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25 best things to do in Sabah (Malaysia)

Sabah combines protected jungles with tropical islands spread in the South China, Sulu and Celebes Sea.

Jungle retreats, hundreds of kilometers of coastline and some of the world’s best diving spots feature in the East Malaysian state too. Throw in the chance to see wild orangutans, fireflies and carnivorous flowers.

Sabah is the pearl of Borneo with countless ecotourism activities and beach retreats. Visitors encounter unmatched biodiversity along jungle trails and have the chance to scale Malaysia’s tallest mountain.

Crazy Tourist explores the 25 best things to do in Sabah for nature, beaches and islands.

1. Mount Kinabalu: Malaysia’s granite beast

Mount Kinabalu

Sabah’s Mount Kinabalu (Gunung Kinabalu in Bahasa) is Borneo’s and Malaysia’s tallest peak.

Soaring to 4,095 meters (13,435 feet), it’s the highest point between the Himalayas and Papua New Guinea.

Travelers to Sabah immediately notice Kinabalu featuring on the state flag. It holds both deep ties to local Kazadan-Dusun indigenous people and ancient paganism.

Climbing Mount Kinabalu is a two-day affair. Day one involves hiking 3,272 meters (10,735 feet) to a hostel in Laban Rata. The second day starts at 2:00am to reach the summit in time for the sunrise.

Keep your eyes open for the changing landscapes, flowers and wildlife. Bring warm clothes for the higher altitudes.

Mount Kinabalu only permits a limited number of climbers each day. Places sell out months in advance.  Climbing Kinabalu in Sabah needs preparation to guarantee a spot.

2. Malaysia’s first Heritage Site: Kinabalu Park

Kinabalu Park

Kinabalu Park became Malaysia’s first UNESCO World Heritage site in 2000.

Covering an area of 754 square kilometers, the national park surrounds Mount Kinabalu in northwest Sabah. The tropical park is a biodiversity melting pot forming thousands of habitats.

More than 5,000 plants grow inside its borders including the carnivorous pitcher plants and colorful orchids. Kinabalu Park also houses the Rothschild slipper orchid ( Paphiopedilum rothschildianum ). This stripy flower is among the world’s rarest and most expensive orchids.

Over 300 birds, 100 species of mammals and several species of monkeys call Kinabalu Park home.

When combined, this makes the area one of the most important ecological zones on Earth.

3. Kota Kinabalu: A city on the sea

Kota Kinabalu Mosque

Kota Kinabalu, literally City of Kinabalu, is Sabah’s capital along the South China Sea.

Regular flights connect with Kuala Lumpur and other parts of Malaysian Borneo including Lahad Datu and Sandakan on the east coast.

For a capital city, Kota Kinabalu (KK for short) is tiny. But it packs a punch.

Travelers can visit the almost mirage-like Floating Mosque and stroll along the 5 kilometers (3.1 miles) Likas Bay. Or head to Signal Hill Observatory Platform for stunning views over KK.

Most visitors spend their time around Gaya Street, the city’s main stretch. Dozens of restaurants and a handful of bars fill the bustling street after dark.

Tourists often spend two or three days in KK before heading off to other parts of the state. Download the Grab Car App (Southeast Asia’s Uber) for convenient transport in the city.

4. The world famous Bornean sunset

Tanjung Aru Sunset

Borneo has a reputation for jungles, beaches and an almost guaranteed spectacular sunset.

As the sun dips, the horizon lights up with a blend of reds, oranges and purples. Watching on the beach is even more mesmerizing.

Kota Kinabalu’s Tanjung Aru is a short drive from the city center near the airport. The copper-orange sanded beach stretches against a border of bendy palm trees. Islands dominate the horizon.

Local families and tourists head down around 6:00pm.

5. Beaches, snorkeling and hiking on Kota Kinabalu’s islands

Manukan Island

Visiting Kota Kinabalu and skipping Tunku Abdul Rahman Marine Park is like missing the Petronas Towers in Kuala Lumpur.

Five islands (Gaya, Manukan, Mamutik, Sapi and Sulug) form the chain off the coast of Kota Kinabalu.

If you want beaches and snorkeling, head to the most popular Manukan Island. For light jungle trekking and to explore a floating village, visit Gaya.

The other three are more secluded with fewer tourists.

Regular speedboats connect Kota Kinabalu’s Jesselton Point with the marine park. Island-hopping trips are available too.

6. Zipline from one island to another

Coral Flyer Zipline

Ziplining has established itself as a favorite not-too-intense thrill-seeking activity.

Coral Flyer Zipline provides an experience found only in Sabah.

The zipline stretches 250 meters (820 feet) from Gaya Island to Sapi in Tunku Abdul Rahman Marine Park.

Strap yourself in and soar from one island to the next over the gentle azure South China Sea.

Apart from a shot of adrenaline, expect stunning views of the tiny archipelago and Sabah’s shoreline.

Remember to charge the Go Pro to capture Borneo’s longest zipline on film.

7. Sabah’s original Survivor Island

Pulau Tiga

TV series Survivor has become a household name covering 37 seasons since it first aired in 2000.

Season One took place on Sabah’s Pulau Tiga.

The island near Kota Kinabalu is just close enough to the mainland for easy access and far enough to feel like a desert island.

Since featuring on Survivor, Pulau Tiga (translating to ‘Three Islands’) allures the adventurous. Join a day tour and visit its mysterious mud volcanoes and sunbath on forgotten beaches.

Splash out for a night in either the ultra-luxurious Pulau Tiga Resort or Gaya Island Resort for a private beach getaway.

8. Cooler temperatures in Sabah’s highlands

Ranau Sabah

Ranau is Sabah’s version of West Malaysia’s Cameron Highlands.

The mountainous town sits at 1,176 meters (3,858 feet) a stone’s throw from Mount Kinabalu.

Locals flock for the cooler temperatures, fresher mountain air and to wake up with stunning views of Kinabalu.

Surrounding tea plantations form a sea of green. Stop by the cafés for a hot drink or high-tea with a view.

Dozens of trails penetrate the forests ranging from easy 30 minute hikes to several hour treks.

Ranau provides easy access to Kinabalu Park.

History fans can visit a memorial marking the final destination of WW2’s infamous Sandakan to Ranau Death March. More than 2,500 Australian and British prisoners of war lost their lives during three punishing marches.

9. The only place in Sabah where you’ll need a sweater

Kundasang

Kundasang holds the title as Sabah’s coldest town.

With an altitude of almost 2,000 meters (6,562 feet), temperatures regularly dip below 20°C.

Sabahans living the stifling lowlands make the two-hour journey from Kota Kinabalu for a mini-retreat. A few resorts cater to their needs.

Travelers often stop by for convenient access to Kinabalu Park which is just 6 kilometers (3.7 miles) from the town. Other highlights include fresh produce markets, views of Kinabalu and easy access to hiking trails.

10. Soak in Ranau’s natural spa

Hot Springs Ranau

Poring Hot Springs consist of a series of natural sulfuric pools near Ranau.

Hikers often stop by for a recuperating soak after climbing Mount Kinabalu. Others spend their time inside the spa-like complex.

But it’s not just about relaxation.

The family-friendly Butterfly Park is a highlight. Or hike to see the world’s largest (and smelliest) flower: Rafflesia.

Poring Hot Springs takes approximately 45 minutes by car to reach from Mount Kinabalu. The journey back to Kota Kinabalu is about two and a half hours.

11. The northernmost point of the world’s third largest island

Tip of Borneo

Borneo is the world’s third largest island. Visiting the northernmost point is a favorite day trip from Kota Kinabalu.

The ‘Tip of Borneo’ sits approximately 180 kilometers (112 miles) northeast of the capital in Kudat Town. Expect a three-hour drive through lush scenery, deserted shorelines and winding mountain roads.

In Kudat, a path leads to the northernmost point of Borneo. This is the spot where the South China Sea and the Sulu Sea meet.

Rocky outcrops form dramatic structures in the rough waters. Empty beaches are a short walk from Kudat Town.

12. Proboscis monkeys and fireflies

Kota Belud Monkeys

Kota Belud, a small town 70 kilometers (43 miles) from Kota Kinabalu, provides a glimpse into rural Sabah. Colorful bungalows sit next to two-storied traditional wooden houses.

The river meanders through the villages and hosts two other remarkable attractions.

Boats cruise along the river to find the rare proboscis monkeys. Others take passengers to watch the dancing fireflies after dark.

While seeing the primates isn’t a guarantee, holding a bright firefly in your hands almost certainly is.

13. Whitewater rafting in the jungle

Whitewater rafting Sabah

Sabah’s rugged landscapes burst with fast-flowing rivers and almost secret rapids.

This gives rise to adventure activities in the rainforest including white water rafting. Thrill-seeking travelers can attempt the rapids through the dense jungle landscapes.

Monkeys perch in the tree branches watching the rafters with curiosity. Sambar deer occasionally peak out of the foliage while hornbills soar above.

Tamparuli’s Kiulu River, less than an hour from Kota Kinabalu, has a 15-kilometre (9.3-mile) set of class I and II rapids. Beaufort’s Padas River caters towards the more experienced.

14. Proboscis monkeys and crocodiles on the Kinabatangan River

Kinabatangan River Crocodiles

River cruises along the 560 kilometer (348 miles) Kinabatangan River in East Sabah provide the chance to see Proboscis monkeys.

The unusual pot-bellied primates lurk with both their arms and legs spread in the mangrove branches. Certain parts of the Kinabatangan house Sabah’s largest population of these rare endemic species.

Most travelers spend the night in the riverside bungalows and chalets.

Join a river cruise in the afternoon for monkeys. Head out again after dark for crocodiles and the occasional pygmy elephant.

15. Meet orphaned orangutans at Sepilok Rehabilitation Center

Sepilok Rehabilitation Center

Borneo Island, along with Indonesian Sumatera, are the world’s only habitats for wild orangutans.

Sadly, deforestation and hunting threaten our orange-haired cousins.

Sepilok near Sandakan opened in 1964 becoming the world’s first orangutan rehabilitation center. The semi-wild enclosure adopts and nurtures the young and orphaned in a protected environment.

A boardwalk leads to a viewing platform. Feeding time at both 10:00am and 3:00pm entice the 75 resident orangutans out into the open.

Sepilok provides an almost guaranteed chance to see orangutans in their natural habitat.

16. Sabah’s first colonial capital

Sandakan

Sandakan in East Sabah became the capital of British North Borneo in 1879.

In 1946 after suffering destruction during WW2, the capital moved to present day Kota Kinabalu.

Because of the devastation, Sandakan lost most of its colonial architecture. But the little-visited city acts as a convenient point to visit Sepilok, Gomantong Cave and Selingan Turtle Island.

Sandakan itself has colorful Chinese temples, colonial-like churches and an English Tea House. The stilted Buli Sim Sim Water Village on the outskirts of the city is a favorite side trip.

17. Danum Valley: Sabah’s most biodiverse jungle

Danum Valley

Borneo’s globally acclaimed reputation for biodiversity can be attributed to Danum Valley in East Sabah.

Danum Valley Field Center is both a world-class conservation facility and ecotourism haven.

Located two hours into the 130-million-year-old rainforest from the nearest town Lahad Datu, the protected area has remained free of human settlements. This means the jungle is still the same today as it was millions of years ago.

Visitors can follow jungle trails with expert guides, climb up to canopy walks and join night safaris. Orangutans live near the Field Centre. Pygmy elephants sometimes roam nearby.

Those looking to splurge can stay in the eco-friendly bungalows. Prince William and Kate Middleton stayed in these when they visited Danum Valley in 2012.

Hostel beds and camping facilities cater towards the more budget conscious.

18. Explore where few people have explored at Maliau Basin

Maliau Basin

Maliau Basin in the heart of Sabah is among the least explored parts of the planet.

Most of the region remains unmapped.

The Maliau River flows through a basin, which rises 1,675 meters (5,495 feet). The geography and lack of human activity create an almost self-contained ecosystem.

Getting here takes time and patience. Those who do usually combine Maliau Basin with a trip to Danum Valley.

Hike to the summit, search for wildlife and swim in natural pools.

Only a handful of privileged souls have walked along the same trails before.

19. Sea Nomad villages at Semporna

Nomad villages at Semporna

East Sabah’s Semporna acts as a gateway to Tun Sakaran Marine Park and Sipadan Island.

Few international travelers make it this far unless they’re heading to the islands.

But Semporna provides a window into one of Southeast Asia’s most mysterious indigenous peoples: The Bajau.

Seafaring Bajau live on the water earning the nickname ‘Sea Nomads’ or ‘Sea Gypsies’.  With an uncanny ability to dive without equipment to the seabed, they’re an enigmatic part of Sabah.

Bajau floating villages, rickety wooden houses forming a neighborhood, line Semporna’s coast.

Take a water taxi and explore the mini-town above the water complete with shops, mosques and schools.

20. Sabah’s best diving on Sipidan Island

Sipidan Island

Sipadan Island upholds an international reputation with acclaimed divers.

The island near Semporna in East Sabah consistently gets voted among the world’s best diving spots. Tours ferry scuba fans to dozens of sites which houses countless species of marine life.

After a day in the sea, return to Sipadan’s tropical paradise. White beaches line the sandy atoll’s shores as jungle dominates its interior.

Because of Sipadan’s protected status, the marine park issues only 120 diving permits each day. Plan your trip and secure a placement at least three months in advance.

21. The most beautiful spot in Sabah

Bohey Dulang

Bohey Dulang on Bodhgaya Island in East Sabah’s Celebes Sea has a stunning sapphire-blue lagoon.

According to visitors, the small mountainous island is the Sabah’s most beautiful spot.

White-beaches line the coastlines with a thick jungle spreading over the center. Hike to its peak at 353 meters (1,158 feet) for the best views of the lagoon.

Bodgaya belongs to the Tun Sakaran Marine Park approximately 23 kilometers (14.3 miles) from Semporna Island.

22. A luxurious retreat on Lankayan Island

Lankayan Island

Lankayan Island offers a taste of Maldivian-style luxury in East Sabah.

The Lankayan Island Dive Resort is the island’s only resort inside the protected marine park. Overwater bungalows line the empty beaches offering guests a private section of sand and sea.

Visitors can relax on the beach, snorkel outside their bungalow or take diving trips to deeper waters.

Travel between June and September and witness turtles laying their eggs in the sand. Shortly afterwards, the babies escape the shells and scuttle across the sand towards the sea.

Lankayan Island is approximately 90 minutes from Sandakan by speedboat.

23. World-class diving on Mantanani

Mantanani

Mantanani Island in West Sabah has more than 20 relatively unexplored diving sites.

PADI-Certified travelers can join a tour which visits four or five sites as part of a day trip. Some burst with hundreds of colorful fish above the corals. Others lead to shipwrecks.

Apart from the underwater world, dugongs (sea cows) often swim in the warm tropical waters.

Either visit Mantanani Islands on a day trip from Kota Kinabalu. Or arrange a diving trip from one of the tour companies in the city.

24. Hiking in the jungle

Rainforest Sabah Hikers

Sabah’s biggest appeal is its easy access to the rainforest.

Visitors won’t face the same lengthy expeditions into the jungle as they would in the Amazon. Instead, it’s often possible to have a taste of the landscapes on a day trip.

Several hiking trails penetrate the forests near Kota Kinabalu. Longer ones lead around the jungle in Kinabalu Park.

Either join a tour from Kota Kinabalu. Or search online and hike with an informal group of locals.

25. Search for carnivorous plants

Rafflesia Flower

Sabah houses two unusual species of plants which resemble something out of a sci-fi movie.

Both Rafflesia and Pitcher Plants use sophisticated biology to entice insects towards them. When the bugs step inside, the flowers start to digest and absorb their flesh.

The carnivorous flowers are endemic to Borneo and Sabah.

Rafflesia, often called the Rotting Flesh Flower, is both the world’s largest and smelliest. The red giant releases a disgusting odor to mimic the smell of decomposing meat to attract insects.

Pitcher plants hang like an upside-down bell and allure their victims with a sweet scent.

Both are spectacular sights. Travelers can visit these weird lifeforms with the help of a guide.

25 best things to do in Sabah (Malaysia):

  • Mount Kinabalu: Malaysia’s granite beast
  • Malaysia’s first Heritage Site: Kinabalu Park
  • Kota Kinabalu: A city on the sea
  • The world famous Bornean sunset
  • Beaches, snorkeling and hiking on Kota Kinabalu’s islands
  • Zipline from one island to another
  • Sabah’s original Survivor Island
  • Cooler temperatures in Sabah’s highlands
  • The only place in Sabah where you’ll need a sweater
  • Soak in Ranau’s natural spa
  • The northernmost point of the world’s third largest island
  • Proboscis monkeys and fireflies
  • Whitewater rafting in the jungle
  • Proboscis monkeys and crocodiles on the Kinabatangan River
  • Meet orphaned orangutans at Sepilok Rehabilitation Center
  • Sabah’s first colonial capital
  • Danum Valley: Sabah’s most biodiverse jungle
  • Explore where few people have explored at Maliau Basin
  • Sea Nomad villages at Semporna
  • Sabah’s best diving on Sipidan Island
  • The most beautiful spot in Sabah
  • A luxurious retreat on Lankayan Island
  • World-class diving on Mantanani
  • Hiking in the jungle
  • Search for carnivorous plants

Bornean Orangutan female baby hanging

Getty Images

Sabah occupies a relatively small chunk of the world’s third-largest island, Borneo, yet what a punch it packs: the treasure of turquoise-fringed desert islands with coral reefs swarming with marine biodiversity; trekkers' paradise Mt Kinabalu reaching 13435ft (4095m) into the clouds; and jungles pulsing with a menagerie of bug-eyed tarsiers, gibbons, pythons, clouded leopards and huge crocs. Around 55% of Sabah is forest, and protected areas such as the Maliau Basin and the Danum Valley Conservation Area are more accessible than ever.

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Attractions

Must-see attractions.

Mother orang-utan carrying baby and bamboo

Sepilok Orangutan Rehabilitation Centre

Around 25km north of Sandakan, and covering 40 sq km of the Kabili-Sepilok Forest Reserve, this inspiring, world-famous centre welcomes orphaned and…

View of waterfall at Tawau Hills Park, Sabah, Malaysia

Tawau Hills Park

This small reserve has forested hills rising dramatically from the surrounding plain. If getting into the Maliau Basin or Danum Valley feels like too much…

Kinabatangan Sabah Malaysia May 9, 2016 : Carved coffin made from belian tree believed to be about 500-690 years old at ancient burial cave Agop Batu Tulug in Kinabatangan Sabah.; Shutterstock ID 419637439; Your name (First / Last): Lauren Vastine; GL account no.: 65050; Netsuite department name: Online Editorial; Full Product or Project name including edition: BiA Imagery

Agop Batu Tulug

This hill, 2km north of the Batuh Putih bridge, features three caves housing the ancestors of local Orang Sungai (People of the River). Because the…

Pantai Tempurung

Pantai Tempurung

Borneo's loveliest beach is a long, almost-pristine stretch of white sand, lapped at by clear waters. The waves are gentle and great for swimming. You…

Gomantong Caves Beauty - Borneo Sabah Malaysia

Gomantong Caves

Imagine a cathedral-like inner chamber shot with splinters of sunlight and a cave floor swarming with cockroaches, and you have the Gomantong Caves. The…

Sandakan Memorial Park

Sandakan Memorial Park

A beautiful rainforest garden marks the site of a Japanese POW camp and the starting point for the infamous WWII 'death marches' to Ranau. Of the 1793…

Tunku Abdul Rahman National Park

Tunku Abdul Rahman National Park

The islands of Manukan, Gaya, Sapi, Mamutik and Sulug, and the reefs in between, make up the 49-sq-km Tunku Abdul Rahman National Park. Only a short boat…

Tun Sakaran Marine Park

Tun Sakaran Marine Park

Also known as the Semporna Islands Marine Park, this 350-sq-km protected area, a short boat ride from Semporna, comprises eight islands and two reefs…

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Sabah and beyond

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Ultimate Guide to Sabah, Borneo: Top Places & Itineraries

Sabah is one of the most diverse places we have ever visited. It is located in Malaysia , on the northern half of the island of Borneo. We were enticed to go to Sabah to see orangutans and proboscis monkeys in their natural habitat. There are very few places in the world to see these creatures in the wild. 

Orangutans are on the critically endangered list and can only be seen in the wild in Sumatra and Borneo. Reminding me of the creepy dude at the bar, proboscis monkeys are endemic to Borneo. These unique monkeys are so amazing to see in real life. However, due to palm plantation deforestation, they are losing their homes at alarming rates.

Sabah also has so much more to offer. It is teeming with exotic wildlife, beautiful beaches, an epic mountain hike, and world-class scuba diving. Sabah is perfect as part of a bigger Malaysia trip or for a Borneo wildlife holiday! Whether you plan to come for a family vacation or a backpacking trip, Sabah is a wonderful destination nestled in Southeast Asia.

Check out this guide to Sabah as it covers all the best places to visit to help you plan your trip!

Content and photographs provided by Yana Kogan and Timon .

Disclaimer: This post may contain affiliate links. If you make a purchase or booking through one of our links we may earn a small commission (don’t worry, it’s at no extra cost to you).

Best Time to Visit Sabah, Borneo

Travel to Sabah: Mount Kinabalu

The best time to visit Sabah is not as cut and dry as most places. There are different rainy seasons for the east and west of Sabah. When one has more rain, the other is drier. Overall though, March through October is the driest part of the year. Most of Sabah is rainforest, so it is possible for rain at any time of the year.

Currency in Sabah, Borneo

The Malaysian Ringgit (RM) is the national currency in Malaysia and Sabah. As of April 2022, the Ringgit is worth:

  • $1 USD = 4.35 RM
  • €1 = 4.60 RM

Religion and Language in Sabah, Borneo

Visit Sabah: Male Monkey

Sabah is not as conservative as West Malaysia, such as the Kuala Lumpur area. The majority of people are Muslim, but there are also small pockets of practicing Christians. Malay is the official language of Malaysia. However, English is widely spoken in Kota Kinabalu and the majority of tourism and hospitality businesses around the island.

As always, a few phrases in the native language are good to learn. We found that just saying “thank you” in Malay brings a very friendly response.

  • Hello – Helo
  • Good morning – Selamat pagi
  • Good evening – Selamat petang
  • How are you? – Apa khabar
  • Thank you – Terima kasih
  • I am – Saya
  • Your welcome – Sama-sama

Food in Sabah, Borneo

There are typically three types of food you can find in Sabah – traditional Malay, Indian/Bangladeshi, and Chinese. Many of the dishes in Sabah are heavily influenced by Chinese cuisine. Most of the population and places to visit are on the coast, so seafood is widely available.

Malay food is not the best for vegetarians. However, roti canai, similar to a flaky naan beard, was our lifesaver and so delicious. We ate it every day, typically for breakfast and snacking. Also make sure to try teh tarik, a frothy delicious tea.

Some common dishes in Malaysia with typical prices:

  • Roti canai – traditional bread with dipping sauces 4 RM – 6 RM
  • Telur mata – sunny side eggs 4 RM – 6 RM
  • Telur dadar – omelette 8 RM – 10 RM
  • Thosai – similar to Indian dosa 12 RM
  • Mee goreng – fried noodles 12 RM – 20 RM
  • Nasi goreng – fried rice 12 RM – 20 RM
  • Teh Tarik – Black tea with condensed milk (frothy) – 4 RM – 6 RM
  • Teh “O” – tea with sugar – 4 RM – 6 RM
  • Kopi – coffee 4 RM – 6 RM

A few useful words on food/drinks in Malay

  • Panas / Sejuk – Hot/Cold for drinks
  • Sayur – vegetables
  • Tidak ayam – no chicken

Accommodation in Sabah, Borneo

Sabah Trip: Female Orangutan

The accommodation is expensive relative to the rest of Southeast Asia. Budget hostels and dorms start from 20 RM to 36 RM ($5 – $8 USD) depending on the area. Basic private double rooms start from 70 RM ($16 USD) per night. A budget room in Sabah also typically means really poor standards. Not all hotels charge it, but legally, hotels and guesthouses are required to charge a tourist tax of 10 RM per night.

One thing we noticed was that prices were ALWAYS higher as a walk-in. We would book ahead, or walk in to check out the room, and if we decided to stay, book the room online. The best prices typically were on  Booking.com .

Transportation in Sabah, Borneo

Sabah, Borneo Travel Itinerary: Mabul Island

Getting to Sabah is best with AirAsia, a budget airline based in Kuala Lumpur. They have cheap flights to Sabah from different airports in Asia. A flight from Kuala Lumpur to Sabah is 120 RM ($30 USD) when booking 4+ weeks in advance.

Bus Transport  in Sabah is available between all major cities. Bus departures typically leave from Kota Kinabalu each hour to destinations, such as Sandakan, Semporna, or Tawau. There are several bus companies with similar fares. At the time of writing, the fares were as follows:

  • Kota Kinabalu to Mount Kinabalu 25 RM
  • Kota Kinabalu to Sandakan 45 RM
  • Sandakan to Semporna 45 RM
  • Semporna to Tawau 20 RM

Motorbikes  are available for rent in Kota Kinabalu for 45 RM/day.

Car hire companies  are located near the airport in Kota Kinabalu. The price for a small car, such as a Viva, is around 100 RM/day, or a larger Toyota SUV for 200 RM/day.

Grab Car  is excellent and available in all cities in Sabah. When traveling with multiple people, it is often the same price or cheaper than the bus. For example, a Grab Car from Kota Kinabalu to Mount Kinabalu for 80 RM, or from Semporna to Tawau for 65 RM.

Top Places to Visit in Sabah, Borneo

1. what to do in kota kinabalu.

Travel to Sabah: Chili's Night Market

The main city in Sabah – Kota Kinabalu – is filled with hotels, restaurants, and lively night markets. The Filipino market and night market, both centrally located by the waterfront, have local produce, meat, fish, and freshly prepared dinners. There are local BBQ restaurants that cook fresh seafood. Make sure to negotiate.

Gaya street has many bars and Chinese and Malay restaurants. Definitely stop by Yee Fung Laksa on Gaya Street for the best Laksa in all of Malaysia. For 19RM, you get a steaming hot bowl of the good stuff. Trust us on this one! It is worth a stop outside of town to the Kota Kinabalu City Mosque. The reflection of the mosque on the moat is a really awesome photo opportunity.

Visit Sabah: Filipino Night Market

High-End Stay:   Shangri-La Tanjung Aru Resort  is located near the city and with a private beach. Rooms start at 800 RM ($190).

2. The Best Beaches in Sabah at the Tip of Borneo

Sabah, Borneo Travel Itinerary: Tip of Borneo

The Tip of Borneo is a picturesque spot on the northernmost point of Borneo. The rocky shoreline is a perfect backdrop for sunset. Some of the best beaches on mainland Borneo are located just south of the tip. The large Kalampunian Beach has several beach cottages and a few restaurants, although a bit rundown. We preferred a smaller more private beach and tent camping at the Secret Place.

Travel to Sabah: Kudat Beaches

High-End Stay:   Kudat Riviera Beach Villas  is located at private beaches with three stunning villas to choose from starting at 1380 RM ($330).

3. Hiking Mount Kinabalu 

Sabah Trip: Mount Kinabalu

Mount Kinabalu is the tallest mountain in Malaysia and one of the highest in Southeast Asia. The hike is expensive at $350 – $400 per person and with limited permits. However, the views from the summit are some of the best of any mountain in SE Asia. Mount Kinabalu is a strenuous hike ascending over 2,200 meters (7,300 feet) and was one of our highlights in Sabah.

Check out our full post on  hiking Mount Kinabalu  for more information.

Sabah, Borneo Travel Itinerary: Mount Kinabalu Summit

High-End Stay:   Sutera Sanctuary Lodges Kinabalu Park  is located in the national park with rooms starting at 200 RM ($50 USD).

4. Borneo Wildlife in Sepilok & Sandakan

Visit Sabah: Pregnant Orangutan

Sandakan is the gateway to visiting several attractions in the area. We found the waterfront to be quite dirty and pretty smelly. Sepilok is popular for animal sanctuaries to visit. The well-known Sepilok Orangutan Rehabilitation Center should not be missed.

The orangutan nursery is just too cute and the twice-daily feeding is a great way to get up and close to adult orangutans. The feedings are at 10 AM and 3 PM, the latter of which is less crowded. Located next door is the Bornean Sun Bear Conservation Center. Sun Bears are the smallest bears in the world and are threatened by deforestation and illegal hunting. This center is home to 42 sun bears and is open between 10 AM and 3 PM.

There is a proboscis monkey sanctuary in Labuk Bay. However, we do not recommend visiting this attraction. The owner of this “sanctuary” owns the palm plantation surrounding the park, which displaced the monkeys in the first place. Proboscis monkeys can easily be seen in the wild elsewhere in Sabah (see  Kinabatangan River ). From Sandakan, it is possible to visit Turtle Island to see nesting turtles in June.

Sabah Trip: Playful Orangutan

Entrance Costs:  The entry to the Orangutan and Sun Bear conservation are both 30 RM.

High-End Stay:   Sepilok Forest Edge Resort  is located next to the sanctuaries and has chalets starting from 290 RM ($70 USD).

5. Borneo Rainforest Tours at the Kinabatangan River

Travel to Sabah: Female Monkey

Borneo is known for its superb wildlife. The Kinabatangan River is one of the best places in Borneo to see wildlife due to its easy accessibility. Here you can easily see proboscis monkeys, orangutans, pygmy elephants, crocodiles, snakes, exotic birds, and many more in just a couple of days.

Most homestays and resorts are located near Sukau, a village upriver next to palm plantations. There are a few resorts located downriver that are more remote. While staying on the Kinabatangan, resorts usually have an all-inclusive package rate that includes meals, river cruises, and jungle walks. There are a few budget backpackers and homestays on the Kinabatangan, and there are several high-end resorts, leaving few options in between.

Visit Sabah: Grey Monkey

Mid-Range Stay :  Borneo Natural Sukau Bilit Resort  has all-inclusive packages for two people at one of their cottages for 1,060 RM ($250 USD/room).

6. Stunning Beaches and Views at Bohey Dulang

Sabah, Borneo Travel Itinerary: Bohey Dulang

An amazing day trip to the beautiful Bohey Dulang island is definitely worth it. The views are incredible and the beaches are some of the best in Sabah. You can arrange a trip from the port town of Semporna, which is the gateway to Bohey Dulang and Sipadan.

However, if it weren’t for these two things, there is absolutely no reason for anyone to ever visit Semporna. It is a filthy city with no redeeming qualities. Streets are littered with trash and an absurd amount of pollution/plastics in the water. I would avoid the cheapest backpackers here, they are truly horrible. Semporna is the necessary evil to get to some amazing places, so get in and out as fast as possible!

Travel to Sabah: Bohey Dulang

Mid-Range Stay :  The Village  is a new and modern hotel with private rooms for 180 RM ($40 USD).

7. Scuba Diving at Sipadan

Visit Sabah: Scuba Diving

Sipadan is one of the best dive sites in the world. Doesn’t it seem like you hear that in so many countries? With over 150 combined dives in some incredible places, we can attest to it being one of our favorites! With stringent laws for the protection of the marine environment, there are now only 120 daily permits for diving at Sipadan.

Sipadan is known for its incredible marine diversity. The island is an inactive volcano, with a sloping wall that has a drop-off of 600 meters (2,000 feet) to the seabed. It is home to green and hawksbill turtles, massive schools of barracuda and big-eye trevally, manta rays, reef sharks (white tip/blacktip/grey), as well as an occasional spotting of whale sharks and hammerhead sharks.

Several websites state it is cheaper to stay in Semporna, and maybe it is, but we recommend staying on Mabul Island. Mabul Island has diving as well, which is subpar relative to Sipadan, but it’s inexpensive and has tons of massive turtles.

Sabah Trip: Scuba Diving

Mid-Range Stay :  Billabong Scuba  has overwater chalets for 150 RM per person including all meals (price for divers) ($35 USD).

One-Week Itinerary for Sabah, Borneo

Visit Sabah: Mount Kinabalu

Day 1  – Arrive in Kota Kinabalu and check out the Filipino night market and nearby KK night market.

Day 2  – Take a bus to Mount Kinabalu, enjoy views of the park and pick one of the nine shorter hikes near the base of Mount Kinabalu.

Day 3  – Transport to Sandakan/Sepilok, and check out the sun bear conservation and afternoon orangutan sanctuary feeding.

Day 4  – Transport to Semporna.

Day 5  – Bohey Dulang day tour.

Day 6  – Scuba diving at the world-famous Sipadan (permits required).

Day 7  – Return to Semporna and take a flight from Tawau to Kota Kinabalu to finish your one-week trip!

Two-Week Itinerary for Sabah, Borneo

Sabah Trip: Borneo Sunset

Day 2  – Stop at the Kota Kinabalu City Mosque on the way to Kudat. Spend the afternoon at the beach, and watch the sunset at the tip of Borneo.

Day 3  – Beach day.

Day 4  – Travel to Mount Kinabalu.

Day 5  – Hiking day one up to Labuan Rata Guesthouse  (permits required) .

Day 6  – Summit Mount Kinabalu and descend the mountain, staying the night in Ranau.

Day 7  – Travel day from Ranau to Sandakan. Go to the sun bear conservation and the 3:30 pm feeding at the Orangutan Sanctuary.

Day 8  – Travel day from Sandakan to Semporna.

Day 9  – Boat to Mabul Island, scuba diving at Mabul Island.

Day 10  – Scuba diving at Mabul Island.

Day 11  – Scuba diving at the world-famous Sipadan (permits required).

Day 12  – Return to Semporna.

Day 13  – Day trip to Bohey Dulang, afternoon transport to Tawau, flight to Kota Kinabalu.

Day 14  – End your two-week holiday in Sabah!

That’s it – we hope you enjoy exploring Sabah, Borneo!

Planning a trip to Malaysia? Check out our favorite books and travel guides!

About the Author:

Yana and Timon

Yana & Timon met at college in Boston, Massachusetts. After graduating, they started their professional careers. They moved to San Francisco in 2010, a city they loved living in for nearly six years. After working and saving up money for several years, they quit their jobs and set off on an adventure of a lifetime. They started living a nomadic lifestyle in December 2015 and have not looked back since.

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10 Best Things To Do In Sabah, Malaysia, Including Less-Touristy & Iconic Attractions

sabah malaysia travel

Things to do in Sabah, Malaysia

When it comes to discovering Malaysia’s best nature spots, a trip to Sabah is unmissable. Best known for its serene hiking trails and sun-kissed beaches, the state is also home to overlooked attractions that aren’t clogged with crowds. 

With some planning, those itching to see the misty landscapes of Kundasang and enjoy the seaside in Semporna can find new places to experience. We’ve got a list of 10 things to do in Sabah to discover its lesser-known and iconic attractions. Read on to find out more:

Table of Contents

1. Try sky-biking with a gorgeous mountain view at Mont K Bike

2. have lunch by the sea at pitas floating coral bar, 3. go parasailing & paddleboarding to discover the islands of sabah, 4. sleep under the stars and go camping in kota belud, 5. spend a night in sabah’s countryside at kiulu farmstay, 6. hang out with adorable alpacas at alpaca club, 7. take a trip to japan at hidden hills kundasang, 8. go on a cruise through a wetland or on a lake to spot local wildlife, 9. traverse sabah’s longest canopy walkway at rainforest discovery centre, 10. learn more about local culture & weave baskets at marais center, best things to do in sabah, malaysia, in 2023, plan your trip to sabah here and go off the beaten path.

Things to do in Sabah - sky biking

Riding a bicycle comes as second nature to most of us. But picture this: pedalling a bicycle in mid-air on a cable . At Mont K Bike in Ranau, you can experience this exhilarating activity with a stunning backdrop of Mount Kinabalu against sunny skies.

Things to do in Sabah - sky biking

Whether you’re braving the journey alone or with your best pal, you’ll get to pedal on a cable set 30 metres up in the air on one of two bicycles. The cycling rail stretches about 100 metres long, and you can stop to admire the view or strike a pose for photos as you venture across it.

Things to do in Sabah - sky biking

You’ll find Mont K Bike tucked within Ranau Rabbit Farm – so if your travel buddy or little ones prefer to sit this adventure out, they can cuddle adorable bunnies for a fun ground-level activity at the farm.

Things to do in Sabah - Rabbit Farm

Price (Skybike): RM90/pax (Malaysians) | RM150/pax (Standard tickets) Address: Ranau Rabbit Farm, Kampung Kigiok, 89300 Ranau, Sabah Opening hours: 9am-6pm, Daily Contact: +6019-832 9868

Things to do in Sabah - floating bar

You may have heard of floating resorts , with many of them peppered across Sabah’s stunning islands. But wait until you hear about Floating Coral Bar, located in the middle of the sea off Pitas, on an untouched private island with no hotels. 

When you arrive, find just a bridge and an observation deck, as well as tables and chairs to accommodate just over 50 people. All these are set on a 1-km stretch of naturally-formed coral bar.

It goes without saying that packing sunscreen will go a long way, as there’ll be nothing but the clear sea, shallow reefs, and blue skies around you.

Things to do in Sabah - Pitas Floating Bar

The floating bar is run by Archangel Borneo Holiday, and an excursion here starts from RM330/pax . The package includes transport, lunch, and free access to water facilities such as kayaking in a clear-bottom boat, snorkelling, and stand-up paddleboarding . 

For lunch, you’ll get to enjoy a hearty and authentic Malaysian meal prepared by Pitas locals. 

Things to do in Sabah - Pitas Floating Bar

This Floating Coral Bar is about a 3-hour drive from Kota Kinabalu, and it takes around 45 minutes from Marina Jetty Kudat to get here by boat. Trips begin at 9am and conclude at 3pm, giving you more than enough time to explore the island.

Pick-up point : Marina Jetty Kudat, Off Jalan Urus Setia, 89058 Kudat, Sabah Contact : +6019-895 4248 | +6014-993 2788

Things to do in Sabah - parasailing

The sheer number of pristine beaches in Sabah means there’s no shortage of water activities to try when you’re island-hopping. While snorkelling is a must-do, you can opt to go parasailing instead – it requires no training and lets you enjoy stunning bird’s-eye views of the sea and sky.

Similar to paragliding, parasailers will fly through the air backed by a parachute-like canopy. The main differences are that you’ll be towed by a boat and dangling aloft over the sea – and, of course, you can avoid the nerve-wracking leaping-off-the-cliff part of paragliding.

Long Beach Watersports have packages (from RM110/pax) that include parasailing, as well as a banana boat ride and snorkelling. Transportation fees are covered between Jesselton Point Ferry Terminal and Manukan and Mamutik Islands, where you can spend a half-day discovering marine life and soaring over the sea.

Things to do in Sabah - parasailing

If you prefer calmer water sports, you can try stand-up paddleboarding at Tanjung Aru Beach . It might just be the best way to bask in the captivating Sabah sunset while leisurely gliding over gentle waves towards the horizon.

Head North Paddle hosts sunset and sunrise paddling sessions, priced from RM110/pax. Your journey out into the waters will be led by a professional guide, so even first-timers can try this activity out.

Paragliding @ Tunku Abdul Rahman Marine Park: Pick-up point: Jesselton Point Ferry Terminal, Jalan Haji Saman, 88000 Kota Kinabalu, Sabah Contact : +6019-862 4549

Stand-up Paddleboarding @ Tanjung Aru Beach: Address: Lot 21, Kuarters TM Tanjung Aru, Lorong Pinang, Tanjung Aru 88801 Kota Kinabalu, Sabah Contact: +6017-583 2156 | Head North Paddle Kota Kinabalu’s Facebook

Things to do in Sabah - camping

As much as we love hotel amenities, waking up to breathtaking views of nature right at our feet is an unbeatable experience. One popular area to spend a night under the stars is Kota Belud , located about 2 hours from Kota Kinabalu.

Things to do in Sabah - camping

There are multiple campsites located here, including Tegudon Tourism Village, Nohutu Eco Tourism Campsite, and Polumpung Melangkap View Campsite . These campgrounds let you experience a peaceful night’s sleep under clear skies glittering with stars – all while enjoying unblocked views of Mount Kinabalu and flowing waters just outside your tent. 

But roughing it isn’t for everybody, and we get that. Luckily, these campsites have various kampung-style cabins and essential camping gear available for rent.

Things to do in Sabah - camping

To recharge in nature sans gadgets, campers here often dip their feet in the river outside their tents when the tides are calmer. No matter which campground you’re opting for a night’s stay at, the water streaming from the mountain is always clear and cool, even on sunnier days. 

Things to do in Sabah - campsite river

Tegudon Tourism Village: Entrance fee: RM3/pax Address: P/S 291 Tegudon, 89158 Kota Belud, Sabah Contact: +6016-828 2416 | Tegudon Tourism Village’s Facebook

Nohutu Eco Tourism Campsite: Entrance fee: RM3/pax Address: Melangkap Tiong, 89150 Kota Belud, Sabah Opening hours : 2pm (Check-in) | 12pm (Check-out) Contact: +6013-803 4382 | Nohutu Eco Tourism’s Facebook

Polumpung Melangkap View Campsite: Entrance fee: RM6/adult & RM4/child (Malaysians) | RM12/adult & RM8/child (Standard admission) Address: Polumpung Melangkap Baru, 89158 Kota Belud, Sabah Opening hours : 2pm (Check-in) | 12pm (Check-out) Contact: +6011-3624 4723 | Polumpung Melangkap View Campsite’s website

Things to do in Sabah - Kiulu Farmstay

Go beyond Kota Kinabalu’s urban sprawl to discover a village community at Kiulu Farmstay . This hidden eco-lodge lets guests spend the night in rustic bamboo huts, and be treated to an unvarnished glimpse of local village life amidst the Bornean jungles.

Tucked within the misty valley of Kiulu, the farmstay is just over an hour’s drive from the capital city. Lush greenery and a river serve as backdrops for the traditional lodges made almost entirely of bamboo. 

Things to do in Sabah - Kiulu Farmstay

A 2D1N stay in the 2-bedroom Fig House (RM465/night) can accommodate a family of 4 comfortably. Meals and a fun itinerary are included with your stay, so look forward to local delicacies prepared by villagers, and embark on a tour after having your meals. 

Besides soaking up postcard views of paddy fields with a local guide, you can take part in Kiulu’s notable cultural activities: rice processing, blowpiping, and rubber tapping included. 

After dinner, gather with villagers in the common area to share food, rice wine, and stories.  

Things to do in Sabah - food

If you’re looking to explore the scenic Kiulu countryside further, go on a quad bike tour (from RM213/pax). You’ll be part of a guided 3-hour tour travelling through rolling hills, past rivers and quaint villages, to learn more about local village life, flora, and fauna.

Do note that you’ll need a driver’s licence and be at least 18 years of age to operate a quad bike. But if you’re travelling with kids, a double-bike has an optional passenger in-tandem seat. There’ll also be an additional fee of RM10 per person for Community Development Contribution.

Things to do in Sabah - quad biking

Address: Jalan Kiulu Pukak Mantob, Kampung Mantob, 89250 Tamparuli, Sabah Opening hours: 2pm (Check-in) | 10am (Check-out) Contact: +6019-326 3800

Things to do in Sabah - llama

Desa Dairy Farm is one of Kundasang’s most popular attractions. But it’s not the only place in the town that lets animal-loving travellers hang out with gentle creatures. Over at Alpaca Club , you can pet and take selfies with fluffy alpacas that roam free in a pen. 

Things to do in Sabah - llamas

Alpacas are gentle, but sensitive and social creatures, so come ready to give them soft neck pats when you aren’t feeding or snapping photos with them. There are about 10 alpacas at the farm, all brought in from Australia. 

Things to do in Sabah - Alpaca Farm

To ensure every visitor has a chance to interact with the animals, 35 people are allowed inside the farm at one time for a 20-minute session. A pack of feed can be purchased for RM3 at the ticket counter.

Admission : RM15/adult | RM10/child | RM2/infant Address: Jalan Cinta Mata Mesilou, 89308 Kundasang, Sabah Opening hours: 9am-5pm, Daily Contact: +6011-5868 3622

Things to do in Sabah - Hidden Hills Kundasang

One of the best parts about visiting Kundasang is experiencing the cool highland climate. 

Coupled with unparalleled views of Mount Kinabalu, a trip to this hill station will make you feel like you’ve travelled out of Malaysia. Cue Hidden Hills , a themed homestay with a hidden Japanese village attraction that’s open to the public.

Things to do in Sabah - Hidden Hills

While Kundasang is popularly known as the “Little New Zealand” of Sabah, Hidden Hills will have you thinking you’re in Japan with its collection of photo spots speckled across its grounds. 

Things to do in Sabah - Hidden Hills

Find a torii gate, a Japanese tearoom, and a statue of the beloved Totoro from My Neighbor Totoro to pose with. The homestay also lets you rent traditional Japanese costumes, and offers hair-styling services at their Yukata Station for RM38/pax . 

Things to do in Sabah - Hidden Hills

To discover the IG-worthy zones and enjoy views of Mount Kinabalu from here, there’s a small entrance fee for adults (RM5/pax) and children (RM3/pax).

Address : Kampung Dodon Kasigau, 89308 Kundasang, Sabah Opening hours : 9am-5pm, Daily

Things to do in Sabah - Klias River Cruise

It isn’t every day that you get to spot a wild Proboscis monkey, as the species can only be found in Borneo. A fun and popular way to see these creatures in the flesh, with their unique long noses and bulging bellies, is by hopping on a Klias River Cruise in Beaufort.

This laidback cruise on an open boat begins at 4pm and takes you deep into Klias Wetland for a leisurely 2-hour ride. During the trip, you can spot Proboscis monkeys clinging onto branches as the area is largely populated by them.

Things to do in Sabah - Klias River Cruise

If you prefer less beaten paths, head to Kinabatangan River in Sandakan. This river, which happens to be Malaysia’s second longest, runs through a wildlife sanctuary home to proboscis monkeys, orangutans, and pygmy elephants – which you might just get glimpses of as you traverse it by cruise.

Things to do in Sabah - The Last Frontier

The Last Frontier Resort , hidden on the top of Dutch Hill Bilit amid the Kinabatangan Forest Reserve, has cruises on the river as part of their 3D2N all-inclusive package , with prices starting from RM850 . 

Whether you’re on a morning cruise or trekking through the tropical rainforest, you’ll get to experience Sabah’s natural settings and local wildlife at their most serene and undisturbed.

Things to do in Sabah - kayak cruise

Klias River Cruise: Fees: RM60/adult | RM40/child Address: Kampong Kota Klias, 89800 Beaufort, Sabah Opening hours: Sat-Thu 3pm-8pm | Fri 4pm-8pm Contact: +6019-807 3159

The Last Frontier Resort: Address: PPM 309 Elopura, Kinabatangan River, 90000 Sandakan, Sabah Contact: +6016-676 5922 | The Last Frontier Resort’s website

Home to a 620-metre-long Rainforest Skywalk, Rainforest Discovery Centre is a lesser-known gem in Sepilok when compared to its more popular neighbours, the Sepilok Orangutan Rehabilitation Centre and Bornean Sun Bear Conservation Centre.

Things to do in Sabah - Rainforest Discovery

As one of the most accessible rainforest parks in Sabah, you can explore the forest reserve and its inhabitants from beyond its self-guided nature trails – at a panoramic 27-metres-high, thanks to an impressive canopy walkway dubbed the longest of its kind in the state.

Besides learning about local fauna and flora at the various educational zones here, you can try your luck at spotting rare Bornean endemic birds, flying squirrels, and even orangutans while traversing the forest. 

Things to do in Sabah - Rainforest Discovery

Rainforest Discovery Centre also hosts various family-friendly activities, including a 180-metre-long Flying Squirrel Zipline over the lake and a night walk .

Things to do in Sabah - zipline

Admission: RM7/adult & RM3/child (Malaysians) | RM20/adult & RM10/child (Standard admission) Address: Jalan Fabia, Sepilok, 90715 Sandakan, Sabah Opening hours: 8am-5pm, Daily Contact: +6089-533 780

Things to do in Sabah - Marais Centre

A great way to fully immerse yourself in your travel destination is to learn more about its culture. One place to be to experience locally grown culture is Marais Center in Tenom.

While the town is best known for its coffee production, visitors can get to know more about the Murut people in Sabah through a variety of activities at this village.

Things to do in Sabah - Marais Centre

Whether it’s weaving baskets from natural materials or cycling past paddy fields to soak up postcard views of mountains and rivers, there won’t be a dull moment spent here. 

You can’t miss the special performance that takes place at the village either, with locals donning their traditional Murut attire and dancing energetically.

Things to do in Sabah - cycling in Paddy Field

With nature just next door and activities galore, you can visit this lesser-known village in Tenom on a day trip away from the crowds and city. Else, opt to spend a night at their guesthouse to truly slip into the shoes of a local. 

Address: Peti Surat 206, Kuala Tomani, Kampung Marais, 89908 Tenom, Sabah Opening hours: Appointment-based Contact: +6016-834 9781

There’s more to conquer in Sabah than just the majestic Mount Kinabalu. With attractions that let you explore the state’s natural beauty – from its crystal-clear sea to the starry skies – there’s certainly something for every type of traveller to discover there.  

To find out what Sabah truly has to offer and flesh out your travel plans, you’ll want to drop by Matta Fair 2023 from 1st-3rd September . At this year’s second instalment happening at MITEC Kuala Lumpur, you’ll get to browse promotions for must-visit destinations at Sabah Tourism booths so you can have a thrilling holiday without breaking the bank.

So if you want to experience everything, from local food and culture to sky-high activities, Sabah might just be the perfect travel destination for you. 

Here’s to safe travels and exciting holidays ahead. 

This post was brought to you by Sabah Tourism Board.

Cover image adapted from: Mont K Skybike, Archangel Borneo Holidays, Sabah Tourism, Hidden Hill Kundasang

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Until European powers gained a foothold at the northern tip of Borneo in the nineteenth century, the tribal peoples of Sabah had only minimal contact with the outside world. Since then – and particularly since joining the Malaysian Federation in 1963 – these groups have largely exchanged traditional ways for a collective Malaysian identity. As Sabah’s cultural landscape has changed, so has its environment: the logging industry has been allowed to exploit huge swathes of the rainforests, with cleared regions used to plant oil palm – a monoculture that makes a poor habitat for wildlife. On the other hand, many locals would argue, this agro-industry provides work for thousands, and generates much-needed income into the state coffers.

Brief history

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Kinabalu National Park Travel Guide

From lahad datu to the maliau basin, maliau basin, north of kk, poring hot springs, pulau labuan, southwest of kk, sungai kinabatangan, day-trips from kk, kota kinabalu, the markets, sabah state museum, day-trips from kota kinabalu.

While arguments rage between campaigners, corporations and politicians, tourists continue to enjoy the remaining natural riches of “the land below the wind” (so called because Sabah’s 72,500 square kilometres lie just south of the typhoon belt). The terrain ranges from wild, swampy, mangrove-tangled coastal areas, through the dazzling greens of paddy fields and pristine rainforests, to the dizzy heights of the Crocker mountain range – home to the highest peak between the Himalayas and New Guinea, Gunung Kinabalu (Mount Kinabalu). Although habitats for Sabah’s indigenous animals have shrunk dramatically, the remaining forests still offer some of the best wildlife-watching opportunities in Malaysia. Offshore, damaging fishing practices have as elsewhere in the region taken their toll, but marine parks protect areas of magnificent coral – most famously around Sipadan – and the attendant sea life.

Sabah’s urban centres are not especially attractive or historically rich, thanks to World War II bombs and hurried urban redevelopment. While places like KK (Kota Kinabalu) and Sandakan lack notable buildings, however, they abound in atmosphere and energy, plus good places to eat and sleep. That said, Sabah’s remarkable natural attractions are the major draw for most visitors.

The Klias Peninsula south of KK offers activity-based day-trips such as whitewater rafting or firefly cruises, while with more time you could visit the island of Pulau Tiga; you may also need to transit through duty-free Labuan on the way to Brunei. North of KK lie the beaches and coconut groves of the Kudat Peninsula, where it’s possible to visit longhouses belonging to the Rungus tribe; the northernmost point, the Tip of Borneo, features windy shorelines and splendid isolation.

Heading east from KK, things get truly exciting. Dominating the landscape are the huge granite shelves of the awesome Gunung Kinabalu, a major attraction as getting up and down involves spending just one night on the mountain. Further east is Sandakan, a rapidly modernizing town with offshore attractions including the Turtle Islands National Park. Back on the mainland, at the nearby Sepilok Orang-utan Rehabilitation Centre and Labuk Bay Proboscis Monkey Sanctuary, you can get a ringside view of animals at feeding times.

Deeper into the oil-palm plantations of east Sabah lies the protected Kinabatangan River, where visitors can take boat trips to see wild proboscis monkeys, elephants and orang-utans. Further south, the Danum Valley Conservation Area offers a spectacular canopy walkway, with the choice of staying at a luxury lodge or a humbler research centre. Alternatively try the more affordable Tabin Wildlife Reserve, with a mud volcano and an elephant colony. In the deep south, accessible via the boom town of Tawau, nestles the untouched forest sector of the Maliau Basin, now open for challenging trekking.

For divers, the offshore islands near the southern town of Semporna are the jewel in Sabah’s crown. Sipadan offers world-class diving off coral walls, while its neighbour Mabul is known for its fabulous macro (small-scale) marine life. These two are simply the best known, and the area can keep divers and snorkellers enchanted for days.

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15 days  / from 2235 USD

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Discover the magnificence of Malaysia with this comprehensive trip. Stroll around picturesque tea plantations, trek through dense rainforests, watch elephants in the wild, laze around on paradise beaches, explore immense religious monuments and much more, all with this fantastic trip!

Experience Nature in the Wilds of Sabah

7 days  / from 896 USD

Experience Nature in the Wilds of Sabah

Tucked away on the island of Borneo is the state of Sabah, a true nature-lover's paradise. From whitewater rafting down wild rivers to scuba diving in crystal-clear waters among exotic marine life, Sabah has something for anyone looking to experience nature in its purest form.

Taking in the Splendour of Malaysia

10 days  / from 1730 USD

Taking in the Splendour of Malaysia

Malaysia is a vast, sweeping jewel of Southeast Asia, with much to do and see. It's particularly known for its serene rainforests, captivating wildlife, and pristine coastlines. The country is also synonymous with bustling cities, cherished historical sites, and progressive points of view.

Malaysia, Brunei and Singapore adventure

14 days  / from 5876 USD

Malaysia, Brunei and Singapore adventure

A diverse and unforgettable exploration awaits! From the vibrant city of Kuala Lumpur to the cool retreat of Cameron Highlands. Immerse yourself in lush tea plantations before heading to Borneo for thrilling orangutan encounters and unforgettable river safaris. Brunei and Singapore conclude the trip

Indulgent Malaysia

13 days  / from 5920 USD

Indulgent Malaysia

Discover fascinating Malaysia, a multicultural hotspot with amazing food, stunning beaches and vibrant culture. Take in popular KL’s malls, architecture, landmarks and gardens, before hitting colonial towns and luxurious tropical beaches.

Malaysia Express from Singapore

7 days  / from 1750 USD

Malaysia Express from Singapore

A captivating 7-day tour that unveils the beauty of Malaysia, commencing from Singapore. Traverse the border into Malacca to uncover its rich heritage gems. Progress to Kuala Lumpur, where iconic landmarks await your exploration. Culminate your journey in George Town, Penang.

Rainforest Adventure in Borneo

5 days  / from 2580 USD

Rainforest Adventure in Borneo

Indecisive between Tabin and Danum Valley in Borneo? Opt for a unique two-in-one adventure, where you'll revel in a mesmerizing transformation from regenerating forests to pristine virgin rainforests. Embrace the allure of both destinations in a single, unforgettable journey.

Best of Peninsular Malaysia

11 days  / from 1899 USD

Best of Peninsular Malaysia

A beautiful journey through Peninsular Malaysia. Start in dynamic Kuala Lumpur, explore Malacca's heritage, delve into Cameron Highlands' tea culture, discover Penang's vibrant art scene, and savor its renowned street food. Cap off your adventure with serene beach relaxation in Langkawi.

Wildlife Spotting in Borneo

6 days  / from 1685 USD

Wildlife Spotting in Borneo

Observe the human-like Orangutans and Bornean Sun Bear, enjoy relaxing cruises along the Kinabatangan River, and encounter fascinating species like proboscis monkeys, hornbills, crocodiles, and more. For those with an interest, partake in engaging wildlife discussions at the lodge.

Little is known of Sabah’s early history, though archeological finds in limestone caves indicate that the northern tip of Borneo has been inhabited for well over ten thousand years. Chinese merchants were trading with local settlements by 700 AD, and by the fourteenth century the area was under the sway of the sultans of Brunei and Sulu.

Colonialism

Europe’s superpowers first arrived in 1521, when the ships of Portuguese navigator Ferdinand Magellan stopped off at Brunei before sailing northwards. Almost 250 years later, in 1763, colonial settlement began when one Captain Cowley established a short-lived trading post on Pulau Balambangan, an island north of Kudat, on behalf of the British East India Company. Further colonial involvement came in 1846, when Pulau Labuan (at the mouth of Brunei Bay) was ceded to the British by the Sultan of Brunei. By 1881 the British North Borneo Chartered Company had full sovereignty over northern Borneo.

First steps were then taken towards making the territory pay its way: rubber, tobacco and, after 1885, timber were commercially harvested. By 1905 a rail line linked the coastal town of Jesselton (later Kota Kinabalu) with the resource-rich interior. When the company introduced taxes, the locals were understandably displeased and some resisted; Mat Salleh, the son of a Bajau chief, and his followers sacked the company’s settlement on Pulau Gaya in 1897. Another uprising, in Rundum in 1915, resulted in the slaughter of hundreds of Murut tribespeople by British forces.

World War II

On New Year’s Day 1942, Japanese imperial forces invaded Pulau Labuan; Sandakan fell less than three weeks later. By the time the Japanese surrendered on September 9, 1945, almost nothing of Jesselton and Sandakan remained standing (although the worst structural damage was inflicted by Allied bombing). Even worse were the hardships endured by civilians and captured Allied troops, the most notorious of which were the Death Marches of 1945.

Towards independence

Unable to finance the postwar rebuilding of North Borneo, the Chartered Company sold the territory to the British Crown in 1946, and Jesselton was declared the new capital of the Crown Colony of North Borneo. Within fifteen years, however, plans had been laid for an independent federation consisting of Malaya, Singapore, Sarawak, North Borneo and (it was intended) Brunei. The Federation was proclaimed at midnight on September 15, 1963, with North Borneo renamed Sabah.

Modern politics

Relations with federal Kuala Lumpur have seldom been smooth, but differences had seemed to narrow until, in 1985, the opposition Parti Bersatu Sabah (PBS), led by the Christian Joseph Pairin Kitingan, was returned to office in the state elections. This was the first time a non-Muslim had attained power in a Malaysian state. Anti-federal feelings were worsened by much of the profits from Sabah’s flourishing crude oil exports being siphoned off to KL.

Nowadays, with PBS having joined the country’s ruling BN coalition, central government is following a policy of patching up long-running, cross-state disunity to realize a vision of a multi-ethnic – but Muslim-dominated – nation.

Although many traditions have died out, Sabah’s three-million-plus population includes more than a dozen recognized ethnic groups, and numerous dialects are still in use. The peoples of the Kadazan/Dusun tribes constitute the largest indigenous group; then there are the Murut of the southwest, and Sabah’s so-called “sea gypsies”, the Bajau. In recent years, Sabah has also seen an influx of Filipino and Indonesian immigrants, particularly on its east coast.

Town and village tamus (markets), usually held weekly, are a wonderful opportunity for visitors to take in the colourful mixture of cultures. Large tamus include those held on Sundays in the state capital Kota Kinabalu (KK) and in the small town of Kota Belud, two hours north by bus. The biggest annual festival is the Pesta Kaamatan, a harvest festival celebrated in May by the Kadazan/Dusun.

While the west may have majestic Gunung Kinabalu, East Sabah is the destination of choice for animal encounters. Around former capital Sandakan alone, visitors can see orang-utans in Sepilok, proboscis monkeys at Labuk Bay – and there are no prizes for guessing the attraction at the Turtle Islands National Park.

Next stop on the itinerary is the Kinabatangan River, where lodges arrange longboat journeys to see pygmy elephants, orang-utans and more in the wild. Further into the interior, there is the option of visiting Danum Valley, a primary rainforest area with a majestic canopy walkway, or the equally appealing Tabin Wildlife Reserve.

Back on the coast, divers especially are pulled to Semporna, the jumping-off point for the myriad flora and fauna hidden in the waters surrounding Palau Sipadan, Palau Mabul and numerous other islands. Serious trekkers keen to explore the Maliau Basin, referred to by some as “Sabah’s Lost World”, set off by 4WD from the frontier boom town Tawau.

Labuk Bay Proboscis Monkey Sanctuary

Set amid mangrove forest and reached via a track through an oil-palm plantation, Labuk Bay Proboscis Monkey Sanctuary functions as a companion to the more famous orang-utan sanctuary at Sepilok. Most visitors come on a day-trip from Sandakan or Sepilok, which is significantly closer, but it’s also possible to stay overnight.

Two large observation platforms, each with two feeding times, offer perfect vantage points from which to view the long-nosed proboscis monkeys; at the same time you can also see silverleaf monkeys scavenge fruit left behind, and there’s some fantastic birdlife including hornbills. On a day-trip you could see all four feedings if you like, or even leave after just one, but it’s more usual to see one from each platform.

Other activities

If you make arrangements in advance then it’s possible to combine watching the monkey feeding with other activities. These include a short jungle trek or a bird-watching walk (each 1hr; RM30) or a boat trip (2hr; RM250/boat) to a fishing village. If you’re staying the night then you can also sign up for a firefly walk (45min; RM20) and a morning birdwatching walk (1hr; RM30).

The town of Sepilok, 25km west of Sandakan, is best known for its Orang-utan Rehabilitation Centre. That’s not the only attraction, though, as the Rainforest Discovery Centre is worth visiting for its canopy walkway. There are also plans to open a conservation centre for Malayan sun bears, the world’s smallest bear species. See wsunbears.wildlifedirect.org for the latest news.

Set up in 1964 and occupying a 43-square-kilometre patch of lowland rainforest, the Sepilok Orang-utan Rehabilitation Centre is one of only a few such sanctuaries. It’s also among Sabah’s most popular tourist sites, with over two hundred people crowding onto the viewing platform during feeding hours on most days. In general it’s best to go for the afternoon session, as most tour buses come in the morning.

Leave valuables in the free lockers, along with food, drink and insect repellent (which can be harmful to the orang-utans if they ingest it). There’s little shade on the viewing platform, so bring a hat. You’ll find a café near the information centre.

The feeding station is a ten-minute walk from the entrance, so arrive with plenty of time. There are usually at least a couple of orang-utans waiting for their meal, often the very young ones, and they immediately cluster round the warden as he sets out the fruit. Others may soon come along, swinging, shimmying and strolling towards their breakfast or lunch, jealously watched by gangs of macaques that loiter around for scraps.

If you have time, stick around after feeding time and take one of several trails through the forest; you’ll need to register at reception. Besides the pleasure of the walk, there’s a chance you may see one or more orang-utans.

Orang-utans at Sepilok

Orang-utans – tail-less, red-haired apes (their name means “man of the forest” in Malay) – can reach a height of around 1.65m, and can live to over thirty years old. Solitary but not aggressively territorial, these primates live a largely arboreal existence, eating fruit, leaves, bark and the occasional insect.

Most of the orang-utans at the Sepilok centre are victims of forest clearance; many have been orphaned, injured and traumatized in the process. Some have also been kept as pets, something now prohibited by law, which means that their survival instincts remain undeveloped. Orang-utans are trained at Sepilok to fend for themselves in the wild. Although not always successful, the training process has seen many animals reintroduced to their natural habitat.

Turtle Islands National Park

Peeping out of the Sulu Sea 40km north of Sandakan, three tiny islands comprise the TURTLE ISLANDS NATIONAL PARK. They are favoured egg-laying sites of green and hawksbill turtles, which haul themselves laboriously above the high-tide mark to bury their clutches of eggs almost every night of the year. Although all three islands – Pulau Selingan, Pulau Bakungan Kecil and Pulau Gulisan – hold hatcheries, tourists can only visit Selingan.

All the action is at night. As well as seeing a mother turtle laying her eggs, you can watch as the park wardens release newly hatched turtles that waddle, Chaplin-like, into the sea to face an uncertain future. Before dark there’s plenty of time – arguably too much time, given the lack of facilities – for swimming, snorkelling (equipment rental RM25) and sunbathing. Take precautions against sandflies, which can be voracious especially when it rains.

Sabah's Interior

The highway southeast out of KK claws its way up onto the ridges of the Crocker mountain range, passing Gunung Alab (1964m). The mountains separate the state’s west coast and the swampy Klias Peninsula from the area christened the interior in the days of the Chartered Company. The former isolation of this sparsely populated region ended at the start of the twentieth century, when a rail line was built between Jesselton (modern-day KK) and Tenom to transport the raw materials being produced by the region’s thriving rubber industry.

Today, oil-palm cultivation takes precedence, though the Kadazan/Dusun and Murut peoples still cultivate rice, maize and cocoa.

Sabah holds no more impressive sight than Gunung Kinabalu (Mount Kinabalu), 85km northeast of KK and plainly visible from the west coast. Revered as “aki nabalu” (home of the spirits of the dead) by the Kadazan/Dusun, it’s 4095m high and dominates the 750 square kilometres of KINABALU NATIONAL PARK, a World Heritage Site renowned for its ecology, flora and geology. Although there are other hikes within the park, the prospect of reaching the summit fires the imagination of Malaysian and foreign tourists alike.

Gunung Kinabulu: the climb

Conquering Gunung Kinabalu today is far easier than it was in 1858, when Spenser St John, British consul-general to the native states of Borneo, found his progress blocked by Kadazan “shaking their spears and giving us other hostile signs”. Hugh Low, then British colonial secretary on Pulau Labuan, had made the first recorded ascent of the mountain seven years earlier, though he baulked at climbing its highest peak, considering it “inaccessible to any but winged animals”. The peak – subsequently named after Low – was finally conquered in 1888 by John Whitehead.

Here we detail the Timpohon trail to the top as it is by far the most popular, although a longer and quieter route up, the Mesilau trail, starts 17km east of the park HQ, and offers a greater chance of spotting wildlife.

The first day

The summit route begins with an optional but time-saving minibus ride (25min; RM16.50/vehicle) to the start of the Timpohon trail. The day’s climb to the mountain huts at Laban Rata takes between five and seven hours, depending on your fitness and trail conditions. Roots and stones along the trail serve as steps, with wooden “ladders” laid up the muddier stretches. There are regular rest shelters with toilets along the path.

To Layang Layang

The air gets progressively cooler as you climb, but the walk is still hard and sweaty, and you’ll be glad of the water tanks and rest point at Layang Layang (2621m), three hours into the climb. Around this point, if the weather is kind, incredible views of the hills, sea and clouds start to unfold below you.

To Laban Rata

At just above 3000m, a detour to the left brings hikers to Pondok Paka, a large overhanging rock that was the site of overnight camps on early expeditions. It’s a further 6km to Laban Rata, which lies at 3272m. The final 2km, dominated by large boulders and steep slippery rock surfaces, are demanding even for the fittest, particularly considering the lower oxygen levels. The rewards are the view of the mighty granite slopes of the Panar Laban rock face, plus the promise of reaching your accommodation.

The second day

Most climbers get up at 2.30am for the final ascent, although those who are particularly fit might leave slightly later to avoid getting to the summit too long before sunrise.

To the summit

The trail crosses the sheer Panar Laban rock face, past the Sayat Sayat hut and onwards to the summit at Low’s Peak. Although ropes, handrails and wooden steps help in places, it’s a stiff climb at the very least. You’ll also be doing it in pitch darkness so headlamps are an advantage and a powerful torch a must. Climbers should also be aware of the symptoms of altitude sickness.

After the final push, the beautiful spectacle of sunrise at Low’s Peak will rob you of any remaining breath. Remember that it’ll be bitingly cold, so bring very warm clothing for that brief photo stop at the summit.

Descending from the mountain

After all that toil, it’s back to Laban Rata for a hearty breakfast – prepare to be shocked when you see the sharp drops along the trail, which were not visible in the dark. Then it’s time to head back down to park HQ, which usually takes three to five hours. As your leg muscles ache from the relentless downhill trudge – which is likely to get worse the next day – take a moment to reflect on the fact that the record time for the annual Kinabalu Climbathon is just over two and a half hours. That’s up and down.

Preparing to climb Gunung Kinabulu

Climbing the mountain has become a must-do in Borneo itineraries. For the thousands of people who come here annually to haul themselves up, the process is made easier by a well-defined, 8.5-kilometre-long path that weaves up through jungle on the southern side to the bare granite of the summit.

Despite its popularity, it’s a very tough trek and not to be undertaken lightly. Even given perfect weather conditions, there’s a remorseless, freezing, final pre-dawn ascent to contend with and it’s quite possible to suffer from altitude sickness and not get to the top. Bad weather can also scupper an ascent, or at least make it a pretty miserable experience.

Don’t undertake the challenge unless you are fully prepared with suitable clothing and in good general health. If you suffer from vertigo then you shouldn’t have a problem on the route up to Laban Rata (where there’s foliage to hide any drops), or even for the summit ascent (since it’s in the dark), but the way down from the summit may cause you problems.

Booking ahead

If you want to do the climb in just one day – an option only available from tour operators based in KK – then you can substantially cut costs. This does, however, mean an exceptionally long and tiring day on the mountain, while the view from the top will almost certainly be obscured by clouds by the time you get there. Getting a permit for a day-trip can also be difficult. All in all, it isn’t really worth it.

For the vast majority of visitors, therefore, ascending and descending Gunung Kinabalu takes two days. The standard route begins at the park HQ, two hours from KK and 1588m up. It’s possible to arrive on the morning of the climb, but spending the previous night in the area is a good idea; it gives time to acclimatize and means you can make an earlier start in the morning. Climbers then have to spend a night two-thirds of the way up the mountain in huts at Laban Rata, allowing for a final dawn ascent.

The accommodation on the mountain is often booked up long in advance, although tour operators in KK may be able to offer a package at short notice for an additional fee; you can also call direct in the hope of a cancellation. Avoid booking packages with overseas tour operators, which can work out a lot more expensive.

What to bring

Essential items to carry with you include a torch (preferably a headlamp), headache tablets, suntan lotion, energy boosters (such as nuts, fruit and muesli bars), and a water bottle (there’s unfiltered but drinkable water along the trail). Wear waterproof shoes or hiking boots with a good tread, and bring a few layers of warm clothing for the summit; the Laban Rata resthouse has a few jackets for rent, but you need to call ahead to reserve one. Most guides do not carry first-aid kits, so it’s best to bring your own.

The morning of the climb

Get to the park HQ as early as possible: the last group usually sets off by 11am, but ideally you should be here by 9am, in order to reach Laban Rata before the hot water runs out in the showers. Call in at the Sutera Sanctuary Lodges reception to confirm your place at Laban Rata, then go next door to the Sabah Parks office to pay the various fees.

Besides the climbing permit, conservation fee and insurance, you must pay for a guide. All those charges are mandatory; some climbers also opt to pay for a porter (maximum load 10kg). If you’re alone, ask whether you can join another group for company and to save on the guide fee. Lockers and a safe room are available at the HQ to deposit valuables or even your pack.

Kinabalu flora and fauna

If you dash headlong up and down Gunung Kinabalu and then depart, as many visitors do, you’ll miss out on many of the national park’s riches. Its diverse terrains have spawned an incredible variety of plants and animals, and you are far more likely to appreciate them by walking some of the lower trails (see Around the park headquarters) at a leisurely pace.

Around a third of the park’s area is covered by lowland dipterocarp forest, characterized by massive, buttressed trees and allowing only sparse growth at ground level. The world’s largest flower, the parasitic – and elusive – Rafflesia, occasionally blooms in the lowland forest. Between 900m and 1800m, you’ll come across the oaks, chestnuts, ferns and mosses (including the Dawsonia – the world’s tallest moss) of the montane forest.

Higher up (1800–2600m), the cloudforest supports a huge range of flowering plants: around a thousand orchids and 26 varieties of rhododendron have been identified, including Low’s rhododendron with its enormous yellow flowers. The hanging lichen that drapes across branches of stunted trees lends a magical feel to the landscape at this height. It’s at this altitude, too, that you’re most likely to see the park’s most famous plants – its nine species of insectivorous pitcher plants (Nepenthes) whose cups secrete a nectar that first attracts insects and then drowns them, as they are unable to escape up the slippery sides of the pitcher.

Higher still, above 2600m, only the most tenacious plantlife can survive – like the agonizingly gnarled sayat-sayat tree, and the heath rhododendron found only on Mount Kinabalu – while beyond 3300m, soil gives way to granite. Here, grasses, sedges and the elegant blooms of Low’s buttercup are all that flourish.

Although orang-utans, Bornean gibbons and tarsiers are among mammals that dwell in the park, you’re unlikely to see anything more exotic than squirrels, rats and tree shrews, or conceivably a mouse deer or a bearded pig if you’re lucky. The higher reaches of Gunung Kinabalu boast two types of birds seen nowhere else in the world – the Kinabalu friendly warbler and Kinabalu mountain blackbird. Lower down, look out for hornbills and eagles, as well as the Malaysian tree pie, identifiable by its foot-long tail. You’re bound to see plenty of insects: butterflies and moths flit through the trees, while the forest floor is home to creatures like the trilobite beetle, whose orange-and-black armour-plating lends it a fearsome aspect.

Mountain Torq

If merely walking up to the summit isn’t enough of a challenge, then Asia’s first via ferrata – pathways of rungs, ropes, rails and planks running along sheer cliffsides – may provide the adrenaline rush you are looking for. It’s exhilarating stuff with some incredible views, yet it’s safe because you’re always clipped onto something. Of the two routes, one is suitable for anyone over ten years old, the other has a minimum age of seventeen.

Located close to Laban Rata, the Mountain Torq centre also runs climbing and abseiling courses. Participants can arrange to stay at the Pendant Hut instead of at Laban Rata.

Ten kilometres along the road from Poring to Ranau, KUNDASANG is little more than a junction where simple stalls sell fruit and vegetables. It is, however, worth a stop for those interested in the World War II history of Borneo.

Kundasang War Memorial

The Kundasang war memorial commemorates the victims of the Sandakan Death Marches of 1945, when Japanese troops force-marched POWs from Sandakan to Ranau. No soldiers are buried here.

The site has been extensively renovated, and now includes an information centre that shows an Australian documentary about the death marches, plus three peaceful and well-tended memorial gardens (Australian, British and Bornean).

Sabah’s main trunk road continues southeast from Sandakan and the Sungai Kinabatangan to Lahad Datu. This unenthralling town offers access to two excellent rainforest areas: Danum Valley Conservation Area and Tabin Wildlife Reserve. Further south, Semporna draws scuba divers headed for the world-renowned Pulau Sipadan. It’s possible to stay in town or in an island resort; the latter range from backpacker shacks to luxurious retreats.

The main road around Sabah stops at the busy, noisy town of Tawau, from which ferries depart for Indonesian Kalimantan. Also from Tawau, 4WDs head daily for Keningau along rough routes that complete a ring road of sorts. This is also the way to the Maliau Basin, a magnet for trekkers although only accessible within expensive tour packages.

Danum Valley Conservation Area

Spanning 438 square kilometres, over ninety percent of its primary dipterocarp rainforest, the Danum Valley Conservation Area (DVCA) is contained within a sprawling logging concession. Wildlife includes bearded pigs, orang-utans, proboscis monkeys, clouded leopards and elephants, as well as reptiles, fish, insects and more than 320 bird species. Short hiking trails are limited to the eastern side, where the tourist accommodation is located. The remainder is pristine forest, out of bounds to all but researchers.

Travellers usually only visit the chaotic, traffic-clogged town of SEMPORNA because they plan to scuba dive and snorkel off nearby islands such as Sipadan, Mabul and Kapalai. While some divers base themselves on the islands, particularly Mabul, a backpacker scene has developed in Semporna since staying inexpensively can release funds for an extra dive or two. It also gives access to the more northerly islands, not usually visited from Mabul.

Semporna broadly consists of three sections: downtown, the commercial centre where buses and minivans stop; Semporna Seafront, home to dive operators (there are yet more out in the resorts themselves) and most tourist accommodation (plus an ATM in front of the Giant supermarket); and the jetty-lined Jalan Kastam, which holds more dive kiosks, a few cafés and the business-oriented Seafest Hotel.

The sea gypsies

Generations of Muslim Bajau and Suluk peoples have farmed the Celebes and Sulu seas for fish, sea cucumbers, shells and other marine products. Often dubbed sea gypsies, these people were originally nomads who lived aboard intricately carved wooden boats called lepa-lepa. Most are now settled in Semporna or on the islands around it, but their love of (and dependence upon) the sea remains strong, and the traditional red and yellow sails of the Bajau boats can sometimes still be seen billowing in the breeze. Every April, the Regatta Lepa Semporna (wetawau.com/Semporna/LEPA/LEPA.htm) sees the boats converge on the town for two days. Amid traditional singing and dancing, as well as sea sports and competitions, awards are given for the best lepa-lepa.

Islands around Semporna

Visitors come to Semporna not to hang out in town, but to explore the magnificent islands offshore. The prime destination for divers is Pulau Sipadan, but nearby Pulau Mabul and Pulau Kapalai are also renowned for marine life, and the latter in particular offers great snorkelling.

These well-known islands are, however, just the beginning. Sibuan, for example, on the edge of the chain and just over 45 minutes by boat from Semporna, has a breathtaking beach and shallow coral reefs. On Mantubuan there’s amazing pristine coral and very good visibility – a popular dive is to a section of very rare black coral (actually white), where you swim through a forest of what resemble underwater Christmas trees.

Pulau Sipadan

Acclaimed by Jacques Cousteau as “an untouched piece of art”, Sipadan is a cornucopia of marine life, its waters teeming with turtles, moray eels, sharks, barracuda, vast schools of colourful tropical fish, and a diversity of coral comparable to that at Australia’s Great Barrier Reef.

There is no accommodation on the island and thanks to Sipadan’s popularity, a permit system limits the number of divers each day. As a result, dive shops and resorts will typically require you to dive with them at other islands for three or four days before you get a day at Sipadan; you should also book well in advance. Dive shops regularly take less experienced divers, but you are likely to enjoy your time here more if you have some experience and preferably Advanced Open Water certification – there can be fairly strong drifts and some of the best dives go below 20m. At the very least you should be sure that you have enough buoyancy control to avoid damaging the coral.

You can also use the same permit to snorkel in Sipadan, but it’s hard to justify the huge premium over snorkelling trips to the other islands.

Most of the dozen-plus commonly visited dive sites around Sipadan offer the chance to see abundant turtles and white-tip sharks. The most popular, Barracuda Point, is a drift dive where divers hold onto rocks while shoals of barracuda pass by. Another great site is the Drop-off, close to the jetty, where you often find large schools of barracuda, bump-head parrot fish and Napoleon wrasse. Close to here is the entrance to Turtle Cave, a watery grave for the skeletal remains of turtles that have strayed in and become lost; fatal accidents have occurred when divers have gone in without proper guidance.

Pulau Mabul

Mabul, the chain’s largest island, holds the lion’s share of accommodation. It’s evenly split between posh resorts and affordable guesthouses; many of the latter are on the western side of the island, also home to a lively stilt-village inhabited by Bajau fisherfolk. Although there’s a beach on the eastern side, development means that this is not a very picturesque island and non-divers are not likely to find much to do (other than, perhaps, laze around the more upmarket resorts). Litter is also a major problem on the western side.

Visibility in the water can be 20m or more but it’s much less reliable than at Sipadan, particularly from July to September. Actually, though, the muck diving – seeking out creatures in the sediment – is famous here. Divemasters tend to prefer Mabul to Sipadan: while the latter has the big-ticket attractions like sharks and turtles, Mabul rewards patience. Among the marine life close to the island are seahorses – including the rare pygmy seahorse – frog fish, cuttlefish, mimic octopus, lion fish, stone fish, ribbon eels, mandarin fish and crocodile fish.

Pulau Kapalai

Little more than a sand bar, tiny Kapalai is exquisite and other-wordly. It has room only for one resort and an expensive one at that, although its reef is enjoyed by many visitors who are staying on Mabul. Again, the main attractions are the macro life: divers go looking for pygmy seahorses, harlequin ghost pipefish, frog fish and mandarin fish.

Pulau Pom Pom

The diving at Pom Pom Island itself is not the best in the area, but the island is lovely and a real desert-island escape which even has a relatively affordable resort. You also have access to plenty of other islands if diving is your passion.

Pulau Mataking

This great little island had only a single resort at the time of research, though another was under construction. Dive boats come here sometimes, as Mataking is renowned for turtles and magnificent rays, as well as interesting hammerhead nudibranchs.

Tabin Wildlife Reserve

Tabin Wildlife Reserve, a government-owned tract of land twice the size of Singapore, holds a single resort managed by a private company. It’s around 44km northeast of Lahad Datu airport, where the reserve office is based, of which the last 25km is unsurfaced. Although just eleven percent primary dipterocarp forest, Tabin offers excellent opportunities to see wildlife. Indeed, charismatic manager Fernando argues that Tabin’s strength as a habitat is in its combination of primary forest, secondary forest and plantation (which is rich in fruit for animals to eat).

Both hiking and night drives offer opportunities to come across pygmy elephants, macaques or wild boar as they cross the tracks from the forest to the plantations in search of food; orang-utans can also be spotted, and even the rare clouded leopard. Birdwatchers can look out for such endemic species as the Bornean bristlehead, blue-headed pitta and all eight local species of hornbills.

A visit to Tabin will typically include a walk to a mud volcano, used by animals as a mineral lick; a nearby tower allows guests to observe the scene and you can even sleep there by arrangement. Serious trekkers can explore the virgin forest of the Core Area, although this is not part of the normal schedule.

Sabah’s last true wilderness, and one of the world’s oldest rainforests, the MALIAU BASIN CONSERVATION AREA (wborneoforestheritage.org.my) remains barely explored; most visitors are scientists or researchers. Featuring various types of forest including lower montane, heath and dipterocarp, the basin is home to an impressive range of large mammals, notably the Borneo pygmy elephant, clouded leopard, Malayan sun bear and banteng (wild cattle), while birds include rare species found otherwise only at Gunung Kinabalu and Gunung Trus Madi.

To visit you must be on a tour, for which Borneo Nature Tours (wborneonaturetours.com) are the sole providers. The standard five-day itinerary starts at Tawau, a five-hour drive from the park, and includes long and strenuous hikes suitable only for the fit. You’ll need a doctor’s certificate to prove this, plus insurance that covers helicopter evacuation. The itinerary follows a circular route, spending the first and last night in dorms at the spartan Agathis Camp close to the park entrance, and the rest at the similarly basic Nepenthes (aka Camel Trophy) Camp, six hours’ walk deeper. Also included are night drives and a side-trip to the Maliau Falls.

Sabah’s trunk highway hurries through the northern suburbs of KK to the more pastoral environs of Tuaran. From here, the atap houses of the Bajau water villages, Mengkabong and Penimbawan, are only a stone’s throw away. Just outside Tuaran, the main road forks, with the eastern branch heading towards Gunung Kinabalu National Park and Ranau, then onwards to Sandakan.

Continuing north instead, the main road arrives at bustling Kota Belud, where a weekly tamu attracts tribespeople from all over the region. Beyond, the landscape becomes more colourful: jewel-bright paddy fields and stilted wooden houses line the road for much of the way up to the Kudat Peninsula, with Gunung Kinabalu dominating the far distance.

On the way to Kudat, the first administrative capital of the East India Company, it’s possible to stay at a Rungus longhouse in Kampung Bavanggazo. North of town the area known as the Tip of Borneo has quiet beaches and a few guesthouses. Remote islands reached from the peninsula include Pulau Banggi and Pulau Mantanani.

Kampung Bavanggazo

Although the shift to modern housing means that few traditional Rungus longhouses survive, a couple have been constructed in KAMPUNG BAVANGGAZO, 98km north of KK, to give tourists a chance to spend the night. In addition to room-only prices, it’s possible to book a package including dinner, breakfast and a tribal dance performance – call a couple of days ahead, to make sure that a performance is scheduled. Other activities include an early-morning jungle trek.

For six days of the week, KOTA BELUD, 75km northeast of KK, is a busy but undistinguished town; arriving tourists usually head straight to the jetty for Pulau Mantanani. Early on Sunday, however, the town springs to life as hordes of villagers congregate at Sabah’s largest weekly tamu. Fulfilling a social as well as commercial role, the market draws Rungus, Kadazan/Dusun and Bajau indigenous groups.

Though the market’s popularity among KK’s tour operators means there are always a few tourists, you won’t see many souvenirs for sale: instead you’re far more likely to come across dried fish, chains of yeast beads (used to make rice wine), buffalo, betel nut and tudung saji (colourful food covers used to keep flies at bay). Arrive early – if you’re coming from KK, set off by 8am at the latest.

Kota Belud’s annual tamu besar, or “big market”, usually held in October, sees cultural performances, traditional horseback games and handicraft demonstrations in addition to the more typical stalls.

Overlooking Marudu Bay, Kudat is a friendly town centred on the intersection of Jalan Ibrahim Arshad and Jalan Lo Thien Chock. The latter, the main street, holds some of Sabah’s oldest wooden shophouses and a Standard Chartered Bank. During a visit, leave time to peek at the central, orange-hued Chinese temple close to the Ria Hotel, plus the stilt village and the harbour, now significantly quieter than in the days when Kudat had an active fishing industry.

The Kudat Peninsula is home to the Rungus people, members of the wider Kadazan/Dusun ethnic group. Like most, the Rungus have gradually modernized, but many still hold their traditions dear. Older people in the kampungs still dress in black, and only two generations ago some Rungus wore coils of brass and copper on their bodies.

The architectural style of the traditional longhouse is distinctive too, built with outwards leaning walls and decorated with motifs and imagery from farming and nature. Today though, most dwellings are made from sheets of corrugated zinc, whose durability makes it preferable to the traditional materials like timber, tree bark, rattan and nipah leaves.

Pulau Banggi

The island of Pulau Banggi, 40km north of Kudat and accessible by daily ferry, is the largest in Sabah. It’s mostly flat but has lovely beaches, including one close to the jetty at the main settlement Karakit, and is worth a visit just for the boat ride and an amble on the beach. There are few tourist facilities; to dive the reefs here, for example, you’d need to make arrangements with a tour company in KK.

Pulau Mantanani

Popular with KK tour operators as a day-trip destination, Pulau Mantanani is actually a collection of three tiny islands 40km off the coast from Kota Belud (from where you can take a boat) that also holds a few resorts. It’s a lot of travel for a single day, but a lovely place to stay for a night or two; snorkelling, kayaking and scuba diving are available by arrangement.

The Tip of Borneo

Promoted as a tourist attraction in recent years, the thin promontory known as the Tip of Borneo (Tanjung Simpang Mengayau) has seen limited development but retains a great deal of charm. It’s easy to see what keeps visitors coming: cliffs drop away to steep, forested hills and waves crash onto the golden sandy beaches. While it’s well worth a visit – or, better, a night or two – if you’re in the vicinity, whether it’s worth a special journey all the way from KK is more debatable.

At the tip itself, Sabah Tourism has built a car park where steps lead down to a viewing area and a monumental globe. It’s busiest at the weekend, when local families visit; no buses or minivans come this way, so you’ll need to use your own transport, or a taxi.

The Poring Hot Springs were developed during World War II by the Japanese, who installed wooden tubs that have been replaced by tiled versions. Don’t come expecting natural pools, luxury or solitude, but it can be a good place to relax aching muscles after descending from Mount Kinabalu.

There are also a few other attractions within the site, including an orchid garden, a butterfly farm, a canopy walkway and a few walking trails. Outside the gates you’ll see signs advertising places to see Rafflesia flowers but these are best avoided: the plants have often been dug up and brought to Poring from more remote areas.

Accommodation in the Sabah hot springs area

The official accommodation within the hot springs area is run by Sutera Sanctuary Lodges and is very expensive. Luckily a handful of more affordable (if unexceptional) lodges lie just outside the entrance, with a great option in the jungle nearby.

A short distance west of the Klias Peninsula, PULAU LABUAN is not strictly part of Sabah, being Federal Territory governed directly from KL. Labuan town holds few tourist attractions, but its centre has decent eating, good mid-range accommodation and a lively nightlife. Some worthwhile sights lie beyond the town, while scuba divers are attracted by the chance to dive four wrecks. You might also want to take advantage of the island’s duty-free prices while passing through.

While there’s little reason to spend time in the undistinguished town of Ranau, it’s the main hub for travelling between Kinabalu National Park and eastern Sabah. The first day of each month sees a large and lively tamu (market), 1km out of town towards Sandakan; there’s also a smaller tamu every Saturday.

Sabah Tea Garden

The Sabah Tea Garden is a well-run organic tea plantation that makes a great place to stay for a night or two, but may also be worth a daytime visit if you’re passing through. Contact them in advance to arrange hikes and factory tours, as it’s very popular with groups and gets busy. Ask also about visiting the fish massage place nearby, where surprisingly large river fish nibble at customers’ dead skin.

Following the coast southwest of KK, the highway passes through Kinarut and Papar before reaching Beaufort, the main access point for the Klias Peninsula. This is prime country for day-trips organized by tour operators in KK, whether for whitewater rafting, proboscis-monkey watching or firefly tours. Offshore is Pulau Tiga, the setting for the first series of the TV show Survivor.

Named after Leicester P. Beaufort, an early governor of British North Borneo, BEAUFORT is a quiet, uneventful town whose commercial significance has declined since the sealed road from KK into the interior lessened the importance of its rail link with Tenom. The town’s position on the banks of the Padas leaves it prone to flooding, which explains why its shophouses are raised on steps.

It’s also the river that attracts most of the tourists who visit the town – Beaufort is the starting point for many whitewater rafting trips. Otherwise, once you’ve poked around in the market, inspected angular St Paul’s Church at the top of town and taken a walk past the stilt houses on the riverbank, you’ve exhausted its sights.

The Klias Peninsula

Thirty kilometres west of Beaufort, and served by regular minivans from the centre of town, the Klias Peninsula is an area of flat marshland that’s popular with KK-based tour operators for proboscis monkey or firefly tours.

The most westerly settlement on the Klias Peninsula, tiny MENUMBOK has no accommodation. It’s notable only for the jetty that links it to Labuan; a couple of cafés here may be useful when waiting for a boat.

Around an hour northeast of Beaufort, or 45 minutes from Menumbok, at the northern point of the peninsula, KUALA PENYU is the departure point for Pulau Tiga National Park. It’s a simple grid of streets with little more than a few stores, filled with basic supplies, and a couple of kedai kopis.

Pulau Tiga National Park

In the South China Sea, 12km north of Kuala Penyu, Pulau Tiga National Park once consisted of three islands, but wave erosion has reduced one to a mere sand bar. Of the remaining two, Tiga and Kalampunian Damit, only the former holds any accommodation. It acquired a degree of fame in 2001 as the location of the first series of the American reality-TV show Survivor.

Most visitors today content themselves with relaxing on the sandy beaches and snorkelling or diving in the azure sea, but it’s possible to hike right around the island in six hours. An easy twenty-minute walk to the centre of Pulau Tiga leads to a couple of (lukewarm) mud volcanoes. Slip and slide around there, then walk 1.2km further to clean up at lovely Pagong-Pagong beach. Be warned, though, that walking can be hard going if your feet and flip-flops are muddy.

Just 1km northeast of Pulau Tiga, Kalampunian Damit is also known locally as Pulau Ular (Snake Island), because it attracts a species of venomous sea snake called the yellow-lipped sea krait. The island is normally visited as part of a morning trip from Pulau Tiga Resort, combined with some snorkelling. It used to be possible to see dozens of snakes on a good day, but now they seem to be much more scarce and some visitors come away disappointed.

Southeast of Sandakan Bay, Sabah’s longest river – the 560km Sungai Kinabatangan – ends its journey to the Sulu Sea. Whereas logging has had an adverse impact on the river’s ecology upstream, the creation of the Lower Kinabatangan Wildlife Sanctuary has kept its lower reaches largely free of development. This is the largest forested flood plain in Malaysia, laden with oxbow lakes, mangrove and grass swamps, and distinctive vegetation including massive fig trees overhanging the water’s edge.

The sanctuary offers some of Sabah’s best opportunities for seeing wildlife. Although some tour operators offer day-trips from Sandakan, it’s much better to stay overnight given the travel time; the ideal is a two-night stay. Although there are a few exceptions, most lodges are located either in or around the villages of Sukau or Bilit. From November to April, the rainy season can lead to flooding at some lodges – at its worst in January – and even force their closure.

Gomantong Caves

The Gomantong Caves are vast limestone cavities inhabited by swiftlets whose nests are harvested twice a year (normally Feb–April and July–Sept) for the bird’s-nest-soup trade. The caves are also home to a huge number of bats, and the enormous piles of guano (droppings) give them a distinctive acrid smell.

There are two main caves. The black cave, smaller but only a ten-minute walk from the ticket office, mostly contains black nests, a combination of twigs and bird saliva. The white cave is rarely visited by tourists as it’s another hour away, but nest collectors go there for the more valuable white nests, made from pure saliva. Note that the guano attracts a huge number of cockroaches, so don’t wear flip-flops or sandals.

There’s nowhere to stay or eat in and around Gomantong, so plan to leave the caves well before dark if you are not on a tour.

Lower Kinabatangan Wildlife Sanctuary

Despite Sabah’s rather haphazard approach to making the most of its superb natural resources, the designation of the Lower Kinabatangan as a wildlife sanctuary in 2005 was a commendable move. That said, sanctuary status is one level below that of a national park, so villages and agricultural development have been allowed to crisscross the protected sections. Furthermore, only the area immediately alongside the river is protected; as animals have lost their habitats when the surrounding areas have been converted into palm-oil plantations, they have effectively been pushed into the narrow protected corridor.

This means that it is highly likely that, over a number of boat rides and short treks, you will see elephants (if they are in the area), orang-utans, proboscis monkeys, macaques and gibbons. The resident birdlife is equally impressive. With luck, visitors get glimpses of hornbills, brahminy kites, crested serpent eagles, egrets, exquisite blue-banded and stork-billed kingfishers, and oriental darters, which dive underwater to find food and then sit on the shore, their wings stretched out to dry. The river itself holds freshwater sharks, crocodiles and rays, and a great variety of fish species.

Sukau and Bilit

The first tourist lodges on the Sungai Kinabatangan opened around the kampung of Sukau, 134km from Sandakan by road or 87km by boat. Still the easiest place to reach, it’s particularly popular with independent travellers as it’s possible to stay in the village itself on a B&B basis then charter boats as needed. Most of the all-inclusive lodges are on the riverbanks close to the village.

Many would argue, however, that Sukau is a victim of over-development. In July and August in particular, dozens of boats converge along the same narrow tributaries at the same times and shatter any sense of peace. Although many boats now use quieter electric motors when the current allows, some still do not.

Once tourism became well established in Sukau, a few operators decided to open lodges further upriver around the kampung of Bilit. Although not the undeveloped spot it once was, Bilit remains quieter than Sukau partly because there’s no public transport to the village – it’s upstream of Sukau and reached via a lower-quality road.

Good day-trip options from KK include Mari Mari Cultural Village and Monsopiad Cultural Village for anyone interested in local culture, or taking a ride south on the North Borneo Railway if you fancy a taste of colonial Sabah. Also south of KK is the Tambunan Rafflesia Reserve , where you may be able to see the world’s largest flowering plant. The most popular attraction of all, however, are the beaches of Tunku Abdul Rahman Park just offshore.

Mari Mari Cultural Village

A newer alternative to the similar Monsopiad Cultural Village, with rather more of a theme park feel but also more interaction right from the start: groups have to assign a leader who will introduce them to the costumed “tribal leader” at the village entrance. Inside, visitors are taken on a whistle-stop tour through the longhouses and customs of Sabah’s various tribes.

Activities and demonstrations include rice wine tasting, beekeeping for honey and glue production, starting a fire using bamboo, bouncing on a trampoline, making sweets and using a blowpipe. Towards the end there’s a dance show, followed by a buffet meal. It may all feel a little phoney but, taken in the right spirit, it is also great fun and you come away both entertained and educated.

Monsopiad Cultural Village

Based around the tale of a legendary head-hunter, Monsopiad Cultural Village provides an introduction to the history and traditions of the Kadazan people. Tours are led by knowledgeable guides who take visitors to a hut where Monsopiad’s grisly harvest of 42 skulls is displayed, and then explain traditions such as the rituals practised by the bobohizan (priestess). Next comes the chance to taste lihing (rice wine) and test your accuracy with a blowpipe and sling. Finally there’s a dance show with scope for a little audience participation.

Although the exhibits and activities are interesting, the entrance price is high and the slightly dated approach has stiff competition from the newer Mari Mari Cultural Village. That said, it has an advantage in that it deals with people from a single tribe – and in the place where they lived – rather than taking a scattergun approach to tribal culture.

North Borneo Railway

You don’t have to be a railway buff to appreciate the romance of taking a steam train along the 36km of the colonial-era North Borneo Railway from Tanjung Aru station to the small town of Papar. The locomotive is a wood-burning British Vulcan, while the five carriages were built to a 1900s-style design in the 1970s.

Tambunan Rafflesia Reserve

If you feel you really must see a Rafflesia in flower while you are in Sabah, then the prospects at the Tambunan Rafflesia Reserve , often visited as a day-trip from KK, are good. As each bloom lasts for only a few days, however, it’s essential to check ahead. Assuming that one is flowering, expect a walk of up to two hours in total.

Tunku Abdul Rahman Park

Named after Malaysia’s first prime minister, and just a short boat trip away from KK, the five islands of Tunku Abdul Rahman Park (TAR Park) represent the most westerly ripples of the Crocker mountain range. The islands’ forests, beaches and coral reefs lie within 8km of the city, with park territory as close as 3km off the mainland. The three most often visited are Manukan , Mamutik and Sapi , and it’s easy to book a day’s island hopping. Try to avoid weekends and public holidays when facilities are often overstretched; don’t expect desert island solitude at any time.

Snorkelling is popular around the islands. Although careless tourists have damaged much of the coral, there’s enough marine life around to make it worthwhile. Scuba divers will find the best conditions from January to March, although visibility is still typically just 5m.

The site of the British North Borneo Chartered Company’s first outpost in the region, Pulau Gaya is the closest of the islands to KK and also the largest. It doesn’t feature on standard island-hopping routes; tourists can only visit by chartering a boat, staying at one of the island’s resorts, or booking a tour with an operator such as Tanjung Aru Tours & Travel ( w go2borneo.com ).

If you do make it over, you’ll find idyllic stretches of sand such as Polis Beach as well as lovely hiking trails; Downbelow ( t 012 866 1935, w divedownbelow.com ) runs a dive shop. The eastern end is taken up by a stilt village inhabited by Filipino immigrants.

Though far smaller than its neighbour Gaya, Pulau Sapi also has trails and is home to macaques and hornbills; with the best beaches of any of the islands, it’s popular with swimmers, snorkellers and picnickers. Sapi has simple facilities including toilets, a small café (daily 8am–4pm) and changing rooms. There’s also a dive shop, 50 Bar (daily 9am–1pm; t 013 854 5567), charging a steep RM250 per dive.

The park HQ is situated on crescent-shaped Pulau Manukan , site of a former stone quarry and now the most developed island. Indeed Manukan has become something of a victim of its own success, drawing hundreds of visitors on a busy day. That said, the beach is attractive, watersports are good and there’s a café serving a buffet (RM95) or à la carte meals – nasi lemak or curry laksa cost RM18. To escape the crowds, take the thirty-minute walk to Sunset Point.

Across a narrow channel from Manukan, tiny Pulau Mamutik is a snorkeller’s delight. The island is surrounded by coral gardens with the best stretch off the beach at the southwest, towards the back of where the boat drops you, but it’s necessary either to clamber over rocks or to swim right round.

Borneo Divers ( w borneodivers.info ) have a small dive shop, offering better prices to walk-in customers than you’ll get by booking ahead. Head out on the first boats of the day if that’s your plan; it’s much more cost-effective to do two or three dives than just one.

The last island of the group, Pulau Sulug , is the most remote and consequently the quietest, though its lovely coral makes it popular with divers. It has no facilities, and few boats visit.

It’s possible to camp on the three main islands for just RM5; tents can be rented for RM30, but don’t rely too much on availability.

While first impressions of KOTA KINABALU, which everyone calls KK, may be of a rather utilitarian concrete sprawl, many visitors end up charmed by its lively buzz and the friendliness of its citizens. As well as good places to eat, it also has excellent transport links and is the headquarters of most of the main tour operators.

The best of the city’s few specific sights are its markets, the Sabah Museum and the Mari Mari Cultural Village. A further highlight lies offshore in the Tunku Abdul Rahman Park, whose popular islands are just a short trip away by boat.

Modern-day KK can trace its history back to 1882, when the British North Borneo Chartered Company established an outpost on nearby Pulau Gaya. After followers of the Bajau rebel, Mat Salleh, burned that down in 1897, the Company chose a mainland site – a fishing village called Api-Api – to develop as a new town. Renamed Jesselton after Sir Charles Jessel, the vice-chairman of the Chartered Company, the town prospered. By 1905 the Trans-Borneo Railway reached from Jesselton to Beaufort, allowing rubber to be transported efficiently from the interior to the coast.

The Japanese invasion of North Borneo in 1942 marked the start of three and a half years of military occupation; little of old Jesselton survived the resultant Allied bombing. In 1968 the name was changed to Kota Kinabalu and city planners set about expanding outwards into the sea. Interconnecting concrete buildings have been constructed on the reclaimed land – the Sinsuran and Segama complexes and Asia City in particular have developed their own identities. Progress has been startling, and today, with a population of over a quarter of a million, KK is a beehive of activity once again.

A lively street market is held along Jalan Gaya every Sunday morning, with stalls selling items as disparate as herbal teas, handicrafts, orchids and rabbits. In addition, a huddle of markets on the waterfront are open daily, and together form one of the city’s highlights. Approaching from the northeast, you first reach the labyrinthine Central Market, which includes a fish market that’s at its best very early in the morning. Next comes the Handicraft Market, also known as the Filipino Market thanks to the ethnicity of many of its stallholders. Around sundown, the area west of here becomes a gargantuan night food market; further west still is the waterfront parade of bars and restaurants.

Styled after Murut and Rungus longhouses, the buildings of the Sabah State Museum are set in grounds that also hold several splendid steam engines. The botanical garden in front of the museum is bordered by finely crafted traditional houses, representing all Sabah’s major tribes and known as the Heritage Village (Kampung Warisan).

The other highlight of the complex, the ethnographic collection in the main building, includes human skulls dating from Sabah’s head-hunting days, and a sininggazanak, a totemic wooden figurine placed in the field of a Kadazan man who died without heirs. Photographs in the history gallery depict the city when Jalan Gaya still constituted the waterfront, lined with lean-tos thatched with nipah-palm leaves.

Exhibits on oil drilling in the Science and Technology Centre next door are less than gripping; head instead to the Art Gallery upstairs, where the centrepiece is a giant string of Rungus beads, created by Chee Sing Teck, hanging from the ceiling.

Good day-trip options from KK include Mari Mari Cultural Village and Monsopiad Cultural Village for anyone interested in local culture, or taking a ride south on the North Borneo Railway if you fancy a taste of colonial Sabah. Also south of KK is the Tambunan Rafflesia Reserve, where you may be able to see the world’s largest flowering plant. The most popular attraction of all, however, are the beaches of Tunku Abdul Rahman Park just offshore.

If you feel you really must see a Rafflesia in flower while you are in Sabah, then the prospects at the Tambunan Rafflesia Reserve, often visited as a day-trip from KK, are good. As each bloom lasts for only a few days, however, it’s essential to check ahead. Assuming that one is flowering, expect a walk of up to two hours in total.

Named after Malaysia’s first prime minister, and just a short boat trip away from KK, the five islands of Tunku Abdul Rahman Park (TAR Park) represent the most westerly ripples of the Crocker mountain range. The islands’ forests, beaches and coral reefs lie within 8km of the city, with park territory as close as 3km off the mainland. The three most often visited are Manukan, Mamutik and Sapi, and it’s easy to book a day’s island hopping. Try to avoid weekends and public holidays when facilities are often overstretched; don’t expect desert island solitude at any time.

The site of the British North Borneo Chartered Company’s first outpost in the region, Pulau Gaya is the closest of the islands to KK and also the largest. It doesn’t feature on standard island-hopping routes; tourists can only visit by chartering a boat, staying at one of the island’s resorts, or booking a tour with an operator such as Tanjung Aru Tours & Travel (wgo2borneo.com).

If you do make it over, you’ll find idyllic stretches of sand such as Polis Beach as well as lovely hiking trails; Downbelow (t012 866 1935, wdivedownbelow.com) runs a dive shop. The eastern end is taken up by a stilt village inhabited by Filipino immigrants.

Though far smaller than its neighbour Gaya, Pulau Sapi also has trails and is home to macaques and hornbills; with the best beaches of any of the islands, it’s popular with swimmers, snorkellers and picnickers. Sapi has simple facilities including toilets, a small café (daily 8am–4pm) and changing rooms. There’s also a dive shop, 50 Bar (daily 9am–1pm; t013 854 5567), charging a steep RM250 per dive.

The park HQ is situated on crescent-shaped Pulau Manukan, site of a former stone quarry and now the most developed island. Indeed Manukan has become something of a victim of its own success, drawing hundreds of visitors on a busy day. That said, the beach is attractive, watersports are good and there’s a café serving a buffet (RM95) or à la carte meals – nasi lemak or curry laksa cost RM18. To escape the crowds, take the thirty-minute walk to Sunset Point.

Borneo Divers (wborneodivers.info) have a small dive shop, offering better prices to walk-in customers than you’ll get by booking ahead. Head out on the first boats of the day if that’s your plan; it’s much more cost-effective to do two or three dives than just one.

The last island of the group, Pulau Sulug, is the most remote and consequently the quietest, though its lovely coral makes it popular with divers. It has no facilities, and few boats visit.

Accommodation in Tunku Abdul Rahman Park

A lively street market is held along Jalan Gaya every Sunday morning, with stalls selling items as disparate as herbal teas, handicrafts, orchids and rabbits. In addition, a huddle of markets on the waterfront are open daily, and together form one of the city’s highlights. Approaching from the northeast, you first reach the labyrinthine Central Market , which includes a fish market that’s at its best very early in the morning. Next comes the Handicraft Market , also known as the Filipino Market thanks to the ethnicity of many of its stallholders. Around sundown, the area west of here becomes a gargantuan night food market ; further west still is the waterfront parade of bars and restaurants.

The other highlight of the complex, the ethnographic collection in the main building, includes human skulls dating from Sabah’s head-hunting days, and a sininggazanak , a totemic wooden figurine placed in the field of a Kadazan man who died without heirs. Photographs in the history gallery depict the city when Jalan Gaya still constituted the waterfront, lined with lean-tos thatched with nipah-palm leaves.

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Sabah Travel Guide - A Complete Itinerary To The Unexplored Part of Malaysia

Where is sabah, how to reach sabah.

Exploring Kuala Lumpur

Flight Options For Sabah

Travel Tip: 

Visa and Immigration

Currency in sabah, best time to visit sabah.

Best time to visit Sabah

5- Days Suggested Itinerary for Sabah

Sabah Sunset

What to Pack for Sabah

  • Bright coloured summer clothes like dresses, shorts, and t-shirts.
  • Dry fit activewear, t-shirts, and shorts.
  • Sports Shoes for adventure sports.
  • Small towel for use during adventure activities.
  • A raincoat/umbrella for the unexpected rains.
  • Sunglasses.
  • Sunscreen lotion preferably SPF 50+.
  • Insect repellant.
  • Small backpack to carry your stuff.

Things To Do In Sabah

Things to do in Sabah

Adventure Activities

  • Mountain Cycling/Biking
  • Off-Road Driving
  • Crab Catching
  • Firefly Watching

Adventure Activities

Enjoy the beach cafes at the waterfront

Go for a river cruise, people and culture.

People and Culture

Our Experience At Sabah

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10 day sabah itinerary – in-depth guide 2024.

transparent kayak clear water Mabul Sabah

Table of Contents

This Sabah itinerary for 2024 is a step-by-step guide for everything to do in Sabah if you have 10 days. Sabah is a beautiful, wild state located on the island of Borneo, East Malaysia. We have tried to include a bit of everything. Culture, adventure, food, natural beauty, viewpoints, stunning beaches, crystal clear waters and wildlife. 

We have included prices, locations and booking information to help you plan your trip independently and on a budget. Following an organized tour that offers an itinerary like this would be very expensive. Follow our itinerary and you will save money AND have an amazing trip. If you are planning to visit Sabah please read this Sabah itinerary carefully. In some cases we have included things that you really need to know before you go.

Short of time? We also have a 5 day itinerary for Sabah

Summary – 10 Day Sabah Itinerary 

Day 1 kota kinabalu cultural village and a seafood market, day 2 kota kinabalu island hopping (tunku abdul rahman park), day 3 ziplining and the kundasang dairy farm and market, day 4 poring hot springs, canopy walkway and rafflesia, day 5 sandakan orangutans, sunbears and seafood , day 6 sandakan to semporna, day 7 semporna island hopping trip, day 8 mabul island diving or snorkeling, day 9 mabul island diving or snorkeling – travel to tawau, day 10 tawau chocolate museum, hills park and waterfall, sabah itinerary map.

How do you get around in Sabah?

Sabah itinerary long distance bus

The most convenient way to get around for this Sabah itinerary is to use your own vehicle. If you are able to rent a car for a reasonable price this will make the itinerary straightforward to follow.

Don’t miss our FULL GUIDE on renting a car in Sabah

Check Skyscanner for great car rental deals

There are also long distance buses around Sabah. Long distance buses are reasonably comfortable and very affordable. 

Most long distance bus Journeys around Sabah cost around RM20 to RM50 depending on the bus company and the length of the journey. Also, be aware that long distance buses in Malaysia do not generally have toilets on board although there are a few exceptions.

The main disadvantage of taking long distance buses around Sabah is getting to smaller, more local attractions. For example, there are not any buses to Poring. To get around this area you will need to use local taxis. The best way to arrange taxis in Malaysia is to use the grab taxi app. This is a quick, simple and affordable way of arranging Taxi transportation.

Need to book flights?

Check Skyscanner for epic deals to and from Sabah and internal flights within Sabah and Malaysia

Sabah itinerary – everything you need to know

sabah malaysia travel

This Sabah itinerary starts in Kota Kinabalu. This is the main city in Sabah and is a good starting point for an itinerary. The itinerary finishes in a town called Tawau. This town has a small airport, from here you can arrange internal transfers to other destinations around Malaysia and some international flights are available too. Alternatively, you can travel overland back to Kota Kinabalu or Sandakan. 

We have also tried to pace this itinerary to allow for travel time. If you are using long distance buses to travel between towns the journeys take a long time and use a large proportion a day. And of course you are restricted to traveling when the bus goes. In this 10-day Sabah itinerary we have considered the fact that you will need to take some travel days.

If you are on a budget consider staying at Escape Backpackers – super cheap dorm accommodation in a central location. OR if you have more room in your budget, check out the Horizon Hotel – great location and awesome Asian vibes. If you are really looking to splash out consider a stay at the 5 star Le Meridien Hotel . 

sabah itinerary mari mari cultural village

This itinerary starts with some activities in Kota Kinabalu. We recommend taking a visit to the Mari Mari Cultural Village. This lovely little jungle village is a tourist attraction located some 18km to the east of Kota Kinabalu. The Mari Mari Cultural Village is a celebration of the rich tribal heritage of Sabah.

sabah itinerary mari mari performance

The Mari Mari cultural Village displays traditional clothing, art and jungle houses. They also do performances showcasing traditional music, games and dance. This is a wonderful way to familiarize yourself with the rich and diverse culture and history of Borneo.

The Mari Mari cultural village offer sessions daily at 10am and 2pm

  • Adults RM170 (or RM100 on offer)
  • Children RM 155 (or RM 90 on offer)

How do you get to the Mari Mari cultural village?

sabah itinerary mari mari cultural village

The best way to get to the Mari Mari cultural Village from Kota Kinabalu is to take a taxi. You can arrange taxis using the grab taxi app. A taxi is likely to cost you around RM30 each way. We recommend asking your driver to wait or return to pick you up later.

How much does it cost to visit the Mari Mari cultural village?

sabah itinerary mari mari cultural village

Adults RM175 and children RM155 (watch our for special deals. Reduced rate RM100 adults and RM90 children). Daily sessions at 10am and 2pm.

things to do in Sabah Kota Kinabalu seafood market

In the evening visit the Sabah Seafood market along the seafront. This market sells fresh seafood dishes and is a great way to experience some of the Sabah seafood. 

Island hopping in Kota Kinabalu drone beach

Take an island hopping day trip from Kota Kinabalu . To organize an island hopping trip in Kota Kinabalu just turn up at the jetty between 8:00 a.m. and 10:00 a.m. At the jetty there are ticket counters where you can buy tickets and rent masks, snorkels and fins. You can book island hopping trips that visit one, two, three or four islands in a single day. We recommend the three Island trip as it allows you to see plenty of beautiful islands at a reasonable pace. The Kota Kinabalu island hopping trip is a great way to enjoy some of the beautiful beaches near Kota Kinabalu.

How much does Kota Kinabalu island hopping cost?

Island hopping Kota Kinabalu boat trip

An island hopping trip will range in price from RM35 (roughly £7 or $10) to RM65 (roughly £13 or $15) depending how many islands you wish to visit. 

  • 1 island: Adult RM35 Child RM30
  • 2 island: Adult RM45 Child RM40
  • 3 island: Adult RM55 Child RM50
  • 4 island: Adult RM65 Child RM60

Rental of snorkel and fins should cost around RM10 and can also be arranged at the jetty. You also need to pay an island conservation fee (ONE fee per adult of RM20). Keep the ticket as this can be presented at each island. 

What do you need to prepare for an island hopping trip?

Gaya island Kota Kinabalu things to do in Sabah

We recommend bringing plenty of water and sun protection on the Kota Kinabalu island hopping trip. On some of the islands it is possible to buy some simple food. However, there is not a lot of choice so we recommend bringing your own food along with you. Throughout the day you will be directed where to go and told what time to return for your boat. The island hopping trip normally returns to Kota Kinabalu between 3pm – 5pm. You may need to arrange your final return boat time when you book your tickets.

On day three of your Sabah itinerary you will travel to Kundasang. If you have your own car, consider a visit to the Zip Borneo Adventure center. This is roughly on route to Kundasang (you will need to take a short detour). 

Zip borneo Sabah itinerary

Zip Borneo is an outdoor activity center with an obstacle course, climbing wall, high rope course and a thrilling zipline. We recommend contacting the Zip Borneo Adventure Center in advance to arrange the activities that you hope to do. After Zip Borneo, continue your journey to Kundasang. 

Zip borneo Sabah itinerary

Kundasang is a beautiful mountain town located near Mount Kinabalu. We recommend staying at a Homestay in the area. The Pogimpaan Homestay is our top pick with breathtaking views of Kinabalu and the surrounding hills. It is also great value for money. Don’t miss our FULL REVIEW of the Pogimpaan home stay .

Alternatively check out Zen Garden . Lots of space and great value for money.

Visit the Desa Dairy Farm

things to do in Sabah Desa Dairy farm

The journey from Kota Kinabalu to Kundasang is likely to take around 2 or 3 hours by road. In Kundasang we recommend taking a visit to the Desa Dairy farm . The Desa Dairy Farm is situated in the hills around 5km north of Kundasang. Enjoy amazing views of the farm and don’t miss the amazing Desa Dairy ice cream.

Desa Dairy farm icecream Kundasang

For a very reasonable price you can buy a pot of soft serve Desa Dairy ice cream. Here are some things to do at the Desa dairy farm:

  • See the milking bay
  • See the cattle barns
  • Learn about milk processing and packaging
  • Agro feeding pen activity
  • Food kiosk and cafe

How much does the Desa Dairy farm cost?

Desa Dairy farm Kundasang

Entrance tickets for the Desa Dairy farm only cost RM5 for adults, RM4 for children (7-12 years old), and FREE for children 6 years old and below. 

The Desa dairy farm is open daily 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. 

Tickets are only available in advance and must be booked through their official ticket website .

After visiting the Desa dairy farm we recommend paying a visit to the local fruit and veg market located in Kundasang. They sell a range of fresh fruits and vegetables, a great way to experience the beautiful rural mountain culture.

BW bus restaurant Kundasang

Don’t miss the BW Bus Restaurant Kundasang. This novelty themed restaurant is located on the main road between Kundasang and Ranau. The bus restaurant offers scenic dining in converted buses with tables and chairs installed. They serve a range of decadent drinks and food.

BW bus restaurant Kundasang

Food and drinks are a little more expensive than the average restaurant, however you are paying for the location and novelty.

Poring hotsprings Sabah Malaysia

Day four of the Sabah itinerary is a packed, exciting and adventurous day. In the morning we recommend that you check out of your accommodation, do the epic activities in the morning, and then travel on towards Sandakan in the afternoon. 

This day is a lot easier if you have your own vehicle. If you do not have access to your own vehicle you will need to make the journey to Poring by taxi and arrange a bus to Sandakan in the afternoon. 

Visit the Rafflesia gardens

Rafflesia in Malaysia

We recommend an early start. Head over to Poring. On the road that leads to the hot springs there are a couple of Rafflesia gardens. We recommend stopping at these Rafflesia Gardens to see if they have any Rafflesia flowers in bloom. If they do have flowers in bloom you can normally see them for around RM20. 

Don’t miss our FULL guide – seeing Rafflesia in Malaysia

Visit the hot springs

poring hotsprings Sabah

After stopping at the Rafflesia Gardens, continue up the road to the Poring hot spring . This is a very beautiful and natural area and a great place for relaxing. At the top there are some pools that are almost too hot to touch (take care!) You can also see the source of the geothermal water. 

As you walk down through the site you can see small hot spring baths that can be filled up using a tap, and some larger hot spring pools. Some of the hot spring baths also have covers to provide shade from the intense sun. There is one hot spring pool that is big enough to swim in close to the bottom.

How much does it cost to visit the Poring hot springs?

poring hot springs Sabah source

The Poring hot springs are open daily from 8am – 3pm. Once you have paid for entry you can stay for the whole day: 

RM15 for adults and RM10 for children (7 – 17 years old). Children 6 years and below are FREE

Visit the canopy walkway

sabah malaysia travel

Finally, check out the canopy walkway . Not for the faint of heart. This impressive Poring canopy walkway is a series of rope bridges suspended high in the jungle canopy. This walkway affords a stunning view of the jungle and the surrounding hills. But be aware it is high and pretty scary. To get to the canopy walkway just walk to the top of the hot springs and look out for signs. It is only around 1 minute walk from the hot spring.

How much does the canopy walkway cost

Canopy walkway poring sabah

You do need to buy an additional ticket for the canopy walkway. Adult entry tickets RM5 and Children RM2.50 (under 18 years old) . Opening hours: 9am – 4pm (closed on mondays) From the ticket office you then need to hike up a steep jungle trail for around 10 minutes to get to the start of the course. 

In the afternoon head over to Sandakan so you are ready for your adventures on the next day. Be prepared for an early start to head over to the Sepilok Orangutan Sanctuary.  

Large male orangutan sepilok Sandakan

On day 5 of your Sabah itinerary you get a chance to see orangutans at the Sepilok orangutan rehabilitation center . Seeing orangutans at Sepilok is one of the most memorable things that you can do in Sabah. You can visit this center independently and do not need to pro-book any tickets.

What can you expect at Sepilok?

Sepilok Orangutan Sanctuary cute baby orangutan

At Sepilok there are around 60-80 orangutans living across 43 square kilometers of jungle. If you visit at feeding time there’s a good chance of seeing around 5 – 10 orangutans at the feeding platform. There is also an orangutan nursery where you can see orphaned orangutans. 

Sepilok has a wooden platform that leads through the jungle. There are no cages, fences or bars separating you from the jungle where these magnificent primates live. Sometimes it is possible to see orangutans close up when they climb onto the walkway.

Best place to see orangutans in Malaysia Sepilok

Sepilok has two daily feeding times and the orangutans gather at the feeding platform during these times. 

TOP TIP: You are not allowed to bring any bags into the Sepilok orangutan sanctuary. There is however a free locker area available to leave bags.

You can buy your entry tickets from the ticket office when you arrive, however if you are planning to visit on a weekend or public holiday we recommend arriving early to avoid waiting.

How much does it cost to visit the orangutan rehabilitation centre

Sepilok

The Sepilok Orangutan Sanctuary is open daily from 8.45am – 4pm (closed for lunch from 12pm – 2pm). 

  • RM30 Adults
  • RM15 Children (2 – 17 year olds)
  • RM10 camera fee (phone cameras FREE of charge). 

At Sepilok there are two orangutan feeding times per day: 10am and 3pm. We recommend arriving at least 30 minutes early as the orangutans also like to arrive early for their food. The platforms can be quite crowded at feeding time. If possible avoid weekends and public holidays. 

When is the best time to see orangutans?

Best place to see orangutans in Malaysia Sepilok

If you want to see an orangutan up close arrive around 2pm. The orangutans can sometimes be found strolling around the wooden walkway waiting for their lunch. Also, there is a section of walkway where you may see orangutans arriving for feeding. This section of walkway is just past the viewing deck for the feeding platform. Remember orangutans are strong animals. Always respect their space and be careful if you are trying to film them (they have been known to grab things out of people’s hands!) After seeing the orangutans you can also visit the Malaysian Sun Bear conservation project (it is right next to the orangutan sanctuary at Sepilok). 

There is also a Proboscis Monkey Sanctuary not to far from Sepilok.

sabah itinerary sim sim 88 Sandakan

In the evening head over to Sim Sim 88. This is a beautiful seafood restaurant located on the coast in Sandakan. They have a range of fresh seafood dishes. It is more up market and expensive. Many dishes cost in the range of RM50 – RM100 or more. They charge by weight that can also make it tricky to order. Top tip: If you are struggling to order be weight, ask for a certain price (depending on your budget)

sabah itinerary bus

If you are traveling by bus around Sabah, you will need to leave a day to travel from Sandakan to Semporna. The journey takes around 8 hours by bus. You are likely to arrive in the afternoon and there wont be enough time to do anything epic in Semporna. BUT if you have your own car, you could get this journey done on the evening of day 6. If you do manage to get to Semporna early you can actually arrange an island hopping trip. Otherwise, we recommend using day 6 as a travel day. 

places to stay Semporna

Semporna is quite run down and there is a lot of poverty here. Many people travel to Semporna for diving and snorkeling. If you are looking for places to stay in Semporna check out the Kuree Hut . This is a great budget option with private rooms. Clean, simple accommodation and well located. Rooms range between £10 – £20. Alternatively check out Ang Lee Holiday Stay .   Simple, clean and nice accommodation. Includes a triple room for families. Rooms range from £20 – £30 per night. Well located in central Semporna town. 

Semporna snorkeling bohey dulang viewpoint sabah

Take a Semporna island hopping trip . This trip visits some beautiful beaches and snorkeling spots. You can also visit the famous Bohey Dulang viewpoint (under 12 year olds are not allowed and trainers are required for this trek). Different companies offer different itineraries.

Things to do in sabah coral reef starfish

Normally including around 3 – 5 stops. Here are some of the islands that you can visit for snorkeling near Semporna:

  • Bohey Dulang island – hilly island with stunning viewpoint of curved bay and marine park. Not allowed to swim or snorkel at this site. 
  • Sibuan island – small island with beautiful sandbar and clear shallow waters. Small military base and a Bajau village are located on this island. 
  • Mantabuan island – small island, flat, lovely beach, surrounded by shallow turquoise waters
  • Kapalai sandbar – Sandbar with a resort and some great coral reef and snorkeling
  • Mataking island – Beautiful island out to the east. Long sand bar, clear waters and lots of marine life here. 
  • Pom Pom island – small beautiful island with a couple of resorts
  • Timba Timba island – small thin island with long sandbar surrounded by clear shallow waters.

Bohey Dulang island hopping Semporna

For a shared island hopping trip: RM120 – RM200 per person (roughly £24 – £40 or $30 – $50) and normally includes equipment rental (snorkel, mask, fins and a life jacket) and lunch. For a private island hopping trip expect to pay around RM600 – RM800 depending on the company and tour (roughly £120 – £160 or $150 – $180)

snorkeling things to do in Sabah

The cheapest way to arrange island hopping Semporna is to book your trip directly with a local company. Dive shops based in Semporna can arrange island hopping trips. Contact 52Hz Dive Shop for island hopping trips in Semporna. 

Don’t miss our guide: What is the BEST Mabul island resort?

sea turtle marbul snorkeling diving

Go to Mabul island for diving, snorkeling and some rest and relaxation. Marbul is a small, flat and beautiful island near Semporna. It is actually next to Sipadan – which is a world famous spot for amazing diving. Sipadan is expensive to visit due to the very high price for permits.

things to do in Tioman coral snorkeling

Mabul has clear shallow waters brimming with sea life and coral. Some of the great diving and snorkeling spots include Lobster wall and a couple of shipwrecks. In the waters you can see a wide array of fish including: Reef shark, turtles, star fish, frog fish, stone fish, lobsters, shrimp, barracuda, clown fish, angel fish and much much more! 

Mabul backpackers

If you stay with Mabul Backpackers Hostel they will include food and drinks. A dive costs RM100 at Mabul Backpackers (this is super cheap) and a snorkeling trip (around 1-2 hours) costs RM50. This is impressively cheap. 

Mabul backpackers

Keep your expectations in check: The water around Mabul is very beautiful. BUT this island sadly has a lot of rubbish around. Some beaches are very unclean and there is a lot of trash. BUT the diving and snorkeling is some of the BEST we have seen in the world. Don’t miss our full review of the Mabul Backpackers hostel .

Mabul sabah transparent Kayak

We recommend taking the last boat off Mabul. Make the most of the diving and snorkeling. You can also rent sea kayaks in Semporna for your own adventures. Check out the Seahorse Resort (near Mabul backpackers). They can rent a transparent Kayak for around RM50 per hour.

Sabah fish seafood

This is a lovely place to relax. You will need to stay in Semporna overnight or take a late bus to Tawau. The buses from Semporna to Tawau are shared mini buses. They cost a humble RM20 per person (roughly £4 or $5) and the journey takes a couple of hours. There is a small car park near KFC where buses wait. Once a minibus is full they will go. 

Large tree Malaysia national park

Visit the Tawau Hills Park. This is a beautiful national park with jungle trails and waterfalls. This lovely national park also has Giant Yellow Meranti Trees. These are the second tallest living trees. These monster trees have been known to grow 96.9m tall in the area. 

Adults RM5 and Children RM2.50 

Expect to pay around RM20-RM30 each way for a taxi to the Tawau Hills Park.

Tawau chocolate museum sabah

There is a small Chocolate Museum in Tawau town called the Teck Guan Cocoa Museum. If you are interested in a visit the prices are as follows:

  • RM35 for adults
  • RM25 for children (6 – 12 years old)
  • RM10 for infants (3 – 5 years old) 
  • 0-2 years old FREE

Please pre-book at least 1-2 days in advance (at least two adults required). You can book by phone: +6016 8269579 or +6089 772277

A few things that aren’t on this Sabah itinerary

Proboscis monkey things to do in Sabah

There are also a few fantastic activities that we have missed out – mainly due to time constraints. SO if you have a little longer – or you want to change this itinerary – here are some other things to do in Sabah: 

It is very popular to take a Kinabatangan River cruise in Sabah. These beautiful River Cruises allow you to spot Wildlife along the banks of this wild river. There is a very good chance of seeing wild proboscis monkeys and if you’re lucky you may also be able to see wild orangutans. If you have more time in Sabah we recommend looking into doing one of these river cruises.

Sabah itinerary Kinabatagan river

We have also skipped out the Danum Valley conservation area. Although this is a very beautiful area, it is a little bit out of the way and we don’t think it adds a sufficient amount to this itinerary to include it. However, if you do have more time this would be a great place to visit.

The BEST places to stay for our amazing Sabah itinerary

Kota kinabalu (day 1 and day 2).

Le Meridien hotel Kota Kinabalu

If you’re on a budget book a bunk bed at Escape Backpackers – super cheap, simple and well located. Watch out for Escape Backpackers on booking.com . You can also find Escape Backpackers on Agoda . Alternatively, if you have a little more freedom in your budget consider the Horizon Hotel.

sabah malaysia travel

Horizon hotel have some great deals on Agoda . AND you can also find Horizon Hotel on booking.com . Or if you’re looking to splash out for something really special check out Le Meridien. Check out Le Meridien on Agoda or booking.com .

Kundasang (day 3)

Kundasang homestay

Our top pick in Kundasang is the beautiful and very affordable Pogimpaan Homestay ( Agoda AND Booking.com ) – very simple and beautiful. Also Zen Garden is a nice option in the area. Zen Garden are on Agoda and Booking.com .

Sandakan (day 4 and day 5)

Sabah Hotel Sandakan

If you’re traveling on a budget check out the Sandakan Backpackers Hostel. Sandakan backpackers can be found on Agoda and booking.com . If you have a bigger budget and want to stay near the Orangutan Rehabilitation Center check out the Sepilok Forest Edge Resort. Sepilok Forest Edge are on Agoda and on Booking.com . For a GREAT mid range option (excellent for families too) check out the Sabah hotel (in the picture above). You can book the  Sabah Hotel on Agoda . You can also snatch up some great deals for the  Sabah Hotel on Booking.com .

Semporna (day 6 and day 7)

Kuree Hut on Agoda OR find Kuree Hut on booking.com and the Ang Lee Holiday Stay offer good value for money in an excellent location in Semporna. You can find Ang Lee holiday stay on Agoda and the Ang Lee Holiday Stay on booking.com

Mabul (day 8)

We recommend staying at the Mabul Backpackers Hostel in Mabul. Lovely, basic, nice food, great vibe. You can find Mabul Backpackers on Agoda AND Mabul Backpackers on booking.com  

Tawau (day 9 and day 10)

sabah malaysia travel

Foresight hotel – spacious, stylish and nice accommodation. Find Foresight on Agoda and Foresight on booking.com to find the BEST deals.

Not the cheapest available but very nice. Slightly cheaper – check out the pretty City Garden Hotel on Agoda. You can also find the City Garden Hotel on Booking.com .

AND FINALLY…

Don’t miss our guide on THE BEST things to do in Sabah

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Life loving, adventure chasing, Mum of 3 who loves travel. Over 10 years of travel writing experience. Emma now loves to give the best tips to help other travel loving parents plan adventures with their kids. Whether you need to find the best accommodation or just need to know how to pack your bag Emma is that travelling mum who love to help you.

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10 Reasons Why You Should Next Travel To Sabah

Picture a Southeast Asia travel.

The moment you hear Southeast Asia, images of sun-kissed golden sand beaches, lush paddy fields, ruins of lost civilisations, temples with elaborate ceremonies, mighty megacities swamped by bargain-hunters, tropical islands rundown by backpackers, and never-ending parties with overflowing booze at throwaway prices conjure up. That’s the side effect of over-tourism.

What if I tell you there’s a region in the vast rainforests of Borneo having the best jewels of Southeast Asia yet largely undiscovered by pesky tourists. A region where nature and adventure come alive to sweep you away into a mesmerising world of untouched wilderness, animal kingdoms, majestic UNESCO World Heritage site, lofty mist-capped mountains and amazing underwater worlds.

Welcome to Sabah! This stunning region of tropical islands and luxuriant nature in the East Coast of Malaysia is neither overly populated nor tumbled-down by hordes of tourists. The friendly people of Sabah makes you wish you lived here permanently.

Kawa Kawa river cruise, Sabah - southeast asia travel

Here are the 10 reasons why Sabah should be your next tropical adventure:

Slow travel for soaking up the soul.

If we slow down, everything lasts longer. This has been my mantra for a while now and I enjoy savouring the journey by becoming a part of the social fabric of a place instead of racing through a list of tourist traps. And, Sabah is meant for slow travel. In the untouched, remote region of Sabah both your soul and body gets rejuvenated.

While there is a long list of places to explore in Sabah, my favourites for slow travel are the Mount Kinabalu Park, Abdul Rehman Marine Park, Sabah Tea Garden, Sepilok Orangutan Rehabilitation centre, Sandakan Turtle Island Park, Desa Cattle Dairy Farm, Danum Valley and Mari Mari Cultural Village.

Tip : Disconnect yourself from the digital world and immerse in the real world.

Inside Desa Dairy Farm - southeast asia travel

Eco-adventures for thrill seekers

While Sabah is well equipped to handle all kinds of tourists, it is a dream destination for thrill seekers. Whether it was hiking the majestic Mount Kinabalu or Ziplining from Island to island in Abdul Rahman Park, taming the white-water rapids of Kadamaian River or going boat-cruising on Kawa Kawa River; I had a great time unleashing my adventure side in Sabah. The best part was, no harm done to flora and fauna during all my adventures.

Tip: Try the fish spa near Sabah Tea Garden.

A signage at Sabah Tea Garden - southeast asia travel

Trekker’s Paradise Kinabalu National Park

Malaysia’s first UNESCO World Heritage site, Kinabalu National park, is one of the main reasons why many travellers put Sabah on their travel map. Majestically standing at a height of 4,095m Mount Kinabalu is the highest peak in South East Asia and is a key highlight of Kinabalu Park, a wonderland of ecological treasures.

The biodiversity of the park ranges over four climatic zones and is home to 5000 types of plants, 100 species of mammals and 326 species of birds. Inside the park, there are many well-marked nature trails, which can be explored by anyone relatively fit. For the more adventurous, there’s Mount Kinabalu offering unimaginable views that change with height gain – lush rainforest giving way to impressive mist-wrapped rock formations as you go higher.

Tip: Don’t forget to stay at the Kinabalu Mountain Lodge in the Park. Your idea of luxury nature retreat will change forever.

En route to Desa Dairy Farm, Mt Kinabalu in the background - southeast asia travel

Well preserved Exotic wildlife

If you prefer real jungle over a concrete jungle, Sabah will not disappoint you. Over half of Sabah is forested, most of it as forest reserves and protected area, which is home to some of the richest ecosystems in the world — both on land and undersea. Thanks to this abundance of nature, Sabah has a well-developed ecotourism offering wildlife tours, birding tours, animal sanctuaries, canopy walks, river-boat cruises, and other low-impact high-enjoyment tours to explore the well preserved exotic wildlife.

I thoroughly enjoyed my boat-cruise over Kawa-Kawa river to sight Borneo’s indigenous Proboscis Monkeys, monitor lizards, long-tailed macaques, water buffaloes, river otters, and silvered leaf monkeys in their natural habitat.

Tip: Don’t forget to carry your telephoto lens. You never know what you can sight.

Close up of a Proboscis monkey on a tree branch - southeast asia travel

Nightlife of a different kind

Have you ever attended a concert with thousands of synchronized artists? If not, take a night cruise to Kawa Kawa River through the mangrove forests and witness the carpet of fireflies lighting up entire trees with their spectacular displays. I was so stunned by their perfectly synchronized light show that the best of the light shows in the world seemed lacklustre in front of nature’s very own Diwali.

Although there are about 2,000 species of fireflies in the world, synchronous fireflies ­– ones that can coordinate their flash patterns ­– exist in just a handful of places on Earth. And, Sabah has one of the most dramatic light display in Southeast Asia. The fireflies are completely in sync flashing both on and off together.

Tip: Don’t waste your time capturing the fireflies in your camera. Some beautiful moments should be savoured only.

Spectacular Sunsets of Sabah

Having spent a considerable time marvelling the spectacular sunsets of Sabah, I wasn’t surprised to know why Sabah is voted as one of the top 6 places to watch sunsets in the world. My favourites were –Manukan island, Shangri-La Rasa Ria Resort and North Borneo Cruises in Kota Kinabalu. Don’t believe me? See it yourself.

Sunset at Manukan Island - southeast asia travel

Tip:  The sun sets quickly in Sabah. So, reach your sunset destination at least half an hour in advance.

The tropical islands of Tunku Abdul Rahman Park

Hop on a 20-minute speedboat ride from the Jesselton Jetty of Kota Kinabalu to reach an exotic playground of glassy waters and abundant marine life. The five islands of Gaya, Manukan, Sapi, Mamutik and Sulug and the coral reefs in between make up the Tunku Abdul Rahman National Park.

While most of the people take a day trip to enjoy the manicured beaches and marine life, we were lucky to spend an unforgettable night at Manukan Island . We were treated to a delicious barbecue buffet-style dinner served directly on the beach with live music playing. Even the waves joined the chorus – mischievously dancing to the tunes of the white moon hanging like a paper lantern on the horizon. During the day, we unleashed our adventure spirit by indulging in activities like snorkelling, swimming, zip lining on the world’s longest island to island zipline, deep-sea walking and jungle trekking.

Tip: Try sea-walking at Sapi island, a novel way for non-divers to explore the underwater world

Sunset at Manukan Island - southeast asia travel

Potpourri of ethnic tribes for culturephiles

Sabah houses some 42 different ethnic groups and over 200 sub-ethnic groups. Each has a distinct culture and traditions. One thing that separates Sabahans from others is their commitment towards preserving their cultural heritage. Even the state government is working hard to ensure that their native cultures thrive and the best example is seen in the form of Mari Mari Cultural Village .

Situated in Inanam, about 20 minutes from Kota Kinabalu, the village offers an insight into the traditional lifestyles of Sabah’s ethnic communities. The village operates as a museum preserving Borneo ethnic culture. It aims to share the knowledge, history, culture, and tradition of Borneo with visitors so that it’s not forgotten.

I thoroughly enjoyed learning about the culture and lifestyle of indigenous ethnic groups of Borneo that used to live in the bygone era when there was no electricity. The village features 5 different ethnic tribes – the rice farmer Kadazan-Dusun, the longhouse resident Rungus, the hunters and fisherman Lundayeh, the cowboy and sea gypsey Bajau, and the famously feared headhunting tribe Murut.

Tip: Don’t miss out on the cultural performance and the buffet lunch.

Bajau Tribe woman at her hut, Mari Mari village, Sabah, Malaysia - southeast asia travel

Read more about the Indigenous tribes of North Borneo here.

Urban Adventures for city dwellers

If you think Sabah is all about nature and no urban fun, you are totally wrong. Kota Kinabalu or KK as it is popularly called is well equipped with modern infrastructure, wide roads, good public transport, world-class luxury and budget hotels, a waterfront area buzzing with great nightlife and multi-cuisine restaurants, and for shopaholics, there are hyper malls to shop till you drop. And, how can you forget the night and wet markets of Kota Kinabalu? During my last two trips, I spent seven days in the city, yet I barely scratched the surface.

Tip: If you are planning to surprise someone, take them out on a sunset North Borneo Cruise.

Sunset at the North Borneo Cruise - southeast asia travel

Epicurean Encounters

Sabah is a melting pot of Malaysian, Chinese, South Asian and indigenous people who have coexisted on the island for centuries. As a result, the local cuisine is influenced by a mélange of spices and flavours. Additionally, the impact of rainforests and rich marine life can be seen on Sabah cuisine. Therefore, it is blasphemous to say no to epicurean encounters.

We tried a lot of local favorite treats like bambagan (a giant, mango-like fruit), rambatan (a juicy, sweet fruit like a lychee), Linopot (fragrant rice wrapped with Sutangkap leaf), Sayur Kampung (local vegetables), Telur Masin (salted egg), Ikan Masin Masak Lada Putih (salted fish and white pepper), hinava (raw mackerel fish with lime), Lada Belacan (shrimp paste with chillies), Sambal Ikan Masin (salted fish paste) and traditional drinks. Few adventurous foodies in our group tried the raw sago worms as well.

Tip: Try authentic Sabah cuisine under one roof at D’Place Kinabalu in KK

So, with so many irresistible reasons to visit Sabah, isn’t it time you ask yourself #WhyNotsabah and plan a trip to the ‘Land Below the Wind’ and enjoy unforgettable tropical adventures?

  • Kota Kinabalu
  • Manukan Island
  • Sabahan Sunset

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About Sabah

Sabah, best of borneo.

Situated on the beautiful island of Borneo, Sabah is one of the thirteen states which Malaysia is made of. Sabah is the second largest state in Malaysia and shares the island of Borneo with Sarawak, Brunei, and Indonesian Kalimantan.

Sabah is richly blessed with nature diversity, unique cultures, fun adventure, beautiful beaches, and fantastic cuisines for the adventurous taste buds. We have it all, from the world’s largest flower – the Rafflesia, one of the highest mountains in South East Asia – Mount Kinabalu, to one of the world’s top dive sites – Sipadan Island. Sabah is also known for her great natural treasures which include the world-renowned Danum Valley Conservation Area and Tabin which is Sabah’s largest wildlife reserve.

Not only will you be amazed by the places to see and things to do here, you will also be treated with unique Sabahan hospitality. Explore the unique culture and tradition of Sabah and get ready to experience sweet memories to last a lifetime!

Borneo Island

Borneo is the third largest island in the world and is located at the centre of the Maritime Southeast Asia. This island is divided between Indonesia, Malaysia and Brunei.

Nevertheless, for people outside of Indonesia, “Kalimantan” refers to the area which is occupied by Indonesia on the island of Borneo. Malaysia’s region of Borneo is called East Malaysia or Malaysian Borneo. The independent nation of Brunei occupies the remainder of the island, being the wealthiest of the rest.

Once known as North Borneo, Sabah was under the British colony during the late 19th century till the early 20th century. Sabah gained self-government on the 31st of August, 1963. Sabah, together with Malaya, Singapore and Sarawak formed the Federation of Malaysia on the 16th of September 1963.

People and Culture

There are more than 30 indigenous groups in Sabah with the largest non-indigenous ethnic group being the Chinese and the largest indigenous group being the Kadazan-Dusun people. Three other larger ethnic groups in Sabah are the Bajau, Murut and Rungus. Apart from the Sabahans’ very own diverse mother tongues, Bahasa Malaysia (national language) and English is widely spoken; Mandarin and some Chinese dialects are also widely spoken.

In Sabah, we greet people by saying “selamat datang” (welcome) and/or “terima kasih” (thank you) with a smile. Due to religious reasons, some may prefer not to have physical contact with others. However, a handshake is generally acceptable as a way of introducing oneself.

It’s customary to remove shoes before entering a mosque as well as homes. In places of worship, visitors are required to dress modestly. Nude sunbathing is not allowed and is very frowned upon. Avoid pointing your index finger at others, as this is considered rude in the local custom.

Before Your Travel

Sabah advisory, covid advisory, travel visa.

Travellers are advised to conduct due diligence on entry requirements.

Embassies / Consulates

While in sabah, where to stay, tour operators.

We advice all travellers to conduct due diligence when purchasing travel / tour packages.A list of licensed travel agent and tour operators are listed here:

General Info

Weather: Equatorial / Tropical Climate

Electricity and Powerpoint Plug type

230V / 50Hz (British Plug / Type G Plug)

Bahasa Malaysia is the national language however English and to some extent Mandarin is widely spoken.

Malaysian Ringgit (MYR)

E-wallets and Credit Cards are accepted however it is still advisable to have cash for transactions.

General shop /office operating hours

Coffee shops usually open from 6am to 10pm

Malls 10am to 9pm

Offices: 9am to 5pm

We advise all travellers to dress modestly especially while visiting places of worship.

Quick links, events in sabah.

Kadaiku features a wide range of unique, traditional, functional, and innovative Sabah handmade handicrafts.

Reporting Fraud

Sabah too is not spared from scam travel packages. We advice each consumer to be vigilant on purchasing packages especially when the price seems ‘too good to be true’. Check on the operators licence:

Reporting Consumer Complaints

Immigration.

Immigration Department Malaysia -The Immigration office at Kota Kinabalu International Airport (24 hours Operations) at 088- 413657

MySabah.com

Travel guides to Sabah, Malaysia Borneo

10 Breathtaking Hills and Mountains of Sabah [Bonus: List of 140+ Hills and Mountains to Climb]

How to climb mount kinabalu and how much it cost [year 2024], linopot, the traditional leaf-wrapped rice of sabah, 10 best souvenirs to buy in sabah, 10 most beautiful traditional costumes of sabah, aura montoria, the rock garden of mount kinabalu, climbing mount wullersdorf, the land of crystals and red river.

Nostalgia in Membakut: Exploring Sabah’s Colonial Township and Railroad Heritage

Nostalgia in Membakut: Exploring Sabah’s Colonial Township and Railroad Heritage

MySabah.com

Isn’t the feeling of nostalgia wonderful? Whether it’s listening to oldies songs, donning vintage fashion, or gazing at black-and-white photographs, it’s like taking a journey …

Sipitang Satay, the Best Satay of Sabah?

Sipitang Satay, the Best Satay of Sabah?

The scent of a particular perfume could remind you of someone you love, while the aroma of sizzling satay smoke transports me back to the …

Best Window Seats for Sabah’s Scenic Views In-Flight

Best Window Seats for Sabah’s Scenic Views In-Flight

Sabah, often referred to as the land below the wind, is a mesmerizing mountainous state in Malaysia. Its breathtaking landscapes are easily recognised from the …

Dalai, the Pearls of the Borneo Jungle

Dalai, the Pearls of the Borneo Jungle

Job’s Tears, also known as adlay or adlay millet, is locally referred to as Dalai or Jelai in Sabah. This plant looks like a cross …

Aura Montoria, the Rock Garden of Mount Kinabalu

Aura Montoria is touted as one of Sabah’s top hiking spots, and after experiencing it firsthand, I don’t think it’s overrated. Hiking here offers an …

Bukit Panchang, the Volcanic Hill of Tawau

Bukit Panchang, the Volcanic Hill of Tawau

Mount Kinabalu is the sacred mountain of Sabah’s indigenous people. During the active volcanic period from the Early Miocene to the Pleistocene in the eastern …

Antanom Museum, the History of British Vs. Borneo Headhunters

Antanom Museum, the History of British Vs. Borneo Headhunters

Tenom, nestled in the rustic interior of Sabah, serves as the terminus for Borneo’s railway, and is renowned for the beloved Tenom Coffee, a favorite …

Trip to the Cocoa Village of Tawau, the Chocolate Capital

Trip to the Cocoa Village of Tawau, the Chocolate Capital

What food is cool 4,000 years ago and is still cool today? Today it is found in cakes, candy, drinks, desserts, ice-cream and cookies, you …

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Travel Blog, Itineraries & Guides, Hotel Reviews

The PERFECT 3-Day Itinerary For Kota Kinabalu (If You’re Not Into Mountain Climbing) – 2023 Update

September 12, 2023 by Bino 5 Comments

Kota Kinabalu has become synonymous to its namesake mountain, one of the tallest in Southeast Asia. While Mt. Kinabalu often overshadows the city, this cosmopolitan hub stands as an increasingly popular gateway to the exotic island of Borneo, the world’s 4th largest. It’s quite apparent that this destination offers plenty for those with a knack for outdoor pursuits but few realize that KK works just as well even for those not planning to climb a single step up the well-trodden peak. Every time I tell my friends that I’m going to the state capital of Sabah, they ask me if I’m climbing – leaving them with a perplexed expression when I tell them I’m not. Believe me, there are a lot of things to see and do in Kota Kinabalu whether or not you choose to spend a few days to scale Mt. Kinabalu. I have been to the city twice and still feel that there’s much more to do. Here is my suggested itinerary for a short trip to Kota Kinabalu in Sabah, East Malaysia.

Day 1 – Explore the City

Kota Kinabalu, previously known as Jesselton, is one of Malaysia’s most pleasant cities. Sitting on a narrow strip of land between the sea and the mountains, the city has in recent years expanded around the coast leaving plenty of majestic sea views to go around. This relatively small-sized city is walkable although the sweltering heat may deter some. In any case, most rides within the city won’t cost more than MYR 5 or less than US$2 so there’s really no excuse to stay in one place. Obtain your bearings at the city center and visit the local handicraft market which is known as the Filipino Market (daily 9AM to 10PM) due to the foreign origin of most sellers there. In this covered bazaar, you’ll find sarongs, woodwork, jewelry as well as plenty of souvenirs to bring back. The most interesting items in my opinion are the tools and instruments being used by the local headhunting tribes such as the Murut or blowpipe. If you are feeling adventurous, take your pick among the seafood stalls next door and have your fresh crabs, prawns and fish cooked just as you like.

signal hill observation deck

signal hill observation deck

Late morning is just the right time to climb up to Signal Hill for a bird’s eye view of the city. Admission here is free and you can spend some time with a cup of coffee – there is a cafe up there – while admiring the view. Make your way back to the city via the stairs adjacent to the observatory tower and you’ll find yourself at Lorong Dewan – Kota Kinabalu’s burgeoning hipster area. Here, you’ll find plenty of cafes, interesting eats and backpackers’ hostels housed in heritage buildings. Visit Nook Cafe (daily 8AM to 7PM; til 9PM on weekends) for their specialty coffee or Biru Biru (daily 12pm to midnight) for their poke bowls. At the end of the street, you’ll see the Atkinson Clock Tower . Built in 1905, it’s the oldest standing structure in the city. It will be around noon by this time so stop by one of the eateries here for lunch.

Tip: If you are in Kota Kinabalu on a Sunday, don’t miss out visiting the Gaya Street Sunday Market. This market is a bit more interesting than the typical Malaysian bazaars. This particular market starts early at 5AM and lasts until around 2pm. Here, you’ll find plenty of antiques, local handicrafts, coffee beans and even pets. Remember to bargain.

Stop by the Sabah State Museum (daily 9AM to 5PM) to understand the city and the region better. The 3-storey museum contains exhibits related to science, art and even has a heritage village within. From here, the Sabah State Mosque is just next door. Its bulbous dome which is decked in real gold may immediately catch one’s fancy. Do note that the mosque is generally open from 8AM to 12nn and then from 2PM to 5pm daily except for Fridays when it is only open during the afternoon from 2PM to 5PM.

sabah malaysia travel

sunset view from the yacht

After a tiring first day exploring the city, you can spend the late afternoon catching the sunset either at the Tanjung Aru Beach or if you’re feeling luxurious you can also charter a yacht which is a popular activity in Kota Kinabalu. North Borneo Yacht Charter offers different types of itineraries including a sunset cruise in the late afternoon with visits to Manukan and Gaya islands. Alternatively, you can also visit the relatively secluded Dinawan Island which offers clear waters for snorkeling, kayaking and even diving.

d'place kinabalu

d’place kinabalu

Try some local Sabah food for dinner at My Native Sabah (Plaza 333 in Lorong 333, daily except Sunday, 11:30AM to 8:30PM). When I say local, I don’t just mean the usual Malaysian food. They serve some pretty exotic meals that come from the indigenous  Kadazan Dusun tribe. These are served in a set so you can try different dishes without necessarily having to overload yourself. Alternatively, you can join a tour that takes you to an actual Dusun tribal village and you can participate in a cooking class there.

Day 2 – Cultural Village & Island Hopping

kota kinabalu city mosque

kota kinabalu city mosque

Start the day early with a visit to the Kota Kinabalu City Mosque . The place of worship which sits next to a pond is best visited in the early morning or late afternoon when the purplish sky is reflected through the still waters. Highly recommended for architecture buffs.

mari mari cultural village

mari mari cultural village

From here, proceed to Mari Mari Cultural Village (MYR 175 per adult) for a quick run through of Sabah’s indigenous people. The place can feel a bit touristy but it’s undeniably fun. There are also few other places in Malaysia that give visitors the same ease to witness local life. Choose one of the two available daily sessions for your visit – 10AM or 2PM. The tours are highly interactive and allow visitors the opportunity to taste local snacks and sample certain elements of local culture.

Mari Mari Cultural Village can be done as a half-day trip which leaves your afternoon free assuming you do it in the morning. The afternoon can be spent on an excursion to Tunku Abdul Rahman National Park . Comprising 5 islands, the park is popular for snorkeling, diving, para-sailing or simply lounging by the beach. 

As mentioned previously, the park comprises of 5 islands. Namely, these are Gaya, Manukan, Sapi, Mamutik and Sulug. Gaya is the largest one and is situated closest to Kota Kinabalu. Depending on where you dock, you can reach Gaya Island in as little as 10 minutes from Kota Kinabalu. 

manukan island

manukan island by amrufm

The most popular among the 5 islands is arguably Manukan Island . The eastern part of the island offers some pristine beaches while the coral reefs offshore are ideal for snorkeling. 

Another well-visited island within the marine park is Sapi . It is considered to have some of the nicest beaches among the 5 islands and it also possesses better facilities for daytrippers. 

You can visit Tunku Abdul Rahman Marine Park by hiring your boat and crew for the day or if you are traveling as a small group/solo, you can sign-up for a join-in tour here .

If you are not climbing Mt. Kinabalu but have a desire to at least see it or breathe the fresh mountain air, head over to the mountain town of  Kundasang and spend the night there in one of the chalets. Alternatively, you can choose to rest in your Kota Kinabalu hotel and do Kundasang as a day trip in Day 3.

Day 3 – Kundasang

sabah malaysia travel

Wake up early when the chances of clear weather are at its highest. You’ll see Mt. Kinabalu directly in front of you as you enjoy the cool weather at 2,000 meters above sea level.

There are many ways to get to Kundasang but a car hire is definitely the most convenient. A popular day tour involves a morning departure from Kota Kinabalu where you will be taken to Desa Cattle Farm for a glimpse of the alpine life. After lunch and some other activities such as a canopy walk and a soak in the hot springs, you return to Kota Kinabalu just before dinner time. You can book such tours here .

Afterwards, head back to Kota Kinabalu and spend your last few hours wandering around town before catching your flight back.

Other Tips for Kota Kinabalu

  • Travel insurance: It may be advisable to get travel insurance, especially in this age of uncertainty. If you come from Singapore, I can recommend checking out Starr TraveLead for its cheap single- trip travel insurance with S$10 cash rebate to help offset the insurance cost here . The coverage amounts for these plans meet the minimum required by the Malaysian authorities. If you are based elsewhere, check out Worldnomads as they have quite an extensive coverage, even including personal accidents into their list of benefits. 
  • Weather: The wettest time of the year is usually in the later months like November and December. That being said, you won’t find it raining all day but plans for outdoor activities may be dampened by strong winds, flash floods and other inconveniences.
  • Practicalities: Kota Kinabalu is not a particularly dense city with few tall buildings. As such, if you walk outdoors during the day; you’ll most likely be baked under the sun. It’s wise to put sunblock even if you’re just staying within the city.
  • Farther afield: Kota Kinabalu serves as a hub for Northern Borneo so if there’s an interest in exploring more, you can fly or take the ferry to Brunei and Labuan . Sandakan and Tawau  are also reachable by air.

Where to Stay in Kota Kinabalu

hyatt centric kota kinabalu

hyatt centric kota kinabalu (source: the hotel)

Tourism has boomed in recent years in Kota Kinabalu with a plethora of new hotels to cater to every budget. One of the most established hotels in the city is the Hilton Kota Kinabalu which is just next to the Star City Mall. Rooms come well-appointed and are among the most tech-forward in the city. If you prefer a hotel with panoramic sea views, you can’t go wrong with the Hyatt Centric Kota Kinabalu . Among cheaper options, the Hotel Sixty3 in Gaya Street is situated close to the Sunday market and comes with a family room category.

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Let me know your thoughts by leaving a comment below. Alternatively, you can also email me at b i n o (at) iwandered.net. You can follow I Wander on Facebook , Telegram , or Instagram . Also, if you liked this article, please feel free to SHARE or RETWEET

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June 11, 2018 at 10:29 am

Sounds like the perfect itinerary!

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August 26, 2018 at 1:39 pm

Great posts and beautiful photos you got there! Kota Kinabalu is a great place to visit. We got everything in here. You can go scuba diving after 15 minutes after arrive at the international airport. Then, you can go climb the highest mountain peak in south east asia at Mount Kinabalu.

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September 30, 2018 at 8:30 am

Sounds like you had a great time! I really wish I had more time in KK! It feels like I missed out on a lot of stuff to do!

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June 11, 2019 at 9:59 pm

I’m going to KK on next month for 3 days. I think I will skip Kundasang and do water activities. Still looking for ideas..

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January 18, 2020 at 3:27 pm

There are more explore in Kota Kinabalu beside climbing Mt. Kinabalu, such as going for a rivercruise, water rafting (class 1, 2,3,4,) Island hoping are highly recomended here..

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5 hotspots for rainforest adventures in Sabah, Malaysia

The perfect playground for wildlife and adventure enthusiasts, Sabah offers incredible ways to experience its lush landscapes, from trekking to tubing.

View of the Tree Top Canopy at Danum Valley Tropical Rainforest.

Discover the forested landscapes of Sabah, where more than half of the state is dominated by thick jungle and home to an amazing array of wildlife. Expect orangutans swinging from treetops, pygmy elephants munching their way through thick foliage and crocodiles skulking in the shallows. From walking the world’s highest via ferrata in Kinabalu to witnessing more than 80 types of orchids in Maliau, read on for five of the best hotspots for rainforest adventures in Sabah, Malaysia.

1. Danum Valley

This is tropical jungle at its most pristine. Danum Valley sprawls across 10,600 acres of protected reserve, where menara trees tower almost 300ft into the air and dense thickets conceal a mind-boggling variety of animals. Sharp eyes may glimpse wild cats, orangutans, macaques, gibbons, pygmy elephants and — if you’re very lucky — the rare, clouded leopard. These elusive cats are notoriously shy, and there are less than 200 living in the park, though stringent conservation measures have seen their numbers climb in recent years. For a bird’s-eye view, with the peak of Mount Silam beyond, walk along the Tree Top Canopy Walkway or, for something even more adventurous, tubing the Danum River is a wet, wild and truly magical way to experience the jungle. Samba deer regularly come down to the water to drink, so look out for herds gathering along its banks.

2. Sandakan

Sandakan’s Rainforest Discovery Centre offers an insightful, well thought out introduction to Malaysia’s incredible ecosystems, and is a great way to get a taste of the rainforest. Its wooden walkway takes visitors high up into the jungle canopy, and for more than 300 metres, you’ll be walking among the treetops. Birdlife abounds with more than 300 avian species recorded — from the Bornean bristlehead and blue-headed pitta to the majestic Wallace’s hawk-eagle. And when the sun starts to dip below the trees, an evening boat trip along the Kinabatangan River will reveal nocturnal critters like the giant red flying squirrel. Almost bat-like in appearance, this russet rodent can grow to almost two feet long and soars between the trees at dusk. Don’t just spend too much time looking up — estuarine crocodiles frequent these waters, and glowing eyes in the darkness are a sure sign they’re close at hand.

Endemic to Borneo, the rafflesia is the largest flower in the world. It's known by locals as the 'corpse flower' because during the blooming period its smell is similar to the one of decomposing meat. This scent is necessary to attract flies who assist pollination.

3. Kinabalu Park

Malaysia’s first UNESCO World Heritage Site, Kinabalu Park is a wild stretch of parkland. Towered over by the country’s highest peak, Mount Kinabalu dominates the skyline, and treks to its summits take three days, traversing the reserve’s varied terrain. In fact, this walk crosses four climatic zones, beginning in tropical lowland before gradually shifting into Alpine meadows as you start to climb. The trek also involves navigating the world’s highest via ferrata, which, at 12,400ft, will get even the most hardened of hikers’ adrenaline pumping. The flora in Kinabalu is staggeringly diverse; no fewer than 5,000 plant species have been identified here, and a side trip to the area’s botanical gardens may throw up sightings of the rare rafflesia plant — the largest flower in the world.  

4. Tabin Wildlife Reserve

A mud volcano may not sound the most visually appealing, but such is its mineral content that this bubbling, oozing pit attracts a whole host of animals. An easy-to-follow, well-marked trail leads through Tabin Wildlife Reserve to an observation tower at its edge, from where you can see pygmy elephants dousing themselves in mud and bearded pigs wallowing in the shallows. One of Sabah’s biggest reserves, covering 485sq miles, Tabin is renowned for its exemplary breeding programme, and the nine species of primate that call this jungle home can often be spotted with babies in tow. Night safaris, meanwhile, offer a whole new perspective on the forest, where tiny, bug-eyed tapiers skitter up the trunks of ironwood trees and adorable slow lorises dangle from drooping branches. Temperatures soar in these humid, lowland rainforests, so cool off in Lipad Waterfall before continuing to explore.

5. Maliau Basin Conservation Area

Known as Sabah’s Lost World, the Maliau Basin Conservation Area is one of the few remaining pockets of untouched wildernesses on the planet. Bounded by an imposing escarpment plunging 6,000ft, access to the circular basin is almost impossible, providing protection from logging companies or those seeking to cultivate the land. The result: around 230sq miles of the deepest, darkest jungle, sliced through by the Maliau River and effectively an ecosystem in itself, where wildlife thrives, and you can see some of the rarest plants in the world. More than 80 types of orchids have been recorded in the basin, their appearance and colour varying wildly, from the tiny, snow-white epiphytic orchid to flowers as big as a hand with striking yellow-and-red petals. The word Maliau means ‘land of the giant staircase,’ derived from its step-like landscape and countless waterfalls. No less than 19 have been discovered so far, including a seven-tiered beauty at the mouth of the river that rises almost 100ft into the air.

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Have you visited all the Chinatowns in Malaysia?

Thursday, 07 Mar 2024

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These days, the areas surrounding Petaling Street are thriving with fancy eateries and bars that open till late.

According to statistics portal Statista, there are 6.88 million Chinese living in Malaysia as of 2022. This places Malaysia third in the world as the country with the largest number of overseas Chinese, behind Thailand (7.01 million) and Indonesia (10.94 million).

Historically, Chinese presence in South-East Asia emerged in the 19th century when, starting from the 1850s (and until the 1950s), Chinese workers ventured to the region to seek employment opportunities, as per the Academy for Cultural Diplomacy’s research.

The same article states that the Chinese migration shifted to more industrialised areas such as Europe, the Americas, Australia and Japan during the 1950s to 1980s.

Dispersed across 130 countries, the Chinese diaspora is statistically the largest in the world, amounting to 39.5 million migrants. This led to the global emergence of Chinatowns – Chinese settlements that have evolved over the centuries from simply living quarters into vibrant tourist attractions.

It’s no different in Malaysia, where Chinatowns can be found in several states. The most popular is Petaling Street, often cited as one of the must-visits in Kuala Lumpur.

Many of these Chinatowns bear a different official name and are usually referred to by locals with other names, but for the sake of simplicity, “Chinatown” remains an oft-used umbrella term for Chinese settlements that have become highly popular for tourism.

To tourists, they are typically marketed as the place to visit to experience Chinese culture. In melting pot cities, they also showcase how the said culture has assimilated to its host country’s multicultural tapestry.

In Melaka, for example, tourists can experience the Chinese Peranakan or Baba Nyonya heritage that resulted from the assimilation with Malay culture. That said, Chinatowns vary between states in Malaysia, each one offering a novel experience.

These days, Melaka’s Jonker Walk is famous for its weekend night market.

Petaling Street, Kuala Lumpur

Let’s begin with the most prominent one, KL’s Chinatown, centred on the bustling Petaling Street, and also called “Chee Cheong Gai” in Cantonese. Here, a market with stalls selling everything from local street food to souvenirs (and luxury brand dupes) is the main attraction.

Venturing away from the often-crowded street, heritage buildings lending an old-world charm – juxtaposed with modern hotels and cafés – line the roads. These are traversable by foot but with caution because heavy traffic plague the area, as is the case with most tourist spots in big cities.

Walking tours are available to those wanting to learn more of the area’s history that dates back to the 1870s, which includes its murky past, and how this Chinatown has evolved since then.

Jonker Walk, Melaka

Officially known as Lorong Hang Jebat, Melaka’s Chinatown is popularly known as Jonker Walk or Jonker Street – taking the surname of a prominent Dutchman that was stationed in the city during the Dutch Colonial occupation in the 17th century.

Interestingly, its Chinese name is “Ji Chang Jie”, which translates to “Chicken Farm Street”. This isn’t in reference to the chicken rice balls that the historic city is known for, but rather, it is said to mean “bustling street”.

That is an apt description, especially on weekend nights from Friday to Sunday when its famous Jonker Street Night Market is held, with mouth-watering street foods being the market’s biggest draw.

Concubine Lane in Ipoh is filled with little shops in pre-war buildings. — Photos: Filepic

Concubine Lane, Perak

Considered as the Chinatown of Ipoh, Concubine Lane is officially named Lorong Panglima, but in Cantonese it is also known as Yee Lai Hong or Mistress Lane.

The area generally referred to Concubine Lane is technically made up of two other lanes as well, which are Wife Lane (Lorong Hale) and Second Concubine Lane (Market Lane). The names themselves illustrate the kind of risqué past the area used to have since it was built in the late 19th century.

However, it has since evolved into a family-friendly and trendy place to visit, with cafés and souvenir stalls lining Concubine Lane’s narrow street that is best explored on foot.

Kampung Cina, Terengganu

Located in Kuala Terengganu, the royal capital of the Terengganu state, Kampung Cina is a Chinese settlement that has existed in the city since the 18th century.

Throughout its long history, there had been a few attempts to change its official name – from Kampung Cina to Jalan Bandar to Chinatown. These names may be interchangeable among non-locals but officially, it has been referred to for the past few decades as Kampung Cina.

News broke in October 2023 that it was going to be rebranded as Chinatown again. This move was contemplated as it is believed that the place has untapped tourism potential and “Chinatown”, being a term ingrained in most tourists’ mind as a must-visit area, might just entice them to come.

Foh Sang, Sabah

Chinese is the largest non-Indigenous ethnic group in Sabah (at 9.2% as of 2023) – a result of various Han Chinese subgroups immigrating to the Bornean state largely after 1881.

Intermarriage with the native Kadazandusun group led to mixed descendants known as Sino-Kadazan, who continue their ancestors’ celebration of significant Chinese holidays such as Chinese New Year and the Mid-Autumn Festival. Foh Sang in Luyang, a locality in the capital city Kota Kinabalu, is a great place for locals and tourists alike to experience these celebrations.

Considered the Chinatown of Sabah, Chinese shops – including coffeeshops, grocery and general stores – can be found thriving here.

Recent efforts have been made to attract not just more tourists but also the younger generations to visit the area, like the initiation of the Foh Sang Street Art project in 2019.

Foh Sang is often festively decorated during Chinese holiday celebrations in Sabah. — JONATHAN EVAN BOBBY

Padungan Road, Sarawak

With 23.4% of the population in Sarawak being Chinese, as recorded in 2023, Malaysia’s largest state unsurprisingly has a thriving Chinese culture.

The state’s capital city Kuching is home to an unmissable Chinatown. Aside from its distinctive arch gateway, there is also a large cat statue right at the entrance, making the place essentially easy to locate.

What’s more, this white cat statue is often dressed up accordingly based on the festive season. For example, during Chinese New Year it will be decked in traditional clothes, while during Christmas it will spot a Santa hat.

Carpenter Street and Main Bazaar are the distinctive streets in this area, filled with Chinese shophouses. There are also two temples on Carpenter Street.

Related stories:

Tags / Keywords: Melaka , Sarawak , Chinatown , Kampung Cina , Kuala Terengganu , tourism , petaling street , jonker , foh sang , concubine lane , padungan road , sabah , kuala lumpur

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