We had 5 nights at the Barefoot Chalet. I cannot express how much we enjoyed this spot: an amazing sandy beach all to yourself, warm, clear water and reef snorkelling to the left, bioluminescence in the nights while cooling down in the ocean before bed, and magical stars. I’m very confident that we will look back on this portion of our Borneo stay with great fondness. We were there with our two girls (11, 13). The space inside is definitely cozy - it is really just a room with a bed, couch, counter and fridge. There is a spacious bathroom with sliding door. It is worth noting that the couch/bed is not quite large enough to be super comfortable for 2 larger kids. However, another single mattress was supplied and so we were all very comfortable at night. The A/C does a sufficient job of cooling the place down at night. The patio is good, the large umbrella is an absolute necessity as it is very hot out there. The breakfast was good, it was left the day prior and we could eat at our leisure. Fruit, juice, cereal, toast (bread) and coffee. Water cooler for drinking as well. There is no table, so you sort of eat wherever you find a spot to sit or stand. The Secret Cafe was all we really needed for supper, it is a quick 10 minute walk down the beach to the left (south). Bring a headlamp/torch if you plan on going or returning after dark, there are no lights on the beach and there is a rocky area that you must cross to reach the cafe. Fantastic, book it.

We stayed 3 nights at Hibiscus Beach Retreat - Clifftop. Fantastic place. You literally have your own private beach. A fantastic beach with great opportunities for snorkeling. The house is located on a cliff facing the beach and therefore you have a fantastic view. The house was ok but could need som tender. Be aware that there is no wifi and there is no mobile network either. The staff was extremely helpful. Breakfast (fruit and toast) is incl. However, it is quite simple and put in the fridge in the house the day before. We had to leave after three days do to mosquitoes and sand flies. Considering the state of the house, I think the price is at the top.

The description does not lie: indeed it understates the magic of this beach house. The owners have done so many things right, and this is as professionally set up and served as the big name places; the differences are that you are not sharing it with 100s of others, and you can walk the 800m into the next bay to Roby's Secret Place and have seafood BBQ'd for you for under £10. Another differentiator is the snorkelling over the rocks to the left, very good for off-beach. The simply designed lodge itself is ample for 2 persons, and has the 'moderns' to be very comfortable. Staff are very discreet. You arrange what time you want the morning and evening visit, and the bell rings exactly on time, announcing that someone is waiting up the path, to be invited onto the terrace to do their duties. And what a terrace! We spent 7 days here, most of it on the loungers on the wooden platform above a beach empty except for the odd rockpool fisherman. The trees are very clevery pruned to provide shaded areas all day. We had all day sunshine throughout our visit in early February, and magnificent sunsets,. We hired a car in KK, and had an easy 3-4hr drive up. Car also useful for getting about, for example the wi-fi and good food at the TipTop Bar (near the Tip of Borneo) and Kudat (evening food market on Tuesdays). Finally, there is no voice or data here. So you really are the only people in the world.

We had one night at the beach retreat and it was real haven in amongst our travels around Borneo. Amazing location and super cute stylish place - v comfy bed and lots of thoughtful touchs. Highly recommend