazing view!!
We enjoyed the exclusivity of the private pool and secluded beach and it was easy to think you were the only people on the island
all the staff were very accommodating and friendly and made our stay even more enjoyable.
I would recommend having chef J cook for you as we got to try some traditional dishes and the best satay I've ever had!
A great place to relax and recharge can't wait to go back
Response from James & Sarah Burns - 03/26/2013
Many thanks for your review. We're glad we were able to accommodate you in the end and very pleased you had such a great stay! We agree...Chef J's satay is the best!!!
Excellent hide-away in beachside forest
If you are going to Sabah and like to enjoy the great nature with a comfortable stay, Hibiscus Villa is the place. Situated very close to the tip of Borneo where a pristine beach is located, this villa has a lot of great things to offer. It's a private place with excellent amenities and plenty of rest spaces with sofas and chairs. It's really spacious and luxurious. To me, it is definitely a 6 star vacation house. This two-story villa is presented nicely with a taste of stylish furniture and decorations (mainly Indonesian and Malaysian). The pool is well designed with green granite tiles and the water is clean like a spring pool. The structure of building is made essentially by timbers, grass-laden roof and other wood products. Although partially blocked by rainforest trees, you can still enjoy quite a good view to the ocean especially from the upper floor. A 5-minute hiking trail down the villa will take you to stretches of beaches and peninsulas where a beautiful coastline can be seen. The house owner James (from Great Britain) is very friendly and maids, door keeper, chef and on-site manager all add comfort and safety to our stay. Overall, what we enjoy staying in this villa is to free ourselves in a beach-side forest and to experience living in a paradise.
Seoul, South Korea
If you want a vacation to remember then Hibiscus Villa is a plac
Hibiscus Villa is truly a unique place in that you can stay in absolute luxury and feel one with nature at the same time. We stayed for a week with our six kids, ages twelve to 18 months, and still the kids can't stop asking when we are going back.
There were plenty of activities for all. It was a perfect balance of relaxing on the beach and at the house and yet still going on some sort of outing every day. Over the week we went on a boat ride through the Mangroves, hiked through the jungle, hiked around the inlets of the coast line, visited the local towns and a longhouse, snorkeled, and even went with a local to help work in the rice fields. The local woman showed my older girls how to harvest tapioca and sugar cane as well. It was a fabulous experience.
Don't miss out on Chef Jay's cooking as it was the perfect way to connect with this new paradise we had entered. Each evening was a new Malaysian dish, the best fish I've ever tasted, and some new fruit I'd never seen before. We had Chef Jay teach us how to make some traditional dishes and I feel like the food we ate throughout the week was a big part of connecting us to the local culture. We felt healthier leaving than we did coming--not often the benefit of a vacation!
One more important thing to mention is the beach. The water was clear and it was completely untouched. There was not another soul on it--not as far as one could see. It was really a once in a lifetime experience to swim in the sun and rain on our own beach. Hibiscus Villa was a vacation we will talk about forever.
Response from James & Sarah Burns - 02/01/2013
Many thanks for your lovely review Kimberly. We are so pleased that you really 'experienced' the local culture and we would love to have you back some time!!!
Very peaceful abd beautiful location to relax and unwind
This was our first trip to the Kudat Riviera region of north Borneo, and this very large open plan villa is in an excellent location with lovely beaches, coastal scenery and small peaceful villages. With the full assistance of the Hibiscus team, we hired a motor scooter that was pre-loaded on the Navara vehicle that transferred us from KK airport. The quiet coastal roads were ideal for scootering around, and the meals that were prepared for us each evening were terrific - Chef Jay and his wife are highly recommended!! There is no Internet or mobile coverage at the house, but mobile range was very good less than 5 minutes up the hill by scooter, and there was free WiFi at the beach side "Tip Top" cafe and wine bar, which is about 10 minutes by scooter from the villa (this informal small cafe-style restuarant is run by Howard, who greets guests at their Hibiscus arrival for showing around the villa). There is also a guard at the gate, whose main duty is to ensure the villa's complicated power system is running - both mains and generator) All in all we had a very delightful 3 days, and we could have easily stayed for another 2-3 days if we had had the time to do so. Well worth the 3 hour drive from KK airport, because the local mas commuter flight options to Kudat airport are very limited (not every day).
Private stunning location
Upon arrival at Hibiscus we were greeted by the staff and by Howard the property manager who gave us a quick run down of the house and things to do in the area.
The house is stunning with an infinity pool and lots of spots to just sit and relax.
The private beach was stunning too and an adventure to get to along a windy bushy path. Lots of mozzies though on the way there.
The chef Jay was amazing. We enjoyed his meals very much.
Howard took us to Kudat and we hit the market and bought all the weird and wonderful fruits and vegetables specific to the region such as Tarap fruit and a type of Jackfruit endemic to Borneo. Hmmm... but we weren't able to match Jay's cooking skills so he cooked for us most nights. In retrospect we would have loved to have done a cooking course with him.
Howard was fantastic and helped us with everything. He organized a bush walk for us and set up his mozzie-screened hammock for one of us to sleep in in the bushes outside the Villa and he gave us the tour of Kudat.
Howard also runs the Tip Top restaurant at the tip of Borneo, only 5 minutes from Hibiscus. There is wifi avaiable at Tip Top though it can be slow at times. Cold beers and a small but nice menu are also available at Howard's restaurant. Try the local ceviche or the Ikan Bilis as a snack with a cold beer...
There are a lot of stunning bays a only drive away from the Villa.
Renting a car is a must - we rented two sedans in KK for 6 of us and this worked out really well. The roads are pretty good so no need for a 4wd unless you really want to go bush.
Beautiful Villa in a remote, stunning spot
A group of friends with young children - 1 to 3 years, stayed for a week. Beautiful villa. Very good for children. Take advantage of the chef as he produced many wonderful meals. A very beautiful area. Recommended.
London / Malaysia
Luxury, Privacy and Peace
We were lucky enough to stay at the Hibiscus Villa with family and my 2 young sons. To my knowledge this is the only villa of this type and standard in the whole of Sabah, Malaysian Borneo. The villa was luxurious, very large, new, with a real feeling of privacy with stunning views out over the sea. Attention has been paid to the decor / furnishings, and the whole place seems to complement the beautiful surroundings. Main feature is a large pool that also enters the main area of the house, a feeling of bringing the outside in. We took advantage of the personal chef and his staff for a very special (but reasonably priced) dinner in house where they prepared local dishes for us using super fresh produce. 2 v friendly and helpful maids were in on a regular basis to look after the villa and prepare breakfast for us in the outside dining cabana. The Gardens and facilities were excellent, even a separate shallow pool for the kids. Loungers and a second cabana hut with places to doze. The villa is overlooking the seafront, taking a few mins to walk through the private gardens down to the empty pristine white sandy beach, sea was calm and blue, children and us loved the feeling of privacy, no-one else on it. Howard the villa manager (British) was excellent upon check in, with regular checks into the villa and only a phone call away for any questions. Food also available from Howards restaurant that can be delivered to the Villa. Private (but unobtrusive) 24 hour security was on hand controlling access to the Villa. One of the highlights was the night sky, fantastic sunsets followed by clear skies full of stars, with no light pollution. I seemed to sleep very deeply (something about the air I think) in the four poster bed in the master bedroom. An large upstairs and downstairs lounge area with masses of room for us all to spread out and enjoy the property and private grounds. A real luxurious peaceful rest for us all in this one of a kind property and would recommend to all.
Beautiful and Well-Run
The chef has made a delicious dinner. The Sun falls into the sea followed by Mercury and then Venus. The frogs and geckos start the night chorus. The stars come out, the fireflies join them. It is another perfect night at Hibiscus Villa.
We rented a car in Kota Kinabalu and drove there in a little more than 3 hours. A car is a must and I would recommend a four wheel drive as there are great places to explore made easier with high clearance and traction. We used the owner's recommendation for our car rental , you should too. You will get a full run down of the many things to do from Howard, the villa manager, who is superb at his job; knowlegeable, pleasant, helpful, speaks the language and seems to know everyone in Northern Sabah. Or you can do nothing, as we often did and you can have absolutely no regrets about it. Minor points off for lack of easy beach access, slippy, steep trail that kind of ends short of the mark. I suspect that by the time you get there, that will have been fixed. And also lack of internet access, which my wife actually thought was a plus and perhaps she is right. Internet is 5 minutes away by car at the Tip Top Cafe if you have to have it.
Use Jay the chef. He is masterful and very convenient. Why cook? Why shop? He does it all for you. We stopped in KK to pick up snacks and drinks but probably left half of it behind when we left.
This a great place to escape to. Pampered, safe, beautiful and far from the tourist scene. Suitable for large groups but just as suitable as a romantic getaway for two.
At one with nature yet pampered
We were hesitating between Hibiscus Villa & the Shangri-La, and but am really glad we chose this. We were made to feel very welcome & were really well look after. Everything had a personal touch & the villa is amazingly well equipped and very tastefully decorated. The pool was a delight and the beach only a few minutes walk away was the most unspoilt and deserted I think I've ever been to.
The chef was excellent, preparing the best seafood barbecue I can remember having. This place is a gem, and definitely hope to go back there.
Ultimate Relaxation and comfort
This place was amazing. A ground of friends decided to spend some time together and relax and enjoy ourselves, we couldn't have picked a better spot. Extremely spacious, every amenity you could ask for, the staff were incredible, the scenery breath taking, just perfect. Spent three nights there, could've spent another 10 years. Just wonderful
Hibiscus Villa Exceeded all Expectations! We Loved Our Stay!!
We would recommend Hibiscus Villa to anyone! It is a stunning, well appointed, & impeccably maintained house on a refreshingly private coastline. The artistic interiors compliment beautiful views & the nearby crash of the ocean. A short walk down the garden will have you at a breath-taking beach. One word: Sunset! Our group booked Hibiscus Villa (Halloween 2010) & received the royal treatment. The Villa itself is even more gorgeous than the photos, but what really touched our hearts was the personalized service. From the moment we arrived, Howard (the Caretaker) waited at the road to make sure we found the property. The staff, Francesca & Beatrice, greeted us upon arrival & were warm, professional, & helpful without being intrusive. We loved them & the professional chef who prepared our delicious evening meals. We would definitely recommed guests to avail of the chef's service. They wore uniforms & were constantly looking after our needs. Howard was amazing. He speaks Malay & couldn't do enough. From helping plan activities, to organizing dinners, no request was too small. What a pleasure! Howard really went out of his way to take us shopping in the market, running errands all over town, and loaning his own outdoors equipment. Additionally, the owners were very helpful and responsive during the booking process creating a seamless vacation experience. Hibiscus Villa is a gem. The interior design is fantastic; we received a ton of compliments from our photos and returned home relaxed & inspired. Hibiscus Villa is Borneo at it's best! Thank you - The Manila Crew
South of France, mediterranées
Luxe , calme et voluptÃ©e...
It was merveillous, and those few words of the french poet Baudelaire, describe well the feeling you have, enjoying such a beautifull house. We enjoy the exceptionnal cooking facilities, the setting, the wonderfull swimming pool (mainly the kids !!) and the warm hospitality of all the staff !
stunning villa in an amazing country
Villa Hibiscus is in a stunning location with wonderful views out to sea set amongst a lovely tropical garden. The space inside meant we weren't on top of each other the children could have lots of fun in the infinity pool whilst we could relax undisturbed. We enjoyed the chefs cooking a few times and all the staff were very friendly. We will return hopefully with another family.