sabah malaysia map tourist

Traveller’s Map

Free traveller’s map, our mission is to offer travelers a free copy of location & city map including luxurious destinations..

OUR FREE TRAVELLER’S MAP

Our map has been always been resourceful for travellers, serving for over decade, our distribution has grown further and you will can find this map easily when travelling in Sabah. A limited distribution is sent overseas such as cruise ships and tour fairs.

Due to the demands from many visitors and members on how to get a copy of a Sabah’s Tourist Map, STG has been circulate the free Traveller’s Map at State Airports KKIA and T2, Major Resorts, Shopping Malls and selected participating stores. We currently encourage 1 copy for every couple to encourage less wastage of our natural resources: Trees. You are welcome to give this to friends or anyone who needs it.

LOCATION OF STG MAP

STG maps are located at strategic points around the Kota Kinabalu City. The best place to pick up your free copy is at the Kota Kinabalu International Airport (KKIA) upon your arrival to Sabah. You can pick up the map from our own display counter which is located at the arrival hall. Copies are also located together with Sabah Tourism Brochures at Sabah Tourism counters at the departure/transit hall and the arrival hall near the baggage area. Other location at the city are at Sabah Tourism Promotion Corporation tourist information centre on Gaya Street , Tourism Malaysia Office near Jln Sagunting and Sri Pelancongan Sabah Office at Sinsuran Complex near the Handicraft Market.

ENDORSEMENT AND SUPPORT

STG MAP is endorsed by Sabah Tourism Board (STB) and Malaysian Association of Tours & Travel Agents (MATTA) Sabah Chapter.

ADVERTISING WITH US

The maps are located at strategic areas such as Kota Kinabalu International Airport and Terminal 2, Five Star hotels and selected major shopping areas. Circulating freely, it is a major tourist information attraction and is normally grabbed during their arrivals in Sabah. Your advertisements contributed by becoming a brochure adding more aid to the viewer. The map provides not just information but also a sentimental value for the tourists as part of a important momento.

Together with ads and promotion as well as information provided concurrently with the existing website, this map can provide you a concrete marketing tool for your company in the long term. We are circulating over 30,000 copies which are even distributed externally at selected Cruise Ships and major tourist booth overseas. This product is updated every 3 months.

• About Sabah
• Getting Here
• Quick Facts
• People & Culture
• Things To Do
• Moving Around Sabah
• Video About Sabah
• e-Guide Book
• Sabah Wikipedia
• Sabah Calendar
• Malaysia Public Holiday
• Living Cost in Sabah
• Food Directory
• Sabah Tours
• Sabah Hotels

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• Getting to Sabah
• Quick Facts about Sabah
• People and Culture
• Things to Do in Sabah
• About Malaysia
• Hotels & Resorts
• e-Guide Book (Free Download)
• Calendar of Events
• Malaysia Public Holidays
• Living Cost
• Flight Schedule Recommendations
• About Sarawak
• Getting to Sarawak
• Quick Facts about Sarawak
• Things to Do in Sarawak
• Moving Around Sarawak
• Sarawak Maps
• Sarawak Calendar of Events
• Beach Resorts
• Island Resorts
• Kota Kinabalu City Hotels
• Mount Kinabalu Huts
• Kinabalu Park Hotels
• Kundasang Ranau Hotels
• Sandakan Hotels & Kinabatangan Lodges
• Tawau & Semporna Hotels
• Lahad Datu Hotels
• Kudat Hotels
• Danum Valley - Borneo Rainforest
• Tabin Wildlife Resorts
• Papar Resorts
• Kuching Hotels
• Mulu Hotels
• Miri Hotels
• Daily One Day Tours
• Mount Kinabalu Packages
• Mount TrusMadi Packages
• Wildlife Adventure
• Borneo Cycling Tours
• Sea Adventure (Snorkeling & Diving)
• PADI Diving Courses
• Jungle Trekking Adventure
• Sipadan Diving
• Free and Easy Tours
• Family Packages
• Honeymoon Packages
• Education Tours
• Corporate Incentive Tours
• Adventure & Sports
• Relaxing Islands
• Cultural Experiences
• Full Package Tours (Multiple Days)
• North Borneo Dinner Cruises
• Kinabalu Park Packages
• Kinabatangan Packages
• Danum Valley Packages
• Most Popular
• Bako National Park
• Danum Valley
• Discover Sabah Multiple Days
• Kinabalu Park
• Kinabatangan (Sukau/Bilit)
• Kota Kinabalu City
• Kudat Tip of Borneo
• Maliau Basin
• Mount Kinabalu
• Mt Kinabalu Via Ferrata
• Mount Trusmadi
• Mulu Pinnacles & Caves + Miri
• Orou Sapulot
• Sipadan Island
• Tabin Wildlife Reserve
• Turtle Islands
• Sabah & Sarawak Dual States
• Transportation Services
• Mount Kinabalu Climb Packages
• Introduction to Mount Kinabalu
• Accommodation in Mount Kinabalu
• Via Ferrata
• Tips for Climbers
• Things to Bring
• Mount Kinabalu Video
• Maps and Trail
• Introduction
• Snorkeling Packages
• Diving Packages
• Diving Sites
• Diving Video
• General Information
• Meetings & Conventions
• Corporate Team Building
• Testimonial
• Mount Kinabalu Videos
• Video Gallery
• Why Travel With Us
• Life @ Amazing Borneo
• Awards & Recognition
• Sustainability
• Our Tour Guides
• How to Book
• Terms & Conditions
• Payment Options

Call us now: + (60) 88-448409 Email: [email protected]

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MySabah.com

Travel guides to Sabah, Malaysia Borneo

Honest Travel Guide to Sabah

Every year about 4 millions tourists visit Sabah because of her nature wonder, which is completed with islands & beaches, hills & mountains, pristine rainforest, abundant marine and Borneo wildlife, and colorful cultures, all suitable for a leisure vacation and softcore adventures. We have Sipadan Island , one of world’s top 5 dive sites, Danum Valley , a Borneo virgin rainforest older than Amazon and Mount Kinabalu , the highest mountain of Malaysia.

Where is Sabah?

Sabah is one of the 13 states of Malaysia, a country in the centre of South East Asia. Sabah is at the northern part of Borneo, the third largest island in the world, shared by three countries, namely, Malaysia (Sabah and Sarawak), Brunei, and Indonesia (Kalimantan). Sabah is the second largest state of Malaysia, and also a mountainous state with 59% of her land covered by forest.

The capital of Sabah State is Kota Kinabalu city (KK in short). With a population of over 244,000, KK is located in west coast and the 13th largest city in Malaysia. Most tourists who visit Sabah will land in KK by air. KK is voted as one of the best cities for retirement in the world .

Sabah is 8 hours ahead of GMT (GMT+8), same time zone as Kuala Lumpur and Shanghai.

Current local time in Kota Kinabalu, Malaysia

Malaysia is a tropical country with warm and humid climate (Humidity: 85-95%) throughout the year, so is Sabah, the temperatures are fairly constant, ranging from 32°C (90°F) in lowland to 21°C (70°F) in highland . Temperature can reach near freezing point in higher altitude of Mt. Kinabalu. The wettest months of Sabah are from December to January , with heavy rain from Northeast Monsoon. The dry months are from March to September. The most comfortable clothing are lightweight and quick-dry T-shirt, shorts and sandal. Only in highland such as Kundasang, Ranau, Tenom and Tambunan you would need more clothing like jacket to stay warm. To locals, our weather only has 3 modes: sunny, cloudy or rainy.

Natural Disasters

Sabah is also known as The Land below the Wind because we are just below Typhoon belt of Philippines and not hit by typhoon. However, the tail of typhoon would brings rainstorm (happens occasionally between Apr and Nov), strong wind and rough waves that affect outdoor activities. During heavy rain season, flood and landslide occurs in some areas. It’s advisable not to visit Kinabalu Park on the same day you leave Sabah, just in case the way home is blocked by landslide.

No Tsunami (tidal wave) threat presents in Sabah. There was a magnitude 6.0 earthquake in 2015, but no life-threatening earthquake thereafter. Week-long haze may or may not occur between Jun and Sep, the time neighbouring Kalimantan clear the land by open burning.

What’s the Best Time to Visit Sabah?

Actually anytime is fine. Due to global warming, the weather is not so predictable.

• Dry Months : March to September (ideal for outdoor activities)
• Diving : April to June (best visibility and calmest waters), February to March (whale shark season)
• Turtle Nesting: July to August
• Stargazing: April to September

Worst Months to visit:

• Chinese New Year (between late Jan and mid-Feb) and Puasa (Muslim fasting month), the time when many shops / restaurants are closed.
• Wet Months : Nov-Jan (Northeast Monsoon)
• Peak Season (Travel): Nov-Jan and Jun-Aug. Book flight and hotel earlier if you will visit Sabah in these months.

Events & Festivals

You won’t regret to add the following grand cultural events into your itinerary.

• 30 & 31 May: Kaamatan Celebration (Harvest Festival)
• April: Lepa-Lepa Water Festival *
• October: Tamu Besar *

*date is subject to change

Electricity

Electricity is on the 240 Volts AC/ 50-Cycle system. Malaysia uses standard British three-pin rectangular blade plug (Type G) and sockets. You can buy the travel universal plug in our shopping malls.

Units of Measurement

British Imperial System. We use Kilometre (KM), Metre (M) and Centimetre (CM) to measure distance and length, Kilogram (Kg) and Gram (G) for weight measurement.

Money and Payment

The international currency code of Malaysian Ringgit is MYR. But you see Ringgit is more commonly labelled as RM on price tags here. Both MYR and RM are the same thing (e.g. RM20 = MYR20). Banknotes are divided into the following denominations: 1, 5, 10, 20, 50 and 100.

Cash is King , so always have at least one or two hundred Ringgit cash with you, though e-Wallet such as Boost is getting very popular. Small eatery, bus and national parks usually expect you to use cash. Credit Cards such as MasterCard and Visa are widely accepted by hotels, restaurants and larger shops. Some shops may require you to spend a minimum amount of money like MYR30 or MYR50 to allow payment by credit card.

Currency Exchange

Kota Kinabalu International Airport has a few money changers where you can exchange your currency to Ringgit. You may exchange a small amount of money, then convert the rest with Licensed Money Changers in the shopping malls, which offers better rate. Most major hotels charge a nominal fee for currency conversion. You can use the form below to check the latest exchange rate of your currency to Malaysian Ringgit (MYR).

There are a lot of licensed money changers in shopping malls of city. Make sure your notes are in near-perfect condition as notes with any torn or stains would not be accepted by money changers. Commonly accepted currencies are US Dollar, Australian Dollar, British Pound, China RMB, Indonesia Rupiah, Philippines PESO, Thailand Baht, etc. You may convert your money to one of these currencies above in your country first to bring to Sabah. Be vigilant of people around you when you leave the counter with your money.

Internet WiFi & Phone

Sabah has 4G coverage in populated area. You can get a local SIM card and register a prepaid phone line (with Internet data plan) at Kota Kinabalu International Airport, if you arrive in normal working hours. Our big 3 cellphone service providers are Celcom , Maxis (HotLink), and Digi .

Maxis has great Internet speed in city and suburban areas. Celcom has the widest coverage but fairly slow line. Digi is somewhere in between. You and your travel mates can use different providers to backup each other. You can browse the Traveller SIM Cards by Celcom , Maxis , and Digi .

There are many phone shops in city that can help you to register a line or reload credit. By law you need a passport to register. The country code of Malaysia is 60. If you get a mobile phone number like 012-3456789. Your overseas friends and relatives can call you at +60 123456789. Anyway, you can use Whatsapp and Facetime. Set your phone to airplane mode when you are in remote places that have no connection, or the busy network search would drain your battery.

WiFi service is available in most hotels (some may charge a fee). Many restaurants and cafes in town also have free WiFi access. Kota Kinabalu City centre has free WiFi but the connection is quite patchy (no every street is in the range).

Travellers can buy almost every necessities in Sabah, so you can cut the weight of you check-in luggage. Shopping malls generally open daily from 10am to 9:30pm. They are air-conditioned and good place for grocery shopping, phone service, local food, money changers, clothing, and movie time. Toilet inside shopping mall collects an entry fee of MYR0.20 to MYR0.50. Besides shopping malls, you can find drug store / pharmacy, supermarkets, and 24×7 convenience stores around town area.

Things to Buy

Sabah Tea, Tenom Coffee, White Coffee, Orangutan / Proboscis Monkey plush toy, handicraft (bead necklace / bracelet, baskets), hand woven tapestries, colourful serdang box, Sabah batik, durian chocolate, mango candy, dried seafood, frozen seafood, scarf with Sabah motif, and sting-less bee honey are popular buy, besides the ordinary keychain, fridge magnet and I♥Sabah T-shirt. You may check out my guide on 10 best souvenirs to buy in Sabah .

Good places to shop and bargain for these souvenirs are Gaya Street shoplot and its Sunday Market (7am-12pm) in KK City Centre. Filipino Market next to KK Central Market is also a good spot. KadaiKu has the best line of authentic Sabah products (higher prices).

Popular Tours

Most tourists travel in Sabah for 5 days and majority of them visit or do the following:

• Climbing Mount Kinabalu *: the highest mountain of Malaysia
• Kinabalu Park : staycation in the cooling highland and tour around the UNESCO World Heritage Site and Geopark
• Kinabatangan River ( Corridor of Life ): river cruise to see Orangutan, Proboscis Monkey and Pygmy Elephant
• Sepilok Orangutan Rehabilitation Centre Orphanage and “school” of baby orangutan
• Tunku Abdul Rahman Park : beautiful islands (e.g. Sapi , Manukan ) 15 minutes away from KK
• Mantanani : Mermaid Island
• Mari-Mari Cultural Village : experience lifestyle of 5 native tribes
• River Cruise at Klias , Weston , Kawa-Kawa : Wetland, Sunset and Proboscis Monkey
• Poring Hot Springs : natural hot springs, tree canopy walk, rafflesia flower
• Tip of Borneo : scenic beach and seascape
• Islands of Semporna (part of Coral Triangle): Sipadan *, Mataking Island , Mabul Island , Bohey Dulang Island
• Padas / Kiulu River Rafting
• Danum Valley : 130-million-year old primary rainforest
• Turtle Islands Park (Selingan) *: turtle nesting and hatchery

*Need to book 6 months in advance as they are always fully booked, even in non-peak seasons.

Sabah has many more wonderful attractions, please explore them in this travel blog MySabah.com (shameless self-promotion). Not all destination accepts walk-in tourist, some requires you to go by tour.

People and Culture

There are 42 ethnic groups living in harmony in Sabah. In Sabah population of over 3.5 millions, Kadazandusun people are the largest indigenous group and occupy 30% of population, followed by Bajau (21%), Malay (20%) and Murut (5%). 12% of Sabah population is Chinese and most of them live in cities. Interracial marriage is very common, so don’t be surprised if a native can speak Chinese.

Generally, Sabah people are gentle, friendly and more tolerant. Though we are Malaysians, we like to call ourselves as Sabahans . Sabahans are very laid back, we might look like slow loris to those from fast-paced modern cities LOL.

Interesting Facts

• The iconic dance of Sabah is Sumazau of Kadazandusun people, which mimic the movement of bird in flight.
• Murut was once the headhunter of Borneo. Their bamboo dance (named Magunatip ) is to welcome the return of headhunters.
• Bajau is the Cowboys of the East because of their excellent horse-riding skill.
• Sea Bajau in East Coast is also known as Sea Gypsies , sea nomads who spend their lives (cooking, giving birth, sleeping) on the boat.
• Most Sabah Chinese are the descendants of Chinese labours immigrated from China in 19th century. Hakka, Hokkien and Cantonese are the most common Chinese dialects.

Islam is the official religion of Malaysia and 65% of Sabah people are Muslim, followed by Catholics, Christians and Buddhists. Many destinations have Surau room for Muslim to pray. In hotel room, look for the Qibla compass on the ceiling that points to Makkah. Malaysia is rated as a top Muslim-friendly holiday destination , in terms of Islam-compliant on food, services, prayer facilities and accommodation.

About 80 languages are spoken in Sabah. Malay is the national language, English is our second language and widely spoken, especially in urban and business environment. English is used in shop signage and even food menu. Chinese is also common in cities. Tourists have very little language barrier in Sabah. Most Sabahans are multilingual and can converse in 2 or more languages such as Malay, English, Chinese (Mandarin), Hakka and Cantonese.

Yes we know English but… it’s not our mother tongue. If we have problem to understand you, you may need to speak slowly and clearly using simple words. Avoid using slang from your region.

Useful Phrases

Sabahans do understand basic English phrases such as “How are you?” and “Thank you.” You can travel comfortably in Sabah without learning any local words. The only reason you learn is for ice-breaking with your cute pronunciation. If you really want to impress the locals, say “ Boleh Bah Kalau Kau ” (meaning: Can / Sure if this is for you / Of Course!) or Bah (meaning OK or Yes).

Anyway, here are some useful words for you to read local signage: Tandas (Toilet), Lelaki (Male), Perempuan (Female), Tutup (Closed), Jalan / Jln. (Road / Street), Kampung / Kg. (Village), Taman (Park), Masuk (Entrance), Keluar (Exit), Kedai (Shop), Bas (Bus), Teksi (Taxi), Air (Water).

Local Etiquette

Sabahans are really diversified. Even if one group accepts certain interaction, the same thing can be awkward to others. Don’t worry. Sabahans are highly-tolerant. But good to be respectful and sensitive.

• Take off your shoes before entering house, mosque and (some) temple.
• Don’t handshake with left hand. A handshake should only be initiated by ladies.
• In places of worship, visitors are required to dress modestly. Lady is required to wear scarf and long skirt to cover their hair and exposed skin in mosque.
• Muslim takes no pork & liquor, do not offer them.
• Pointing at people with index finger is rude, you may use your thumb to point at something (still better not pointing at any person).
• No nude / topless sunbathing on beach (I have no complaint but many think boobs are evil).
• Holding hand and hugging with your spouse in public is romantic. Long wet kiss is probably too much here.
• Guys, don’t touch the shoulder of female.

Just to list a few examples of misbehaved tourists: going nude on Mount Kinabalu and Sibuan , walking in city with bikini , hot dance at mosque . Sabah is not Miami.

Food and Dining

The staple food of Sabahans are rice, noodles and bread. As a multicultural and food loving society, we have many options to spoil you. The most common place locals going for a meal is Kopitiam or Kedai Kopi (Coffee Shop), an open air shop which sells common food items such as mixed rice ( nasi campur ), chicken rice and fried noodles. A proper meal costs about MYR6 to MYR8 (without drink) in city. Japanese food, Western food and fast food are common as well in city. Fun Fact: All small towns have KFC Fried Chicken.

Recommended Food

Tuaran Mee (Tuaran Fried Noodle), Ngiu Chap (Beef Noodle), Sang Yuk Mee (Pork Noodle), Tamparuli Mee , Fish Noodles , Seafood , Kon Lou Mee (Dry Noodle), Nasi Lemak, Bak Kut Teh , Satay, Laksa, Rojak, Soto (Malay Noodle Soup), and Hinava (Local Fish Salad).

Dining Guide

If this is your first time visit Sabah, below are some guidelines:

• No smoking in any eatery.
• Some restaurants say they “Serve No Pork” but that doesn’t mean they are certified halal. Look for halal logo when in doubt.
• Most Sabah hotels are compliant with Halal.
• Malay and Indian Kopitiams serve Halal (Muslim) food. Non-Muslims are also welcome to eat there.
• You may see a small pot on table of Malay Kopitiam, the water is for washing hands. Don’t drink it.
• Some kopitiam are self-service. You need to get your utensils and condiment at one corner.
• Food spoils fairly quick in warm temperature of Malaysia. Don’t eat wet food that is left overnight in room temperature. You would suffer food poisoning.
• Although Malaysia is an Islamic country, Beer & liquor are sold in many shops but at higher price (due to tax). Or you can try our Tapai or Lihing (local rice wine)
• KFC and McDonald in Malaysia serve halal food. Don’t ask for pork burger.
• Tipping is not obligatory but appreciated. If you see 10% service charges on your bill, you have contributed some.

Feel free to order drink like a local with the following names:

• Kopi-O (Hot Coffee)
• Kopi-C (Hot Milk Coffee)
• Teh-C (Hot Milk Tea)
• Teh-O Ping (Ice Milk Tea)
• Kit Chai Ping (Iced Kasturi Juice)
• Teh Tarik (Pulled Tea)

(Kopi = Coffee, Teh = Tea, O = No Milk, C = Milk, Ping = Cold) So Ice Milk Tea is “Teh-C Ping”.

Entering Sabah

Malaysian citizens from Peninsular Malaysia can enter Sabah with MyKad (passport not required). Foreigner need a passport or Visa to visit Sabah. Your Passport must have a validity of at least 6 months upon entry. Visa is not required for some countries such as Australia, USA, UK and Japan. You can check if your nationality is Visa-free online .

If your country is eligible (e.g. China, India) to apply Visa (eVISA) online, you may submit your application here . You can request your travel agent to do it for you.

Goods Exempted

Individual may bring these items into Malaysia without paying customs duty:

• Wine / spirit / malt / liquor not exceeding 1 Liter in all;
• Tobacco not exceeding 225 Grams (equal to 200 sticks of cigarettes).
• Wearing apparels not exceeding 3 pieces and footwear not exceeding one pair.
• Portable electrical or battery operated appliances for personal care and hygiene not exceeding 1 unit each.
• See the complete list in Royal Malaysian Customs Department website

WARNING: Smuggling illicit drugs such as Marijuana, Cocaine and Heroin is a VERY SERIOUS offense in Malaysia and can result in DEATH penalty. Pornography materials and firearm (even the fake one like BB Gun) are prohibited items to bring in.

Fly to Sabah

Sabah has many direct international flight connection to major cities of East Asia and Australia. You can use Google Flights to look for direct flight and bargain tickets to fly to Sabah. If no direct flight to KK, you can fly to other cities (e.g. Kuala Lumpur, Singapore, Brunei, Taipei, Seoul, Tokyo, Hong Kong, Manila) which have direct flight to Sabah . To move around major towns / cities of Sabah, book a domestic flight with Air Asia or MASwings

Kota Kinabalu International Airport (KKIA)

KKIA is the second busiest airport in Malaysia and 7.5 KM away from Kota Kinabalu city. Most international flights to Sabah will land there. Locals and tourists also mainly rely on domestic flight to travel between east and west coast of Sabah.

Once you arrive Sabah, there are a few things you can do in KKIA:

• Get a airport taxi / bus, or call a Grab driver to pick you up
• Exchange a small amount of Malaysian currency.
• Register a local mobile phone line, which includes Internet data plan.
• Visit Tourism Malaysia information booth to get more information about your trip.
• You can even book tour package and accommodation, or rent a car there.

Note: Most businesses there open during normal working hours and some open until 10pm. McDonald’s McCafe in KKIA opens 24×7.

Public Transport

Our public transportation system is a joke. It is inconvenient to move around Sabah without a car. You can get a taxi or Grab driver easily in city, hotels, shopping malls and popular tourist spots. Though the taxi has the label that says “Teksi Bermeter” (Meter Taxi), they seldom use the meter. Haggle for the price before getting into the taxi. Mobile apps such as Waze, Google Map and Grab will help you a lot.

Renting a Car

Car rental is available in cities of Sabah. You can even book a car online, then collect it at the airport upon your arrival. You need a Malaysia or International Driver License to rent a car. A good place to rent car in Kota Kinabalu is Wisma Sabah.

The rental fee starts from MYR40/day for Motorbike, MYR150/day for Sedan, MYR500/day for 4-wheel Drive and MYR400/day for a Van. In Malaysia we drive at left side of the road (driver seat is at the right). The car should remain on left lane if not overtaking. Driver and passengers must fasten their seat belt or get fined heavily.

Boat Transfer

If you want to visit the islands ( Sapi , Manukan , Mamutik , Sepanggar , Mengalum ) off Kota Kinabalu city, you can depart from Jesselton Point, Sutera Harbour or Star Marina, which operates between 7am to 4:30pm. Please read my guide about these 3 boat terminals .

To visit islands of Semporna, you can book with travel agent. Most of them sells island-hopping day trip. Island resorts will provide boat transfer if you will stay on their islands. It’s NOT safe to use the unlicensed boat service, they usually wander nearby the terminal (e.g. KK fish market, Wisma Merdeka) and offer you cheaper deals.

Long Distance Bus

There are two long-distance bus terminals in Kota Kinabalu that connects to major cities / towns (e.g. Sandakan, Tawau, Lahad Datu, Semporna, Kudat) of Sabah regularly. The long distance bus is known as Bas Ekpress (Express Bus). Route to one location is usually operated by a few companies and depart in different time from 6:30am to 8:30pm.

• Inanam Bus Terminal (North) ( see Location Map ): (from KK) to Kundasang / Kinabalu Park (92 KM), Sandakan (332 KM), Semporna (530 KM), Lahad Datu (403 KM), Kunak, Tenom, etc. ( Online Ticketing available)
• Padang Merdeka Field ( see Location Map ): KK to Kota Belud (68 KM), Kudat (179 KM), Kundasang, Ranau, Tambunan, Keningau, Tenom
• KK Sentral (South) ( see Location Map ): KK to Beaufort, Kuala Penyu, Brunei, Sipitang, Bongawan, Membakut

To save time, you should consider domestic flight over buses. For example, travel from KK to Tawau by bus takes 10 hours but only 45 minutes by flight.

Accommodation

Sabah has over 500 hotels, and with range of choices from 5-star hotels to budget hostels. Nowadays you can book accommodation at attractive rate with feature-rich online booking site like Booking.com and Agoda . You can check the location with interactive map, photo gallery and reviews. AirBnB also offers you some decent choices. Most of them offers pick-up at airport.

However, if you ask for my advice, the following hotels and resorts are my personal recommendation based on reviews by tourists. Please note the prices can vary considerably depend on the (sea) view, room size, package, length of stay, etc. The fee would be higher during peak season such as Chinese New Year. Foreign tourist (non-Malaysian) needs to pay Tourism Tax (or TTx) of MYR10 per room per night for staying in hotels or registered private accommodations.

Recommended Accommodations

5-star hotels.

Price Range: MYR500-MYR1,870

• Kota Kinabalu: Shangri-La’s Tanjung Aru Resort & Spa (STAR) , The Magellan Sutera Resort , Hyatt Regency Kinabalu *, Hotel Le Meridien *, Hilton Kota Kinabalu *, Hyatt Centric Kota Kinabalu *
• Tuaran: Shangri-La’s Rasa Ria Resort & Spa

4-Star Hotels

Price Range: MYR250-MYR560

• Kota Kinabalu: Hotel Grandis *, Mercure Kota Kinabalu City Centre *, Horizon Hotel *, Promenade Hotel *

3-Star Hotels

Price Range: MYR125-MYR350

• Kota Kinabalu: Hotel Sixty3 *, Gaya Centre Hotel *, The Jesselton Hotel* , Dreamtel *

*located in City Centre of Kota Kinabalu

Island Resorts

Price Range: MYR950-MYR3,700

• Kota Kinabalu: Gaya Island Resort , Gayana Marine Resort , Bunga Raya Island Resort , Manukan Island
• Semporna: Sipadan Water Village Resort , Sipadan Mabul Resort (SMART) , Kapalai Dive Resort , Mataking Island Resort
• Sandakan: Lankayan Resort

If you want something different, go for our homestay or camping . Here are some special accommodation:

• Rungus Longhouse
• Misompuru Homestay
• Glamping on Libaran Island
• Seaventures (Dive Resort)
• Camping at Tegudon Tourism Village
• Farmstay: Kiulu Farmstay , Sabah Tea Garden

Health and Hygiene

• Government hospitals, clinics and pharmacies are available in all towns / cities.
• Treated pipe water is available in most urban and sub-urban areas. Tap water must be boiled before drinking.
• Due to hot weather, you need to prevent dehydration, sunburn, & heat stroke , by applying sunscreen and drink a lot of water.
• You will sweat a lot. Bath every day or you will stink.
• Mosquito is most active during dusk and dawn. Have an insect repellent next to you.
• Sandfly is present near mangrove swamp in evening. Its bite is itchy. Don’t scratch or it will get worse.
• Beware of jellyfish. The sting of box jellyfish can be fatal to child.
• Food poisoning bacteria multiply fast in our warm weather. Eat the food while it is still hot / fresh.
• You always can find Pharmacy / Drug Store such as Watson and Guardian nearby.
• Most public toilet are wet and smelly but bearable. Bring toilet seat wipes if you want extra clean.
• Toilet paper is not provided in most toilet (except your hotels). Bring your own or you can experiment the water “bum gun”.

Things to Bring

• Clothing (for tropical climate): shirts, shorts, jean, pants, skirt, underwear, socks, pajamas, etc.
• Comfortable walking shoes and sandal
• Visa (if required)
• Credit card
• Sunscreen lotion / spray
• Sunglasses, Contact Lenses
• Phone, cable, charger & power bank
• Camera, battery and charger
• Travel plug adapter
• Toiletries: toilet paper, tooth brush & paste, soap / body wash, shampoo & conditioner, face wash, hairbrush / comb, razor & shaving cream, dental floss, mouthwash, cotton buds
• Backpack (best if come with rain cover)
• Reusable water bottle
• Personal Medicine & Supplement
• Raincoat / Poncho
• For lady: makeup, lip balm with SPF, moisturiser, facial mask, body lotion, perfume, hair ties and clips, makeup remover, cotton pads, sanitary items
• Optional items for outdoor activities: hiking shoes, insect repellent, swimwear, bikini, rash guard, hat, dry bag, beach towel, walking stick, flashlight, anti-leech socks
• International / Malaysia Driver License (if you rent a car)
• Books? Really?

You don’t need to bring any snorkeling and diving gears, which are available for rent here.

Safety & Advice

• Always book your tour with a licensed travel agent / operator. To check if a tour company is legitimate, you can refer to the member list by MATTA (Malaysian Association of Tour and Travel Agents) .
• Practice COMMON SENSE to avoid becoming an easy target of petty crime such as pickpocket and snatch thief.
• NEVER, EVER leave your bag unattended on car seat.
• Don’t flash your money in public.
• While dining in public places, don’t leave valuable belonging such as phone and handbag on the desk.
• Though some countries issue advisory against travelling in east coast of Sabah, security is good after more garrison are deployed to islands.
• While crossing road, watch out for motorbike speeding between cars.
• Never trust pedestrian / zebra crossing. Keep an eye on approaching car.
• Only book your tour with licensed travel agents. Illegal tour agents don’t care about your safety and you are not insured.
• Any headhunter? No. Borneo is used to be the land of headhunters, but it’s history.
• Photocopy your National Identity Card, Passport (Photo ID page) and Credit Card, and store them separately
• Look up the contact of your embassy in KK and save it on your phone.
• Drone is forbidden in some islands and restricted zones. Ask before you fly one, and study our regulations .

(Boring) History in Brief

Sabah was part of Brunei in the 16th century. In year 1658, Brunei Sultan (King) ceded the northern and eastern part of Borneo to the Sultan of Sulu (Philippines). By 1881, Sabah was granted to British government and administered by British North Borneo Chartered Company . Sabah became a protectorate of the United Kingdom in 1888 and named as North Borneo (Kota Kinabalu was called Jesselton during that period). Except 1942-1945 under the hand of Japanese during World War II, Sabah was controlled by British until Sabah (North Borneo) gains total independence and form Malaysia with Sarawak, Malaya and Singapore on 16 September 1963.

Useful Apps

• Grab : e-hailing service, similar to Uber
• WhatsApp : almost every person and company in Sabah use this messaging apps
• Google Maps : to get around and look for restaurants and accommodation
• Waze : very useful navigation apps if you drive on your own
• Foodpanda : food delivery to deliver local food to you without walking out of your room
• Boost and Alipay: e-Wallet
• MySejahtera: for update and tracking on COVID-19 status

Useful Numbers & Contact

• Kota Kinabalu International Airport (KKIA): +6088325555
• Tourist Information Center (Sabah Tourism Board) : +60 88-212121 (E-mail: [email protected] )
• Police / Ambulance: 999
• Custom Department (Sabah): +60 88-348100
• Immigration Department (Sabah): +60 88-413657
• Queen Elizabeth Hospital I: +60 88-517555
• Queen Elizabeth Hospital II: +60 88-324600
• List of Consulates / Embassy in Kota Kinabalu City

Thanks for reading this far. Please e-mail me if you find anything incorrect (even a typo) or incomplete. Please note this is not a sponsored page . No company pays me to get recommended here.

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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

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

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

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

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.

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.

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

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.

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 

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.

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

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.

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

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.

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

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!

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

7. Scuba Diving at Sipadan

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.

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

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

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 & 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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

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.

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. 

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

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.

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

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.

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.

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. 

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

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. 

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.  

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.

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

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. 

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. 

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

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.

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. 

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 . 

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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. 

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

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

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.

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.

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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Welcome to Sabah Tourist.com.my

Sabah the heart of the Borneo and the Island that has plenty to offer to its visitors is gaining popularity day by day among the tourists worldwide.

Visit Kota Kinabalu 2012

Kota Kinabalu is the capital of Sabah, the second largest state (out of thirteen) of Malaysia. It is the sixth largest urban center in Malaysia due to its population. Being the capital the city is the most industrially (and commercially) developed city in Sabah.

Sabah is a picturesque state of Malaysia

Sabah is a picturesque state of Malaysia; one of the thirteen that make up the whole country. This eastern most state is best known for its natural tropical beauty, a far reaching history and its art culture. Surprisingly, it is also known as the land below the wind, because of its closeness to the typhoon region of Philippines. Over the years, the popularity of this beautiful place has risen drastically, especially since people are looking for newer places to enjoy their vacations. From all around the world, people are also flocking to make this state their home due to the tranquility and the ever increasing number of reputed universities and colleges. Hence, for peace and nature lovers, this place is a must visit, and for those looking for a permanent solution to their unsettling life, this is their new home.

Read more: Sabah is a picturesque state of Malaysia

Sabah - The Land Below the Wind

About this website.

Our website is to promotes the Tourism in Sabah. Malaysia is the perfect mix of cultures, entertainment, all kinds of foods, various events celebrated there as well as the historical significance of places here. Our vision is to recommends you to visit the best place in Sabah and experience immense beauty on Earth.

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MALAYSIA EAST COAST REGION

Arguably the most culturally rich region in Malaysia, come and enjoy the best of beaches, and the lushest of rainforests. Tantalise your taste buds and get in touch with your creative inner self with a multitude of traditionally-inspired crafts, too!

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Generally referred to as the ‘rice bowl states’ of Malaysia, enjoy breath-taking seasonal greenery of the sprawling paddy fields, UNESCO heritage sites and the popular island getaways.

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The urban appeal of vibrant towns, iconic skyscrapers, mega-sized shopping malls plus a whole selection of activities ranging from the mellow to the extreme!  Indulge and soak in the energy and atmosphere throughout the Central Region.

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The Southern Region is THE place for a lot of family fun with theme parks galore! Learn a bit of Malaysian history in Melaka before heading further south to experience nature and man-made attractions at their absolute best!

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Hailed as the Cradle of Malay culture, Kelantan is a destination teeming with age-old arts, crafts and pastimes.

Beautiful islands, culture and nature give Terengganu its magical appeal. Dive, snorkel, sunbathe at the islands or journey to its hinterland to experience the best of nature.

The largest state in the peninsula beckons nature-enthusiasts with exciting eco-adventures. From Taman Negara, the oldest national park in the country, to the idyllic Tioman Island, Pahang is simply mesmerising.

Perlis is the northern gateway to Malaysia. Despite its small size, Perlis has an abundance of attractions that make it a great destination.

Kedah is Malaysia’s largest paddy producing state. Delve into history in Lembah Bujang, the site of an ancient civilisation or relax in Langkawi, a world-famous resort island.

The site of a UNESCO World Heritage City, Penang is a holiday paradise with fabulous beach resorts and eclectic cultures. It is also the undisputable haven for foodies.

A tin-rich state in its heyday, Perak beckons with a range of sights and experiences. The state’s top attractions include Pangkor, an island getaway and Pangkor Laut, an internationally-acclaimed private island.

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Malaysia’s dynamic capital city is bustling with attractions and activities. Explore the city by day and night.

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Putrajaya, the administrative capital of Malaysia, is a well-planned township with impressive buildings, verdant parks, scenic lakes and beautiful bridges.

The birth place of the nation, Melaka is a treasure trove of history and heritage. Explore the UNESCO World Heritage City for vestiges of the past.

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Known for its fascinating Minangkabau culture and a unique social system, Negeri Sembilan is the place to learn age-old customs and traditions.

Visit Malaysia’s southern gateway, for a family vacation at the theme parks or escape to its islands for an unforgettable holiday.

From the majestic height of Mount Kinabalu, Southeast Asia’s tallest peak, to the stunning depths of the world-famous Sipadan Island, Sabah is a magnificent nature destination.

Located off the northwestern coast of Borneo, this island thrills visitors with its wreck diving sites, historical relics and duty-free shopping.

Sarawak, the largest state in Malaysia, has a vast wilderness that contains numerous national parks including the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Mulu National Park.

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There is so much to do and so many places to see in Malaysia. To make sure that you don’t miss anything, use this handy map to navigate your way across the country and find great places to visit.

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Enjoy birdwatching at 55 Important Bird Areas (IBA) throughout the country, tucked away at various habitats such as islands, coasts or lush lowland and montane rainforests.

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Love the cool highlands? Find refreshing destinations to unwind in Malaysia. From French-themed settings, energetic amusement parks to forest-clad hills, there is something for everyone.

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Find the fun and thrill that you are looking for in Malaysia. Meet your favourite characters, plunge down the world’s longest water slide or enjoy the rides and games!

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Sabah’s MM2H Programme to Commence Next Month, State Says

Despite the apparent imminence of the programme’s kick-off, details and requirements for the Sabah-MM2H visa have still yet to be publicly announced.

The Sabah-Malaysia My Second Home (Sabah-MM2H) programme, which has been teased and long-awaited for months, is poised for implementation by next month.

According to Sabah’s Tourism, Culture, and Environment Minister, Datuk Christina Liew, the programme’s launch hinges on finalising necessary amendments, already greenlit by the state Cabinet. Once gazetted, these changes will be accessible on the programme’s website for prospective applicants to peruse. Presumably, they will also be announced publicly.

Liew made these remarks during a recent Tourism Industry Players Engagement Session 2024, addressing inquiries raised by Sandakan Tourism Association president Teo Chee Kim regarding eligibility criteria for the Sabah-MM2H initiative.

In September 2022, Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor had signalled Sabah’s intention to introduce its own version of the MM2H programme, which will not follow the federal MM2H programme’s new stipulations.

At the engagement session, Sabah Tourism Board (STB) CEO Julinus Jeffery Jimit underscored the importance of ongoing dialogue with industry stakeholders in resolving pertinent issues, including the state’s new MM2H efforts. Jimit emphasised the ministry’s dedication, facilitated by STB, towards fostering unity and purpose in fortifying Sabah’s tourism landscape.

“We will sustain this dialogue with stakeholders on a regular basis, as prescribed by Datuk Christina, as collective efforts are pivotal to realising tourism objectives within the Sabah Maju Jaya (SMJ) development agenda,” Jimit affirmed, expressing confidence in achieving tourism growth targets for 2024.

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Focus on attracting high-value tourists to Sabah, says Bersatu rep

K OTA KINABALU: Sabah must attract more high-value tourists instead of being content with the influx of budget travellers, says a Pribumi Bersatu Malaysia (Bersatu) representative.

"Over-tourism with budget tourists may not be a good thing in the long run," said the Sabah Bersatu Wanita chief, Rahimah Majid.

She said that Sabah should strive to attract "high-quality tourists" who are more willing to spend money to experience nature, diverse cultures and the warm hospitality here.

Rahimah added that brainstorming sessions must be held to solve water and other infrastructure woes, and sessions with key stakeholders from the tourism industry to identify shortcomings and issues facing the industry should also be conducted.

"This is crucial to really resuscitate and rejuvenate our lacklustre tourism industry, post-pandemic," she said.

Citing examples, she said perennial issues and complaints received from both tourists and tourism industry players included poor hygiene and cleanliness, power and water supply, and infrastructure like roads.

"We should strive to upgrade the existing facilities and amenities at our tourist destinations to better attract wealthy tourists who are willing to pay a premium price to experience our awesome nature, diverse culture and unique cuisines of our people," said Rahimah.

"This will also allow us to better safeguard and preserve our invaluable environment for posterity," she stressed.

She said countries such as Bhutan, New Zealand, the Caribbean Cayman Islands, Fiji, Iceland, Netherlands, Japan, Indonesia and Thailand had started implementing policies and programmes that focused on attracting "high-quality-and-high-value" tourists post-pandemic.

Sabah Fun Map