Cover Shangri-La Rasa Ria and more luxurious destinations for stunning beach backdrops and picture-perfect garden venues in Sabah
Shangri-La Rasa Ria and more luxurious destinations for stunning beach backdrops and picture-perfect garden venues in Sabah
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Planning a beach wedding? Explore these luxury resorts in Sabah with stunning beach backdrops, picture-perfect garden venues, and more
When it comes to pristine beaches with azure blue waters and pearly white sands, Sabah has much to offer, with some even calling it the ‘Maldives of Malaysia’. Unsurprisingly, countless couples have made this gorgeous East Malaysian destination their top choice for wedding photography, proposals by the beach, and even glittering beachfront ceremonies with the wind and waves as a backdrop.
Read more: Your Dream Holiday Awaits at These Island Resorts in Sabah
When wedding season hits, you're sure to see engaged couples flocking to picture-perfect beach resorts like Sutera Harbour Resort, Shangri-La Tanjung Aru, and others that offer direct beach access and a variety of comprehensive wedding packages with decor, planning, and catering included. We look at the most photographed spots in Sabah for couples searching for their ideal setting to say ‘I do’.
Shangri-La Rasa Ria, Kota Kinabalu
Walk along the pristine, 3km-long private beach at Shangri-La Rasa Ria and you're sure to find a couple or two posing for wedding photography or exchanging vows at sunset with uninterrupted views of the sand, sea and sky. The Wedding Pavilion here frames views of the sea beautifully, making it a popular spot not just for couples getting hitched, but for regular guests as well. If the idea of an outdoor wedding gets you sweating, enjoy these same spectacular views of the beach from the air-conditioned comfort of The Coast, a spacious covered venue with floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking the waves.
Pantai Dalit, PO Box 600, Tuaran, Kota Kinabalu, Sabah | +608 8797 888
Don't miss: Home Tour: A Multi-Generational Home in Kota Kinabalu, Malaysia, by the Sea
Sutera Harbour Resort
Embrace the allure of picture-perfect sunsets over the pristine beach and amidst the enchanting wind-swept gardens at Sutera Harbour Resort. The beach is an alluring wedding haven cherished by countless couples. The resort offers dedicated wedding planner services and various locations for the ceremony of your dreams, from a lush landscaped garden to a dreamy beachfront setup with the waves at your feet and the South China Sea as your backdrop.
You can even celebrate smaller, more intimate ceremonies onboard the M.S. Columbus, a 110-year-old cruiser that promises amazing panoramic views where the sea meets the sky.
1 Sutera Harbour Boulevard, Sutera Harbour, Kota Kinabalu, Sabah | +608 8318 888
Sutera at Mantanani
Beloved by divers for its clear waters and vibrant marine life, Sutera at Mantanani Island Resort & Spa is #weddinggoals for couples who love the tropical paradise that is the Mantanani Islands. While kayaking and diving are among the top list of things to do at the resort, there are also romantic sunset walks, sunset cruises and even nighttime walks to catch sight of the ethereal blue plankton on the shores–all perfect spots to pop the question. The resort's premium chalets boast a private balcony overlooking the sea, a popular spot for couples doing their wedding photography here.
The resort also has a dedicated wedding planning team to craft a bespoke ceremony by the beach or a bigger reception to cater for various sizes and needs.
1, Sutera Harbour Boulevard, Sutera Harbour, Kota Kinabalu, Sabah | +608 8303 900 or +6017 833 1099
Read more: 11 Unique Outdoor Retreats To Soak In Sabah’s Natural Beauty
Shangri-La Tanjung Aru
Look for beach weddings at Shangri-La Tanjung Aru, and you'll come across many shots taken at the famed Wedding Gazebo overlooking the sea. The resort's various wedding packages offer everything from exquisite wedding photography capturing your special moments to luxurious limousine transfer services as well as honeymoon stays in resplendent sea-view suites.
20, Jalan Aru, Tanjung Aru, Kota Kinabalu, Sabah | +608 8327 888
See also: Former Miss Malaysia Tourism Weena Marcus about the beauty of Sabah
Lankayan Island Dive Resort
Plan your big day overlooking the crystal clear waters and white sandy shores of Lankayan, a tiny island in the Sulu Sea that's part of a designated marine protected area. Blessed with thick tropical island vegetation, gorgeous coral reefs and pure white sands, this untouched part of paradise is a 90-minute boat-ride north of Sandakan, also a nesting place for green and hawksbill turtles. One of the resort's most popular wedding photography spots is its all-day dining restaurant, an open-area wooden terrace connected to an extended deck with panoramic views of the beach and blue sea.
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Previously contributing to Esquire Malaysia, Expat Lifestyle and Newsweek, Tania oversees digital stories across Tatler’s key content pillars, also leading the Front & Female platform exploring issues and topics affecting women today.
