Kapalai Island Resort or more correctly Sipadan-Kaplai Dive resort in Sabah Malaysia although it is part of Borneo is only a short distance by boat from the islands of Sipadam and Mabul. Having said all that it is another world altogether.
Kapalai Island Resort actually sits on stilts on the shallow sandbanks of the Ligitan Reefs. It is not attached to any land whatsoever although over a mile of powdery white sand appears at low tide for sunbathing.
The architects who designed the complex must have been extremely innovative, because the Sipadan-Kapalai resort consists of a chain of chalets that are all linked by almost two miles of walkways, so you will never be short of exercise here, especially if you like jogging. The incredible thing is the plethora of fish just a few inches between your feet as you travel along the boardwalk.
Kapalai is totally peaceful and quiet, just a turquoise sea stretching off into the distance, and yet right underneath is the water which is literally teeming with life, so you can snorkel straight off the resort.
Kapalai accesses the best diving spots in Sabah Borneo, which makes it the best hotel in Sabah if you want to...