I loved my Bigfin stay. The staff were wonderful, the snorkelling off the beach was excellent, food was delicious and obviously cooked by someone who loves his job. The accommodation was fairly basic but was clean and comfortable with great views. It met all my expectations and delivered so much more - so beautiful and relaxing. I can’t recommend it highly enough to anyone looking for marine life and relaxing but it’s not for the five star brigade!

Loved absolutely everything about this little spot of paradise.

-The location is unique, literally. Isolated but not too remote, with a perfect beach, surrounded by superb jungle (and its sounds) -infrastructure is in line with what can be expected for the price (reasonable). No airco and limited power, mosquito nets, fans, adequately ventilated rooms.... with superb views!!!!! (On mount K). In fact, infrastructure is adapted to the environment and that creates also the experience - food is great (and included) - staff is very nice , without exception. Love & kindness - diving is great, and other activities are possible I liked it so much that I d come to Sabah only for that place..... Congratulations to the owners for creating this environment and the experience it offers, with their team, and being able to maintain this over time.... 🙌

Nothing,

A complete getaway began with the boat ride across the bay to the resort. The drive to the Dragon Pearl Resort felt like we were escaping civilisation to begin with. When we stepped onto the boat the escape was complete. Three days in paradise cut off from the world beyond. The staff team were all awesome - friendly and happy to help with any question. They really made us feel welcome throughout our stay. The rooms are basic but super clean and perfect for a chilled getaway. The manager Awie really looked after us, the food was simple and delicious. The dive team gave some great advice about snorkelling (we are not divers) which allowed us to explore local reefs. Additional drinks purchases were easy and work on an honest system, which is great and adds to the chilled and trusting vibe. We loved our three days of snorkelling, kayaking and reading whilst sitting in hammocks. We’ll definitely be back to stay again. Next time we’ll even dive.

Two thumbs up. This place is so well run and maintained. All staff are so kind, helpful and reliable. There is no pressure whatsoever to book any of the tours. The staff are completely open about what they do and don't offer, so no unpleasant surprises - all is exactly as advertised. I had prepared to be pretty much cut off from the world for the 3 days of my stay, but to my pleasant surprise Wifi was solid all day in the reception area and the evening hours of power supply in the rooms easily sufficed to keep my devices charged. Assorted books and board games add to the character of the place, as do the adorable cats and, yes, the two or three monitor lizards seen around. The hammocks were comfortable and in ample supply. Beautiful and tranquil garden setting, fabulous views, awesome stretch of near-private beach with lovely fine sand. And to experience all that without any noise from road traffic? Just an unforgettable experience.

No gripes whatsoever, though I did wonder why access to the beach is barred overnight, starting from 7 or 8 pm.

Everything. This place is actually paradise and we never wanted to leave even though we had more travelling left to do in Borneo - some others there at the same time as us extended their stay for the same reason. The beach is beautiful (and even had puppies). We scuba dived for the first time and saw turtles which was incredible. The snorkeling was also amazing and we saw lots of clown fish. Our room was very comfortable and had a view of the sea and Mount kinabalu in the distance. The hammocks outside the rooms and all over the resort were a great touch - we spent a lot of time snoozing in them. The staff were all very friendly and helpful and the food cooked by the host, Awiee, was very tasty and was all included. Could not recommend this place more!

We didn't have a problem but due to the remote location the resort uses recycled rain water in the rooms. This means that sometimes in dry season there is no water for most of the day. At times this meant no shower after the beach before dinner. This is really just something to be aware of and wasn't an issue for us at all.

Location is unreal! Feels like you’re own private beach in Borneo with a view of Mount Kinabalu and crystal clear waters. Diving available, and good home cooked simple meals to keep you fed it’s such a perfect little escape and getaway. Rooms are comfortable and everyone is so nice and friendly, we debated staying longer and longer until we couldn’t anymore!

Nothing, Bigfin is excellent and I’d recommend to anyone whether here on a holiday or like us travelling through and exploring as you go.

This was probably the best place we stayed in Borneo. The view from the balcony was amazing with Mount Kinabalu in the background. The food is varied and very good. It was nice it was included. You could buy soft drinks and beer with the food. Our kids loved the pancake breakfast. All the staff are nice and it is well cleaned both in the room and around the facility. It is a cozy beach with hammocks and a few swings. During our time we went on a snorkelling trip, tried diving, rented a kayak and a stand up paddle board.

There was a lot of sandflies and mosquitos so bring repellent.

We arrived at Big Fin just after a larger storm. Staff wrapped our luggage in bags and we had to swim to the resort. This is not usually how it works for them but to be honest, it was a fun adventure and it kind of made the stay that much more fun. If you want to come to this resort, it is not a fancy frills place. The bungalow are spacious, and very clean. It was warm at night but the fans worked well enough. For us, it was an amazing stay on a beautiful beach away from cities and screens. On the way back, the tide and waves were normal again and we could wade into the boat. There is some wifi but I preferred to read and relax in one of the many hammocks by the beach. I had help getting my dive certificate and appreciated the great staff who worked there like Rizman and Kindu. My first open ocean dives and I loved the variety of sea creatures I saw. Equipment was in good shape as well. The food was 3-4 items and very good. My breakfast of choice was the banana pancakes. Coffee was really good as well. They have a small selection of drinks that you can get yourself and write in a book. You pay at the end. Cash is preferred and there is an extra charge if you use cards but they do say this via the booking site. Bring mosquito repellent. They have coils around the rooms and dining area but we still got bitten. Overall, staff were very good and kind.

Not much for me....we can't control the weather and the storm. Due to the storm, there was also some rubbish on the beach. The staff clean it but there was always some left as it kept washing up small bits.

I found this place magical. I felt relaxed from the moment I stepped ashore. The common area is used for all meals and is a great place to just relax and hang out. There are games and books, and tea and coffee is available to make throughout the day. The gardens are beautifully kept and there are colourful flowers attracting all kinds of butterflies and bugs. There was a tree near our cottage that seemed to be a favourite for birds, and I managed to spot many species without leaving my hammock. Each cottage seemed to have at least one hammock, and our family room had two. The cottages are at the top of a hill (note that there are a number of stairs) which means that you get a wonderful view and a lovely the sea breeze, so the absence of air-conditioning was not a problem. From our deck you could see a massive tree in the distance that towered above the rest of the canopy and monkeys returned there every evening. Take binoculars! There was a lot to do, and it is equally possible to enjoy doing nothing. My husband and son spoke very highly of the dive staff, and they were able to cater well for the different levels of experience. Our group also used the kayaks and stand-up paddleboards. We went snorkelling off the beach, but you can also take trips. The food was excellent and plentiful. The staff were super friendly and helpful.

This was not a negative for us, but it is important to be aware that there are quite a few stairs to get to the cottages which would be a problem for people with mobility issues. Also, the electricity is only available from 5pm to 11pm so charge your camera and devices accordingly.

We couldn’t have asked for a better resort to enjoy the beauty of Borneo. The property grounds are lovely and well maintained. The food provided is delicious and plentiful. The staff always greet guests with a smile and are eager to assist them with their activities for the day. The ocean surrounding the resort is absolutely beautiful. They also have a well-maintained jungle pathway that is a must to hike and explore. This is definitely a resort we will return to again.